What’s it Like to Cruise with AmaWaterways: My First River Cruise Experience
As a travel advisor, I spend most of my time planning custom trips for others—but I also make it a point to get firsthand experience wherever I can. And until recently, I had never been on a river cruise. I’d booked them for clients, I’d read the brochures, I’d fielded all the questions… but I hadn’t actually stepped aboard one myself.
That changed this spring when I cruised aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaStella on the Tulip Time itinerary, which sails through the Netherlands and Belgium during the heart of Europe’s spring bloom. Spoiler: I loved it.
Not only did I come away with a deeper understanding of the river cruise experience, but I now feel confident recommending it to a much broader range of clients—especially those who value culture, scenery, and a slower, immersive pace of travel.
Why I Chose Tulip Time with AmaWaterways
Timing and itinerary were everything. I wanted to experience Europe in spring, and the Tulip Time sailing lined up perfectly with the region’s tulip season. Picture blooming gardens, green countryside, quiet canals, and charming cities.
I chose AmaWaterways because of their strong reputation for service and hospitality. Their ships are modern but not flashy, and their itineraries strike a great balance between activity and relaxation. Plus, I wanted to experience the level of care I often describe to clients—and now I can speak to it firsthand.
AmaStella
Life Onboard the AmaStella
The AmaStella struck the perfect balance—modern and elegant without being overdone. With fewer than 160 guests on board, it felt intimate but never cramped. From the moment I boarded, the crew made me feel completely welcome. By the end of day one, they already knew my name and drink order—something I know my clients would absolutely appreciate.
I stayed in a double balcony stateroom, which featured both a French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a railing) and a full, step-out balcony with chairs. It was the best of both worlds—I could enjoy fresh air and unobstructed views from the comfort of my room, and we often sat outside watching the scenery drift by.
The room itself was incredibly well thought out. There was plenty of storage, comfortable bedding, and all the little amenities that make a space feel like home for the week. Everything from the lighting to the layout felt intentional, and it made settling in effortless.
Dining onboard was a highlight every single day. Meals were fresh, beautifully prepared, and featured regional specialties that changed with the destination. Wine and beer were included with lunch and dinner, and there was always something new to try. One evening, I also had the chance to dine at the Chef’s Table, a specialty restaurant offering a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings—such a fun and memorable experience.
And on our second to final night, I was honored to be invited to the Captain’s Table for our farewell dinner—a chance to share a meal with the Captain and Cruise Manager, reflect on the week, and enjoy a few last bites of incredible food. It was such a special way to end the trip.
Exploring Amsterdam. Photo by Joanna for Flytographer
Excursions and Ports That Left a Lasting Impression
One of the best parts of this cruise was waking up somewhere new each day without having to pack and unpack. Every stop came with included excursions, and AmaWaterways does a great job offering something for everyone—walking tours, bike rides, cultural experiences, or free time to explore.
A few standout moments for me:
Bruges – I opted for the full-day excursion, and it was absolutely worth it. From the moment we stepped into town, it felt like a storybook come to life. The canals, cobblestone streets, and perfectly preserved buildings made every turn photo-worthy. We arrived early enough to enjoy the quiet before the day-trippers poured in and spent the day wandering, sampling local chocolates, and soaking up the charm.
Antwerp – Our walking food tour in Antwerp was a standout. We sampled Belgian beer, waffles, and—of course—chocolate. It was a fun, casual way to dive into the city’s culinary scene while learning about its history and architecture. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to explore with their taste buds.
Rotterdam – Rotterdam has a totally different vibe than the other stops—sleek, modern, and architecturally bold. We spent time at the indoor Markthal, which is not only beautiful to look at but also packed with delicious local bites. Sampling Dutch fries and cheeses while wandering the stalls was the perfect afternoon activity. It was also a great spot for picking up small, edible souvenirs.
Kinderdijk – This was one of the final excursions of the cruise and a really memorable one. The weather was unseasonably warm for spring, and we enjoyed a scenic walk along the canals and through the UNESCO-listed windmill village. Hearing how the Dutch have mastered water management over centuries was fascinating—and seeing the windmills up close was even better than I expected.
Every excursion added something different to the overall experience. I loved that I could dive deeper into a place through food, history, or even architecture—without ever feeling rushed. AmaWaterways gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace, and I left each port with a genuine connection to the places we visited.
What Surprised Me About River Cruising
Going into this, I had a mix of curiosity and hesitation. I wasn’t sure how I’d adjust to the structure of a cruise, especially since I typically travel in a more independent, go-at-your-own-pace kind of way. And truthfully, there were moments—especially around scheduled bus departures or tighter port calls—when I felt a little more rushed than I’m used to. But overall, the experience still felt intentional and well-organized.
What really surprised me was how easy it was to settle into the rhythm of river cruising. The smaller ship size and relaxed onboard environment created a sense of calm, even with a full itinerary. The AmaStella never felt crowded, and the staff were incredibly intuitive and welcoming. I was also pleasantly surprised by the variety of guests on board. While river cruises do tend to attract a more mature crowd, there were also couples in their 30s and 40s, a few solo travelers, and a good mix of people who, like me, were curious first-timers.
And perhaps the biggest surprise? How much I genuinely enjoyed it. I didn’t expect to connect so quickly with the crew and other guests, or to feel so at home on a ship. It wasn’t just a comfortable way to travel—it was actually refreshing to let someone else handle the logistics for a change.
Who This Kind of Travel Is Perfect For
If you love the idea of slow travel, crave cultural experiences but don’t want to juggle logistics, or simply want to see Europe in comfort without the crowds, river cruising should absolutely be on your radar.
I’d especially recommend it for:
Couples looking for a romantic but easy getaway
Solo travelers who enjoy structure and connection without a large group tour
Food and wine lovers who want to enjoy local cuisine without compromising on comfort
First-time travelers to Europe who want to see a little bit of everything
Repeat travelers who want to explore lesser-known cities in a more relaxed way
I Get the Hype Now
I didn’t expect to love river cruising as much as I did—but now I can honestly say, I get it. The AmaStella delivered across the board: from the thoughtful design and welcoming staff to the stunning ports and immersive experiences.
If you’ve been curious about trying a river cruise—whether it’s your first time to Europe or your tenth—this is a truly special way to travel. And if you’re unsure which cruise or itinerary is right for you, that’s where I come in.
I can help you choose the right itinerary, ship, and cabin—based on your interests, pace, and preferences—so that your river cruise isn’t just a vacation, but one of the most memorable experiences you’ve ever had.
Let’s start planning your river cruise together. I’ve now been there, loved it, and would be thrilled to help you do the same.
