AmaWaterways Rhine and Moselle Splendors Wine Cruise

by Sandy Hohf

I recently experienced an AmaWaterways Rhine & Moselle Splendors Wine Cruise.

We (my daughter and I) began our trip by spending one night in Luxembourg at Novotel Lux Centre. The staff was friendly, and the restaurant had fantastic food. The next morning, we walked into the city center. There was a palace with guards and high-end shopping. The hotel ordered a taxi to take us to the AmaPrima which was docked in Wasserbillig.

Life on Board -

• Twin Balconies

• Award-Winning Dining

• Inviting Public Spaces

• Sightsee by Bike

• Sun-Deck Pool

• Massage Services – Hair Salon

• Fitness Room

• Enriching Entertainment

Stateroom - We were in a stateroom on the Cello Deck with French & Outside Balconies (235 sq ft total). It was a great, quiet location. There was soup, sandwiches, and drinks in the main lounge. There were only 64 guests aboard (total capacity is 162).  There is one suite on the Violin Deck that will accommodate the handicapped. The cruise manager did say that the Violin and Piano Decks are a bit noisier.

Entertainment – We were treated to a fabulous Strings trio; a performer who sang Neil Diamond songs; a disco night; and a trivia game night.

Food – Fine dining for each meal in the main restaurant or a light meal in the lounge. There was also the Chef’s Table dinner which we attended. The staff remember if you don’t like a certain food or have dietary restrictions. They are very accommodating! The chef even gave me the recipe for his soups. Yum!

Excursions – Most of our excursions were of castles and small towns. The Reichsburg Castle in Cochem had a great guide who dressed in costume and was quite funny. 

We visited the Lahneck Castle at night. There is one stretch of the Rhine from Lahnstein to Rudesheim where there are 30 castles. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we sat on the outside deck for most of the way.

We did try the Rudesheim coffee which has a lot of brandy in it. It was fun to watch them make it, but it was too strong for my taste.

There are different activity levels are offered for excursions - gentle, regular and active. There are also guided hiking and biking tours.

Disembarkation was easy!

We took a taxi to the train station in Basel and boarded a train to Zurich which had great shopping. I am already planning my next cruise!