15 Years of Ama-zing Memories AmaWaterways’ Co-Owner Kristin Karst reflects on this anniversary milestone

When Rudi Schreiner and I started our company 15 years ago, we wanted to create a river cruise company that we ourselves would want to travel with. Our roles were clearly defined… Rudi would design and build the ships, I would fill them and Jimmy Murphy would provide both of us the guidance and wisdom we would need to turn this dream into a reality.

kristin 15 years have flown by since July 1, 2002 when Rudi, Jimmy and I sat together in a one room office and officially started up Amadeus Waterways.

I believe there were four things that brought us to where we are today and will continue to guide us in the future. These four pillars – or, as I call them, my “four P’s” – are Passion, Partnerships, Positive Thinking and Personal Interaction.

It’s impossible to thank everyone who has contributed their ideas, hard work and positive thinking to the company over the years, but I would like to give a special thank you to our travel agent partners who continue to believe in our vision and place their trust in AmaWaterways to deliver unforgettable river cruises to their clients. This could not be achieved without our exceptional staff, Cruise Managers and crew who all radiate a “can do” spirit and passion for life that we lovingly have nicknamed the "FLEPS" Factor –Family, Love, Enthusiasm, Passion and Sparkle.

Lastly (and certainly not least!) an enormous thank you goes out to all our guests who’ve become part of the AmaWaterways family and have so willingly and joyfully shared their Ama-zing cruise memories through letters, feedback cards, word of mouth and on social media.

15TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

July 14 – 31, 2017

We’d like to thank everyone who sent in beautiful pictures of your memorable AmaWaterways cruise experience. The lucky winner of our 7-night Christmas Markets on the Rhine river cruise is Dan K. from Indiana, USA:

"My wife and I took our very first river cruise last year on AmaWaterways on the Danube - and now we're hooked! The ship, crew and scenery were all amazing but equally amazing were the wonderful excursions. This photo was taken on one of those excursions at Traunkirchen, Austria, a quaint and picturesque village."

Follow our social media profiles for more featured guest photos and sign-up for our newsletter to hear about future contest opportunities and exciting offers.

Dan_K

Overview Christmas Markets on the Rhine

CRUISE YEAR
2017
7-NIGHT CRUISE
CRUISE FROM : Basel to Amsterdam
Take an enchanting 7-night Rhine River cruise that takes you through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region. You will also visit Heidelberg and Cologne, famous for its majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Conclude your winter adventure in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday surroundings.
COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS: Rhine

Christmas Markets on the Rhine At A Glance

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine Included Features

CRUISE YEAR
2017
7-NIGHT CRUISE
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Limited Edition Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Christmas Markets on the Rhine Detailed Itinerary

CRUISE YEAR
2017
7-NIGHT CRUISE
Day 1
ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2
AMSTERDAM
The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour. Begin with a scenic canal cruise and see the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Next, you’ll walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and have some free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour on which you’ll see the Royal Palace, Westerkerk and stop for photos at a Dutch windmill before returning to the ship. This afternoon depart for Germany. (B,L,D)

Amsterdam
Day 3
COLOGNE, GERMANY
The ship arrives in Cologne around lunchtime. You will have a guided tour of the city, strolling through the Old Town and Cathedral Square, and visiting the fabled Gothic cathedral. This evening, you will experience the elaborate Christmas Market in Cathedral Square, one of Europe’s largest and most renowned. The ship cruises overnight. (B,L,D)

Cologne
Day 4
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM
This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon you will arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim where you will have the option to take one of three excursions: wine tasting with a local vintner, a gondola ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions. Later you’ll have free time to shop at the town’s Christmas Market and explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. This evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to a remarkable collection of old robotic and self-playing musical instruments, or join us for some Rüdesheimer Coffee. The ship sails overnight. (B,L,D)

Rüdesheim
Day 5
MANNHEIM – HEIDELBERG
Arrive in Mannheim, where you have a choice between three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half-day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. You can also opt to visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace, intended to be the second largest Baroque palace complex in Europe. It was designed to highlight the important role of the Palatine Prince Electors in the Holy Roman Empire. As a third option you can enjoy a tour of Speyer one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate). You will have time later to visit the local Christmas Markets. This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

Mannheim
Day 6
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Capital city of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy one of three excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour that will take you past the Orangery, the European Parliament and the Place de Republique. Afterwards, explore on foot with a walking tour of the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, and have a chance to visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas Market – said to be the oldest and best in all of France. Your other options are a bike tour to the Old Town, or a hike that starts at the Orangery and makes its way to the cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. The ship moors in Strasbourg overnight. (B,L,D)

Strasbourg
Day 7
BREISACH, GERMANY
You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town renowned for its historic architecture and for its Riesling wines, followed by time at the town’s Christmas Market. A second option is a walking tour of the beautiful towns of Breisach and Freiburg, where you will visit the historical city center and Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. You will also visit Christmas Markets here. Your third option is guided bike tour of Breisach that takes you through the Rheinau woods. Tonight, the ship cruises towards Switzerland. (B,L,D)

Breisach
Day 8
BASEL – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your cruise in Basel. (B)

Day 1
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION
Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY
You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a visit to Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the Middle Ages. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town to explore; Freiburg has an interesting historical city center and you will also see Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Rejoin the ship in Breisach, where we moor overnight. (B,L,D)

Breisach
Day 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
This morning, the ship cruises to the capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg, a picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Here you may choose to take a walking tour along the town’s narrow cobbled streets to see the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to shop or perhaps visit the famous Christmas Market in Strasbourg. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. (B,L,D)

Strasbourg
Day 4
SPEYER - HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
Early this afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Cathedral, churches, and the Altpörtel – a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a tour of Medieval Speyer or a half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle and its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and see beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. You will have free time to wander what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the “Haupstrasse,” or simply relax in a café. The ship moors overnight in Speyer. (B,L,D)

Speyer
Day 5
RÜDESHEIM - RHINE CASTLES - KOBLENZ
This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Museum and its collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments, made during the 18th- 20th centuries.. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants, before heading to a wine tasting with a local vintner. You will also visit the town’s massive Christmas Market, with more than 120 stands of German delicacies and unique gifts guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. This afternoon your ship departs for Koblenz, passing through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river with numerous vineyards, castles, and picturesque hamlets. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will lead you on a walking tour through this charming town. We overnight in Koblenz. (B,L,D)

Rüdesheim
Day 6
COLOGNE
This morning, the ship cruises to Cologne, where we will spend the entire day. You will have a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit Cologne’s fabled Gothic cathedral. During your free time, you may return to the cathedral square to browse through Cologne’s impressive Christmas Market or explore other areas of the city on your own. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Cologne
Day 7
AMSTERDAM
Arrive mid-day and take a guided canal boat tour past the city’s beautiful bridges, churches and centuries-old merchant houses. Later, enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Amsterdam. You will also have some free time to explore on your own. The ship moors in Amsterdam overnight. (B,L,D)

Amsterdam
Day 8
DISEMBARKATION - DEPART AMSTERDAM
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Christmas Markets on the Rhine Ship

This 164-passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced design offering spacious staterooms featuring our exclusive twin balconies, multiple dining venues, heated pool, Internet/WiFi access and more.Learn more

Christmas Markets on the Rhine Gallery

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