Product Manager, Hannah Steward, looks at how AmaWaterways are continuing to offer guests ways to stay active whilst on board. Her recent time aboard AmaKristina showcased new and previously established facilities.

As a returning guest on an AmaWaterways river cruise, you remember fondly your last experience on board; the exceptional service, the exquisite food and the varied programme of shore excursions that offer choice to explore fascinating towns and cities. Stepping foot on board, you instantly feel welcomed and at home with the smiling staff lined up on the staircase, waiting to take you and your luggage to your stateroom so that you can unpack just the once and settle into familiar ship life.

AmaKristina joined the AmaWaterways fleet in 2017. With a fresh design and enriching colours that flow throughout the ship, she is completely recognisable as one of AmaWaterways’ iconic ships which certainly stands out amongst the crowd. Select staterooms can become adjoining by request, which is great for multi-generational families travelling together and wishing to create that sense of space. Some staterooms also offer triple occupancy to accommodate the needs of families.

Suites feature larger sitting areas and the bathrooms, complete with bathtub and separate shower, are incredibly spacious. The latest technology provided within the staterooms is easy to navigate and has more choice. The Suites have touchscreen technology, allowing you to control your comfort with the touch of a button.

Active and Healthy Stay

So what is new? It is certainly the little details that you recognise as a past passenger on board. You notice subtle changes, like the speciality coffee station now providing takeaway cups - ideal if you want to take a morning cup of coffee with you as you disembark the ship and join an excursion. Also, all Quietvox headsets have been replaced in the staterooms and across the entire fleet, making them slender and easier to use.

Living well on the river is a continued focus for award-winning AmaWaterways as they were the first river cruise line to carry a fleet of complimentary bicycles on board. They have since developed such an extensive shore excursion programme that allows you to explore each port of call however you wish, whether that is on two wheels or two feet. This year, AmaWaterways has introduced wellness programmes on select European rivers and, by 2019, the wellness programmes will extend across all of the rivers in Europe. Each ship will have a wellness host who will offer a variety of exercise classes, including yoga, core strengthening, circuit training, and group discussions with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation techniques.

With the opportunity to focus on mind, body and soul if you wish, this blends nicely into existing features that have long since appeared on an AmaWaterways river cruise. The high-tech fitness room, walking track on the sun deck, heated pool and rejuvenating massages that operate alongside the current programme of guided hiking and biking excursions allow guests to choose from a variety of active choices that beautifully complement the extensive shore excursion programme operated on board their vessels, appealing to different tastes and paces and providing choice in each port of call.

Food on board is plentiful and of the highest standard. AmaWaterways is catering for more dietary requests and in 2019 there will be more gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian options along with a hydration station with infused detox and gemstone water. The menus are now detailed with ‘healthy choice’, ‘local choice’ or ‘contains alcohol’ so that you can make the right choice for you and there is even a ‘gluten-free corner’ so you can be reassured the food/snacks that you are enjoying are suited to your dietary requirements. Finally, throughout the year, AmaWaterways continues the active choice by offering the concierge golf programme for guests who want to tee-off at five leading European courses that host top marque events.

Essentially, it comes down to AmaWaterways providing variety for all guests on board, where there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy and make use of. The ability to be active and healthy is there for those who wish to embrace this lifestyle and, for those who don’t, AmaWaterways has an abundance of onboard and land programmes to suit all tastes – and a river cruise with them will certainly not disappoint.

If you would like to cruise with AmaWaterways, in Europe, Asia or elsewhere, we have a wide range of itineraries available. Call our team on 0800 954 0064 and click here to submit an online enquiry.