AmaWaterways is getting ready to return to service. They have been refurbishing their European fleet during the pause in operations to adapt to the new health and safety protocols. River cruising offers a wonderfully immersive experience. The AMA mission is to turn a river cruise into the most treasured memories for the guests. Some of the things they have done to adapt to the health and safety protocols, are that all meals will be served a la carte and will feature more extensive menus. Some of the ships will be remodeled with show kitchens. Buffets will be eliminated. Ships will be limited to 150 guests with 20 land excursions to choose from to adhere to social distancing requirements.
AmaWaterways will promote open spaces and wellness programs to address the challenges of traveling. Wellness sessions will be offered on the sun deck; healthier meals will be offered; a chance to be close to nature will be featured. Hiking and biking tours will be offered, as well as spinning classes with a view of the river. Private river view dining will be added, where guests can have their meals on their balconies.
Sister ships AmaBella and AmaVerde are being adapted to the new environment, as well as new computer systems, mattresses, carpets and new restaurant menus. The AmaSienna scheduled to debut this year has been delayed and will be delivered next month. AmaLucia will be delivered on schedule in 2021 with a new alfresco restaurant on top of the existing chef’s table dining venue in the stern and barbeques on the top sun deck.
Some existing ships are being moved to other regions of Europe based on demand. AmaKristina will sail the Rhone River joining AmaCello. The AmaDante will sail the Seine and the AmaCello will also sail the Saone River in Burgundy.
Ama means love and that love is reflected by staying positive.
AMA Waterways Coronavirus Booking & Cancellation Policy
AmaWaterways River Cruises wants you to book your cruise for 2021 or 2022 with peace of mind. As a result, for a limited time offer for a limited time, special provisions which allow guests with new or existing reservations to purchase AmaWaterways Travel Waiver Plus*. AmaWaterways Travel Waiver Plus provides cancellation for any reason, up to 24 hours prior to the start of their AmaWaterways booked services (cruise, pre-cruise land extensions, air etc.)
Should guests decide to cancel their cruise for any reason, they will have the following options based on date of cancellation:
- Cancellation received up to 7 days prior to start of AmaWaterways services:
Future Cruise Credit** covering cancellation penalties, and the balance will be refunded based on our standard cancellation policy for services purchased through AmaWaterways. - Cancellation received between 6 days to 24 hours prior to start of AmaWaterways services:
Future Cruise Credit** issued for 100% of AmaWaterways services to be used towards any sailings within 24 months of cancellation date
For all new or existing reservations for Europe and Southeast Asia (deposited or paid in full), Travel Waiver Plus can be added up to 48 hours prior to the start of AmaWaterways purchased services. For Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises and Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Travel Waiver Plus must be purchased within 89 days prior to sailing and once full payment has been received.
Ama Waterways Travel Waiver Plus price:
- $80 per person – for those who purchase AmaWaterways Cruise Protection Plan*
- $175 per person – if purchased without AmaWaterways Cruise Protection Plan* or if you have purchased travel protection independently
AMA Waterways Coronavirus Booking & Cancellation Policy
Pre-Cruise
Prior to boarding, an online health and contact screening questionnaire will be required. Crew must have certified medical clearance certificate plus undergo pre-boarding COVID-19 testing and are kept in an isolation period prior to embarking.
Embarkation
At embarkation, guests’ temperatures will be taken with no-contact infrared thermometers. If, for any reason, further testing is required, shoreside medical treatment centers are within close proximity. Anyone showing symptoms will be denied boarding.
Once you turn in your luggage at the post, the luggage handles will be sanitized before delivery to your stateroom.
On Board
Protocols continue to change; however, at this time, guests are required to wear face coverings when moving through public spaces on the ship. The crew will be required to wear face coverings during working hours and continue to respect social distancing in their living quarters.
AMA will have ample hand sanitizers available throughout the ship and their frequent use is required by all guests and crew.
Our crew has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures throughout the ship.
You will likely notice our crew cleaning public areas more frequently. Special attention will be paid to areas like staircases, public washrooms, armrests in the lounge and guardrails. We use hospital-grade disinfectants for continual surface cleaning in public areas. Additional deep cleaning will take place throughout the entire ship between each sailing. Your designated stateroom steward will clean your stateroom twice daily.
We use state-of-the-art fan coil air conditioning units; there is no recirculating of air on board our ships.
The air is always fresh and clean as all staterooms and public areas are equipped with state-of-the-art individual fan coil air conditioning units. Each stateroom has its own sophisticated heating/cooling system – a fan coil unit located in the ceiling inside the stateroom above the entry area. The main public areas – lounge and restaurants – have their own high-quality air-fog system to continuously ensure clean air. On our European ships, there are no air conditioning systems blowing cold air that would circulate throughout the entire ship as you would find in standard air conditioning units.
There will be limitations to the number of guests allowed to sail with us.
You will have plenty of space to roam as we will limit the number of guests on board depending on the most up-to-date guidelines in effect at the time of sailing. For 2020 sailings, the current regulations for river cruise ships are set at a maximum capacity of 100 guests. We anticipate that many departures will have even fewer guests on board.
Safety and social distancing will be enhanced throughout our dining room.
Our dining room setups and attentive service will be compliant with social distancing guidelines and current food and beverage safety recommendations. Our crew will serve you at your table and will be happy to offer you a similar choice of menu items formerly available at our buffets. Ama Waterways is also offering new Private Riverview Dining*, which provides a selection of exquisite dishes to guests within their own stateroom during scheduled mealtimes, regardless of the accommodation category.
*Private Riverview Dining service subject to change and may cease to be offered at any time; limitations based on stateroom and availability may apply.
You will still get plenty of fresh air and exercise as AMA’s bicycles, fitness mats and equipment will be thoroughly sanitized after each use. Use of the Fitness Room is by appointment with cleaning time between use.
Throughout Europe and Asia, we provide a variety of onboard wellness activities led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts. Whenever weather permits, these small-group classes will be held on our spacious open-air Sun Decks.
Exploring Ashore
Your personal portable Quietvox commentary systems will allow you to hear guides while social distancing.
AmaWaterways provides a complimentary personal Quietvox commentary system for every guest to use throughout your journey. Powered by a sustainable rechargeable battery within your own stateroom, your portable Quietvox system allows you to hear your guide during excursions while permitting comfortable social distancing. A brand-new set of headphones that plugs into the Quietvox will be provided to you at the beginning of your sailing; you may also bring and use your own personal set of plug-in headphones.
Shore excursions will be conducted in small groups. Guests must use hand sanitizers when getting on and off our coaches that are thoroughly cleaned each morning.
In the event that ships are docked side by side, guests will be required to pass over Sun Decks.
AmaWaterways’ ships are occasionally required to dock side by side with other river cruise ships while in certain ports, which requires guests from one ship to enter the other to go ashore. In these cases, guests from other ships will be required to pass over the open-air Sun Deck rather than through the interior of your ship. Our exterior handrails will also be sanitized on a high-frequency basis.
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