AmaWaterways wine cruises add a unique epicurean dimension to a variety of itineraries at no additional cost. Join one of these wine cruises with a special wine host and be treated to a menu of exclusive wine and culinary experiences designed to delve deeper into the wonderful flavors and tastes of Europe.
European cities transform into majestic winter wonderlands for the holiday season – and we invite you to experience all their splendor with us. In addition to our variety of daily excursions, you will also have the opportunity to visit festive Christmas Markets in select destinations and participate in nostalgic traditions.
Maximize your Christmas experience by embarking at the height of the holiday market season with daily or near-daily visits to Christmas Markets.
Get "just a taste" of the holidays in mid-November or late December with visits to one or two Christmas Markets during your river cruise.
We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to “explore, touch and change” as part of their journey into Floriade – which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhône with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024.
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through four countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
Join Chef Joanne Weir, award-winning cookbook author, restaurant owner and host of PBS television series “Plates & Places” as she hosts a special 7-night Flavors of Burgundy river cruise.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Danube with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2025
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through five countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Douro with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights.
Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent.
AmaWaterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Magna on the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna.
Hello! "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!"
Located in northeastern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay, meaning “descending dragon” in Vietnamese Nom characters, is a breath-taking landscape within the Gulf of Tonkin. Beautiful karst (formations of limestone) pillars rise out of the emerald water, and along the edge of the bay lie mysterious caves, formed by the gentle waves as the tide rises and falls.
Commonly referred to as one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Ha Long Bay is truly an awe-inspiring sight to behold. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an incredible embodiment of the country’s natural beauty and has exciting mythology surrounding it as well.
Legend of the Descending Dragons
According to legends, Vietnamese people are said to have descended from dragons. However, that’s not where the bay got its name.
As the stories go, when the country of Vietnam was newly formed, invaders attempted to enter the country by way of the sea. Not wanting his people to fall defending their country, the Jade Emperor pleaded with the gods for help. In response, they sent the Mother Dragon and her children to aid the Vietnamese people in their plight.
These dragons drove back the invaders, saving Vietnam and its people. As the enemy was defeated, emeralds that were immense in both size and beauty appeared, scattered across the bay as a means of defense against future invaders. As time passed, these emeralds became the gorgeous islands that you can visit today.
Exploring This Hidden Gem With AmaWaterways
As a part of AmaWaterways 2-night pre-or post-cruise land package in Hanoi, you will visit this beautiful bay and view some of these “emeralds” for yourself. Spend one night on board the Paradise Elegance, a ship made with all the modern- day conveniences, and explore the bay in style. During the day, you can also experience the tranquility of this natural wonder as you meditate on the sun deck, surrounded by the jade water of the bay and the karst formations that rise from its depths.
Explore Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise Cave), one of the largest caves along Ha Long Bay, and take in the impressive stalactites and stalagmites adorning the first chamber, lit by multicolor lights that highlight their structural beauty. Venture into the second chamber of the cave, nicknamed “Serene Castle,” to observe the massive rock formations that locals identify based on animals that share a similar shape.
Another highlight is Tuan Chau Island, the largest of the “emeralds” of Ha Long Bay. Guests can hike through the island’s natural beauty or relax at one of many of the island’s gorgeous beaches. Titop Island is also an amazing place to visit, and the top of the island provides an incredible view of Ha Long Bay.
Venture to “Descending Dragon” Bay by adding this optional land package to your Charms of the Mekong or Riches of the Mekong sailing.