River Cruises have been one of the most popular ways to explore Europe in the last few years. While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through the heart of the country, allowing you insight into real life, traditions, local culture and enable you to see, smell and taste all the destination has to offer.
As most cruisers know, it’s the ports of call that bring an itinerary to life. AmaWaterways is a great example to look at. Most of our Arizona cruisers are very familiar with them, and many are on their fifth or sixth sailing with the line. Are you curious to know what keeps travelers coming back cruise after cruise?
First off, the crew! With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:3 or less, no wonder guests feel pampered and well taken care of. The intimate setting of a river cruise ship allows guests to feel at home naturally. There is a sense of community on board and you become part of the family during your time on the ship. It’s an excellent way for solo travelers to make new friends and meet like-minded travelers. The crew stays loyal to AmaWaterways; many have been with the line for 10+ years, providing some of the highest service levels on board the ships.
The ease of travel certainly helps. Imagine spending a week on board a floating hotel. Being able to explore multiple countries, cities and villages over the course of a week, without packing and unpacking… A delightful way to discover Europe! And best of all, every cabin comes with a view!
The diversity of the destinations is, of course, an attraction in itself. You can sail the Rhine in the spring, summer, fall and winter and each time the landscape has changed, there are other local festivities in place and excursions change with the season. While you might want to visit the Tulip Gardens in Amsterdam in the spring, you will see the Christmas markets along the Rhine in the winter, or enjoy Octoberfest festivities during fall foliage sailings, or taste your way through Europe’s famous beer gartens in the summer.
A wide array of excursions can be most intriguing. Choose from biking, hiking, kayaking, culinary-themed tours, walking tours, concerts, farm visits, wine tastings, lectures and more… There’s something offered for everyone. And most options are offered at various speeds to accommodate your fast, moderate and slow walkers.
Specialty Cruises like wine and golf-themed voyages, wellness or Christmas market voyages are another amazing way to repeat a destination with a new focus; opening an entirely new viewpoint and appreciation of the destination to its visitors. AmaWaterways just debuted its new Cruise and Golf Program – a fun way to get an insiders access of Europe.
And, of course, there are new ships that bring the latest innovations to the river vessels. A stellar example is AmaWaterways ship, the AmaMagna. She eas purposely built at twice the width of traditional European river ships and offers more personal space, more unique dining venues and more leisure opportunities. Most accommodations are spacious suites measuring 355 to 710 square feet with full balconies. In addition to the main restaurant and The Chef’s Table, AmaMagna introduces two enticing new dining venues: Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant named for the late co-owner of AmaWaterways, Jimmy Murphy, and the Al Fresco Restaurant, with retractable windows and outdoor seating. Both a sun-deck pool and whirlpool invite guests to refresh and enjoy the views. AmaMagna’s Zen Wellness Studio is an expansive space with a fitness center and two massage rooms, and her innovative Water Sports Platform opens to reveal a Sundowner boat upon which intimate river excursions will take place.
AmaWaterways’ current specials include complimentary roundtrip economy air from most major U.S. airports. That is a huge savings! Should you have miles for your flights, you can take the money savings option off the cruise fare instead. Past guests can enjoy tiered benefits like discounts, welcome amenities and cabin upgrades.
As one of AmaWaterways’ preferred partners, we are excited to offer our guests exclusive shipboard credits on every AmaWaterways sailing throughout the end of 2020.
To learn more about AmaWaterways and the programs they offer on board, join us at our 6th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo on Oct. 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff. Meet with Brandon from AmaWaterways, and many other cruise lines, tour operators and hoteliers face to face between 5 and 8 p.m. Our Avenues of the World travel advisors will be on site to answer any questions, schedule appointments and assist with live bookings on site. Don’t miss your chance to secure amazing booking specials and enter our door raffle for vacation giveaways and much more! QCBN
By Daniela Harrison
Daniela Harrison is a travel advisor and director of marketing at Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff. For questions, please reach out via 928-556-0853 or Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com.
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