Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
‘Ama’ is the heart of the word ‘love’ in many languages – think Amor in Spanish, Amore in Italian, Amour in French - Ama Waterways want their guests to love every minute they spend on their luxury river cruises, whether that’s time spent onboard their sophisticated and contemporary ships, or time spent ashore, exploring each destination through their programme of immersive excursions. This innovative brand was the first to offer twin-balcony staterooms, the first to include a specialty restaurant onboard a river cruise ship, and the first to carry a fleet of bicycles for onshore exploration, so guests can rest assured that when they step onboard an Ama ship, they are in the hands of industry-leading experts.
Katie from our Heathfield branch, and Madeleine from Felixstowe enjoyed a 7-night cruise onboard Ama Waterways’ Ama Mora along the enchanting river Rhine recently. This stunning waterway weaves through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 majestic castles line the riverbanks, and magnificent historic cities are interspersed with charming rural villages.
There aren’t many week-long trips where you can enjoy seven different destinations spanning 4 countries without some serious legwork, but Katie & Madeleine’s Rhine cruise delivered them just that - all whilst relaxing with gourmet dining and indulgent service as they travelled from one location to the next, only having to unpack once! These are the joys of a river cruise!
Departing from Basel in Switzerland, their ship called at Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Lahnstein and Cologne before finally arriving in Amsterdam. Ama includes a curated collection of excursions in each destination, all included in the cruise fare. There is always a city tour, designed to showcase the highlights and landmarks, led by an English-speaking local guide who brings the region’s history and culture to life. In addition, culinary or special interest tours are offered, or more active options such as guided hikes and biking tours, as well as the option to borrow those innovative onboard bikes for independent exploration. Katie confirms, “There were 2-3 excursions offered at each port of call, for example on our itinerary guests could enjoy a Basel city tour; Lake Lucerne excursion; Three Countries bike tour; Gems of Alsace tour; Strasbourg bike tour; Romantic Heidelberg tour; Secrets of Speyer tour; Philosophers Path hike; Ladenburg bike tour; Rudesheimer coffee tour; Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet trip; Vineyard hike; guided tour of the Rheingau; Lahneck Castle visit; Cologne Cathedral, walking or bike tours and an Amsterdam canal cruise or Jordaan walking tour!
Katie particularly enjoyed the Rudesheimer coffee trip, “They arranged for what I can only explain as a toy train to transport us all from the boat into the town, which was fun!” she explains. “We went to a beautiful German café down a cobbled street all lit up with fairy lights and real Christmas trees, it was so pretty, and we all were treated to this amazing coffee which is made with hot brandy.”
“Walking through the fairy-lit streets and hearing the sound of the church bells ringing in the background was a truly magical experience,” confirms Madeleine, “Before travelling I downloaded the app and this enabled me to plan the whole week - we did walking tours, coach tours and tours where we were invited to sample some local delicacies.”
If the action-packed itinerary sounds a little vigorous, never fear, once you step back onboard the atmosphere is a real home from home…. and surrounded by luxury! Katie and Madeleine were onboard Ama Mora, accommodating just 78 rooms and a maximum of 156 passengers. “I thought the ship had the wow factor,” says Madeleine, “Very spacious, airy and beautifully decorated throughout.” The cabins are equipped with everything you need for a relaxing holiday with wi-fi, in-room entertainment, robes, slippers, and toiletries provided. “On the first night, whilst we were at dinner, our cabin was made up and a gift of a leather luggage label was left on our beds, with a scarf for the ladies and a hat for the gentlemen - a nice little touch to make it feel extra special,” says Katie, “The cruise manager took us to see the other grades of cabins available, and I would definitely recommend a cabin with a balcony.” If you can treat yourself to a Suite, Ama offers both a French and standard balcony and the beds are water-facing for extra-special views from the comfort of your own room.
Leisure facilities onboard include a pool with swim-up bar, fitness room, massage room and hair salon. Should you wish to unwind after a hard day’s exploration Katie advises, “I’d suggest sitting in the lounge, where a gentleman plays the piano, or up on the top deck (with a blanket if it’s cold) so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.” In the evenings Ama offers entertainment which varies from the resident musician or guest performers who board and share the music and culture of the regions you are passing through.
In Europe, Ama Waterways are members of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs society, as well as Tables et Auberges de France, and ensure that they serve exquisite regionally inspired cuisine, prepared with the freshest local ingredients and complemented by a curated wine collection. “The food onboard was amazing,” confirms Katie, “The choices were brilliant, but my favourite was The Chef’s Table seven course taster dinner as the food was unbelievable and the kitchen is open, so you can see him preparing the food. One course was an amazing coconut and lemongrass soup, and it was so delicious we all asked for the recipe! At the end the chef came out and he received a huge round of applause.”
“It would be difficult to spend any money onboard as it is very inclusive,” advises Madeleine, “Drinks are included with meals, every night before dinner you can join in Sip and Sail from 6 - 7.30pm, and the wine is free-flowing during dinner. There is afternoon tea available, and an all-day tapas menu, so you will never go hungry! “The waiters were so knowledgeable, giving you a 2-5 minute description of the food and wines being served! It was outstanding service!” advises Katie.
The Ama experience is as seamless as it is inclusive, “We were collected by a chauffeur who was waiting for us after we cleared customs at Basel Airport,” advises Katie, “The vehicle was a Mercedes people carrier, which was very comfortable, the chauffeur was very friendly, and it was a quick journey to the port, less than 20 minutes.”
“I would say that this trip is suited to fairly active couples or friends who enjoy city breaks, the great outdoors and luxurious surroundings. It’s a lovely trip for solo travellers too, as everyone is very friendly.” says Madeleine, “I was surprised by how active it was during the day, but at the same time relaxing and informal in the evenings - it was a perfect mix. Everyone should try at least one river cruise, it’s a 5 star experience with an itinerary to suit everyone.”
Katie sums up her experience, “Fantastic service onboard such an elegant boat, where nothing is too much trouble for any member of staff, making every guest feel special. We enjoyed out of this world food and wine – I cannot wait to go onboard again!”
If you would like to plan a river cruise, please contact your local shop. You can find Katie at Heathfield and Madeleine at Felixstowe.
