As one who is not especially fond of cooking, one of my greatest joys while on holiday is dining out. To choose my meal, and to be served delicious cuisine by others is an indulgence for which I never tire and for which I am always grateful and appreciative. It is this aspect of vacationing that lures me to AmaWaterways time and again. This leading river cruise line places the highest priority on the quality of its cuisine, serving destination fitting entrees at every meal, and beautiful regional wines at lunch and dinner. Add white table cloths and stellar, professional service, and AmaWaterways is a floating five star restaurant with consistency of quality that is remarkable.
Illustrative of this distinction, and proof that my assessment is shared, is Amawaterways’ induction into La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious international gastronomic societies, dedicated to the creation and enjoyment of fine cuisine. AmaWaterways was its first river cruise line member. Founded in Paris in 1950 to honor the royal Guild of Goose Roasters (whose origins date back to the 13th century), it is the oldest and largest food and wine society in the world. Membership to La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is by invitation only and is extended to those possessing world-class culinary acumen. Each of AmaWaterways’ European ships is a member.
Additionally, AmaWaterways’ Culinary Director Robert Kellerhals and AmaWaterways’ European ships were inducted into the French culinary association Tables et Auberges, becoming the first river cruise line to be listed in their International Guide. AmaWaterways is also a member of La Connétablie de Guyenne, the third oldest vinous brotherhood in Bordeaux, and was included in Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers List 2023 as The Best 10 Cruises for Food.
An admitted caution of any type of cruising is that the form of travel does not allow for full enjoyment of a region’s cuisine. While it may be true that guests are typically not dining within local cafes and restaurants, AmaWaterways chefs—recognizing that regional food and wine specialties are an important part of how travelers experience a location—offer dishes that are specific to the areas in which the ship sails. Chef Kellerhals works with a team of five corporate chefs to constantly evolve and innovate the cruise line’s heightened culinary experience, enabling guests a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for a country, its history, culture and people. And, AmaWaterways chefs are always able to cater to all types of dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
Of course, guests are more than welcome to venture into port towns to sample restaurant and café cuisine, but, in my cruises along the Danube, the Rhine, and the Seine, I’ve never felt the need to abandon ship during meal time. That’s because the AmaWaterways menus always feature exquisite offerings, served with precision by a gracious staff. At breakfast, I can sip sparkling wine while selecting from the fresh pastry selection. Morning entrees such as Eggs Benedict are served with the most delicious Hollandaise sauce you’ll find anywhere. At lunch, I can choose from a full menu of warm items, to be enjoyed in the main restaurant, or I can find an al fresco table along the bow at which to dine on my sandwich of the day. Dinner is always a delectable, multi-course affair of visually arresting dishes. (Beautiful presentation is an AmaWaterways given.) I especially enjoy the regional favorites, such as goulash while cruising through Hungary, bratwurst and sauerkraut after returning to the ship from Vienna, or “Supreme de Canard with Sauce de Raisins et Genievre” along the Seine. I particularly love the “always available” option of Beef Ribeye Steak, Grilled Chicken Breast, or the always, always perfectly cooked Norwegian Salmon Filet with sauce of the day, but best served with that amazing Hollandaise…oh wow. In three cruises and a total of 21 dinners, I’ve ordered that salmon numerous times; it’s that good. And when served with a side of French Fries, it’s a perfect meal. (AmaWaterways’ French fries are the absolute best.)
Most AmaWaterways ships (23 of 29) also feature The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant where a smaller group of guests enjoys a more intimate dinner experience with a chef prepared, multi-course meal, paired with fine wines. And aboard the larger AmaMagna, dining options include a choice of four unique restaurants.
And the wines…a selection of high quality regional wines is always served at lunch and dinner, each paired perfectly with the cuisine options. I love exploring the varietals chosen specifically to match the cruise destinations: Grüner Veltliner for instance while cruising the Danube through Austria’s Wachau Valley, Rieslings while along the Rhine, and Bourgogne Pinot Noir while sailing the Seine. For wine lovers who wish to delve deeper, AmaWaterways’ “Celebration of Wine” cruises (offered on 21 different itineraries) place very specific emphasis on iconic wine regions such as Burgundy in France or the Douro Valley in Portugal. These immersive wine and culinary experiences are hosted by qualified wine experts (vintners, winemakers, certified sommeliers, for instance) from North America or Europe who bring their own wines on board for tastings, allowing guests to expand their palate while exploring different winemaking techniques.
Finally, despite my many indulgences during an AmaWaterways cruise, the daily hiking and biking excursions allow me to “keep everything in check.” And, nearly every AmaWaterways ship features a Wellness Host who leads a variety of daily activities such as Pilates, resistance band stretching, cardio, active wellness walks and dance. The emphasis on physical, mental, and spiritual wellness is another reason I chose AmaWaterways again and again.
Photo credit: Liliana Lafranchi Photography
