AmaWaterways Wine-Themed River Cruise
European Rivers
A small-ship river cruise built around wine: tastings, a chef's table and guided bike tours, with beer, wine and meals included on board and at least one shore excursion in every port. Ships carry about 150 guests and nearly every stateroom has a window or balcony — you wake up in a new town most mornings.
Pricing varies by date — ask us
Quoted per sailing, resort or departure
- Operator
- AmaWaterways
- Group perks from
- 8+ cabins
Or call / text 954-698-4438
This is a supplier profile, not a priced offer. Tell us your dates and group and we quote the specific sailing, resort or departure.
Our take
AmaWaterways is the river line we suggest first for groups with a theme — wine, food, a family reunion — because its ships are small (about 150 guests), most cabins have a window or balcony, and it includes an excursion in every port with bikes and wellness on board. The wine-themed sailings add tastings and a host; the ships otherwise run the same. River cruising suits people who want to unpack once and see a new town every day without a coach; it does not suit anyone who wants a big ship's entertainment.
Highlights
- Port visits every day — wake up in a new town most mornings
- Beer, wine, and meals included with no upcharge
- At least one shore excursion per port (often more)
- Small ships (~150 passengers) — no crowds, more attentive service
- Cabin views nearly all category — most rooms have a window or balcony
Who this trip suits
- Groups with a shared interest — wine, food, a milestone — who want a private-feeling ship
- Travelers who want to see Europe town by town without hotel changes
- Couples and friends 50-plus who like included excursions and evenings on board
- Active travelers — bikes and guided hikes are part of the program
Who should look elsewhere
- Families with young children
- Travelers who want nightlife, a casino or a pool deck
- Anyone who needs guaranteed itineraries; river levels can force coach days
- Those who want a Florida departure — rivers mean flying to Europe
What's included
- Stateroom accommodations
- All meals onboard with regional menu options
- Beer, wine, soft drinks at lunch and dinner
- At least one included shore excursion per port
- WiFi (where available)
- Onboard cultural enrichment (lectures, demos, music)
What's not included
- Flights to/from gateway city
- Pre/post-cruise hotel (often offered as bundled extension)
- Optional/premium shore excursions
- Gratuities (~EUR 12/pp/day; pre-payable)
- Travel insurance
- Spa and specialty premium beverages
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights to Europe | We price AmaWaterways' air packages against booking separately. |
| Gratuities | Suggested per person per day for crew and cruise manager; pre-payable. |
| Pre- and post-cruise nights | Optional add-ons; one night before boarding is wise. |
| Optional excursions | A few premium excursions are extra; one excursion per port is included. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it and quote it with the fare. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies unless a promotion waives it. |
Good to know
- Ships
- About 150 guests; nearly every stateroom has a window or balcony.
- Included
- Meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, at least one excursion per port, Wi-Fi, onboard enrichment.
- Rivers
- Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône, Douro, plus Southeast Asia, Africa and Egypt programs.
- Pricing
- Fares are not shown here; they vary by river, season and cabin, and early booking usually earns the best offers.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ cabins | Group rates and amenities generally start around 8 cabins. We negotiate the specifics per booking. |
| 16+ cabins | Larger groups typically earn more — onboard credit, an amenity package, or a comped berth. Terms vary by line, ship and sailing. |
Questions we get about this trip
What does a wine-themed cruise add?
A wine host on board, tastings and vineyard visits layered onto the regular itinerary. The ship, cabins and included excursions are the same as a standard sailing.
How does it compare with Avalon or Viking?
All three include excursions and wine with meals. AmaWaterways leans active (bikes, hikes) and is our first suggestion for groups; Avalon's Panorama Suites have the wall-to-wall balcony; Viking is adults-only and the largest fleet. We compare the three for your dates.
Is it good for a group?
Yes — group perks start around 8 cabins, and a small ship means a group of 16 to 30 is a noticeable presence on board, which is the point.
How far ahead should we book?
River cruises sell earliest in spring and fall; a year out is normal for peak dates and the best cabins.
What if we need to cancel?
The line's terms apply and depend on the departure; we walk you through the exact figures before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Most river cruise fares: full refund 121+ days out, sliding cancellation fees 120-60 days (often 50% by 90 days), no refund inside 60 days. Insurance especially valuable for international itineraries — highly recommended.
Documents needed
Valid passport (6+ months past return date) required. No visa needed for US/Canadian citizens for most European itineraries. Schengen Area: visa-free up to 90 days. Russia, Egypt, Vietnam itineraries may require visa — supplier provides specifics 60+ days prior.