AMA Waterways on the Rhine

Jackie has recently returned from an AMA Waterways trip on the Rhine River on board the newly built AMA Kristina. They flew to Amsterdam early in the morning and took the train from the airport to Amsterdam Central which was approx. £5 pp and very simple. On arrival they walked the very short distance from the station to the dock (they chose not to have the transfers and to do it themselves but transfers from the airport are usually arranged for you). It was only 9.45am when they got to the ship but they were welcomed on board and offered refreshments. Even though their cabin wouldn’t be ready until the afternoon, they had the freedom to use the pool deck and lounge area for the day which was very convenient. After a quick coffee & cake they decided to wander into Amsterdam for a look around.

Eventually after sightseeing (walking 7 miles!), with tired feet they went back to the ship to find that most people had by now checked in and before they knew it, it was time to set sail. Their cabin was a Cat D and although it had no balcony it was perfectly nice. It had a window, very nice bathroom, queen bed, TV with Apple PC and the usual amenities. On higher decks your cabin would have single or double balcony and may be larger in size.

The ship features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. It carries 170 passengers with 50 crew and has a Lower Sun Deck

Navigation Bridge, Bicycles, Heated Pool, Sun Deck, Walking Track, Al Fresco Terrace, Observation Lounge, Main Lounge & Bar, Gift Shop, Reception, The Chef’s Table Restaurant, Main Restaurant, Elevator, Massage & Hair Salon &

Fitness Room. You may enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines, a ‘swim-up’ bar, complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet & entertainment on demand, and a fleet of bicycles carried on board for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

Each day there are choices of included excursions (with varying levels of ability for those who may be fitter or indeed less fit) and you are free to participate or not. Subject to availability you may take one of their bicycles instead and explore on your own.

Breakfast and lunch are a choice of buffet or served meals with dinner being a multi course delightful affair with wine recommendations to accompany. Each guest may also choose the Chefs Table Restaurant where the kitchen becomes part of the entertainment. You have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare a special, multi-course meal right in front of you. The menu here is unique, making this a truly distinct gastronomic experience. Indulge in delectable dishes paired with unlimited fine wines, hand-selected just for this dinner. It is the only venue of its kind on the river and Jackie highly recommends a visit!

During the cruise they visited Cologne, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Riquewihr and ended in Basel, Switzerland.

Once again they were allowed to stay on board for the full day because their flight wasn’t until late that evening which made the last day a pleasurable one rather than a tiring chore.

Overall Jackie would highly recommend a river cruise for a relaxing week of sightseeing without any hassle. If you enjoy good company, great food & wine with superb service you will not be disappointed with an AMA Waterways trip. Please call in for more info.

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