Learn what it's like to embark on a river cruise onboard the AmaKristina, one of AmaWaterways' ships. Recently, we had the pleasure of sailing the AmaKristina on the Colors of Provence river cruise, and share all of the details of this ship in this AmaWaterways review.

Getting to our first river cruise was an adventure in planes, trains, and automobiles.

Our journey included three flights, one bus ride, and one train ride to Arles. Once stepping off the train, Google Maps told me that our river cruise ship was docked just a short 6-minute walk in an almost straight line from the station.

We walked toward the river, tired and weary from our 20+ hour journey, and in need of hydration and a soft space to land.

As the Rhone River came into view, the sun danced off a ship's shiny royal blue and white exterior. There she was: the AmaKristina. Glowing as if she just got back from the salon, ready for a new adventure.

Exhaustion now replaced by excitement and renewed energy, I skipped onboard, ready to embark on our first river cruise with AmaWaterways.

Our first river cruise with AmaWaterways

Sailing with AmaWaterways was an experience I’ll cherish forever, as it was our first river cruise. And it was a travel adventure that set the bar very high for all future river cruises (and yes, I'm now eager to do more!).

Even before that first moment I stepped aboard, it was clear this wasn’t just a vacation. The itinerary itself was a thoughtfully curated immersion into the heart of some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, cultures, and cuisines.

We had the privilege of traveling on the Colors of Provence Rhone River cruise, sailing through the beautiful wine regions of southern France.

In this article, I'll share more about AmaWaterways, and our experiences on the AmaKristina.

Then, in articles to follow, you can read a detailed review of the ship's onboard dining, included excursions, city tours, and more.

Ready to learn more? Hop aboard and let's set sail!

About AmaWaterways river cruise company

Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways is a family-owned river cruise company with headquarters in Calabasas, California. It employs more than 250 people with operations in Basel, Switzerland, and offices in the United Kingdom.

AmaWaterways’ fleet consists of more than 25 ships. Many of the ships have been built in the last decade, with recent renovations ensuring every vessel meets the highest standards of comfort and style.

With a focus on river cruises in Europe, Asia, and Africa, AmaWaterways offers a variety of itineraries that cater to cultural enthusiasts, food and wine lovers, and adventurous travelers. By blending luxury with authentic experiences, AmaWaterways delivers river cruises that are as enriching as they are relaxing.

Their mission is to create unforgettable journeys that connect guests to the history, art, and flavors of the regions they visit.

And after our experience aboard the AmaKristina, I can say confirm that it's mission: accomplished for this river cruise.

Introducing the AmaKristina

Named after the co-founder of AmaWaterways, Kristin Karst, our Colors of Provence cruise ship, the AmaKristina, sets the standard for river cruising with its state-of-the-art design and thoughtful amenities. She's a beauty, folks!

This 443-foot ship is designed to accommodate up to 156 passengers. It features 76 staterooms spread across three decks, each uniquely named after a musical instrument—Violin, Cello, and Piano.

The ship’s intimate size fosters a boutique experience, allowing you to enjoy personalized service while exploring Europe’s iconic Rhone river.

Even at capacity, the AmaKristina never feels crowded. There is always plenty of space for quiet reading, napping, or work time throughout the ship, especially on the Sun Deck and in the Lounge.

AmaWaterways staterooms: your home away from home

Even though I'm petite, I like a LOT of space in my homebase on travels. I was worried I'd feel claustrophobic on our first river cruise, but I surprisingly did not.

Our stateroom had a dual balcony option—a private outdoor balcony combined with an indoor Juliette balcony (see photo above). This helps make the living space feel roomier and more open.

The private outdoor balcony provided the perfect spot for our morning coffee, and a glass of wine watching the sun set.

The Juliette balcony offered stunning panoramic views as we cruised past charming villages and historic landmarks. I love the dual-balcony design; it doubled the window space, giving you wide views of the scenery as you sailed from port to port, regardless of weather conditions.

Each stateroom is thoughtfully designed. We had a very comfortable bed, bathroom with multi-jet shower, and ample storage space. One of the best parts of river cruising is the fact that you only need to unpack once, and I am still shocked at how large our closet was. Plus, we had lots of additional shelves and drawers.

I expected cruise decor to feel dated (a horrible assumption on my part), but I found the decor to be quite soothing and pleasing. It was a mix of modern elegance with a touch of classic charm, creating an inviting atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploring.

Other notable features included a mini fridge, flat-screen TV/large computer monitor with complimentary movies, USB charging ports, motion sensor light in the bathroom, and high-quality toiletries. The robes and slippers ensured we felt comfy and cozy in our home away from home.

Meanwhile, Alain and I both appreciated the two full size bottles of water that were replenished every day.

While our room wasn't large, it was thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind as well as practicality. Every inch was put to good use, and I really did feel so cozy staying there.

Onboard amenities for everyone

You will find no shortage of onboard amenities aboard the AmaKristina.

The Sun Deck, with its heated pool and swim-up bar, is a favorite spot for relaxation. I luckily enjoyed a relaxing solo dip on the first afternoon of our cruise while we were docked, the sun was shining, and it was a warm 71°F.

If you sail the AmaKristina during warmer months, I highly recommend packing a swimsuit. Then you can enjoy the pool as the ship sails to its next port, unwinding with a cocktail in hand, soaking in the warm water, and taking in the picturesque scenery.

On the Sun Deck, you’ll also find a large outdoor chess set, perfect for a fun challenge while enjoying the fresh air.

Plus there is a large part of the deck with rows of sun chairs on one side of the ship, and larger tables and chairs for couples and groups to gather on the other side of the ship. So many options to take in those gorgeous Rhone river views.

For game lovers, the ship offers board games and ample lounge space in the main lounge, providing cozy spots to relax or socialize.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the small but well-equipped gym located on the lower level. There are also daily complimentary wellness activities, such as yoga and stretching sessions led by a Wellness Host.

For the ultimate pampering experience, make your reservations with the onboard hair salon and/or for a treatment in the massage room.

Evening entertainment includes live music performances, local cultural shows, and themed events, ensuring there is always something to enjoy after dinner.

On thing I did not expect that was a nice surprise was the daytime activities onboard. These were often the same time as an afternoon excursion or during an afternoon sail. For example, on our river cruise, we participated in a macaron cookie demo. So fun - and delicious!

Gourmet onboard dining experiences

As someone who works in the food industry, I found dining aboard the AmaKristina to be an exciting adventure in itself. This is no surprise, given the company's focus on providing world class cuisine on each of its cruise ships.

AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line member of the invitation-only La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious international culinary societies.

It is also is also a member of La Connétablie de Guyenne – the third oldest vinous brotherhood in Bordeaux.

You'll find a strong emphasis on regional flavors and fresh ingredients aboard the AmaKristina. I also enjoyed the regional wines that were served with lunch and dinner.

The Main Restaurant offers a seated dining setting with panoramic views for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meanwhile, the Chef’s Table Restaurant provides an intimate, 28-seat multi-course tasting menu paired with premium wines. Guests are all welcome to make reservations for the Chef's Table; no reservations are required for the Main Restaurant for any meal.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order options, ensuring something for every palate. Highlights include fresh pastries, local cheeses, and customizable omelets in the morning, as well as hearty soups, salads, and regional specialties for lunch.

Dinner is a slightly more formal affair (it's a fun excuse to dress up a little -- if you want!), featuring dishes inspired by the regions visited on the cruise.

For those seeking lighter fare, the ship offers a Bistro Breakfast and lighter lunch in the Lounge. Plus, there's a 24-hour coffee, tea, and water station.

Learn more about onboard food and beverage offerings in our detailed review of the AmaWaterways onboard dining experiences.

Excursions for the curious and the adventurous

AmaWaterways is known for its immersive shore excursions, and the AmaKristina continues this tradition. Included in the price of the cruise, the day excursions were our favorite part of the trip!

Each day, we had either a morning excursion, an afternoon excursion, or both. There were usually three options during each time, from guided walking tours, bike tours, hiking tours, and various food and wine experiences.

One thing I love is that you can choose excursions that match your interests and your personal preferred activity level: from gently, to regular, to active. The use of Quietvox headsets during tours allows you to hear your guide clearly, even in bustling areas. We found each tour guide to be warm, engaging, and knowledgeable.

The excursions we selected during the Colors of Provence river cruise on the AmaKristina included:

• an Arles walking tour;
• Pont du Gard ancient Roman aqueduct tour;
• wine tasting in Beaujolais wine country;
• chocolate and wine pairing class in Tournon;
• a city tour of Vienne;
• a visit to a truffle farm and truffle hunting demo outside of Viviers;
• and food tours of Les Halles d'Avignon and Les Halles de Paul Bocuse in Lyon.

Learn more about the individual excursions we enjoyed in detailed reviews of our day excursions at Arles and Vienne, as well as our food hall tours and wine tasting excursions. Coming Soon.

Final thoughts

The AmaKristina is more than just a river cruise ship; it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences, combining luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion.

The excursions on our Colors of Provence river cruise were truly memorable, and ideal for travelers who enjoy learning about the region's food and wine. They were meticulously planned and well orchestrated; everything ran like clockwork on our cruise (or so it would seem; if there were issues, we guests were made none the wiser!).

I was thoroughly impressed by the ship itself: it was modern, clean, and so comfortable. It never felt crowded, which was really important to me.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first river voyage, the AmaKristina delivers a journey that’s as enriching as it is relaxing. From the elegant staterooms and world-class dining to the engaging excursions and impeccable service, every aspect of the AmaKristina is designed to create lasting memories.

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