Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Named after Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways co-founder and executive vice president, AmaKristina launched in 2017. Accommodating 156 guests and cruising the Rhône River between Lyon and Avignon, she is the only-twin balcony ship in France. This floating boutique hotel is filled with natural light from the large floor-to-ceiling windows in the public spaces and guest accommodations. Combined with ample outdoor spaces, this provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy panoramic views of the French countryside.Read More
Each ship in the AmaWaterways’ fleet is designed with a unique set of colors and patterns that show up in the fabrics and furnishings. AmaKristina’s palette is a mix of rich chocolate brown intertwined with pops of coral, teal, and gold.
AmaKristina has four decks, including the spacious Sundeck on the top level with a heated pool and swim-up bar, an abundance of lounge chairs in the sun, and under a shaded canopy, plus several comfortable couches which provide a perfect perch for gathering outdoors with other passengers. The lower three decks are a mix of staterooms and public spaces where you will find the main lounge and bar, an observation lounge, a restaurant, and a small gift shop. A fitness center along with a hair and massage salon can be found on the lowest level.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
AmaKristina has 79 elegant outside accommodations with river views. Ranging in size from 155 to 350 square feet, most staterooms include AmaWaterways’ unique signature twin balconies (a French and outside balcony). The well-designed, compact marble bathrooms have a multi-jet shower, bathrobes, and slippers, plus plenty of storage. The ship’s four suites, sizable at 350-square-feet, feature bathtubs in addition to the shower. All staterooms have a desk with an Apple iMac desktop computer which doubles as a TV with on-demand movies, English-speaking TV channels, and music.
AmaWaterways offers solo traveler specials, which reflect a reduction or elimination of the standard single supplement.
There are no wheelchair-accessible staterooms. And although there is an elevator that goes between decks, it does not reach the Sun Deck. Additionally, the gangplanks used to get on and off the chips are narrow and cannot accommodate the width of a wheelchair or scooter.
Food & Drink
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the open-seating main restaurant; no reservations necessary. Reservations are required for The Chef’s Table, and guests are encouraged to make them upon boarding as the special dining can only accommodate 28 guests at a time.
The intimate dinner takes place in a smaller dining room and features a multi-course tasting menu served from an open kitchen. Regional wine pairings are a part of the meal.
A limited lunch menu (think burgers and salads) is available in the main lounge. The Al Fresco Terrace is where to find afternoon snacks and sandwiches.
AmaWaterways offers a large selection of complimentary drinks—unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juices at breakfast and a choice of selected wines, beers, or soft drinks at dinner. The daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour just before dinner also offers gratis drinks. However, outside of these offerings, all drinks aside from coffee, tea, and water, cost extra, and the ship doesn’t do drink packages like many other ships.
Full bottles of wine, Champagne, and top-shelf spirits may be enjoyed if you’re willing to pay for them. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily, and the ship’s coffee and tea station is always free.
Located on the Violin Deck, the Main Lounge and Bar is the perfect spot to meet up with fellow passengers for pre-dinner cocktails. With large bar, comfortable couches and intimate seating areas, a small dance floor and piano, you will find guests enjoying the evening entertainment here as well. During the day, this areas doubles as a gathering spot for port talks and afternoon tea time. Additionally there is a small swim-up bar with four stools in the heated pool on the Sun Deck.
Entertainment
You will find a fantastic piano player, who also sings, in the lounge most afternoons and in the evening. Occasionally, local musicians are also invited on board to provide entertainment. However, there are no shows and no casino, a potential drawback for some passengers.
Spa & Fitness
AmaWaterways is an excellent choice for active travelers. Its complimentary wellness program pairs exercise with healthy eating, allowing guests to stick with a regimen even while enjoying their vacation. The program isn’t only for the most physically fit either: Daily fitness classes, led by a wellness host, are open to all abilities with plenty of modifications depending on where you are. In addition to the yoga, stretching, circuit training, and core strengthening class offered onboard, many of the on-shore excursions incorporate hiking and biking.
While there is no traditional spa, there is a small salon that provides hair and massage services at an extra cost.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Although AmaWaterways no longer requires pre-embarkation COVID-19 testing, the cruise line does require passengers to be fully vaccinated. Upon their return, guests are responsible for checking the most up-to-date travel requirements for flights home.
Onboard health and safety measures include taking guests’ temperatures each morning, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout the ship, and air-conditioning units that do not recirculate the air in the staterooms.
There are no medical doctors or facilities on the ship. If services are required, staff will help make the necessary arrangements with local medical professionals.
Dress Code
The daytime dress code onboard AmaKristina is relatively casual. Most guests wear clothing appropriate for athletic excursions, including sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Even in the evening, except for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, the dress code is relaxed. You will find men in a mix of jeans, pants, polo, and button-down shirts. No jacket or tie is required. Women wear casual dresses or nice tops with pants or a skirt.
Junior Cruisers
Children are welcome onboard the AmaKristina, but there isn’t any specific programming for kids. Those under 18 must share a stateroom with an adult, but the ship doesn’t have rollaway beds. Adjoining staterooms, however, are an option for families traveling with younger guests.
Service
You will be well taken care of by AmaKristina’s professionally trained, English-speaking crew. From the moment you step on board, the staff works hard to make guests feel welcome while getting to know their preferences so that they can exceed your expectations at every turn. Your main point of contact during your voyage is the Cruise Manager. Providing attentive service, this indispensable staff member is available to assist with excursions, last-minute changes, or even to accompany guests during select adventures on shore.
Tipping
Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. While tipping is at your discretion, AmaWaterways suggests 100 Euros per guest for a seven-night cruise which is divided amongst the ship’s crew. Separately a 25 Euro tip per guest is recommended for the Cruise Manager who is not considered a part of the crew. Additionally, guests usually tip the local guides and motor coach drivers a few Euros each. Tips can be paid by credit card; however, if you plan to tip in cash, Euros are preferred.