frequently Asked Questions

Comfortable “Country Club Casual” is the recommended attire for daytime, and to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.

Vietnam & Cambodia: It is always advisable to travel light in Southeast Asia. For the hot and humid weather, lightweight easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun, raingear, and sturdy and comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy. We also recommend you pack a few smart casual items to wear at the Welcome and Farewell dinners.

Africa: When traveling through Africa, it is always advisable to travel light as some itineraries baggage size and weight are strictly limited. On Safari: casual, easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun. Attire during Winter (April - September): it is wise to bring some warm clothes for chilly early morning and late night temperatures. Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures rise quickly during the day.

Dining in Town: If you plan on dining at a fine restaurant in a city such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, “smart casual” is the norm – no ties for men or evening dresses for women are necessary.

Europe: A sightseeing tour is included in each city or town you visit, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or your Cruise Manager. In addition to our Gentle and Active Walkers groups noted in our Health and Well-Being section, for some excursions, we have a "Late Starter" option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights. For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, we offer guided bicycle tours in select cities (capacity controlled). In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship's Captain.

Vietnam & Cambodia: A sightseeing tour is included at each location on the itinerary. The sightseeing tours can involve walking on uneven ground and steps, travel by motorcoach, local boat or a combination thereof. Each tour is led by a qualified English-speaking local guide. In the rare event of water level problems, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the daily program whenever conditions render it necessary, by determination of the ship's captain.

Africa: All excursions are included.

Europe: High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom "Entertainment-On-Demand." Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Vietnam and Cambodia: Free Internet and Wi-Fi in the lounge with computer stations.

Africa: Free Wi Fi is available but may be limited and sporadic during certain times of the day due to the ships isolated location.

All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to ensure you have the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers. They also feature an alternative specialty dining restaurant- The Chef's Table- with limited seating.

Europe: Elevators are available onboard all vessels reaching the two highest passenger decks, reception area and restaurant.

Vietnam & Cambodia: The AmaDara and the AmaLotus cruising the Mekong river do not feature elevators.

Africa: The Zambezi Queen cruising the Chobe River does not feature an elevator.

Europe: Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city. Please refer to your travel documents for specific instructions on where to embark and your official embarkation time.

Vietnam & Cambodia: On Cruise Embarkation Day, passengers will proceed to the AmaDara via a transfer from one of the hotels listed below:

For embarkations scheduled for Tonle Sap Lake: Register at the AmaDara Check-In Desk located in the lobby of the Sofitel Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, at 11:00 a.m. Passengers will then be transferred to the ship. Low Water Season: Your registration at Lobby of Sofitel Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, will take place at 7:30 a.m. A motorcoach transfer to your ship will depart Sofitel Angkor Hotel at 8:15 a.m. this transfer will take approximately 5 hours with a stop en route at Kampong Thom and you will embark the ship at Prek Kdam, rather than the Tonle Sap Lake.

For embarkations scheduled for Ho Chi Minh City: Register at the AmaDara Check-In Desk located in the lobby of the Sofitel Plaza Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, at 11:00 a.m. Passengers will then be transferred to the ship at My Tho Port to arrive by 2:00 p.m.

Europe: Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9 a.m.

Vietnam & Cambodia: For Disembarkations Scheduled for Tonle Sap Lake (Direction Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap), disembarkation is 8:45 a.m., and the passengers will be transferred to Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap.

During low water season, you will disembark the ship at Preak Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River and arrive at the Sofitel Siem Reap at 1:30 p.m.

For Disembarkations Scheduled for Ho Chi Minh City (Direction Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City), disembarkation time is 8:30 a.m. at My Tho Port and passengers will be transferred to Sofitel Plaza Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City.

Europe: The ship's reception desk is open 24 hours a day. Should you need any assistance, please call from your stateroom by dialing 9, or pay them a visit.

Vietnam & Cambodia: The ship's reception desk is open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Should you need any assistance, please call from your stateroom by dialing 9, or pay them a visit.

Africa: The Cruise Manager will be available at approximately 6:00am each morning until 10:00pm every night.

The official language on board is English on all ships. Most crew members speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English. All locals guides are fluent in English.

EUROPE

7-Night Cruise

Ship’s Crew: The entire amount will be divided equally amongst all crew members. Recommendation: 100 Euros per 7-night cruise, per guest. (AmaMagna 120 Euros per 7-night cruise, per guest)

Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise hotel/land extensions you may have booked. Recommendation: 25 Euros per 7-night, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise hotel/land extensions.

10-Night Cruise

Ship’s Crew: The entire amount will be divided equally amongst all crew members. Recommendation: 143 Euros per 10-night cruise, per guest.

Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise hotel/land extensions you may have booked. Recommendation: 36 Euros per 10-night, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise hotel/land extensions.

11-Night Cruise

Ship’s Crew: The entire amount will be divided equally amongst all crew members. Recommendation: 158 Euros per 11-night cruise, per guest.

Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise hotel/land extensions you may have booked. Recommendation: 40 Euros per 11-night, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise hotel/land extensions.

14-Night Cruise

Ship’s Crew: The entire amount will be divided equally amongst all crew members. Recommendation: 200 Euros per 14-night cruise, per guest.

Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise hotel/land extensions you may have booked. Recommendation: 50 Euros per 14-night, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise hotel/land extensions.

PORTUGAL

Ship’s Crew: The entire amount will be divided equally amongst all crew members. Recommendation: 100 Euros per week, per guest.

Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise hotel/land extensions you may have booked. Recommendation: 30 Euros per week, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise hotel/land extensions.

MEKONG

AFRICA

• Zambezi Queen Onboard Staff: To be divided evenly among all crew members US$15-20 per guest per day
• AmaWaterways Tour Guide: From Cape Town to Johannesburg US$5-10 per guest per day

Safari Lodge Stay

• Safari Ranger/Guide: US$10-20 per person per day
• Game Tracker (South Africa only): US$5 person per day
• Butler/Waiter at Lodges: US$5 person per day
• General Lodge Staff: US$10-20 person per day

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

Europe: Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Vietnam & Cambodia: Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Africa: Suites on the Zambezi Queen include private balconies overlooking the Chobe River, en-suite bathrooms with Bao Body amenities, floor-to-ceiling glass windows for riverside views, sliding shutters for sun protection and privacy, private in-room safes and sliding mosquito net doors.

Europe: AmaWaterways offers the industry's most comprehensive information and entertainment experience in Europe. Stay connected, thanks to the computer provided in your stateroom and high-speed Internet access, plus Wi-Fi. Our exclusive movie-on-demand system offers Hollywood's current releases and a selection of classic films. Enjoy a variety of English-language news, sports and satellite TV stations, as well as a large selection of music channels. It's all available on your flat-panel TV, and it's completely free of charge. Please note that television reception is via satellite, therefore depending on location, reception may be temporarily restricted or unclear.

Europe: Each stateroom has its own telephone, along with instructions for use. Phones may be used to call from stateroom to stateroom and ship to shore. Since the telephone system functions via GSM, there may be times, depending on location, when service is unavailable. Any charges for calls will be billed to your shipboard account. Please inquire at the reception desk for rates.

Vietnam & Cambodia: Each stateroom has its own telephone, which may be used to call within the ship.

Africa: There are no phones in the staterooms.

All staterooms in Europe, Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia are equipped with individual climate control. If you have any questions regarding your stateroom's temperature control, please refer to the instructions or check with the reception desk.

Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.

Each ship has a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment. Use of the equipment is at the sole risk of the user. Hours of operation vary according to the ship. There is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room.

Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.

Europe: There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.

Vietnam & Cambodia: We do not employ doctors or nurses on board the ships. In the event medical assistance is needed, appropriate medical facilities will be contacted. Note that response time can vary.

Myanmar: We do not employ doctors or nurses on board the ship. In the event medical assistance is needed, appropriate medical facilities will be contacted. Note that response time can vary.

Africa: We do not employ doctors or nurses on board the Zambezi Queen. In the event medical assistance is needed, appropriate medical facilities will be contacted. Note that response time can vary.

Europe: Each ship has a limited number of bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked and can be signed out for independent use. Most sailings will also offer a choice of bicycle lead excursions with a tour guide and these can be reserved once you are on board. We do not have bicycles available on our ships in Portugal. Use of the bicycles is at your own risk. Therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and all of its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during their use.

All meals on board the ships are included in the cruise price. Meals are served in the dining room in a single seating. For dinner, passengers will be seated by a dining room host.

Europe: All meals are skillfully prepared by European chefs and consist of Continental cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast is buffet-style with selections available from the menu as well. Lunch is also buffet-style with salads, soups and a selection of hot buffet items, hot entrees and desserts. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of delicious entrees, including a vegetarian option.

Vietnam & Cambodia: All meals are prepared by local chefs and consist of Western cuisine as well as Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of entrées.

Africa: All meals are prepared by local chefs and consist of Western cuisine as well as local cuisine. The mornings offer a full English breakfast and the afternoons offer a lavish gourmet lunch buffet. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of entrées. Certain meals will be served on land.

Dietary Restrictions/Allergies: Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation so we are able to accommodate your request. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

Europe: Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Specialty coffees, such as espresso and café latte are also available free of charge. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. During lunch and dinner, local wines soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

Vietnam & Cambodia: Complimentary soft drinks, juices, house brand spirits, local beers, filtered coffee and tea are available during the cruise. Free flowing wine with every lunch and dinner on board. Imported wine and premium alcoholic beverages are available to purchase at an additional cost. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

Myanmar: Complimentary house wine, local beer and soft drinks are offered with every lunch and dinner on board.

Africa: Complimentary wine and beer is served with all lunch and dinners on board. Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals from the bar. Premium alcoholic beverages as well as drinks outside of meal times are available at the bar for additional cost. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

Europe: During shore excursions, we provide a sophisticated audio headset system that allows guests to comfortably listen to their tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe's hidden gems.

Vietnam & Cambodia: During shore excursions, we provide a sophisticated audio headset system that allows guests to comfortably listen to their tour guide while taking photos or admiring the surroundings of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Europe: Various beauty and hair treatments as well as massages are available on board. Please inquire at the reception desk for a list of services and to schedule an appointment.

Vietnam/Cambodia & Portugal: A spa offering massages is available on board both the AmaDara and the AmaLotus. Please inquire at the reception desk for a list of services and to schedule an appointment.

The AmaVida also offers a spa.

The ship has an onboard gift shop that sells accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and a limited selection of personal and toiletry items. Opening hours vary according to itinerary.

Europe: All ships are equipped with a whirlpool or heated swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Saunas are available on select ships.

Africa: The Sun Deck has a small environmentally-friendly pool for your enjoyment.This pool is filled with filtered water from the Chobe River and is drained and refilled each day. No harmful chemicals are ever added to the water in order to protect the wildlife living in and along the river.

Vietnam & Cambodia: There is a refreshing pool located on the Sun Deck.

Please note there is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is solely at your own risk. AMAWATERWAYS and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the whirlpool, pool or sauna.

On our programs in Europe & Southeast Asia, children under the age of 4 years old are not permitted onboard and children 4-7 years old are not recommended. On our Africa program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, as their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4 – 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with 2 adults provided the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Select ships offer a limited number of staterooms with a fold out sofa for a triple occupant, we would be happy to guide you through these options when available. A triple occupancy rate will apply for the child sharing the stateroom, pricing can be provided upon request. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to us if you have any further questions regarding our child policy.

Europe: Wheelchair accessibility is very limited on our European ships. We do have an elevator between the two main decks, however it does not reach the Sun deck or Piano deck. They would be able to move around the dining room and lounge in their chair, however the rooms are not able to accommodate a wheelchair, so while in their stateroom they would need to be able to move around on their own. Their chair would also need to be stored in their stateroom, due to limited storage on board. Getting on and off the ship, could be a challenge, as the planks are narrow and cannot accommodate a wheelchair or scooter's width. They would have to be able to get on and off the ship without their wheelchair and the wheelchair would have to be light enough to be lifted off and on the ramps. It is common to tie up to other river ships in port. When this happens we would sometimes need to travel through another ship to disembark, with many ships requiring we do so from the Sun deck, where there is only stair access.

During the excursions, a good majority of the cities visited have the cobble stone walkways, this may be a challenge to maneuver with a wheelchair. The motor coaches we use as a main means of transport do not have any sort of lift and there are 4 or 5 steep steps to get on and off.

Vietnam, Cambodia & Africa: These itineraries require a person to be able bodied. There are many unpaved roads and the ships do not have elevators.

We do not accept Traveler's Checks on board. Please find the preferred forms of payment that guests can use to settle their accounts on board.

Europe: All onboard charges will be in Euros. Payable with cash (Euros) and credit card. Pre-paid charge cards are not accepted.

Mekong: All onboard charges are in Vietnamese Dong Payable in cash (USD or Vietnamese Dong) or with credit card. Pre-paid credit cards are not accepted.

Africa: All onboard charges are in US Dollars. Payable in cash in the following currencies: US Dollar, Rand (South Africa), Pula (Botswana), Tanzanian Shilling (Tanzania) and credit card (Mastercard/Visa, not American Express). Pre-paid charge cards are not accepted.

For credit card payments, the guest’s credit card company will convert their onboard charges into the guest’s home country’s currency at the current exchange rate and service fees may apply.

If you have purchased Travel Protection with AmaWaterways, please log into the "My Cruise" section of our site. Once you log-in you will be able to access your state specific policy.

We are continuously monitoring the international travel bulletins regarding the COVID-19 and are taking preventive measures as recommended by the health authorities, as well as intensifying our normal very high standards of hygiene onboard. We are also working closely with our partners in the destinations we sail through to ensure our excursions are operated in accordance with the most up-to-date recommended guidelines.