Experience the opulence of a lavish river voyage aboard AmaWaterways
Contributed By: AmaWaterways
Why Embark on a Luxury River Cruise with AmaWaterways?
Imagine sailing down Colombia’s Magdalena River on a misty morning, listening to the tropical birds chirping overhead. Stepping ashore into a French vineyard estate perfectly preserved in the 19th century. Sipping on a mug of hot mulled wine in Vienna’s grand Christmas Markets. These experiences and more are only possible when your clients embark on a luxury river cruise with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™.
Stepping aboard one of AmaWaterways’ award-winning river cruise ships, your clients will unpack once and experience the full breadth of their chosen destination. From exclusive cultural events and historical sites to thrilling outdoor excursions and palate-pleasing dining experiences, an AmaWaterways river cruise immerses guests in the cultural landscape surrounding them. As the saying goes, oceans take you to countries; rivers take you through them.
So, what is included in an AmaWaterways river cruise? Once they embark, guests will settle into their spacious staterooms, where AmaWaterways offers their signature twin balconies — one French balcony and one outdoor balcony. In a river cruise journey filled with picturesque, panoramic views, this is the one vantage point that your clients can take with them. Guests will also enjoy a variety of included amenities on board, from the luxurious Main Restaurant and Main Lounge to the heated pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck. AmaWaterways proudly holds the distinction as the first river cruise line to offer a complimentary Wellness Program on board, with a dedicated fitness professional offering complimentary small-group classes. Afterward, guests can unwind with a complimentary massage before venturing out on their next exciting included excursion.
AmaWaterways’ fine dining experiences are a point of pride across every river cruise journey. The refined dining experiences on board offer both regionally inspired dishes as well as classic Western favorites, all of which are crafted using locally sourced ingredients. This ensures that every aspect of the dish is fresh and reduces the environmental impact of supplying AmaWaterways’ river cruise ships. With multi-course specialty dining experiences at The Chef’s Table and up to four dining venues on a single ship, fine dining is a centerpiece of AmaWaterways’ approach to river cruising.
AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wine River Cruise in 2023
For distinguished guests looking for an elevated cultural experience, look no further than AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wine River Cruises. These select itineraries add a unique epicurean dimension to several of our most popular itineraries at no additional cost. Complemented by the expertise and insight of a dedicated North American or European Wine Host, these itineraries give your clients a taste of Europe’s finest vintages and a firsthand look at the historic vineyards which produce them.
Every Wine Cruise is accompanied by a professional wine expert. As winemakers, wine educators, vineyard proprietors, and sommeliers, these are among the most highly sought-after leaders in the world of wine production. Each Wine Host possesses volumes of knowledge on the history, culture, and tasting standards of wines far and wide, making them the perfect guides for every Wine Cruise itinerary. AmaWaterways Wine Hosts include fourth-generation winemakers, certified sommeliers, and distinguished vinification professionals.
For more information on AmaWaterways’ Wine Hosts, visit https://www.amawaterways.com/explore/wine-hosts/2023
Pairing Wines with Cruises
When it comes to determining which Wine Cruise is the ideal fit for your client, a region’s wine specialty is just as important (perhaps more so!) as the destinations themselves. AmaWaterways’ Wine Cruises sail through regions that are best known for certain varieties of wine, so matching your client’s tastes with the relevant sailing is crucial. With cruises available along nine distinctive European rivers, AmaWaterways’ Wine Cruises span the full breadth of Europe’s viticulture.
Grand French rivers like the Seine, Moselle, Rhône, and Saône fulfill every traveler’s fantasy of the French countryside, rolling hills lined with rows of ripening grapes. Guests will experience the yearly debut of the autumnal wines on the Colors of Provence itinerary, which includes a special Beaujolais excursion. Every year French vintners celebrate the annual harvest on Beaujolais Nouveau Day, and AmaWaterways guests can enjoy a taste of these celebrations on the Colors of Provence (Wine Cruise) itinerary year-round. Itineraries such as Taste of Bordeaux and Essence of Burgundy & Provence offer unique wine excursions related to each wine varietal’s namesake region. Is it really Burgundy wine if you are not drinking it on a vineyard in Burgundy?
Sailing on the Rhine River introduces guests to the majestic Rheingau Valley, an ancient German wine producing region best known for its flowery, semi-sweet Riesling wines. For guests who love these wines and more, AmaWaterways‘ Europe’s Rivers & Castles (Wine Cruise) is the perfect itinerary. Between exploring imposing fortresses and grand cathedrals, guests will taste local vintages in Bernkastel’s historic city center and hike through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim.
If your client is a fan of Port wine, encourage them to visit its namesake and center of production on AmaWaterways’ Flavors of Portugal & Spain and Enticing Douro itineraries. The rambling vineyards and charming farms along the hills of the Douro River Valley are not only timelessly enchanting, but produce the sweet vintages that the region is best known for. Learn more about the production of these wines firsthand when exploring local quintas — Iberian country estates — on several culturally immersive excursions into the country.
The Danube River stands among Europe’s grandest rivers, cutting through several distinctive wine growing regions across central and eastern Europe. On itineraries including the line’s 14-night Grand Danube (Wine Cruise) and 7-night Melodies of the Danube (Wine Cruise), your clients will enjoy historic Austrian castles with glass in hand, sipping on regional wines as they explore landmarks such as Burg Clam and Schloss Gobelsburg. Guests can also venture on board AmaWaterways’ flagship AmaMagna, reimagining river cruising on the Danube, on AmaWaterways’ celebrated Magna on the Danube (Wine Cruise) itinerary. Regardless of which itinerary your clients choose, the complexity of spices found in wines from these regions along the Danube are sure to delight and surprise even the most experienced sommeliers.
Reserving a Celebration of Wine River Cruise with AmaWaterways
With a total of more than 60 unique Celebration of Wine River Cruise departures offered in 2023, there is no shortage of possibilities for expanding your client’s palate with AmaWaterways. Whether they are basking in the warm peninsular sun in Portugal with a glass of Port or touring a rustic French vineyard in Bordeaux, your guests will remember these experiences for years to come.
As an esteemed travel advisor, you are the perfect person to introduce your clients to the palate-expanding Celebration of Wine River Cruises with AmaWaterways. Take advantage of the in-depth marketing tools and travel advisor resources on AmaWaterways’ Travel Advisor Portal by registering today at AmaWaterways.com/agent-home. For those interested in exploring AmaWaterways’ Wine Cruise itineraries, visit AmaWaterways.com/destination/wine-cruises/2023.