Return to Europe with AmaWaterways

Explore the many cities and villages dotted along Europe’s rivers in 2021 with AmaWaterways, a safe and luxurious way gateway back into Europe.

AmaWaterways on the Seine in France (photo credit: AmaWaterways)

AmaWaterways on the Seine in France (photo credit: AmaWaterways)

For reasons we’re sure are obvious by now, small ship sailing is going to be all the rage in the cruise world in 2021, and a trip onboard an AmaWaterways vessel is one of our absolute favorite ways to experience river cruising.

Why AmaWaterways?

Choose to tiptoe through the tulips, tease your taste buds in Bordeaux, discover the mysteries of Egypt, or venture to the City of Love. No matter where you go with Ama, you’ll be going in style and safety as their vessels all have less than a 200-passenger capacity. All meals onboard are a la carte and served course-by-course. You will find no buffet lines onboard an Ama ship.

While being shallow isn’t always touted as a positive, Ama can brag about their shallow ships because it means they can sail the rivers whether there is too much or too little water for many other vessels. Plus, their ships being so small means they are able to dock right in city centers, meaning you can disembark and head straight out to explore rather than having to spend precious time traveling back into the destination!

A cruise manager will be onboard to accompany all guests with pre- or post-cruise programs, ensuring a totally seamless experience. Plus, their ships are the only ones with Twin Balcony Staterooms, something that is much sought after!

Perhaps best of all, AmaWaterways is part of our trusted Virtuoso network, which means that we can offer extra amenities and make sure you are looked after with extra care on tons of their sailings! There are also several 2021 sailings that are being included in a free air or free companion air (or cruise savings) program—you’ll find more details below.

What Has Us So Excited?

Ama has no shortage of exciting European river cruise options for 2021, but we have decided to take a closer look at four of our very favorite itineraries. Some of these itineraries are part of exciting promotions going on at the moment, and all of them are Virtuoso sailings, meaning we can offer you extra amenities as our guests! Bear in mind, if you’ve already experienced the magic of Ama, past guest discounts also apply to any of the offers you’ll see below!

Let’s get down to the details…

Taste of Bordeaux (7 nights, Bordeaux to Bordeaux)

Meader your way through small French villages (photo credit: AmaWaterways)

Meader your way through small French villages (photo credit: AmaWaterways)

Hop onboard the AmaDolce (144 passengers) for a river cruise through France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux, for a vacation that offers so much more than wine (although there is plenty of that too!). Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful as you visit Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. This trip is a must for anyone interested in the best of French culture, lifestyle, wine, and food.

In addition to sumptuous wine tastings, you’ll uncover world-renowned French history and enjoy cycling through France’s pristine vineyards with AmaWaterways’ bicycle fleet. Visit celebrated vineyards in Saint Émilion and discover its monolithic church carved from one piece of limestone. You can even head under the church to discover its caves and catacombs. Experience the charming hospitality of small French villages such as Bourg, meeting local wine growers and tasting the fruits of their labor, while also enjoying a little French music and dancing.

Extra Special, Just for You:

  • $100 onboard credit per stateroom for guests of Poe Travel

  • Select 2021 sailings qualify for free air or free companion air from select gateway cities in the US, or cruise savings up to $750 if booked before September 30th (includes exclusive, socially distanced airport transfers as well)

 Tulip Time (7 nights, Amsterdam to Amsterdam)

Springtime blossoms at the Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe (photo credit: AmaWaterways)

Springtime blossoms at the Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe (photo credit: AmaWaterways)

Spring in the Netherlands and Belgium is a truly special time, and this is your opportunity to finally tiptoe through the tulips! The cruise operates on a few different vessels, but the maximum capacity is 162 passengers, so you will still enjoy the small feel of an AmaWaterways voyage.

Experience Amsterdam’s colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills, and the art of Rubens and Michelangelo. Discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges, Middelburg, and Ghent. Visit a family-run tulip farm with over 1 million of the colorful flowers. Throughout your journey, indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles, and delicious cheeses—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region.

Extra Special, Just for You:

  • $100 onboard credit per stateroom for guests of Poe Travel

  • Select 2021 sailings qualify for free air or free companion air from select gateway cities in the US, or cruise savings up to $750 if booked before September 30th (includes exclusive, socially distanced airport transfers as well)

 Secrets of Egypt & The Nile (3-Night Cairo Pre-Cruise, 7-Night Cruise Roundtrip Luxor, & 1-Night Cairo Post-Cruise)

Discover the mystery of the pyramids (photo credit: Simon Berger)

Discover the mystery of the pyramids (photo credit: Simon Berger)

In very exciting news, AmaWaterways will be taking guests to new waters starting in September 2021: Egypt and the Nile! This will be for even smaller groups than Ama’s usual, as you’ll be onboard the luxurious, newly designed AmaDahlia which has a maximum capacity of only 68 passengers.

Allow yourself to be treated to a connoisseur’s discovery of this ancient civilization as only AmaWaterways can provide on this unparalleled 11-night Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences, and the extraordinary service for which AmaWaterways is renowned. Explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence the future of this remarkable land.

Extra Special, Just for You:

  • $100 onboard credit per stateroom for guests of Poe Travel

Impressions of the Seine & Paris (7 night, Paris to Le Havre or reverse)

Admire the twinkling lights of Paris from the Seine (photo credit: Fred Pixlab)

Admire the twinkling lights of Paris from the Seine (photo credit: Fred Pixlab)

You’ll board the AmaDante (144 passengers) in the City of Love on this exploration from Paris to the coastal town of Le Havre. There are some fabulous options for adding two pre-cruise nights in Paris or perhaps a three-night extension covering St Malo and Brittany before heading to Charles De Gaulle for your flight home.

On this incredible itinerary, discover the most renowned sites in Paris as well as sites memorialized by famous Impressionist painters along France’s Seine River. Meander through the renowned gardens of Château d’Ambleville, visit a bee farm, and visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Indulge in Norman chocolate, cheese, and cider (yes, please!) and enhance your best self on guided bike tours through charming cities like Vernon. You will also have the chance to visit the beaches of Normandy, an essential stop for American visitors. With fairytale castles, châteaux, and idyllic scenery at every turn, this cruise is sure to inspire your own art – or at least conjure beautiful memories and dreams for years to come!

Extra Special, Just for You:

  • $100 onboard credit per stateroom for guests of Poe Travel

  • Select 2021 sailings qualify for free air or free companion air from select gateway cities in the US, or cruise savings up to $750 if booked before September 30th (includes exclusive, socially distanced airport transfers as well)