Is internet available on board?
High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom “Entertainment-On-Demand.” Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
Can we reserve a table at the restaurant?
Our Main Restaurants have plenty of seating and dinner is a single seating where table reservations are not accepted. Our crew will serve you at your table and will be happy to offer you a similar choice of menu items formerly available at our buffets. Reservations for our specialty tasting menu at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant can be made once you are on board the ship. Our Receptionist can assist you with any dining questions.
Are excursions included?
Every excursion is included with your choice from up to six guided tours each day, all operated in small groups. In every city or town you visit, there is typically a sightseeing tour offered at three unique activity levels for gentle walkers, regular walkers and active walkers, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or your Cruise Manager. On select excursions, we also have a “Late Starter” option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights. For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, we offer guided bicycle and hiking tours in select cities. In addition to our many choices of excursions we also offer our special interest tours such as wine tastings and culinary demonstrations, offering small groups the chance to be even more immersed into the local life. In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship’s Captain.
Is there an elevator on board?
The AmaBella has an elevator reaching the two highest passenger decks, reception area and restaurant, but does not reach the lowest passenger deck or the Sun Deck.
How are breakfast, lunch and dinner served on board?
All meals on board are “a la carte” with full table service. Breakfast will also include a small buffet and select items will be available at culinary action stations, such as our breakfast bowls. The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant is also included in the river cruise fare. Dining is open seating.
What is the dress code?
Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions. For the evening, “Casually elegant” attire is recommended and you may want to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.
What time is embarkation?
Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city. Please refer to your travel documents for specific instructions on where to embark and your official embarkation time.
What time is disembarkation?
Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in. If you have purchased transfers with AmaWaterways, please refer to your documents for disembarkation instructions.
When does the Reception Desk open?
The ship’s reception desk is open 24 hours a day. Should you need any assistance, please call from your stateroom by dialing 9, or pay them a visit.
What are the tipping guidelines?
- Tips for the Ship’s Crew is included in your cruise cost. The entire amount will be divided equally amongst all crew members.
- Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise hotel/land extensions you may have booked. Recommendation: 25 Euros per 7-night, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise hotel/land extensions
- Tipping recommendations/guidelines for local guides and bus drivers during the excursions: 2 Euros pp per tour for the guide and 1 Euro pp per tour for the driver.
Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside of the ship. Smoking is only permitted on the Aft of the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.
What amenities are available in the staterooms?
Stateroom and suite appointments include white-on-white plush bedding, cotton bathrobes and slippers, high-quality bath and body products, hair dryer, safe and water replenished daily. Suites include added enhancements, such as larger sitting areas and expansive bathrooms with both a shower and bathtub. Entertainment-On-Demand center in all staterooms and suites with complimentary high-speed internet access, movies, extensive music library and English-language TV stations.
What amenities are available on board?
- Fitness Center – The AmaBella has a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment. For hours of operation, please check with the reception desk. There is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room.
- Beauty Salon & Spa – Various beauty and hair treatments as well as massages are available on board. Please inquire at the reception desk for a list of services and to schedule an appointment.
- Gift Shop – The AmaBella has an onboard gift shop that sells accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and a limited selection of personal and toiletry items. Opening hours vary according to itinerary.
- Pool – All ships are equipped with a whirlpool or heated swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Saunas are available on select ships.
Is air conditioning available in the staterooms?
All staterooms are equipped with individual climate control. If you have any questions regarding your stateroom’s temperature control, please refer to the instructions or check with the reception desk.
Do I need to bring a converter or adapter?
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
Is there laundry service on board?
Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.
Are there medical facilities on board?
We strongly urge you to obtain adequate travel insurance to cover any medical treatment and/or medical evacuation while overseas.
There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.
Are bicycles available?
The AmaBella has a limited number of complimentary bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked and can be signed out for independent use. The sailing may also offer a choice of bicycle lead excursions with a tour guide and these can be reserved once you are on board. Bicycles are available in 3 different sizes: S, M, L.
Are meals and beverages included on board?
All meals on board the ship are included in the cruise price.
Included beverages: Sparkling wine and juices at breakfast; beer, soft drinks and unlimited wines at lunch and dinner (new selections daily); a Sip & Sail cocktail hour with a selection of complimentary wine, beer and spirits; plus gourmet coffee, tea and bottled water 24/7.
Note, wine and beer are offered at additional cost outside of meal-times, also cocktails are at additional cost outside of Sip & Sail hour.
What type of cuisine is served on board?
All meals are skillfully prepared by European chefs and consist of both regionally-inspired and Western cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at your table with multi-course menus offering a wide variety of choice, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Can you accommodate my food allergies/dietary restrictions?
Please advise us if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.
Are audio sets provided during the tours?
During shore excursions, we provide a sophisticated audio headset system that allows guests to comfortably listen to their tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe’s hidden gems.
Is there a minimum age limit?
- All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult and must remain supervised at all times; their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for minors if left unsupervised. There is a minimum age limit of 4 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways.
What currency is accepted onboard? How do we pay for onboard charges?
All onboard charges will be in Euros and charged to your stateroom account. At the end of the cruise, you may settle your account by paying with cash (Euros) or credit card. Pre-paid charge cards are not accepted.
What additional costs do I need to consider? Do I need to have cash with me to use on board?
Your cruise cost includes all meals, beverages (see question #19 for details) excursions, port charges and tips for ships’ crew (see question #10 for details.
Not included in cruise cost: Salon and spa services, gift shop purchases, laundry service.
All optional on board charges that are added to your stateroom account may be paid with cash (Euros) or credit card.
Is there a policy regarding pregnant women?
Due to medical safety guidelines, we are unable to accommodate passengers who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy by the time of the cruise.
What is the cancelation policy?
Please refer to the information in the following link. https://cruise.homenetmen.org/terms-conditions/
What is Tethering or ‘Double Docking’?
River ships all share docking ports in Europe. Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. During this time, your view from your stateroom may temporarily be obscured by a neighboring ship. It is important to note that in these cases, docking near other ships may entail navigating stairs, lobbies, or narrow gangways, and situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.
What plans does AmaWaterways have in place to adapt to changing water levels on the rivers?
Safety remains our top priority and with 20 years of river cruise experience, we always have alternative plans ready to deploy should the local authorities temporarily curtail river traffic on any portions of the rivers. These plans may include alternative docking locations, modified shore excursions as well as ship swaps, if necessary. AmaWaterways’ experienced teams monitor the situation on the rivers very closely and their dedicated communications team is in place should guests need to be advised of any major modifications affecting this upcoming river cruise vacation and assist with any changes that may be required if the port of embarkment or disembarkment is affected. Whatever itinerary our ships sail, AmaWaterways staff and crew around the globe remain dedicated to ensuring that our guests have the most enjoyable vacation possible.
