Tips from a First Time Cruiser on the Rhine

I didn’t know if river cruising was for me until I stepped aboard AmaKristina for my first journey on the Rhine. With the most common voyage gliding through a quartet of countries - Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland - the Rhine is an ever-popular choice for first-time river cruisers. For the classic itinerary, AmaWaterways’ "Enchanting Rhine" cruise ticks all the right boxes. The journey is steeped in gastronomic hotspots, rolling hills and medieval fortresses and charms come aplenty once onboard; each stamped with signature attention to excellence.

After arriving at busy Basel EuroAirport, I was relieved to be welcomed into the soothing atmosphere of AmaKristina with a glass of bubbly. My stateroom, like most, featured a French and outside balcony, providing panoramic vistas of the ever-changing scenery. One of the thrills of a river cruise, after all, is the allure of watching the world go by.

Prior to embarkation, I was concerned that river cruising might be too sedate for a moderately active traveler like me. What I got was the best of both worlds: a wonderful way to relax and explore ashore on a variety of included excursions. Whether you feel like joining or want to go discovering on your own, there are many ways to enjoy your cruise.

While big hitters like Strasbourg, Cologne and Amsterdam remain popular on a Rhine cruise, my top highlights on AmaKristina include:

Surrounded by vineyards, mountains and the Black Forest, Riquewihr is officially one of France’s most beautiful villages. A walk through its cobbled streets reveals an atmospheric melange of colorful buildings, evoking the fairy tale setting which inspired its famous appearance in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast film. Riquewihr largely escaped damage despite being in a region with a turbulent past. The result feels like walking through seemingly unchanged moments in time. Charming streets are awash with half-timbered buildings, fine houses, courtyards and fountains, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Fortified with flamed brandy and topped with cream, Rüdesheimer coffee is best enjoyed in the town’s Drösselgasse, an alley where bars and restaurants jostle closely together. A panoramic gondola ride and indulgent sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards round up an intimately guided experience of this charming town.

For those who prefer a more active adventure, you can’t beat a bike ride along the river Necker to the medieval town of Ladenburg. Embrace the chance to get off the tourist trail on a rejuvenating ride through tranquil open fields.

More than 40 castles and fortresses dot the cliffs over the Rhine Gorge like a medieval beauty pageant. Retreat to your private balcony or head to the sun deck to enjoy the views while your cruise manager points out the best sights and explains some of the history behind them. One of these is the legend of Lorelei, a golden-haired maiden said to have thrown herself to death over a disloyal lover. She then lures sailors to their deaths with her beautiful singing voice. Along with churches, sloping riverside vineyards and animated legends, you’ll find this passage a highlight of any Rhine cruise.

Food is a sumptuous part of any cruise - and AmaWaterways certainly does not disappoint. On my first night, the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant was a treat for the taste buds featuring a multi-course tasting menu with paired wines. It was a sign of more culinary pleasures to come. On another occasion, personable Maitre D’ Gusti responded to my travel group’s craving for something that wasn’t on the menu: ripe plantain. Returning that evening to discover the crew had got ingredients while the ship was in port and prepared an artfully plated stuffed plantain with spinach and pistachio was a delightful reminder of their commitment to making guests feel special.

Excellent wines, including the Rhine classic Riesling, are included as standard with lunch and dinner, while the daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour goes down smoothly with background music by a pianist. River ships may not offer the same variety of dining venues you’d expect aboard an ocean ship, but with locally sourced traditional and regionally-inspired cuisine prepared by expert chefs, dining on AmaWaterways easily rivals swanky land-based restaurants.

The best thing about a river cruise with AmaWaterways is the knowledgeable cruise managers, crew members and guides who are often local to the regions visited, ensuring a high level of destination expertise. Onboard or taking part in a guided excursion ashore, you’ll experience a palpable sense of efficiency and commitment to creating unforgettable travel memories for guests.

As you may well have guessed, river cruising has a new convert singing loudly from the proverbial hymn sheet. I can't wait to sail with AmaWaterways again.