If you are planning your first AmaWaterways river cruise through Europe, Africa or Asia, prepare yourself for world-class luxury, one-of-a-kind local experiences, a staff that sparkles, and a truly memorable culinary adventure unlike any other. We know that traveling is more than just experiencing a place. It is about connection. Often a deeper connection with yourself, the locals, your travel partner or your fellow travelers. The connection that takes place over a thoughtfully prepared meal or a perfect glass of wine (or that specialty beer being enjoyed in a new place) is palpable. If you love to experience exquisite locally-inspired haute cuisine, as well as traditional Western offerings, get ready. AmaWaterways treats its guests to world-class culinary acumen aboard every ship.
President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner brings the modern epicurean lifestyle aboard the company’s luxurious river cruise ships by overseeing the development of onboard restaurants, wine cruises, and gastronomic shore excursions that capture the essence of food and wine at picturesque destinations throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Over the course of his 26 years in the river cruise industry, Schreiner has identified and developed key elements that contribute to a superior culinary travel experience. These include partnerships with leading wine experts, dedicated culinary spaces, unlimited premium regional wines, recognition by international gastronomic societies, as well as unique and immersive epicurean shore excursions that bring guests into direct contact with local communities. AmaWaterways is one of the only river cruise lines to be inducted into La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society.
Schreiner’s culinary vision comes to life with the fleet’s upscale main restaurants, and culminates at The Chef’s Table, an intimate, multi-course gastronomic showcase that lets guests observe the chef cooking in an exhibition kitchen. When planning shore excursions, special attention is given to culinary and wine experiences as Schreiner strongly feels that this is an important aspect of understanding and immersing oneself in the destination. Taking this philosophy one step further, AmaWaterways has become the industry leader with dedicated Wine Cruises hosted by North American wine experts who curate tours, tastings, and discussions that complement the cruise’s journey through renowned wine regions.
The gourmet culinary experiences on board (and off) are plentiful, and will please your palate whenever you choose to indulge.
Main Lounge & Main Restaurant
Chef's Table
An intimate affair—and the only venue of its kind on the river—The Chef’s Table welcomes up to 36 guests to witness a culinary exhibition, placing the kitchen center stage. While sipping unlimited hand-selected wine pairings, look on as the chef prepares and cooks a multi-course tasting menu, which calls on ingredients and inspirations sourced locally. Private and secluded from the rest of the ship, dining at The Chef’s Table requires no additional cost, only a reservation, and presents the ideal opportunity to meet fellow epicurean travelers while immersing oneself in a comprehensive culinary experience. Sample creations include Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio, eggplant caviar; Lemon Pepper Salmon, turnip-cucumber Tatar, vegetable vinaigrette, chickpea mousseline; Carrot Ginger Soup, tabbouleh, crème fraiche, cumin ciabatta; Skin Grilled Pike Perch, citrus sauce, celery mash, beluga lentil ragout; and Rum-Raisin Crumble, apple tartelette, vanilla ice cream.
Healthy Choices
With a rising trend in wellness travel, Schreiner and Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst work closely with their culinary teams and advisors to incorporate a wide variety of health-conscious, yet delicious, options across the onboard menus. Karst believes strongly in the importance of integrating regular exercise and healthy eating into daily life and is committed to offering guests experiences and cuisine to nourish the mind, body, and soul. Alongside the fleetwide launch of AmaWaterways’ Wellness Program, recent additions such as vitamin-rich breakfast smoothies, detox water stations, and a variety of nutritious breads, including whole grain rye, join an existing selection of creative vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. You also benefit from numerous ways to customize your healthy choices, including breakfast omelets made with cage-free eggs, lunch Pho soup stations incorporating crate-free pork, and dinner options with fresh, locally sourced fish. Committed to accommodating any special dietary needs or allergies, AmaWaterways encourages you to meet with the chefs on board, who happily accommodate specific preferences to help facilitate a worry-free and delicious dining experience.
Sip & Sail
Savor different wines on each day of your cruise during the Sip & Sail cocktail hour. Hand-selected reds and whites are of the highest quality, and come from local wineries and vineyards. Rieslings from the Wachau Valley, Sauternes in Bordeaux and Calvados from Normandy are just a few examples of how you can indulge. Sip & Sail cocktail hour provides a lovely opportunity for you to meet new friends and socialize before dinner.
Private Dining
For those who crave quiet solitude, enjoy a gorgeous meal from your own private riverview balcony. Private riverview dining options available for guests that would like to enjoy delicious cuisine in their own stateroom.
Local Flavor
Along with Rudi Schreiner, the award-winning team of corporate chefs oversee all menus (including vegetarian and gluten-free menu options), pairing them with regional wines and incorporating only the very freshest locally sourced ingredients. AmaWaterways also offers unique culinary experiences to guests such as: learning how to knot a bretzel at a German bakery, sampling regional specialties at the Les Halles market in Lyon, France, bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg, Germany and banitsa pastry making with a home-chef in Bulgaria.
Whether you are enjoying a beautiful breakfast on the first day of your Ama adventure, a specialty wine or local craft beer during the Sip & Sail cocktail hour, or watching the chef prepare a lavish multi-course menu right in front of you, your can be sure of one thing; AmaWaterways loves bringing together enthusiasts who share the same values of quality, fine dining, encouragement of the culinary arts and the pleasures of the table.
