This week, I’m traveling with a group from Mint Hill aboard the AMAKristina Riverboat down the beautiful Rhine River. A quick fact for you, AMA is derived from the Latin word for “love”. Our journey begins in Amsterdam, once called the Venice of the North, where the famous Van Gogh Museum is. This mere 800-year-old city with its Jewish heritage and famous windmills was once considered to be a hub for activity during the Golden Age. The 17th-century architecture and the elaborate canal systems are two of the highlights this amazing archaic city has to offer.
After our embarkation, we explore this gorgeous ship and gorge ourselves on the local cuisine as we prepare to set sail amongst some of Amsterdam’s 165 canals. If you have ever experienced cruising then riverboat cruising might just be your next bucket list item. The quaint atmosphere and the detail to service are impeccable onboard this award-winning ship.
Our riverboat journey will take us down the amazing Rhine River to Germany, France, and Switzerland. Those who have outside cabins will get to enjoy the sites from one of their two balconies in their suite cabin. But don’t worry if you weren’t able to obtain one of those before they booked up the ship offers amazing views from any one of the viewing areas and decks so that you never miss a thing.
Most people tell me one of their favorite aspects of riverboat cruising is that they are able to see everything on both sides of the river as opposed to just seeing days of an endless ocean. It’s true, the views are amazing, and you feel as though you are getting a peek into the lives of the people who inhabit these quaint towns and historic cities along the Rhine.
The AMAKristina offers complimentary bikes to the guests so that they may explore the cities on their own if they choose not to join a guided tour. I especially enjoy the bikes as it gives me some much-needed exercise as well as affords me the ability to mingling amongst the townspeople and experiencing their own part of the world as they do.
Speaking of tours, the tours are included in your cruise fare as well, so no need to worry about the added costs of excursions or standing in long lines to book them. The tours are always guided and include the highlights of each stop to their fullest. This allows you the freedom of experiencing each stop without the concern for the added cost.
This ship has a staff to guest ratio of 1:3 meaning you get a much more personalized experience. The staff goes out of their way to ensure each guest is happy and comfortable with no request considered unobtainable, as they will go above and beyond to accommodate.
I always stress over keeping in touch with family back home while traveling abroad. AMA has taken the worry out of all of that by including not only a computer in each stateroom but complementary wifi and internet while onboard.
Well, it’s time to set sail so I’m going to have to sign off for now but don’t forget to check back for my next article where I will share with you my experiences aboard this amazing ship as we travel the spectacular Rhine River.
