If you've been following us for the past couple of weeks, you've likely caught wind of our exciting team trip to Amsterdam. While there, a select few team members, myself included, had the privilege of boarding an AmaWaterways ship for a luxury cruise symposium.
The experience, both on and off the boat, was nothing short of spectacular. Upon our return to Amsterdam, our luxury cruise specialist, Morgan, decided to extend her stay for a few extra days to partake in the ASTA River Cruise Conference. Her time there was extremely worthwhile, as she had the opportunity to board 12 river cruise ships and immerse herself in the firsthand experience of their amenities.

Now, I'm thrilled to pass the mic over to Morgan for this week's trip report.

Top 5 - Awaiting You On Board Your River Cruise

1. Unmatched Elegance

As I returned to Amsterdam after disembarking from the AmaWaterways ship, my anticipation soared for the other boats awaiting me at ASTA, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The sheer elegance emanating from the foyers of these ships instantly transported me to a world of luxury. Though my time on board was brief, I made it my mission to soak in as much as possible within that short window. From the meticulously designed staterooms to the lavish amenities and exquisite decor, each aspect exuded opulence.

As I explored the various staterooms, one caught my eye: aboard the Riverside DeBussy. Not only was this boat brand new, but it was also christened right before our eyes during ASTA. What truly captivated me was the thoughtful layout of the staterooms. With the bed positioned to face the balcony, the luxurious mattress, coupled with the elegant design of the room, spoke volumes about the meticulous attention to detail (both above and below). Even the lower-level categories boasted an elevated level of luxury that left me in awe.

2. World-Class Service

During our time aboard the AmaWaterways ship, I was truly blown away by the exceptional attention to detail exhibited by the crew members. As someone with dietary restrictions, along with a couple of other team members, I was initially concerned about meal accommodations. However, from the moment we stepped into the dining area, it was evident that the staff was committed to exceeding our expectations. The maître d', Alina, personally attended to our needs, going as far as to provide us with menus for upcoming meals to ensure our dietary requests were seamlessly integrated.

But it wasn't just in the restaurant where the crew shined; our cruise manager, Raul (& crew shown below), was an absolute marvel. It seemed as though he was everywhere at once, effortlessly managing the various aspects of our trip. Whether we encountered him during an excursion or onboard the ship, Raul's warm presence and unwavering dedication to ensuring our comfort made all the difference. He truly created an inviting atmosphere that extended both on and off the boat.

3. Immersive Experiences (Bruges Below)

During my visit to the Emerald Cruises ship, I gained insight into both the Emerald and Scenic brands, which prioritize immersive experiences. They emphasized unique features such as city stays, knowledgeable excursion experts, and meals coordinated with the destinations. This attention to detail ensures that every guest is fully immersed in the culture of the areas they're visiting. These small touches truly stood out, demonstrating a commitment to going the extra step to make guests feel like genuine participants in the local culture throughout the entire sailing experience.

4. Relaxation and Rejuvenation (above & below)

While aboard the UniWorld Victoria, I was drawn in by the soothing tones of blue that adorned the ship, instantly evoking a sense of tranquility. Upon further exploration, I discovered delightful amenities such as the indoor heated pool, the Serenity spa, and the generously spaced deck chairs, along with the convenient rooftop deck bar.

During UniWorld's presentation, they excitedly described offerings like sunrise yoga sessions on the top deck, a comprehensive wellness center, and a "traveling lite" menu. Their enthusiasm definitely convinced me that this would be a place where I'd love to spend my time when I need a good relaxing day.

5. Culinary Delights (above & below)

I had the pleasure of experiencing several meals on a variety of ships, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. One highlight was dining at the Chef's Table aboard the AmaMora—an unforgettable experience. But the culinary delights didn't stop there. From the AmaSerena, Avalon Passion and the Emerald Dawn, each meal exceeded my expectations. Despite my dietary restrictions, which can often limit my dining options, I found every dish to be not only delicious but also perfectly accommodating. It's rare for me to enjoy every meal on a trip, but on these river cruises, I was left craving more with each bite.

 Would you like to embark on your own river cruise journey? We'd be happy to plan a seamless and stress-free vacation tailored just for you. Click the button below to get started planning.

I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.