Frequently Asked Questions

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AmaWaterways ships are intimate and elegant, typically accommodating 60-196 guests. This smaller size ensures personalized service, a relaxed atmosphere, and the ability to dock in the heart of cities and towns that larger vessels cannot reach.  Learn more about the ships.

Expect elevated amenities including premium & fine dining venues, a heated sun deck pool, fitness center, spa, hair salon, complimentary bicycles, and stylish lounges. AmaWaterways maintains a high crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring attentive, personalized service throughout your journey.

Yes! AmaWaterways cruises are highly inclusive, covering all meals, beverages at meal time (including fine wine and beer with lunch and dinner) and their Sip & Sail Hour, 3-5 daily shore excursions, Wi-Fi, bicycles and helmets for self-guided exploration. See the complete list of inclusions.

AmaWaterways offers multiple excursion options at each port, including guided walking tours, cultural experiences, wine tastings, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hiking, and biking. You can choose from Classic, Active, Discovery, or Late Riser excursions to match your pace and interests.  Learn more about the various excursion opportunities you have with AmaWaterways.

While AmaWaterways doesn't feature large-scale shows like ocean cruises, you'll enjoy culturally immersive entertainment such as local musicians, folkloric performances, expert lectures, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations. The focus is on authentic, destination-inspired experiences.  Learn more about entertainment onboard.

Dining on AmaWaterways is exceptional. The Chef's Table restaurant offers multi-course gourmet dinners, while The Main Restaurant provides regionally inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy al fresco dining on the Sun Deck, and indulge in complimentary wine pairings curated by an onboard Concierge. Learn more about dining options.

AmaWaterways maintains an elegant yet relaxed dress code. Smart-casual attire is standard for dinner—think slacks or nice jeans with a collared shirt or blouse. There's typically one Captain's Gala dinner where guests dress up a bit more, but formal wear is never required.  Guests will also dress up generally for their night at The Chef's Table as well.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, though connectivity may vary depending on the region and whether the ship is docked or sailing.

River cruising offers smooth, calm sailing due to the stillness of rivers and the ship's stabilization systems. Motion sickness is extremely rare on river cruises, making them ideal for travelers who may be sensitive to ocean swells.

The most popular times are spring (April-May) for blooming landscapes and mild weather, and fall (September-October) for harvest season and beautiful foliage. Summer offers long daylight hours and warm weather, while the holiday season (November-December) features enchanting Christmas markets throughout Europe.

Most AmaWaterways cruises range from 7 to 14 nights, with 7-night itineraries being the most popular. Longer voyages and back-to-back cruises are available for those seeking extended journeys through multiple regions.

Absolutely! We highly recommend pre- or post-cruise extensions to fully experience your embarkation and disembarkation cities. Our team at Sea & Sun Travel can arrange hotel accommodations, tours, and experiences to complement your river cruise perfectly.  AmaWaterways offers pre- and post-cruise extensions as well.

Yes! When you book with Sea & Sun Travel, we work with you to select the best stateroom based on your preferences and budget—whether it's a French Balcony, Twin Balcony suite, or an Owner's Suite. We'll also help you choose the optimal location on the ship. Explore stateroom options.

AmaWaterways ships are elegantly designed with contemporary décor, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious staterooms (most with twin balconies), marble bathrooms, luxury linens, and thoughtful amenities. The ships feel like boutique hotels on water—sophisticated yet welcoming.

AmaWaterways cruises spend significant time docked—often overnight—allowing for ample exploration of each destination. You'll typically have a full morning and afternoon excursion option daily, plus free time to explore independently. 

Fully transparency - some destinations you may disembark for a tour and drive down the road a bit to meet the ship at the next port.  Some destinations are limited to 3-5 hours to overnights.  Each itinerary is different and we can assist you with choosing the right balance of destinations and time in each to ensure you have a wonderful trip.

AmaWaterways welcomes guests of all ages, though the experience is designed primarily for adults. Children must be at least 4 years old to sail, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Some holiday and specialty sailings are more family-friendly than others.  

Adventure by Disney has a select number of sailings each summer that is family-friendly with cast members from Disney onboard.

AmaWaterways offers accessible staterooms and strives to accommodate guests with mobility needs. However, river cruising does involve walking tours, cobblestone streets, and occasional stairs.  Those in wheelchairs may have a hard time getting off at some destinations due to ships docking side-by-side.  We recommend discussing your specific needs during your discovery call so we can ensure the best experience. 

Yes! In addition to included excursions, AmaWaterways offers optional tours and experiences. You can also explore independently—the ships dock in city centers, making it easy to venture out on your own. We can also arrange private tours and unique experiences through our preferred partners.

AmaWaterways accommodates most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher requests. Simply let us know your requirements when booking, and we'll coordinate with the ship to ensure your needs are met. 

Please note, for kosher requirements, they cannot prepare the food onboard and will have the food freshly prepared in the required kosher kitchen and brought onboard and plated just like any normal dish when presented at your dining table.  Meals are generally brought onboard two to three times during the trip to ensure freshness.

Your cruise fare includes accommodations, all meals, unlimited beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks, specialty coffee), daily shore excursions, Wi-Fi, bicycles, fitness classes, onboard entertainment, and port charges. See the complete list of inclusions.

Airfare, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, travel insurance, gratuities (on most sailings), spa services, optional excursions, and personal expenses are not included. View our detailed breakdown to help you budget accurately.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all river cruises. Insurance typically costs 10-12.25% of your total trip cost and protects your investment against unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, or travel delays. We can help you select the right policy.

Gratuities are included on some AmaWaterways sailings. For sailings where they're not included, we recommend budgeting approximately €100-125 per person for ship crew, €25 per person for the Cruise Manager, and €5 per couple per day for local guides and drivers.

When you book with Sea & Sun Travel, you receive personalized service, expert guidance, exclusive amenities (like onboard credits), assistance with pre- and post-cruise planning, and 24/7 support during your trip—all at no additional cost to you. We handle every detail so you can simply enjoy your journey. Learn more about our services.

We recommend booking 12-18 months in advance for the best selection of staterooms and itineraries, especially for popular sailings like Christmas markets or tulip season. However, we can often find excellent options with shorter lead times—reach out and we'll explore what's available.

Cancellation policies vary by sailing and how far in advance you cancel. This is another reason travel insurance is so important. We'll walk you through all policies before you book and assist with any changes needed along the way.

We're here to help! River cruising is our passion, and we love sharing our expertise with travelers like you. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned explorer, we'll ensure your AmaWaterways experience exceeds every expectation.

Ready to start planning? 

Schedule your complimentary discovery call, complete our travel inquiry form or contact us at (803) 470-4069 or info@seaandsuntravelagency.com.