Thinking about taking a solo river cruise? Wondering if AmaWaterways is a good fit for solo travelers? In this post, we share a full review based on firsthand experience—from booking to disembarkation—and offer practical solo travel tips to make your cruise smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or planning your first river cruise alone, here’s what to expect from sailing solo with AmaWaterways.
Why Choose a Solo River Cruise?
River cruising is becoming increasingly popular with solo travelers—and for good reason. Smaller ships, organized excursions, and a welcoming atmosphere make river cruises an appealing option for those exploring on their own.
Unlike large ocean cruise lines that cater to solo cruisers with studio cabins or solo lounges, river cruises like AmaWaterways offer a more intimate environment. Onboard, you’re more likely to bump into familiar faces again and again, whether on excursions, in the lounge, or at dinner.
Why I Chose AmaWaterways for My Recent Solo River Cruise
I was inspired to cruise solo when my usual travel partner was invited to lecture about our trip to Africa. Rather than attend the conference, I saw an opportunity to try something I’d always wanted to do: a solo river cruise on AmaWaterways.
AmaWaterways had a promotion that made it affordable, and I was curious to compare it to my past cruise experiences. While finding solo travel deals on river cruises can be tricky, I eventually located one using their online booking tool—more on that below.
Is River Cruising Alone Safe?
Safety is one of the top reasons solo travelers turn to river cruising, and AmaWaterways delivers here. Your ship acts like a floating hotel, and access is limited to passengers and crew. Excursions are organized and small in size, often with people you’ve already met onboard. That quick familiarity builds comfort and community.
During my solo trip, I never felt isolated or unsafe—even when exploring independently during our pre-cruise stay in Zurich. AmaWaterways staff and local guides helped me feel informed and supported the entire way.
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| Zurich, Switzerland |
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| Kunsthaus Zürich |
Booking Tips: How to Find Solo Cruise Deals on AmaWaterways
Finding solo travel promotions on AmaWaterways can take some digging, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s what worked for me:
Use AmaWaterways’ "Reserve Now" function to adjust passenger count to one and preview real-time pricing.
Check their Special Offers page, but be prepared to click around—some deals require requesting a quote.
Be flexible with dates and destinations. Trial and error helped me spot the best solo fare.
Alternatively, a trusted travel advisor can help track down solo-friendly pricing more efficiently.
Why the Pre-Cruise Extension Made All the Difference
If you’re cruising solo, I strongly recommend booking a pre-cruise extension. In my case, the Zurich extension introduced me to fellow travelers before we ever stepped on the ship.
Our group of 11 quickly bonded over shared meals and tours. These weren’t just temporary acquaintances—they became familiar faces I saw again and again throughout the cruise. That early connection made the entire trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
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| Lucerne, Switzerland |
See my full video review here!
Consistent Cruise Manager Support = Solo Travel Gold
AmaWaterways offers a unique feature that’s especially helpful for solo travelers: your cruise manager stays with you from the pre-cruise extension all the way through disembarkation.
This continuity provided a huge sense of security. From helping with restaurant recommendations to offering local safety tips, my cruise manager made navigating each day much easier—especially when I was on my own.
How AmaWaterways Helps Solo Travelers Feel Included
From the moment I boarded, I felt welcomed. On the first night, AmaWaterways hosted a dedicated solo traveler meetup with one of the ship’s officers. It was a great way to break the ice.
Dining was equally inclusive. I didn’t mind eating alone, but I was almost always invited to join others or guided to tables with friendly fellow cruisers. Open seating and welcoming guests made me feel comfortable every time I sat down.
Excursions, Scenic Sailing, and Onboard Connections
AmaWaterways offers excursions at different activity levels, which helps create small groups of like-minded travelers. Over time, you begin seeing the same faces, which naturally builds camaraderie.
Social moments like Sip & Sail before dinner, afternoon tea, and time on deck during scenic sailing were also perfect opportunities to meet other passengers.
One evening, I wasn’t feeling well. The crew delivered a full dinner from the restaurant menu to my cabin—along with a glass of my favorite wine. Fellow passengers even offered to share medication or pick up supplies at the next port. That kind of community is what sets solo river cruising apart.
What Could Be Better for Solo Travelers?
While my experience was overwhelmingly positive, there are areas AmaWaterways could improve for solo cruisers:
Evening entertainment was hit or miss and not well attended.
A second solo meetup mid-cruise could help maintain social momentum.
Solo fares are hard to find and not clearly labeled on the website.
Post-cruise transfers weren’t seamless—at the airport, the guide left without waiting for slower passengers.
Still, these were relatively minor in the context of an otherwise fantastic trip.
Top Tips for Solo River Cruisers
To wrap up, here are a few of my top solo travel tips for river cruises:
Book a pre-cruise extension to meet people early and ease into the trip.
Search for solo-friendly promotions—don’t be afraid to experiment with dates and destinations.
Attend solo traveler meetups and be open to joining others at meals or in the lounge.
Choose the right personal bag—I love my Travelon classic messenger bag for safety and organization.
Pack light—you’ll often handle your own luggage during transfers.
Bring a selfie stick or compact tripod to take photos without relying on others. Personally I use a DJI Osmo 6. Remember even when you hold your own phone you can use the timer function on your phone’s camera.
Have a backup plan—know how to get to the port or airport if needed.
Stay connected—cell service can be a lifeline for maps, safety, and communication.
Cologne, Germany with my Travelon Classic Messenger Day Bag
Final Thoughts: Is AmaWaterways Good for Solo Travelers?
Absolutely. AmaWaterways is a strong choice for solo river cruisers, especially if you value safety, community, and personal attention. With a bit of planning and curiosity, river cruising alone can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel.
If you’ve taken a solo river cruise—or are thinking about it—share your thoughts in the comments below. And check the links for products I mentioned like the Travelon bag or tripod setup I always bring along.
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