AmaKristina Makes a Stylish Debut

AmaWaterways welcomed its 20th river ship this year as the company observes its 15th anniversary.

It’s befitting during this celebratory year that the new ship be named for and christened by Kristin Karst, the company’s co-founder and executive vice president.

The 158-passenger AmaKristina is a sister to the AmaStella and AmaViola—which entered service in 2016—and the AmaLea, scheduled for delivery in 2018. But the AmaKristina has its own personality and features the colors, patterns and artworks favored by Karst.

“There is one concept, but every ship has its own personality,” she said. “It’s never a cookie-cutter style.”

The AmaKristina features upholstery patterns and solids in teal and rust, which continues from the lounge into the dining room and staterooms. The colors are echoed in the works by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt that grace public areas and staterooms.

“These are some of my favorite colors. Without being too bold, they are very happy, and we want happy ships,” Karst said. “I love Klimt. Everything you see on board is Klimt.”

The AmaKristina sails the Rhine River, between Amsterdam and Basel, and will continue on that route during 2018. It is also used, along with its sisters, on family-friendly river cruises operated by Adventures by Disney.

Here’s an overview of the ship:

Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations

The largest accommodations on board are the four suites, which measure 350 square feet each. They have a full balcony and a French balcony next to the bed, a large window, double sofa bed, and a bathroom with multi-jet shower and full tub.

Most of the staterooms measure 210 to 235 square feet and have both an outside and a French balcony. Some accommodate three people while some are connecting. There are a few smaller 155- and 160-square-foot staterooms on Deck 3 and the lowest deck; they either have a French balcony or fixed windows.

Of note: On the AmaKristina, the elevator goes down to the lowest deck, which it does not do on the AmaStella and AmaViola.

What’s Included

AmaWaterways’ fares include shore excursions, alternative dining in the Chef’s Table, Wi-Fi, unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine at breakfast and on-demand entertainment in staterooms. Starting in 2018, AmaWaterways will include a daily “Sip & Sail” cocktail hour before dinner with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.

WATCH Life on Board an AmaWaterways River Cruise  

What’s for Dinner? 

The cuisine throughout the AmaWaterways fleet is consistently fresh, delicious and varied, often featuring the flavors of the region the ship is sailing in. The complimentary wines are delicious. Healthy options are always available, including gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian selections.

The dinner menu might include beef Wellington, grilled filet of halibut and a vegetarian pasta dish. Menu items are followed by initials that indicate which potential allergens are used in the dish, such as nuts, gluten, shellfish, etc.

The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant accommodates just 28 people a night for a multi-course tasting menu paired with regional wines. There is no extra cost, but guests are advised to make reservations. The Chef’s Table menu features three appetizers, a champagne sorbet intermezzo, three main courses and three desserts. Guests can watch the chef prepare the dishes in the demonstration kitchen.

Best Entertainment

Local entertainers are brought on board almost every night to perform in the lounge. (A recent favorite was the duo that performed Abba songs and had practically the entire ship dancing within minutes.) 

Sightseeing

All shore excursions are included in the fare and range from gentle to active paces, with options for late-risers. The ship carries bikes on board for passenger use in port. Guided bike and hike tours are offered in some destinations.

Many excursions feature the food and wine of the region—for example, an after-dinner Rüdesheimer coffee or a sampling of Kölsch beer and potato pancakes at a tavern in Cologne. Some specialty tours require a reservation but don’t cost extra.

Who Goes on This Ship?

AmaWaterways passengers tend to be well traveled and well heeled but without pretensions. The AmaKristina and her sisters attract more families and groups since some staterooms connect or have sleeper sofas.

The passenger age has lowered over the years as AmaWaterways has begun offering more active excursions, and it now averages in the late 50s, although it’s not unusual to see honeymoon couples in their 30s on board.

Insider Booking Tip

AmaWaterways waives the single supplement on many voyages. The new “Sip & Sail” cocktail hour will add another bonus to a trip that is already pretty much all-inclusive. AmaWaterways also offers pre- and post-cruise land stays: On the AmaKristina’s Rhine River voyages, it’s two nights in Zurich and two nights in Lucerne for $1,680 per person.