Last month, Mr. FamTrav and I had the opportunity to sail on AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto. The sailing was a 7-night Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle itinerary from Amsterdam to Wasserbillig (Luxemburg). This was an absolutely stellar experience and I’m so excited to finally share the details with you!
AmaWaterways stands out as a premier European river cruise line thanks to its blend of luxury, innovation, and personalized service. Known for its spacious, elegantly designed ships, the company offers an intimate cruising experience with fewer passengers (about 150 guests) and more attentive staff. Guests enjoy dining featuring locally inspired cuisine, immersive shore excursions that highlight authentic cultural experiences (more on that in a separate post), and wellness programs that cater to modern travelers. With itineraries spanning Europe’s most iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, AmaWaterways combines scenic beauty with comfort, making every journey unforgettable.
Once we stepped aboard the AmaCerto, we were instantly at ease. From spacious staterooms with plush bedding, cozy robes, and slippers to the friendly ambiance of the Main Lounge – complete with a baby grand piano – every detail is designed with the guest in mind.
But don’t think for a second that this is a stuffy experience! Just ask my friends Carson and Natalie stylishly sporting their robes on the upper deck. 😉 As is Mr. FamTrav, ha!
For this sailing, I selected a Twin Balcony Cabin. It features both a French balcony, and full outside balcony. It was a lovely, spacious retreat for the week.
Here’s a video walkthrough:
Ever wonder why I always recommend balcony cabins? It’s not just about the extra space, natural light, or those sweeping panoramic views, though those are fantastic. I’ve recently added another compelling reason: experiencing the magic of passing through river locks. It’s a front-row seat to one of cruising’s most thrilling moments.
Maneuvering through the locks exemplified extreme precision and skill! At certain points the ship was mere inches from the wall.
Imagine waking up to this view everyday!
Here’s another fun fact for you. Based on the water level and the height of the bridge, the ship may have to temporarily evacuate the upper deck and lower all fixtures in order the pass underneath safely.
Friends Rob and Christen and Mr. FamTrav and I were invited to dine at the Captain’s Table with Captain Moreau one evening. This proved to be a delightful dinner, which led to an invite to tour the wheelhouse the next day. I wasn’t sure if photos were allowed in the wheelhouse, so didn’t take any. But we scored one after dinner.
It was fascinating to learn a little about the differences in piloting a river cruise ship vs. an ocean cruise ship, new Ama ships that will debut over the next few years, and Captain Moreau’s implementation of third captain onboard and what that means for the industry. I’m not going to spoil it. You’ll just have to sail with him to learn how.
From start to finish, the experience was exceptional! So much so that I want you to experience it for yourself. On November 4, 2025, at 6:30 pm/CT, I’m hosting an AmaWaterways Virtual Cruise Night. As a thank you for attending, for any bookings made within three weeks of the event, I will cover your gratuities. That’s a €400 value for a party of two! Stay tuned for more information.
My New Favorite Way to See Europe? Cruising with AmaWaterways / Beyond the Riverbanks: Immersive Cultural Excursions with AmaCerto
As a full-service travel agent, I would love to be of assistance to you. I am passionate about what I do and pour that energy into crafting perfectly planned itineraries for you. Email ebony@familytraveladventuresllc.com to learn more.
Family Travel Adventures LLC 