AmaWaterways Specialist · Leduc, Alberta
Booking AmaWaterways with a Canadian River Cruise Specialist
I've sailed AmaWaterways three times since 2018, and I'm booked on AmaVerde in March 2027. Everything I tell you about this line, I've lived.
Why I keep coming back
Three sailings in, I still notice the same small thing.
The moment I step on board, my breathing changes. I can exhale deeply and inhale a fresh, more relaxed state. For the next week, or however long my sailing is, I feel like I am home, and the entire ship and staff are ready to take care of me, instead of me caring for everyone else.
My first AmaWaterways sailing was on AmaSerena in November 2018. Since then I've sailed AmaPrima and AmaMagna. When you ask me whether this line is right for you, the answer comes from my own cabin, my own shore days, and the questions I wish someone had answered for me.
Penny
Is it right for you
Is AmaWaterways the right fit for you?
Every river line has a personality. Here's who I find feels most at home with this one.
If you want to stop planning the moment you board
The biggest decision you'll have to make is what to select from the menu.
If you like to move, not only watch
There are many ways to do so, from hikes to bikes and three levels of walking pace. You'll find your groove.
If you're travelling on your own
You might travel solo, but you don't have to be lonely. From like-minded excursions to shared dining, solo travellers are always included.
Where another line might suit you better
If you're looking for the luxury level that is all-inclusive and features butlers.
First-hand, not from a brochure
The AmaWaterways ships I've sailed
Sailed · November 2018
AmaSerena
Passengers line the railings as she sails past a wooded hillside.
Sailed · Spring 2023
AmaPrima
On the Rhine, seen from the bank.
Sailed · July 2025
AmaMagna
On the Danube, seen from the quay at dusk.
Booked · March 2027
AmaVerde
What's included
What's included, and why it matters more than it looks
| On the ship | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Unpack once | Your mind stops packing too. No logistics tax. |
| Docking in the heart of town | Step off the ship and into the story. |
| Culinary excellence | Your needs are taken care of, without worry. |
| Variety of excursion choices | Your experience is uniquely yours, not the same as every other guest's. |
Booking from Western Canada
What changes when you're booking from here
Quoted in Canadian dollars
Always quoted in CDN funds. The quote can be as inclusive as you want. I'll take the time to explain what the standard inclusions are and what we add on that the cruise partners don't automatically include.
Flights from Edmonton and Calgary
Anyone who has lived in Western Canada for more than five minutes knows leaving from YEG or YYC isn't always easy, but my goal is to get you to your European departure port as easily, and with as few flights, as possible.
Insurance timing for Albertans
In this day and age, insurance is of utmost importance, and we recommend that you always make sure you have coverage, as you never know what the future may hold.
Questions I hear most
Your AmaWaterways questions, answered
Is AmaWaterways good for solo travellers?
Yes. AmaWaterways goes out of its way to make solo travellers feel welcomed and included, so no one travelling on their own is an afterthought. The line also often runs solo traveller promotions, so it's worth asking me what's available for your dates.
Which AmaWaterways ship is best for a first river cruise?
If you've never cruised before, the river and the itinerary matter more than the ship, because AmaWaterways ships are fairly similar. If you're coming from ocean cruising, I'd suggest one of the double-wide ships: AmaMagna, sailing now, or her new sister ship AmaRudi, launching on the Danube in spring 2027.
Is AmaWaterways all-inclusive?
Very nearly. Drinks, including alcohol, are included with meals and during the Sip & Sail happy hour, but not around the clock. I can add flights, transfers and almost everything else to your booking, so you leave the ship with very little left to pay.
Does it cost more to book AmaWaterways through a travel advisor?
No. Booking AmaWaterways through a travel advisor doesn't cost you more. AmaWaterways strongly supports travel advisors and wants us involved in most of its bookings, because it values what an advisor adds to making every journey a success.
How far ahead should you book AmaWaterways from Canada?
For most AmaWaterways sailings, book at least 9 to 12 months ahead, depending on the river, the season and the stateroom you want. Douro sailings need 12 to 18 months, because the ships are smaller and there are fewer of them. Last-minute openings do come up too.
When you're ready, I'd love to hear what you're imagining.
Not a sales call. Not a pitch. Just a conversation.
Book a conversation with Penny