• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Urban Bliss Life logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • contact
  • shop
  • cookbooks
  • resources
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Asian
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Cookies
    • Dairy-free
    • Dessert
    • Filipino
    • Holiday
    • Instant Pot
    • Main Dish
    • Pasta
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Seafood
    • Vegan
    • Cocktails
    • Dog Treats
  • Wine
    • Food & Wine Pairing
    • Oregon Wine
    • Washington
    • California
  • Travel
    • Travel Gear
    • Travel Tips
    • Hotels
    • USA travel
    • Europe
    • Japan
    • Canada
    • Asia
  • Restaurants
  • About
    • Work With Us
    • Press
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Wine
  • Travel
  • Cookbooks
  • About
  • Work With Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ร—
    Urban Bliss Life ยป Travel ยป Cruise Travel ยป AmaWaterways Review: the AmaKristina

    Published: December 17, 2024 / Updated: February 13, 2025 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

    AmaWaterways Review: the AmaKristina

    9 shares
    AmaKristine river cruise ship with title text overlay.

    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.

    amakristina amawaterways river cruise ship.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Our first river cruise with AmaWaterways
    • About AmaWaterways river cruise company
    • Introducing the AmaKristina
    • AmaWaterways staterooms: your home away from home
    • Onboard amenities for everyone
    • Gourmet onboard dining experiences
    • Excursions for the curious and the adventurous
    • Warm and welcoming service
    • Why choose the AmaKristina?
    • AmaWaterways FAQs
    • More France travel
    • More cruise travel

    Our first river cruise with AmaWaterways

    Marlynn and Alain Schotland on the Sun Deck aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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

    amaKristina river cruise ship on the Rhone River docked in Avignon, France.

    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

    AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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

    dual balcony aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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.

    hand holding a mug of coffee from a private balcony on the AmaKristina AmaWaterways river cruise in France.
    glass of red wine and sunset from a private balcony aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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.

    AmaWaterways AmaKristina bed area of stateroom.
    desk area inside a stateroom aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.
    Large closet aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.
    AmaWaterways AmaKristina bathroom.

    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

    glass of white wine in front of pool aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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.

    Large outdoor chess set aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.
    sun deck aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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.

    AmaWaterways AmaKristina board games.
    lounge area aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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 aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

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

    Alain making macarons on the AmaWaterways river cruise.
    macarons on the amakristina river cruise ship
    Marlynn making macarons on the AmaWaterways river cruise.

    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

    Chef's Table restaurant onboard the AmaKristina with AmaWaterways river cruises.
    argentinian beef striploin at Chef's Table dinner on AmaWaterways river cruise.

    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.

    duck breast on AmaWaterways.
    truffle pasta on AmaWaterways.
    pie slice with garnishes on a blue plate with amawaterways river cruise.

    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

    Beaujolais wine country in France.
    marlynn Jayme Schotland in front of arles amphitheater

    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.

    Warm and welcoming service

    waitress with tray of wine glasses onboard the AmaKristina with AmaWaterways.

    From the moment we stepped aboard, we experienced the best service ever!

    The entire crew—from our Cruise Manager Antonio to the dining room servers and the housekeeping staff—was incredibly friendly, attentive, and eager to make us feel welcome.

    Each time we returned from an excursion, we were greeted with warm smiles and a cheerful “Welcome back” or “Welcome home.” It’s these little touches that truly set the AmaKristina apart and make every guest feel valued.

    Why choose the AmaKristina?

    Here are some key reasons to consider the AmaKristina for your next river cruise:

    • Luxurious accommodations: The dual-balcony staterooms offer unparalleled views and comfort. Connected staterooms are great for groups or multi-generational trips.
    • Exceptional dining: Gourmet meals paired with regional wines elevate the dining experience.
    • Thoughtful amenities: From the heated pool to the fitness center, the ship caters to a variety of interests.
    • Immersive excursions: Tailored tours allow you to explore destinations at your own pace. We LOVED each of our excursions, and believe any world traveler who enjoys art, history, food, wine, and culture will enjoy them as well.
    • Outstanding service: The attentive crew ensures that every guest feels pampered. I really can't say enough positive things about the crew.
    • Sustainability: Eco-friendly practices align with responsible travel values.

    Final thoughts

    bottle and glass of cotes du rhone red wine on private balcony of aboard AmaWaterways AmaKristina river cruise ship.

    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.

    AmaWaterways FAQs

    How much does an AmaWaterways river cruise cost?

    Depending on which route and itinerary you choose, the average river cruise with AmaWaterways can cost each passenger anywhere from $3,000 to approximately $5,000. Premium accommodations and peak travel times can cause that price to increase quite a bit. Watch for special discounts and promotions; I have seen prices discounted by as much as $1,000 per person.

    How accessible is the AmaKristina for guests with mobility challenges?

    The AmaKristina is designed with accessibility in mind, offering an elevator that connects the Violin and Cello decks, as well as easily navigable public areas. However, due to the nature of some European ports, shore excursions may include uneven terrain, so it’s best to check specific excursion details in advance.

    Is there laundry service available on the AmaKristina?

    Yes, the AmaKristina offers laundry service for an additional fee, allowing guests to pack lighter and enjoy the convenience of having their clothing cleaned during the cruise.
    Read our How to Pack for One Week in a Carry-On Only article for packing tips!

    Are there options for solo travelers aboard the AmaKristina?

    Yes, AmaWaterways offers specific single-occupancy staterooms on select ships, including the AmaKristina. These rooms are designed to provide solo travelers with comfortable accommodations without paying a full double-occupancy fare.

    What type of entertainment is provided in the evenings?

    Evenings on the AmaKristina feature a variety of entertainment options, including live music performances, cultural shows from local artists, and themed events. These activities create a lively yet intimate atmosphere for guests to enjoy after dinner.

    Can dietary restrictions or preferences be accommodated?

    Absolutely! AmaWaterways takes dietary needs seriously and offers meals tailored to specific requirements, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-sodium options. Guests are encouraged to inform the crew of any restrictions prior to their cruise.

    What makes the AmaWaterways wellness program unique?

    The wellness program aboard the AmaKristina includes daily fitness classes, such as yoga and stretching, led by a dedicated Wellness Host. Additionally, complimentary bikes are available for active excursions, and the ship features a fitness center for individual workouts.

    Are AmaWaterways river cruises kid-friendly?

    Some river cruise itineraries are more family-friendly than others, so be sure to double check the routes you are interested in before booking. I can tell you that there was not one singly child on the Colors of Provence river cruise; it was 100% adults. But the itinerary on our particular cruise was very adult-focused, with wine tastings at many stops.

    In general, there is a minimum age limit of 4 years old. Due to safety precautions, on the Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise program, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old. Be sure to contact AmaWaterways for the latest age restrictions and family-friendly options.

    If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

    ✈️ Planning a trip?

    Here are my favorite items and resources I use whenever I travel.

    🧳 Away Luggage - I've traveled all over the world with Away luggage and can't say enough about their durability and style.

    🎒 Backpack - This is my go-to travel backpack. It has pockets everywhere and enough space to fit everything from my laptop to extra shoes.

    📍Apple Air Tags - I always hide these airtags away in my luggage, especially if I check bags. That way I can track them and know exactly where they are.

    👚 Packing cubes - Take the stress out of packing and make sure everything fits in your bags with this set of compression packing cubes.

    ⚡️Portable charger - I always travel with a portable power bank for my devices, and I've found this one to be the most reliable and long-lasting.

    🔌 Travel adapter - Planning to travel to multiple countries? I use this all-in-one international travel adapter to make sure my devices work wherever I go.

    🛩 Flights - I've found the best savings savings on flights here.

    🏨 Hotel - I always snag the best lodging deals with this booking tool.

    🚙 Rental cars - You can get some great savings on rental cars on this site.

    I use all of these products and earn a small commission through these affiliate links.

    More France travel

    • bottles of syrah
      Wine Tasting in Tournon-sur-Rhone
    • vineyards at Domaine De Fond-vieille in Beaujolais, France
      Wine Tasting in Beaujolais: Domaine De Fond-vieille
    • pont du gard with sunburst.
      Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct
    • Vienne city tour with city view
      Best Things To Do In Vienne, France

    More cruise travel

    • AmaWaterways river cruise ship.
      First Time River Cruise Tips
    • les halles de lyon paul bocuse exterior
      Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
    • les halles avignon fresh seafood
      Les Halles Avignon
    • arles amphitheater
      What to See in Arles, France

    Disclosure: This was part of an AmaWaterways press trip along the Rhone River. All opinions and photos are, as always, our own.

    « Almond Christmas Cookies with Sprinkles
    Gingerbread Truffles »
    9 shares

    Get recipes, travel tips, deals and more delivered to your inbox!

      Reader Interactions

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Primary Sidebar

      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me โ†’

      Sign up for free meal plans

      meal plans button

      Featured In

      Urban Bliss Life Press Featured In graphic

      Spring Recipes

      • Half of a quiche in a pie pan with salmon, asparagus, and leeks.
        Salmon Quiche
      • strawberry crinkle cookies on a plate
        Strawberry Crinkle Cookies
      • dill pickle potato salad
        Dill Pickle Potato Salad
      • bowl of cucumber dill salad.
        Cucumber Dill Salad

      More Spring Recipes โžก๏ธ

      New Recipes

      • glass of bourbon lemonade on a bright colorful napkin with title text overlay.
        Bourbon Lemonade
      • bowl of charred corn salad.
        Charred Corn Salad
      • strawberry spritz with orange and strawberry garnish.
        Strawberry Spritz
      • Greek lamb chops on a white plate with herbs and lemon slices.
        Greek Lamb Chops

      New Travel Tips

      • gold buddha with title text overlay.
        Phuket Thailand
      • bar at Carlotto restaurant in NYC New York.
        Carlotto NYC
      • Sahara Desert camp and camel trek with title text overlay.
        Sahara Desert in Morocco Travel Guide
      • moroccan chicken skewers, moroccan pancakes, colorful plates of moroccan food, and chicken tagine with title text overlay.
        Traditional Moroccan Food

      Visit our Sister Sites

      Fifty cups of coffee logo
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Pinterest
      • Instagram
      • YouTube

      Footer

      โ†‘ back to top

      logos of media outlets that have featured urban bliss life.

      Recipes

      • 30-Minute Meals
      • 5-Ingredients
      • Air Fryer
      • Asian
      • Dairy-Free
      • Pasta
      • Seafood

      About

      • About
      • FAQs
      • Privacy & Accessibility Policy
      • Terms & Conditions

      Contact

      • Contact
      • Work with me

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
      Copyright ยฉ 2025 Urban Bliss Life

      All rights reserved. You may not use any photos or recipes on this site for any personal or commercial use without my express written permission.