AmaWaterways has a large fleet of 29 river cruise ships. But what are the differences between them and which is the best?
In this guide, we compare all of the ships in the AmaWaterways fleet. Take note of the different itineraries, the size of the ships, the age and the onboard facilities.
How Many Ships Does AmaWaterways Have?
AmaWaterways has 29 ships. 20 of these cruise on the waterways of Europe, while there are also thtrrships on Portugal’s Douro, one on the Mekong, one on the Chobe, two on the Nile and two on the Magdalena in Colombia.
Each ship is specifically designed for the river where it resides. The largest ships are found on European rivers such as the Danube. On the more exotic rivers in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, the ships are much smaller, each accommodating fewer than 100 guests.
What Are the Newest AmaWaterways Ships?
The newest AmaWaterways ship is AmaSintra which will cruise on the Douro from 2025. Ships debuting in 2024 include the AmaLilia, sailing on the Nile, and the AmaMelodia, sailing on the Magdalena River in Colombia.
The best way to book a river cruise
Want expert help to plan your perfect cruise?
List of AmaWaterways Ships
The following table shows every ship in the AmaWaterways fleet, the year that it was built, the number of guests accommodated on board and the rivers on which the ship sails.
| Ship | Entered service | Passengers | River |
|---|---|---|---|
| AmaBella | 2010 | 160 | Danube |
| AmaCello | 2008 | 144 | Rhone, Saone |
| AmaCerto | 2012 | 162 | Danube, Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Main, Moselle, Rhine, |
| AmaDahlia | 2021 | 72 | Nile |
| AmaDante | 2008 | 144 | Seine |
| AmaDara | 2015 | 124 | Mekong |
| AmaDolce | 2009 | 144 | Dordogne, Garonne |
| AmaDouro | 2019 | 102 | Douro |
| AmaKristina | 2017 | 156 | Rhone |
| AmaLea | 2018 | 156 | Danube |
| AmaLilia | 2024 | 82 | Nile |
| AmaLucia | 2021 | 156 | Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Moselle, Rhine |
| AmaLyra | 2009 | 144 | Seine |
| AmaMagdalena | 2023 | 80 | Magdalena |
| AmaMagna | 2019 | 196 | Danube |
| AmaMelodia | 2024 | 60 | Magdalena |
| AmaMora | 2019 | 156 | Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Moselle, Rhine |
| AmaPrima | 2013 | 162 | Danube, Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Main, Moselle, Rhine |
| AmaReina | 2014 | 162 | Danube, Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Main, Moselle, Rhine |
| AmaSerena | 2015 | 162 | Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Rhine |
| AmaSiena | 2021 | 162 | Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Rhine |
| AmaSintra | 2025 | 102 | Douro |
| AmaSonata | 2014 | 164 | Danube |
| AmaStella | 2016 | 156 | Dutch & Belgian Waterways, Rhine |
| AmaVenita | 2014 | 162 | Danube, Main, Rhine |
| AmaVerde | 2011 | 160 | Danube |
| AmaVida | 2013 | 102 | Douro |
| AmaViola | 2016 | 156 | Danube |
| Zambezi Queen | 2009 | 28 | Chobe |
Guide to AmaWaterways Ships
Below, I’ve included more information about each vessel, along with some stats and photos to help you to decide which is the best ship for your next river cruise.
AmaBella
AmaBella is an elegant AmaWaterways river cruise ship that sails along the Danube from Budapest, Giurgiu and Vlshofen. The ship was recently refurbished in 2021 with the addition of the alfresco ‘Cafe Bistro’ where you can enjoy a light lunch or just relax and admire the views.
AmaBella Facts
- Built: 2010
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 160
- Crew: 49
AmaCello
The oldest ship in the AmaWaterways fleet, AmaCello was built in 2008. Cruising on the Rhone and Saone, this ship offers a luxurious way to explore France and Switzerland as she sails between Chalon-sur Saône and Arles.
AmaCello Facts
- Built: 2008
- Length: 360 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 144
- Crew: 41
AmaCerto
Cruising from Amsterdam, Basel, Luxembourg and Nuremberg, AmaCerto offers a variety of river cruises in France, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. With warm red and gold decor, this elegant river ship offers luxurious accommodation for every season.
AmaCerto Facts
- Built: 2012
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 162
- Crew: 49
AmaDahlia
AmaDahlia Facts
- Built: 2021
- Length: 236 feet
- Width: 42.6 feet
- Guests: 72
- Crew: 62
AmaDante
One of the older ships in the AmaWaterways fleet, AmaDante offers romantic river cruises between Paris and the coast at Le Havre. Most cabins have a French balcony and there’s also a sauna and whirlpool to relax in your time between walking or cycling excursions.
AmaDante Facts
- Built: 2008
- Length: 360 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 144
- Crew: 45
AmaDara
Built in 2015 to cruise along the Mekong, AmaWaterways’ AmaDara offers a luxurious way to explore Cambodia and Vietnam. With French Colonial decor and locally-carved wooden furniture, this ship provides an elegant atmosphere from which to admire the stunning scenery of Southeast Asia.
AmaDara Facts
- Built: 2015
- Length: 303 feet
- Width: 46 feet
- Guests: 124
- Crew: 52
AmaDolce
For French waterways cruises along the Dordogne and Garonne, AmaDolce is ideal. Cruising on round-trips from Bordeaux, this elegant river cruise ship has spacious staterooms, most of which offer a French Balcony so that you won’t miss a moment of the stunning views.
AmaDolce Facts
- Built: 2009
- Length: 360 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 144
- Crew: 45
AmaDouro
AmaDouro is the newer of the two AmaWaterways ships offering river cruises on the Douro. Launched in 2019, this spectacular vessel embarks on round-trips from Porto, affording guests the opportunity to experience the delights of Portugal and Northern Spain.
AmaDouro Facts
- Built: 2019
- Length: 260 feet
- Width: 37 feet
- Guests: 102
- Crew: 38
AmaKristina
What better way to admire the ever-changing colours of Provence than a river cruise onboard the stunning AmaKristina? Sailing on the Rhone between Lyon and Avignon, this award-winning river cruise ship oozes French style.
AmaKristina Facts
- Built: 2017
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 156
- Crew: 51
AmaLea
AmaWaterway’s Danube river ship, AmaLea, offers cruises from Budapest, Nuremberg and Vilshofen. In just seven nights you can experience as many as five different countries on this elegant boat that will take you on a journey of discovery through Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia.
AmaLea Facts
- Built: 2018
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 156
- Crew: 51
AmaLilia
AmaLilia is a new ship for AmaWaterways, sailing on the Nile. She’s one of the more luxurious and upscale ships in the fleet, with just 41 staterooms including 13 suites. Her 7 night cruises sail round-trip from Luxor.
AmaLilia Facts
- Built: 2024
- Length: 236 feet
- Width: 43 feet
- Guests: 82
- Crew: 62
AmaLucia
Making her debut in 2021, AmaLucia is one of the newest ships in the AmaWaterways fleet. She’s also one of the largest, with 78 staterooms, many of which feature twin balconies. Up on the Sun Deck, the pool features a refreshing swim-up bar.
AmaLucia Facts
- Built: 2021
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 156
- Crew: 51
AmaLyra
One of the older ships in the AmaWayterways fleet, AmaLyra offers romantic week-long cruises along the Seine from Paris. Stylish and comfortable, this ship features an inviting whirlpool on the Sun Deck – the perfect place from which to admire the ever-changing French scenery.
AmaLyra Facts
- Built: 2009
- Length: 360 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 144
- Crew: 45
AmaMagdalena
AmaMagdalena is one of the newest ships in the Ama Waterways fleet, offering river cruises along the beautiful Magdalena River in Colombia. Guests can expect an intimate style of cruising, with just 60 passengers onboard, and some stunning spaces where you can relax.
AmaMagdalena Facts
- Built: 2023
- Length: 223 feet
- Width: 43 feet
- Guests: 60
- Crew: 30
AmaMagna
By far the largest ship in the AmaWaterways fleet, AmaMagna is double the width of most other ships on the Danube. The extra space affords room for four restaurants, a wellness studio and spacious suites of up to 710 square feet.
AmaMagna Facts
- Built: 2019
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 72 feet
- Guests: 196
- Crew: 70
AmaMelodia
The AmaMelodia is sister ship to the AmaMagdalena and will also offer cruises on the stunning Magdalena River in Colombia. Staterooms are spacious and all feature an outside balcony, so you can truly soak up the picturesque surroundings as you sail.
AmaMelodia Facts
- Built: 2024
- Length: 223 feet
- Width: 43 feet
- Guests: 60
- Crew: 30
AmaMora
Launched in 2019, AmaMora is a sister ship to the award-winning AmaKristina and AmaLea. Spacious and luxurious, this ship offers an all-day tapas menu and a tempting afternoon tea. Choose a bed facing the river for the best views when you awake each morning.
AmaMora Facts
- Built: 2019
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 156
- Crew: 51
AmaPrima
Offering cruises from Basel, Amsterdam Luxembourg and Nuremberg, AmaPrima offers an authentic European river cruise experience. Offering award-winning regionally-inspired menus in the restaurant and plenty of places to relax, this AmaWaterways ship provides a fantastic way to experience the stunning landscapes of Northern Europe.
AmaPrima Facts
- Built: 2013
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 162
- Crew: 51
AmaReina
AmaReina is currently part of the APT fleet as one of its Concerto class river ships in partnership with AmaWaterways. This luxurious ship offers cruises through Europe from Budapest and Amsterdam.
AmaReina Facts
- Built: 2014
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 162
- Crew: 51
AmaSerena
Cruising from Amsterdam and Basel, AmaSerena is the perfect ship from which to explore the Rhine and Swiss Alps or to experience the windmills and tulips of Holland. This regal ship features a plethora of twin-balcony staterooms so that you can make the most of the spectacular river views.
AmaSerena Facts
- Built: 2015
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 162
- Crew: 51
AmaSiena
New for 2021, AmaWaterways’ AmaSiena is a stunningly luxurious sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina. Offering river cruises from Amsterdam and Basel, this ship features an airy Sun Deck and a pool with a swim-up bar.
AmaSiena Facts
- Built: 2021
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 162
- Crew: 51
AmaSintra
New for 2025, AmaSintra will be a sister ship to the AmaDouro and AmaVida, offering picturesque cruises along the Douro. Expect a luxurious design, with plenty of relaxing spaces to unwind as you sip on local wines and enjoy the fine valley views.
AmaSintra Facts
- Built: 2025
- Length: 260 feet
- Width: 37 feet
- Guests: 102
- Crew: 38
AmaSonata
Cruising on the Danube from Budapest, Nuremberg and Vilshofen, AmaSonata offers a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. As well as the Main Dining Room, be sure to try the Chef’s Table – a speciality restaurant with 5-star cuisine.
AmaSonata Facts
- Built: 2014
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 162
- Crew: 51
AmaStella
The award-winning AmaStella is one of the most stunning ships in the AmaWaterways fleet. On board, you can relax by the fireplace in the library and admire the sleek contemporary decor such as the glass elevator in the centre of the ship.
AmaStella Facts
- Built: 2016
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 156
- Crew: 51
AmaVenita
AmaVenita is currently part of the APT river cruise fleet in partnership with AmaWaterways. This elegant ship is akin to a small ocean yacht with inviting public spaces adorned with the most luxurious decor.
AmaVenita Facts
- Built: 2015
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 162
- Crew: 51
AmaVerde
AmaVerde was completely redesigned in 2021 and now showcases a vibrant, modern design. The twin balcony staterooms are spacious and welcoming, while on the top deck you can enjoy a putting green, heated swimming pool and walking track.
AmaVerde Facts
- Built: 2011
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 160
- Crew: 51
AmaVida
AmaVida offers exciting river cruises on the Douro through Spain and Portugal. On board, guests can enjoy the finest locally-sourced cuisine that’s expertly paired with local wines and the region’s signature drink – Port.
AmaVida Facts
- Built: 2013
- Length: 260 feet
- Width: 37 feet
- Guests: 102
- Crew: 38
AmaViola
Embarking on seven-night Danube cruises from Budapest and Vilshofen, AmaViola is no ordinary river cruise ship with her vibrant and modern decor. On board, you can enjoy the finest cuisine worthy of the renowned gastronomic society, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
AmaViola Facts
- Built: 2016
- Length: 443 feet
- Width: 38 feet
- Guests: 156
- Crew: 51
Zambezi Queen
The small and intimate Zambezi Queen was specially designed for viewing the wildlife along the banks of Africa’s legendary Chobe River. Accommodating just 28 guests plus 22 crew members, this eco-friendly ship has an open-air Sun Deck complete with a plunge pool.
Zambezi Queen Facts
- Built: 2009
- Length: 150 feet
- Width: 25.6 feet
- Guests: 28
- Crew: 22
Final Thoughts
AmaWaterways was founded over 20 years ago in 2002 with the goal of creating a river cruise company with the most elegantly-appointed ships and the best quality, locally-sourced food and wine. Nowadays, the company offers a huge range of river cruises on board a stunning selection of ships both in Europe and around the world.
The entire fleet is fantastic, but the newer additions are some of the best AmaWaterways ships, with stunning decor and spaces to relax. However, regardless of which one you choose, you can count on outstanding service and food.
The best way to book a river cruise
Want expert help to plan your perfect cruise?
Related Posts:
- 27 Most Thoughtful Little Touches on River Cruise Ships
- How Much Are River Cruises?
- The 5 Best European River Cruises for Families
- AmaWaterways Vs Viking River Cruises
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
