Our Tour + Cruise specialist, Sarah, had the opportunity to sail through France with AmaWaterways. She found the dining experience to be impeccable, service was polished and the overall onboard atmosphere was elegant, yet relaxed.
AmaWaterways have a range of river cruising itineraries available, with a strong market in Europe. From the enticing Douro River to the beauty in Bordeaux, there’s an AmaWaterways cruise for you! Chat to one of our Tour + Cruise Specialists to learn more.
Boarding and AmaWaterways Welcome
From the moment we stepped on board AmaKristina, the experience felt polished and welcoming. Staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic, which immediately set the tone for the days ahead. Boarding was seamless, with our luggage already waiting in our cabin before check-in officially opened at 3 pm. There was a thoughtful welcome spread in the lounge, including light bites, cakes, iced tea, and chilled water. It helped everyone settle in after travelling in the summer heat.
AmaWaterways is relatively new to the Australian market, but they are making thoughtful adaptations. Gratuities are included, removing the awkward expectation of tipping that many Australians find uncomfortable.
AmaWaterways Cabin Experience
We upgraded to a Category AB Balcony Stateroom. It offered a little more space and the benefit of AmaWaterways’ signature twin balcony design. The outdoor space was a highlight, comfortable with a quiet corner nook that became the perfect little reading spot. Sitting outside watching the world drift past was one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. Inside, the stateroom is well-appointed but not overly spacious. Storage is functional, with a decent wardrobe and plenty of hangers. Although drawer space is limited to two small bedside drawers suitable only for small items like cords or sleep masks. A few extra cupboards can be used for folded clothing, though they are not ideal for extended unpacking. A small suggestion for the line would be to provide reusable water bottles in the room, instead of disposable bottles refreshed daily.
Amenities were thoughtful, including two robes, eco-friendly slippers, umbrellas, and ample towels. We also had two large bottles of Evian on arrival, and a small unstocked fridge was convenient for keeping water cool. Beds were comfortable, though slightly firm, and the twin configuration was a little narrow. Pillows were generous and plush, closer to European size. Powerpoints are plentiful throughout the room, although only one is located beside the twin beds. This could be less convenient when sharing with a friend.
The bathroom in our stateroom was larger than some others, with a single sink and good storage above as well as a shelf for toiletries. The dual rainfall shower was enjoyable, and although the toilet was positioned close to the shower opening, the layout was functional.
Dining Onboard AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways is renowned for its dining, and AmaKristina delivered beautifully. Breakfast quickly became a favourite part of the day, offering a wide selection from freshly made omelettes with numerous fillings to waffles, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and cured meats. An à la carte menu was also available, allowing for table service for those who preferred it. Lunch and dinner highlighted the regional focus of AmaWaterways’ cuisine. As the cruise moved deeper into the south of France, menus leaned toward French delicacies such as escargot and duck liver, giving a strong sense of place through food. Service was excellent, with staff eager to accommodate requests.
On one occasion, I ordered a risotto without realising it was heavily fish-based. I felt a little awkward asking to swap it, but staff quickly and graciously replaced it with a chicken dish without any fuss. When a particular entrée was enjoyed, staff were happy to provide a second serving on request. The Chef’s Table was a particular highlight, with a panoramic dining room, elegant chandelier, and an open kitchen where guests could watch every course being prepared. The menu was beautifully executed and creative, though only two paired wines were included with the multi-course menu. Overall, it was a memorable and elegant experience.
Beverages Onboard
Beverage inclusions were generous but structured, with champagne or mimosas at breakfast, beer, wine, and soft drinks during meals, and a cocktail hour between six and seven in the evening. Outside of these times, drinks were available for purchase at reasonable prices.
The swim-up bar was attractive, but early in the cruise, service was inconsistent, and we waited more than an hour for drinks on one hot afternoon. The staff quickly adapted, and service improved on subsequent days. A note for guests: cocktail charges outside included times can accumulate, especially compared with all-inclusive cruise lines.
Experience Onboard
Evenings on board were elegant yet relaxed, featuring a professional opera singer and pianist, which suited the demographic perfectly. Later in the evenings, the performer would sometimes take on a DJ role, encouraging a small dance floor for guests wanting a livelier atmosphere. Daytime enrichment included guest speakers and demonstrations such as a local silk printer presenting her family’s craft and a wine-themed scavenger hunt-style quiz.
Cruise Manager Rachel was the heart of the ship, charismatic, bubbly, and efficient, combining humour with seamless organisation. She also arranged a small gathering for solo travellers, which helped create a sense of community for those travelling alone. By the third day, staff had begun to learn guests’ names and preferences, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. Small touches like a silk scarf for women and a cap for men on day two added charm and personalisation. Housekeeping was efficient with twice-daily service, although occasionally used glasses lingered in the room for a day or two, a very minor detail.
Offshore Excursions and Itinerary
Excursions were well organised and thoughtfully curated, with a range of active and cultural options. Coaches were comfortable, with plenty of room to spread out, even on longer drives. Highlights included a truffle farm where dogs demonstrated the hunt and the family explained their production process, an intimate olive farm with orchard and factory tours, and a small winery in the Beaujolais region where the owners shared their story and hosted tastings. Cycling, walking, and hiking options were available for varying activity levels. Wine tastings and food pairings were often led by experts and sommeliers, providing depth and authenticity to the experiences.
Locks were a frequent part of the journey, approximately twelve over three-quarters of the cruise. Most occurred during sailing days, and although a few happened at night in the final days, the noise was minimal and not disruptive. Experiencing the locks was actually one of the most exciting parts of the trip and a true hallmark of river cruising.
In terms of the itinerary, personally, I would have loved an extra day in Avignon, as the tours provided didn’t leave much time to explore the city itself. A slight adjustment to shave a day off Lyon could allow for this. Another memorable touch occurred to me on the final night, when the captain took the ship down to the part of the river where it meets the Mediterranean Sea, even though we were already in port. This unexpected gesture added a final moment of adventure.
Disembarkation in Arles was convenient, with the port close to the train station. A full breakfast buffet was served on the final morning, in addition to a smaller buffet upstairs, ensuring a smooth and pleasant departure even though some familiar crew members were off duty.
Facilities and Accessibility
AmaKristina’s facilities were well-considered for a river ship. The gym was practical, with a lowered treadmill, free weights, yoga mats, exercise bike, and fitness ball. The sundeck featured a heated pool with a swim-up bar, as well as a front outdoor seating area with very comfortable chairs, ideal for socialising. Unfortunately, in summer months, the sun made the area largely unused, which was a shame as it looked inviting. This could be easily solved with some shade sails. Accessibility is manageable, though some staircases are steep and narrow, including spiral stairs. The lift provides access to lower decks, which is a welcome convenience.
Overall Impression of AmaWaterways
Overall, AmaKristina delivered an exceptional river cruise experience. Dining was consistently excellent, excursions were intimate and authentic, and staff were friendly, personable, and highly engaged. Minor drawbacks included limited cabin drawer space, narrow twin beds, and early inconsistencies at the pool bar, but these were easily outweighed by the overall quality and attention to detail. By the end of the cruise, guests and crew alike felt like a small family, and saying goodbye was genuinely emotional. The experience showcased AmaWaterways’ commitment to comfort, authenticity, and memorable service, making it a standout choice for river cruising.
See all our AmaWaterways river cruises here, or talk to a Tour + Cruise Specialist to book your next journey!
