AMA Waterways – Cruise advice and information

We spoke to Melissa Hackney from APT River Cruises to get advice and information about all the European river cruises that their partner AMA Waterways offer:

What is, in your opinion, special about the AMA Waterways cruises?

Ama Waterways ships were designed with your enjoyment as priority.

With six ships cruising Europe in 2011, the MS AmaKatarina in Russia as well as the MS La Marguerite and MS AmaLotus. In Asia, we offer more routes, ships and departures than most others.

The new MS AmaKatarina

AMA Waterways custom-built European river ships are recognised as the most innovative on the waterways, presenting a huge range of onboard dining experiences and with more space per guest than any other. Each has a capacity of 148 passengers for a boutique experience.

The first ship in the AMA fleet, the MS Amadagio, won Best River Cruise Ship at the Cruise Passenger 2009 Reader’s Choice Awards – one of many awards the ships have won.

Where do the ships visit?

APT offer a choice of 19 different cruises along major rivers including the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers in Europe; St Petersburg to Moscow through Russian waterways; the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Nile River in Egypt.

What are the most popular destinations and attractions?

The most popular cruise itinerary is our 15 day Magnificent Europe (Amsterdam to Budapest and vice versa). Signature experiences include:

• Germany’s Federal Horticultural Show in Koblenz

• A tour of the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest

• An included excursion to Rothenburg

• A Rauchbier (smoked beer) at the Beer Haus in Bamberg

What are fellow passengers typically like?

Passengers are mature experience seekers, typically 55+.

Groups are international, with a good mix of Australian, American and British.

All commentary and service on board is in English. Due to the nature of the ships and our itineraries, we do not cater for families with children.

What’s new for 2011 and 2012?

In Russia, the fully renovated and refurbished MS AmaKatarina is set to revolutionise Russian river cruising when it launches in 2011.

Also launching in 2011, the newly-built MS AmaLotus will join the MS La Marguerite on the Mekong River.

We are also introducing an Egypt programme to our destination portfolio, providing a choice of 30 departures aboard the Moon Goddess, which was fully refurbished in 2009.

In addition to an enhanced range of destinations, in 2011 we’ve created three different levels of river cruising holidays – Premier Plus, Premier and Affordable Value. Further, in response to the feedback we received from our valued guests, we’ve introduced a number of new initiatives, including a no-fly rail option on select itineraries.

Life on board

What type of meals do you offer?

All meals on board are included, and selected meals on the shore excursions.

Each day, fresh breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, fruit, salmon, cereals and more, including eggs cooked to order at the omelette bar, make up a lavish champagne breakfast. Options for early and late risers are also available in the Main Lounge.

Lunch presents a selection of delicious soups, hot or cold appetisers, dishes cooked to order and more.

At dinner, you’ll be treated to a delectable à la carte meal, prepared from fresh regional produce that’s sourced daily. Morning and afternoon tea are served daily, so you’re guaranteed to remain energised and nourished throughout the day.

In 2011, up to four unique dining experiences are on offer:

• Verde Fine Dining Restaurant – For the quintessential fine dining experience, enjoy gourmet cuisine in the ship’s main restaurant.

• Casual Dining in the Main Lounge – At lunch, you can choose to enjoy casual light lunches served in the Main Lounge.

• Alfresco Lunch on the Sun Deck – On select days, enjoy an alfresco lunch on the Sun Deck (subject to river/weather conditions).

• Room Service Dining at Breakfast & Dinner – On Premier Plus Cruises, guests in select suite categories can enjoy room service dining during breakfast and dinner.

Complimentary soft drinks, beer & local wine

At dinner, soft drink and beer are included and fine locally-sourced wine flows freely, allowing you to appraise the flavours produced by various local vineyards. On Premier Plus Cruises, all of these beverages are also included with lunch.

Do you cater to vegetarians and special diets?

All diets are catered for.

What are the dress codes onboard?

Smart casual attire. There is a Captains Gala one evening where guests may choose to wear more formal attire.

How should I tip on board staff?

All tipping and onboard gratuities are included in cruise pricing.

What entertainment is on board the ship?

• Magical Musical Evenings On Board

Our ships’ Main and Observation lounges combine to become a Showroom. Here, you’re able to immerse yourself in included performances that offer insight into the cultures of the region you’re visiting. The following are just a selection of what you can expect:

In Dietfurt, Nuremberg or Regensburg, Bavarian performers will introduce you to local songs, dance, music and dress. As you cruise the Rhine, step back in time as the Duo Garfunkel enchant you with the harp and a range of other instruments from the middle ages. Relax to the classical sounds of the violin during a performance from La Strada.

In Budapest, Hungarian folklore is brought to life by excellent gypsy violinists who will entertain you during dinner with their traditional music. And when you’re in Bratislava, Aphrodite – a small orchestra of young women – will come aboard and perform an eclectic range of music on classical instruments.

• A Wide Variety of Light Entertainment

On many cruises, you’ll have the chance to see an expert glass-blower give an illuminating demonstration of his craft. Become part of the action with the Bavarian Beer Experience, as young Bavarians arrive with a variety of beers for you to sample, and provide a humorous explanation of beer-making as well as its importance to the Bavarian people.

• Intriguing & Insightful Presentations

During a lecture presented by the ship’s captain, learn how the locks of the waterways function, while a Europe historian will explain modern-day Europe from an entirely new angle.

• The Soothing Sounds of Piano Throughout

For the entire cruise, a pianist is based in the Observation Lounge, quietly playing soothing music and some old favourites.

What is inclusive of the price of booking, and what would I need pay extra for?

APT is committed to all-inclusive pricing, so you know exactly where you stand with your holiday budget before you leave home. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your cruise.

Your cruise price includes:

• Return flights from a choice of 15 UK airports

• All meals and complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with dinner

• Small group shore excursions

• All tipping and taxes, including onboard gratuities and port charges

• Airport meet and greet, and transfers to and from your ship

How can I stay in touch with friends and family?

All suites on our ships are equipped with a computer and included wireless Internet, enabling customers to stay in touch with friends and family.

Is Internet access available from the ship?

A computer and included wireless internet are provided.

Are hair-dryers provided in the cabins?

Yes

What is your smoking policy?

On deck only

Do you offer room service?

On our Premier Plus Cruises, guests in select suite categories can enjoy room service dining during breakfast and dinner.

Families

Do you allow children and young families on board?

Can babies cots and cribs be provided in my cabin?

What facilities are available for entertainment of young children?

None

Getting there

Which ports does the ship leave from?

Ships depart from a variety of ports, including Amsterdam, Budapest, Nuremberg, Moscow, St Petersburg, Lyon, Arles, Aswan, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City.

How do I get to the ship?

To ensure your peace of mind, a representative will meet you at the airport on the first day of your cruise to assist you with your luggage and organise your included transfer to the ship.

Safety & Insurance

What safety features do you have onboard?

On our European river ships, the captain’s command room is at the front of the vessel not the rear, meaning these ships are the safest of their kind.

Is the water on the ship safe to drink?

Bottled water is supplied daily.

What facilities are available for disabled and handicapped passengers?

An onboard elevator reaches most suites, and cabins benefit from great interior floor space.

With thanks for Melissa Hackney – APT’s New Business Development Manager looking after boutique river cruising, and any new up-and-coming destinations.

APT offers a broad selection of distinctive touring experiences, from boutique river cruises in Europe, Russia, Egypt and Vietnam, to exclusive tours in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. APT has an enviable reputation as one of the world’s leading touring companies, with an expertise based on over 80 years experience in operating tours and a passion for service that comes with still being a family owned business.

With 16 years experience on Europe’s rivers, APT has an unrivalled reputation for boutique river cruising and enjoys a customer satisfaction rating of 98%. Through their partnership with AMAWATERWAYS – the global leaders in river cruising – they utilise the most modern and luxurious fleet of river ships to take our guests cruising along the grand waterways of the world.