If you’re planning an AmaWaterways river cruise or are curious about what makes their shore excursions truly stand out, you’re in the right place. We’re active travelers, and what really impressed us about AmaWaterways was the range of included excursions and the flexibility to explore each destination on your own terms. Yet, figuring out how to research, book, and enjoy these tours wasn’t always straightforward. That’s why we created this guide—based on everything we wish we’d known ahead of time.
🔍 Researching Excursions Before Booking
Before booking your cruise, head to the AmaWaterways website and find the itinerary you're considering (e.g., the Enchanting Rhine). Scroll down to the “At a Glance” section and click Expand All to see daily shore excursion offerings. You’ll get a solid overview of included tours—cultural stops, gentle walks, or more active adventures. There’s also a downloadable PDF or print option for easy reference.
Under the Explore → Find Inspiration tab, download the latest digital brochure. Flip to the Active Adventures pages to spot hiking and biking icons at a glance. It’s a fantastic way to preview your activity options before booking.
🚶 Included Excursions & Activity Levels
AmaWaterways includes multiple excursions per port, and unlike Viking, many travelers can enjoy walking, biking, or hiking tours without paying extra. Each cruise route provides:
Level 1 – Easy: flat, short walks
Level 2 – Moderate: inclines/stairs
Level 3 – Intermediate: longer distances + hills
Level 4 – Challenging: uneven terrain, hills, traffic
Level 5 – Difficult: steep or intense terrain
Remember, the average Ama guest is around 60 years old, so “4” or “5” indicates how those tours feel for that demographic. Unsure? Reach out on Facebook groups for insights from past cruisers.
Before departure, Ama provides walking sticks and hiking sticks with built-in seats at the gangway—great for guests who might need extra support.
📱 Booking Excursions
Once booked, grab the AmaWaterways app (you’ll find cruise details only 60 days prior). It keeps you logged in, avoids repeated login hassles, and lets you view and reserve excursions easily.
Select excursions under the “My Cruise Itinerary” map view or “Select Excursions” menu. Each listing shows the excursion name, approximate time, duration, difficulty level, lengths of walking, cycling, or bus components—and prompts you to choose your pace (gentle, regular, or active) for walking tours.
Check out our full video review here!
You’ll receive a confirmation pop-up after booking—take a screenshot, since availability may change. You may also encounter dropped reservations, so it’s smart to check back and reconfirm.
Most walking tours don’t sell out early—but bike and hike tours may, due to limited capacity. Reserve early and adjust on board as needed.
🚢 Onboard Logistics & Packing Tips
In your cabin each night, you’ll receive the Daily Cruiser newsletter with exact times for next-day excursions and port talk locations. If you can't remember your bookings, check your screenshots or ask the Cruise Manager.
At embarkation, ask the desk for color-coded cards to stay with your group on walking or hiking tours. Bike tours don’t use cards—just grab your bike at the gangway, with helmets already arranged.
Most excursions use the QuietVox audio system. Recharge your device every night—and in case of issues, guides typically have extras. We find using an AirFly adapter is ideal, letting us connect our own Bluetooth headphones.
For packing, choose lightweight layers. Waterproof sneakers are a must to tackle cobblestones and light rain. Bring a lightweight folding umbrella in case ship-provided ones feel too bulky.
🛍️ Realistic Shopping Time
Free shopping time is rare on excursions—especially in fast-paced ports like Heidelberg, where we barely had time for photos. Cities where ships stay later or overnight, such as Strasbourg and Mainz, offer better opportunities.
Cologne was a highlight—perfect for chocolate and the world-famous 4711 cologne. If shopping matters to you, let your tour guide or crew know early—they often from personal experience can guide you to the best shops. And check port opening hours, especially on Sundays or holidays when shops might be closed.
💶 Tipping Guidelines
Under My Cruise → Prepare for Your Cruise → Life on Board, Ama suggests gratuities for Europe as follows:
Local guides: €3 for a half-day tour, €5 for a full day
Coach drivers: €2 half-day, €3 full day
Keep small-change handy in Euros. Tipping is optional—adjust the amount based on your experience.
🗣️ Our Opinion
We love the flexibility AmaWaterways offers. Whether it’s a relaxed walk, a scenic bike ride, or a challenging hike, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or choice. You don’t need to be a hardcore athlete, and there are still slower-paced options for guests who prefer them.
✅ Pro tip: pick what appeals to you before departure—especially for limited bike and hike excursions—then tweak after speaking with your cruise manager.
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Recommended Travel Gear
AirFly Audio Adapter – Connect your Bluetooth headphones to QuietVox devices
Travelon Classic Messenger Bag – slash-resistant with RFID protection
Compact Folding Umbrella – easy to carry on excursions
Lightweight Puffer Jacket – warm, packable layer for deck and evenings
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