My AMA Waterways Rhine River Experience
(410 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
After having been in this industry over 20+ years and hearing many clients return in such awe over their river cruise vacation -- this was put on my "must experience" list. Well, FINALLY in September 2019, we boarded our very first yet certainly not last river cruise with AMA Waterways sailing the Rhine River aboard the AmaKristina!
So, I will start by admitting I tend to experience significant motion sickness and while I'd always been told river cruising is just different from ocean cruising, in the back of your head your concerns are very real with thoughts of -- "Am I going to have issues? Will this be miserable for me? Am I making a huge mistake even attempting?" Well, let me tell you -- I am so incredibly glad I shoved those fears to the side with my South Moon Motion Sickness Patches tucked behind me ear, because if I continued to let that fear rule me, I'd have missed out on one of THE best ways to experience Europe by far!
Our Rhine River journey started by flying into Zurich, Switzerland and taking the train over to the cosmopolitan city of Basel, Switzerland. Being excited to see what Basel had to offer, we stayed the night before our cruise. After an enjoyable stroll through the city ... we found a great local pub to grab a bite to eat and a beer. Keeping the night a relaxing one to get a good night's sleep, to kick-start off our river cruise adventure the next day right!
We boarded the 156-passenger AmaKristina which was built in 2017. Their spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 155-235 sq. ft. or if you'd like a little more room you can indulge in one of their suites at 350 sq. ft. You may want to consider either a balcony or French balcony option to enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Travelling from one end to the other you are taken through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Can hardly beat 6 countries on one river!
The Rhine is sculpted through steep hills some 427 ft. which made perfect locations for Medieval fortresses and castles giving you stunning views of the different castles along the Rhine.
From dining with other travelers from Visiting small towns to big cities on the Rhine. Adding in excursions & adventures, River Cruising is a must!
Excursions:
AMA Waterways offers Active, Moderate & Gentle-Walking pace.
In Breisach, we went on the Riquewihr Walking Tour which I admit, I was hesitant because I'm not always one for walking tours, however this was different with Europe being so rich with history, jaw-dropping architecture, and stories to tell that I realized walking tours in Europe are worth it! I just felt like I was walking into a storybook in the town of Riquewihr!
*Alternatives: Freiburg Excursion, Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour, OR Black Forest Hike
In Strasbourg, we went on "The Gem of the Alsace" Tour. In this historically and culturally rich region of Alsace I just loved the architecture here! A blend of Romanesque, Gothic meets Medieval.
*Alternative: Strasbourg Bike Tour
In Ludwigshafen we chose the "Romantic Heidelberg" Tour -- Having given inspiration to many artists and poets over the centuries we enjoyed walking through the sandstone ruins with striking views over the Neckar Valley and lush forests. They also boast the world’s largest wine barrel with an astounding capacity of 219,000 liters -- the castle of Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most charming and romantic sights.
*Alternatives: "Secrets of Speyer", Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Hike OR Ladenburg Bike Tour.
In Rüdesheim being a coffee-lover, my must was checking out Rüdesheimer coffee & Rüdesheim Gondola & Wine Tasting with all the above being DELICIOUS! Ending this fun day with some Christmas shopping at Käthe Wohlfahrt. If you love Christmas, you're going to love it here!
*Alternatives: "Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum", "Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau", "Vineyard Hike Castles Along the Rhine Scenic Cruising"
In Lahnstein we visited the "Unique Lahneck Castle". This 13th-century castle is so eloquently kept in-tact preserving the history of this medieval fortress that we both thoroughly enjoyed walking through a page of history.
In Cologne we opted for the "Kölsch Beer Tasting" where we were able to try several different local beers. The highlight was visiting Cologne's masterpiece UNESCO-designated cathedral. This High Gothic basilica even survived WWII.
*Alternatives: "Holy City" Walking Tour & Cathedral Visit OR Cologne Bike Tour.
In Amsterdam knowing we'd have 3 extra nights to conduct our own walking tour -- it was a "When in Rome" moment and decided on the "Amsterdam Canal Cruise" -- let me just tell you, the way they maneuver down the narrow canals with such ease & grace is impressive!
*Alternative: "Jordaan District Walking Tour
From Top-Notch Service, Excursions, delectable Food & Drinks, Day & Evening Entertainment, comfortable staterooms, & Bars - Are you ready to sail on Germany's most romantic river, the Rhine?