Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Eur...ernkastel
The AmaMora, like her two sister ships, the AmaLea built in 2018 and the AmaKristina built in 2017, are all identical in size, deck plans, number of staterooms, entertainment, dining options as well as similar interior design. The youngest sibling, the AmaMora, launched in summer of 2019. Each offers different itineraries in within Europe. The AmaMora sails along the Moselle and Rhine for its castle, Swiss Alps, fairytale and Christmas market cruises and meanders through the Dutch and Belgium Waterways for tulip time cruises. A steward of the environment, AmaWaterways twenty river cruise ships have earned Green Award Certification, which recognizes ships for their quality, safety and environmental performance.Read More
Chic, like a boutique hotel, the AmaMora interior decor delights with vibrant gem colors and modern furnishings. Spacious suites and staterooms feature the unique twin balconies design affording amazing views with marble bathrooms and multi-jet showers providing upscale comforts. For those of us that can’t leave home without it, there’s complimentary (yes free) Wifi and entertainment-on-demand with high-speed Internet. Active cruisers will appreciate the daily fitness classes, complimentary bikes and onboard wellness programs. A nice addition for multi-generational passengers are the ship’s select connecting staterooms and triple and quad occupancy staterooms. With several dining options, epicureans are in for a treat as AmaWaterways is recognized for its award-winning cuisine. The heated pool with a swim up bar is a favorite in all seasons, even during a chilly December Christmas market cruise where it’s possible to see a few passengers braving a polar plunge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Wheelchair accessibility is limited. There is an elevator between the two main decks but it does not reach the Sun Deck or Piano Deck. The cruise line advises that the staterooms are not able to accommodate a wheelchair. Inside the stateroom an individual must be able to move about without the use of a wheelchair. And due to limited storage on the ship, the a wheelchair must be stored in stateroom. Getting on and off the ship could be a challenge as the entry ramps are narrow. Guests must be able to get on and off the ship without their wheelchair and the wheelchair would have to be light enough to be lifted off and on the ramps.
Wheelchair accessibility is limited. There is an elevator between the two main decks but it does not reach the Sun Deck or Piano Deck. The cruise line advises that the staterooms are not able to accommodate a wheelchair. Inside the stateroom an individual must be able to move about without the use of a wheelchair. And due to limited storage on the ship, the a wheelchair must be stored in stateroom. Getting on and off the ship could be a challenge as the entry ramps are narrow. Guests must be able to get on and off the ship without their wheelchair and the wheelchair would have to be light enough to be lifted off and on the ramps.
Food & Drink
Passengers aboard the AmaMora will not only be treated to award-winning regionally-inspired cuisine in the Main Restaurant on the Cello Deck but also enjoy two special complimentary dining experiences developed by the innovative AmaWaterways cruise culinary team. As the first river cruise line member of the invitation-only La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, all the European ships, including the AmaMora offer a special “La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs” menu night that allow the kitchen to feature their expert knowledge in the presentation and execution of the meal. In addition, guests are invited to dine at the stand-alone specialty restaurant, The Chef’s Table. Located on the Violin Deck at the aft of the ship with floor to ceiling windows, this restaurant offers an intimate setting for 34 diners. Perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion The Chef’s Table is exclusively open for dinner. By reservation only, guests will enjoy a complimentary seven-course tasting menu including complimentary paired wines.
Located on the Cello Deck where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served a la carte with full table service is the Main Restaurant. Multi-course menus offer a wide variety of choice, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. There is no assigned seating, guests may sit at any of the handsome booths and round tables and smaller tables throughout the restaurant. (No reservations are taken for dinner except for The Chef’s Table.) Dinner has only one seating, first-come, first-served, during a two-hour time period.
Beverages include complimentary sparkling wine and juices at breakfast and complimentary beer, soft drinks, and hand-selected unlimited European wines at lunch and dinner.
The Espresso/Coffee Station is open 24/7 at the entrance of the lounge near the gift shop.
Bistro lunch, offering a limited menu of pizza, burgers, sandwiches, dessert and cheese, is available in the lounge at 12 p.m.
Afternoon tea is offered daily in the lounge from 4- 5 p.m.
A full service bar with counter seating and table seating in the lounge features premium spirits as well as wine and beer at the Bar Lounge.
Guests may place drinks on their room tab and pay at the end of the cruise with the front desk reception staff.
An all day tapas menu is available to order from the Bar Lounge.
Every day from 6-7 p.m., a selection of complimentary wine, beer, and spirits is offered to guests via a Sip & Sail cocktail hour: The bartender creates a complimentary “special drink” for the day, like a cosmopolitan martini.
During evening entertainment late night snacks are available in the Bar Lounge.
Entertainment
Each afternoon and/or evening the onboard ship pianist plays music either during the Afternoon Tea Time, before dinner at the Sip & Sail cocktail hour or after dinner in the Lounge. Expect golden oldies, European folk melodies, pop favorites and classical music. Several nights during the cruise local music groups come aboard to perform after dinner in the lounge or while the ship is cruising during the afternoon. Count on a disco night for at least one evening after dinner.
Plus, night owls that linger around the bar area, on occasion coax the onboard musician into late night electronic funky tunes and hip-hop vibes to break some moves and dance. Guests can head to the library, a quiet nook tucked in-between the front desk and bar lounge to play board games or select a title from their selection of books to read while onboard. Or, in the lounge you could simply sit back, relax and enjoy the views from the panoramic windows.
Each day the cruise manager gives a talk on the excursions and itinerary to guests and offers suggestions of sites to see and special select events in the location. Depending on the season’s itinerary, guests may be treated with onboard wine lectures from winery owners and tastings as well as onboard cooking and food events such as the gingerbread cookie decorating lesson offered by the crew during Christmas market cruises.
Spa & Fitness
AmaWaterways prioritizes wellness and fitness travel options for its active guests by providing a number of ways to keep up with their exercise routines while on vacation. On the piano deck guests can work out in the fitness room on exercise equipment at their leisure or take fitness class with the onboard wellness host. There are light weights, exercise balls, yoga mats, two treadmills and two stationary bikes available to use throughout the cruise. Water and towels are available. Exercise classes include: morning stretching, core strengthening, circuit training, resistant-band classes as well as personal training sessions available for a fee.
In addition, travelers are invited to join the wellness host for guided active excursions like biking and hiking tours and informative onboard presentations on how to incorporate wellness into everyday life. The sun deck offers an open-air walking track for fitness walks and jogs. For guests that want to explore their own, complimentary bicycles are available to pedal the sites while at port.
There’s an open-air walking track on the sun deck for fitness walks which is especially nice when the views of majestic castles and charming villages come into view while cruising along the Rhine.
The spa and salon are also located on the piano deck. A small room is set up for relaxing 30- or 60-minute massages, which guests may book with the front desk. Next to the massage room is the salon; services include washing and styling as well as hair cutting. Book early with the front desk as appointments are limited.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
A mandatory safety briefing is required for all guests the evening of embarkation.
If a guest becomes ill or tests positive for Covid-19 during their river cruise or optional land package, AmaWaterways has very specific protocols in place to assist with an onshore quarantine period. The staff will facilitate and make calls on the guests’ behalf; however any additional costs required during an onshore quarantine period will be at the expense of the guest. AmaWaterways encourages all guests to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage of Covid-19 related expenses. Masks are not required to wear while onboard the vessel but are a personal choice for guests. For excursions and onshore activities masks may be required by local authorities.
No medical services are onboard but can be reached from shore if required.
Dress Code
Think layers for daytime excursions due to variable weather conditions. It could rain one minute and be sunny the next. The ship does provide umbrellas if needed. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary for treading over cobblestones and Europe’s narrow streets and pathways. Bring appropriate clothing for active tours for hiking or biking. If you plan on participating in wellness/fitness activities workout clothing is suggested.
Otherwise, casually elegant attire is recommended for the evenings. Plan on dressier cocktail attire for the captain’s night/farewell dinner. And, always bring a swimsuit. There’s a hot tub, and the outdoor pool on the sun deck is heated year-round.
Junior Cruisers
AmaWaterways Europe cruises state that children under the age of 4 years old are not permitted on board for safety reasons. They do not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. The cruise line states that all guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, as their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). AmaMora provides a limited number of staterooms with a fold-out sofa for a triple occupant.
All that being said, AmaWaterways is committed to enhancing multi-generational family traveler experiences. To wit: AmaMora offers connecting staterooms with triple and quadruple occupancy. More itineraries are designed to appeal to all three generations, from the active to the slower-paced traveler. In addition, the cruise line has partnered with Adventures by Disney to offer family-oriented luxury river cruises filled with activities by Disney-trained adventure guides.
Service
You can count on the crew and staff to be polite, accommodating, and personable. The cruise manager as well as all the multi-international personnel speak English aboard the ship. Excellent, efficient service is a priority for AmaWaterways. Expect the bartender to remember your favorite drink or housekeeping staff to ask if you need more towels or assistance with storing suitcases.
When dining, notice how expertly the tables are set and how easily special requests are met. The AmaMora crew and staff excels in covertly mastering all the little details that amount to a fluid onboard experience.
Tipping
A tipping guidelines sheet is placed in each stateroom for the convenience of the guests. This serves as a suggestion on gratuity guidelines. The recommendation for the ship’s crew on a 7-night cruise is 100 Euros per guest to be divided equally amongst all crew members. Since the cruise manager is not part of the ship’s crew, gratuity is separate from the crew. The recommendation for the cruise manager gratuity is 25 euros per guest for a 7-night cruise and four euros per guest per day for pre or post cruise extensions. You can place gratuities on a credit card at the end of the trip with the reception desk or pay in cash.
For guided excursions off the ship, it is recommended to tip your tour guide for good service at the end of the tour.