River Cruising
With AmaWaterways

River Cruising – It’s your next journey on the water 

I hope you’re ready and excited today because, we’re going to set sail and go river cruising with AmaWaterways through the waterways around the world. Those small rivers and waterways where you’ll find history, culture, traditions and fascinating stories of the people who call them home. 

Today, we’re taking a smooth turn off the open ocean and into the winding waters of Europe, the U.S., and beyond—welcome to the world of river cruising. I’m often asked…. What’s a river cruise and why do I hear so many people talking about them.  What makes them different from sailing the deep blue sea?  I’ll share my time river cruising with Amawaterways.

Well If you’ve ever wondered what sets a river cruise apart from those big ocean liners, sit tight—because it’s a very different experience… that’s different in all the right ways, in a good way, a way that will have you choosing river causing for your next big adventures.  

Intimate Ships
– Typically 100–200 passengers max. Which means More personal service, less crowds and more opportunities to have your own space or meet new people.  Ship size does matter. River cruise ships are intimate—and with just 100 to 200 passengers. That means no long lines, no massive crowds on excursions, events on the ship, entertainment, dinner reservations….. all those things that can cause you to “wait your turn” are not there and with some large oceanliners with passenger capacity at 6000 plus passengers – more people – means more crowds, more waiting.  Also, those large ships can leave you  feeling like you’re in a floating theme park. Scenic Cruising All Day
– You’re rarely staring at open water—how about castles, vineyards, sleepy villages drift by constantly or open fields of flowers – You’re always close to shore, which means one big plus: the view never stops changing. And —you don’t need binoculars to enjoy the scenery, it’s right outside your window – large windows in your stateroom means you get a room with a view.  It’s important to note – Most of the river cruise ships may not have balconies due to the more slimmer ship configuration to get through small waterways and lock systems – especially in Europe.  However their huge upper decks mean wide-open views and places to sit and watch the world go by. . Daily Port Stops
– Rivers are lined with towns and cities. You dock in the heart of town—no tenders, no port shuttles. Just get off and go. Take a walk around the city on your own or join a tour or excursion.  You stop every day. River cruising is all about immersing yourself in the destination. You dock right in the center of town—walk off the boat, and you’re in the action. This also means river cruise itineraries are a much better fit for anyone needed more accessible travel  – travelers with limited mobility will find this is a much easier way to enjoy traveling the world.   Included Excursions
– And here’s another bonus: many river cruises include excursions, wine, beer, and Wi-Fi in the fare. It’s more of an all-in-one experience than most ocean cruises. Most river cruises offer included daily guided tours, often culturally immersive. Less Motion = No Seasickness
– I’m sure you’ve heard the saying – “The Motion of the ocean!” Well there is truth to that. I’ve been on ocean liners where the sea is rocky and you’re balancing yourself as you walk around the ship. Rivers are calm. You’re not likely to feel much movement at all. It’s very rare to find yourself with rough waters.  Cultural Focus
– My most favorite part of river cruising is the opportunity to experience and enjoy local food, music, lectures, and activities often reflect the region you’re sailing.With stops in many of the small towns and villages, it’s much easier to bring local talent onboard for evening entertainment or during the day for educational presentations. 

But you know – we usually have a few wonk – wonks when we start talking about the good and bad.  

Seasonal Limitations
–While it’s not for everyone some limitations may not be enough to discourage you, but a heads up of things to come. .
River cruising is seasonal in many areas—you won’t find sailings in during winter months where freezing and heavy ice is a challenge. Also, flooding can cause issues with itineraries.  And rivers, like the rest of nature, can be unpredictable. Low water levels in drought years can disrupt itineraries, cancel or reroute cruises.   Limited Onboard Amenities
You may find yourself wondering what’s next if you like an action-packed vacation. River cruises are the no casinos, rock-climbing walls, water slides or Broadway shows. Think piano bar and lectures, not nightlife.  However, if you’re looking for a spa day, you can find that on many river cruises.  Smaller Cabins
Cabins tend to be smaller, River ships are narrow to fit through locks and under bridges. Expect compact rooms. But, with that said, I’ve had very luxurious staterooms on river cruises. So room size and style can vary – and vary a lot. Due to the smaller ship size, a large number of room choices are not available.  Smaller dining areas – And river ships only have room for one or two dining venues—so variety is limited, but quality is usually high. And, don’t forget the bars and entertainment areas – they’re there and filled with things to see and do. Fewer Options for Families/Kids
– River cruising is geared toward adults, often 50+. Few family-friendly programs. But don’t let that change your mind for a family getaway. The history and cultural experiences of visiting destinations kids will read about in geography and history is worth taking them on a smaller ship. 

Bottom line? River cruising is about depth over dazzle. If you love culture, history, and waking up in a new town every morning—this might be your style of travel.

Now that we’ve set the stage for what makes river cruising so unique, let’s talk about who’s cruising—and where they’re going.

Then there’s AmaWaterways—another U.S. favorite.
They’re known for more active excursions—bike tours, hiking, even wine-themed cruises.
Popular picks include:

• Colors of Provence through southern France,
• Melodies of the Danube, and
• Taste of Bordeaux—where it’s wine, wine, and more wine.
• Founded in 2002 by river-cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, along with Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy.
• Headquartered in Calabasas, California, it remains privately owned by its founders
• As of 2025, AmaWaterways operates 29 river cruise ships across Europe, Colombia, Africa, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and South America
• Ships average around 156 passengers each, designed for comfort with wide twin-balcony staterooms (French + outside balcony), roomy accommodations, and hotel‑style beds
• Notable flagship: AmaMagna, one of the widest vessels on the Danube, with four specialty dining venues, pool, whirlpool, pickleball court, cinema, spa, and more
• Full board dinner, lunch, breakfast all included. Wine, beer, and soft drinks served freely with lunch and dinner. Afternoon “Sip & Sail” cocktail hour included nightly

• Soulful Experience: Cultural heritage-focused itineraries highlighting Black history in France, Portugal, Egypt, Colombia AmaWaterways.

Walaa Badour, hotel manager with Amawaterways sat down and talked with me about sailing along the Nile river and how Amawaterways is your choice for river cruising.

Here are several photos from Annita’s sail along the Nile River.

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