Last year, I wrote this note to AmaWaterways during a time that I was feeling grateful. As I embark on a new chapter, and another set of change, I am feeling grateful once more. So, I thought I’d share this note again. You see, Ama gave me my first introduction to river cruising way back in 2009, but that’s just the beginning. Since then, I’ve had many unforgettable journeys with Ama – and they deserve a big thank you.
Dear AmaWaterways,
Thank you for your unwavering support, both personal and in business.
When Ralph started River Cruise Advisor he sat down with Kristin Karst, one of the co-founders of AmaWaterways, and shared his vision of creating our website with her. Just after that, AmaWaterways became the first sponsor of River Cruise Advisor and has since continued its support.
It’s not only in the business world that AmaWaterways is one of our greatest supporters, though. When traveling with Ama, it is impossible not to feel supported by the wonderful crew. Your worries ease away as soon as you reach the ship (or are picked up for your transfer if you chose to have Ama handle that, too). Someone is there to greet you and take your luggage to your room, there are refreshments set out in the lounge, the entire crew is lined up waiting to welcome you with a warm smile – you feel immediately at home.
Thank you for giving me the gift of travel.
When I was 14, I took my first river cruise. AmaWaterways invited us to experience their new Mekong River itineraries that launched in 2009. With included excursions exploring history and local culture, intimate meals onboard, and fun and engaging onboard presentations and activities, it was easy to fall in love with this mode of travel. This experience also encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone. Though I had been out of the country many times before I ventured to Asia, I had never been so far from home – and in a culture so different from mine. Ama provided us with everything that we needed onboard; and between traveling in a group and with local guides, there was never a moment that I felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
Since the launch of the program in 2009 Ama has purpose-built a new luxury ship, AmaDara, for the Mekong. The company has continued to expanded its river cruise programs outside of Europe to Africa with combination cruise and safari packages on the Chobe River, multiple offerings in Egypt with a second Nile ship on the way in 2024, and even into South America where the company will sail the Magdalena River in Colombia starting next year.
Of course, Ama’s other offerings should not be overlooked. With ships on the Danube, Douro Rhine, Rhone, Seine, and more, there is plenty to see along the rivers of Europe, as well. I have had the opportunity to sail the Rhine and the Danube with AmaWaterways many times and the quality of their excursions and service level of their crew are absolutely top tier. Ama also makes a concerted effort to stay relevant with current trends and attract new types of river cruisers, with a wellness program that has rolled out across most of its fleet over the past few years and a choice of active excursion in almost every port.
Thank you for helping me create unforgettable memories.
In 2019, I sailed on AmaWaterways’ then newest ship, AmaMagna. It was a christening cruise and many passengers on board were notable guests, friends, or family of the company. While this had the potential to make “normal” guests feel unwelcome, most of those guests ended up feeling as though they were the most important people on board. You see, that is the gift of an AmaWaterways experience. In the least offensive way possible, everyone is making sure that you are cared for at every turn. No one is in your face or interrupting your conversations, but you may turn around to find your wine glass magically refilled, or a towel appear for you by the pool if you forget yours. Everyone is made to feel special.
Some of my most special memories, however, are celebrating holidays with AmaWaterways. Exploring the Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube are the perfect way to get yourself ready for the holidays at home. Though I haven’t experienced Christmas markets in the rest of Europe, I’m sure the markets in France have some pretty spectacular Christmas gifts for sale, too.
Lastly, thank you for the inspiration.
AmaWaterways is constantly innovating. The company will be the first major luxury river cruise company to sail the Magdalena River in Colombia, it was the first to introduce a fleet-wide wellness program, and it set an industry standard for excursions and active travel. With wine and golf themed cruises, classical music focused itineraries, and Black and Latin-inspired heritage cruises, the company is continually pushing the river cruising space to become more inclusive of all types of travelers.
I am extremely proud to call AmaWaterways a partner of River Cruise Advisor, but I am more proud to call so many of the folks at AmaWaterways my friends. I can’t wait to see what Ama’s future holds but, more importantly, I can’t wait to see the lobby of an AmaWaterways’ ship again very soon.
Your pal,
Britton ❤️
This article was originally published at River Cruise Advisor.
