AmaWaterways Has Luxury All Figured Out

We recently sailed on AmaSerena, which launched in 2016.

The décor is elegant, yet comfortable and inviting. There was plenty of seating in the public spaces, mostly arranged in clusters designed to foster small group conversation. The colors were bright and airy, accented by dark wood tables, bars and buffet counters. The focus is on the views of the surrounding countryside, so floor-to-ceiling windows are the highlight of many of the indoor spaces.

The top deck of AmaSerena featured a small heated pool, a walking/jogging track and lots of seating, both shaded and in the sun. Our cruise took place during the Christmas market season, so the top deck was not used much but is likely a highlight of summer cruises.

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Even the older ships in the line feature elegantly appointed staterooms, most with at least a French balcony. Color schemes are light, creating a feeling of even greater spaciousness. Flooring is a combination of carpet and faux wood while lighted in-cabin closet rods, robes, slippers and umbrellas are welcome details.

A variety of lighting options lends a touch of luxury, as do glass-enclosed showers, many with a dual shower head. Bathrooms on our ship were spacious, with walls and floors lined with marble-look ceramic tile. The only disappointment was a lack of drawer space, both in the bathroom and in the stateroom as a whole.

Service on our cruise was friendly across the entire crew, who are primarily European. Stateroom attendants were efficient at cleaning and providing basics, but don’t expect full-blown butler service. Bottled water is replenished in the staterooms daily, but beer and wine are complementary only during lunch and dinner from the bar staff. Ice is provided via self-serve from machines on each floor, and room service is only available for suite guests.

AmaWaterways excels in the organization of its tours.

The cruise manager kept everything running smoothly as guests proceeded ashore to enjoy their choice of included small-group tours ranging from active options like hiking and biking to special interest tours like beer and sausage tasting.

READ MORE: AmaWaterways Has a New Celebrity Chef

Onboard cuisine typically reflects that of the locale the ship is sailing through, but standard cruise fare is also available during most meals. Waitstaff serve beverages and the menu choices. Breakfast is a combination of buffet and menu-ordered items served in the main dining room, lending an elegant atmosphere. Both the quality and selection of breakfast foods on our cruise were near perfect.

Lunch is a bit more casual, served with beer or wine and normally reflective of local fare.

Dinner in the main dining room is a four-course service at a set time. Seating is open at tables seating from four to eight. Both the food and the service during dinner are reflective of the line’s commitment to quality cuisine and rank among what one would expect on any of the top luxury cruise lines in the world.

A chef's table specialty dining experience is available at no additional charge once during most cruises on most ships, further elevating the luxury experience.

READ MORE: AmaWaterways Expanding Onboard Wellness Program

AmaWaterways certainly earns its number two ranking among the top river cruises and has a level of luxury that easily competes with that found on top luxury ocean cruise ships.

The only thing that felt out of place with the crew's attention to detail, the quality of the food and the ambiance of the ships was the lack of butler service in the staterooms.

But with self-serve ice and specialty coffee just steps away from most of the staterooms, it’s hard to find fault with even that.