0208 248 2355
Questions about your booking? Contact Us
Login
Timeless elegance spills from the decks of AmaVida as the ship cruises along Portugal and Spain’s Douro River. Rust and gold color schemes bring together the Douro’s breathtaking sunsets and a sepia hue that conjures timeworn snapshots of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Most staterooms feature balconies from which to enjoy views of terraced vineyards, as well as Entertainment-On-Demand, climate-controlled air conditioning and an in-room safe. AmaVida’s passionate chefs will treat you to exquisite, locally-sourced cuisine paired with unlimited local wine—and the region’s signature Port—as well as beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner in the Main Restaurant cada noche.
We recently sailed on the AmaVida on the “Flavors of Spain & Portugal cruise. We elected to do both the pre- and post-cruise extensions with AMA. We began in Madrid. Since we always try to arrive at least a day early, using AMA for the transfer was not an option. Our travel agent arranged for a car to pick us up. Our flight arrived on time, but getting through passport control at MAD was horrendous, and took us over an hour and a half. Fortunately, our driver waited and contacted us, so we had our ride to our hotel. We stayed at the NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado, which is the hotel used by AMA. It is, in fact, located right across the street from the Prado Museum, a definite plus. We quickly arranged to keep the same room for the duration of our stay. The hotel is lovely, and the staff were magnificent. We enjoyed the pre-cruise, except for the fact that the temperature stayed around 100°F. We had a delightful tour of Toledo, then stopped in Salamanca on our way to the river. Our Cruise Manager, Marcia, was with us the entire time, and she was magnificent! Once on the ship, we found that the ca ins were small, as expected, due to the size restrictions on the Douro. In fact, the cabins on the AmaVida are larger than on most competing lines. The crew were welcoming and friendly. Unfortunately, the meals were not as good as we had come to expect on AMA. Definitely not bad, but missing something. One passenger commented that it seemed like food you’d get in a nursing home. The best meals were the Chef’s welcome dinner the first night, and the farewell dinner. Our sommelier, Angel, tried to make sure that everyone found a wine they could enjoy with dinner, and Port was offered every night. The river is beautiful, and going through the locks is always fun. The tours were fine, and I certainly enjoyed tasting the wines and especially the Port. The heat made it difficult to fully enjoy the tours. I would recommend taking this tour in Spring or Fall. Porto was wonderful, and we all enjoyed the evening cruise under the “6 bridges.” We ended with a few days in Lisbon, a beautiful city. Our tour of Sintra was marred by my wife falling ill and passing out. The head of security was wonderful in how he treated her, and our guide and Marcia stayed close at hand. Fortunately, my wife recovered, it was unable to attend the Fado concert we had booked for the evening. AMA refused to reimburse us, and since we never saw a doctor we couldn’t bill our insurance. Marcia offered to reimburse us out of her own pocket, but we declined, since it wasn’t her fault. All in all, it was good, but it could have been much better.
We had a virtually perfect vacation! The ship was clean and the rooms had everything we needed. All meals were delicious, with so many options for all tastes and requirements. My husband loved the the lamb and the egg omelets each morning. I liked the fresh fruit and yummy pastries. The excursions were well planned and fun, there was only one that we did not care for (the olive oil tasting). The evening entertainment very good and nothing was required to do. Best of all the staff was wonderful! Every person was so friendly and helpful, they were there for every need. Our cruise director was excellent! He was always available for questions and advice. It was interesting to meet so many people from all over, we made some new friends that we have already spoken to since returning home. We did not go on the pre or post trip, but I think next time we would. We hope to go on another cruise soon.
Another fantastic trip with AmaWaterways!! Although there were setbacks due to weather Ama has once again proved there expertise in navigating the disruptions.. Due to much rain three weeks prior to our river trip we were unable to go through the locks on the Duoro due to high water and our time on the water was cut short. Although we were unable to see the beautiful scenery from the river our fabulous Cruise Manager Catarina insured that we experienced the beautiful valley with alternative excursions on very short notice. The alternative tours and activities were EXCELLENT!! One of our day trips was to the Pacheca Port winery. A gorgeous 1st class winery with a delicious lucheon provided in a blissful location. (I think this should be a mandatory stop on the itinerary is was so perfect!) The AmaVida was a experience with great accomodations, wonderful crew, Antonio was the best!!!. The food selection and wine pairings were delicious. The activities and briefings were informative and well prepared. Although the trip ended up shy of the itinerary, AMA as usual, takes lemons and makes the most delicious lemonade! Once again, Bravo!!!
We recently sailed on the AmaVida on the “Flavors of Spain & Portugal cruise. We elected to do both the pre- and post-cruise extensions with AMA. We began in Madrid. Since we always try to arrive at least a day early, using AMA for the transfer was not an option. Our travel agent arranged for a car to pick us up. Our flight arrived on time, but getting through passport control at MAD was horrendous, and took us over an hour and a half. Fortunately, our driver waited and contacted us, so we had our ride to our hotel. We stayed at the NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado, which is the hotel used by AMA. It is, in fact, located right across the street from the Prado Museum, a definite plus. We quickly arranged to keep the same room for the duration of our stay. The hotel is lovely, and the staff were magnificent. We enjoyed the pre-cruise, except for the fact that the temperature stayed around 100°F. We had a delightful tour of Toledo, then stopped in Salamanca on our way to the river. Our Cruise Manager, Marcia, was with us the entire time, and she was magnificent! Once on the ship, we found that the ca ins were small, as expected, due to the size restrictions on the Douro. In fact, the cabins on the AmaVida are larger than on most competing lines. The crew were welcoming and friendly. Unfortunately, the meals were not as good as we had come to expect on AMA. Definitely not bad, but missing something. One passenger commented that it seemed like food you’d get in a nursing home. The best meals were the Chef’s welcome dinner the first night, and the farewell dinner. Our sommelier, Angel, tried to make sure that everyone found a wine they could enjoy with dinner, and Port was offered every night. The river is beautiful, and going through the locks is always fun. The tours were fine, and I certainly enjoyed tasting the wines and especially the Port. The heat made it difficult to fully enjoy the tours. I would recommend taking this tour in Spring or Fall. Porto was wonderful, and we all enjoyed the evening cruise under the “6 bridges.” We ended with a few days in Lisbon, a beautiful city. Our tour of Sintra was marred by my wife falling ill and passing out. The head of security was wonderful in how he treated her, and our guide and Marcia stayed close at hand. Fortunately, my wife recovered, it was unable to attend the Fado concert we had booked for the evening. AMA refused to reimburse us, and since we never saw a doctor we couldn’t bill our insurance. Marcia offered to reimburse us out of her own pocket, but we declined, since it wasn’t her fault. All in all, it was good, but it could have been much better.
We had a virtually perfect vacation! The ship was clean and the rooms had everything we needed. All meals were delicious, with so many options for all tastes and requirements. My husband loved the the lamb and the egg omelets each morning. I liked the fresh fruit and yummy pastries. The excursions were well planned and fun, there was only one that we did not care for (the olive oil tasting). The evening entertainment very good and nothing was required to do. Best of all the staff was wonderful! Every person was so friendly and helpful, they were there for every need. Our cruise director was excellent! He was always available for questions and advice. It was interesting to meet so many people from all over, we made some new friends that we have already spoken to since returning home. We did not go on the pre or post trip, but I think next time we would. We hope to go on another cruise soon.
Relax and rejuvenate in spacious, luxurious staterooms with plenty of amenities. Most feature outside balconies that afford stunning views of the scenery along the river.
Savour regionally inspired, exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues.
Your river cruise with AmaWaterways will be a luxurious experience from start to finish. Customise how you explore Europe with a variety of included shore excursions and flexible tour options.
With fewer passengers on board, guests can enjoy the luxury of space — our public areas, like lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.
Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.
Please note that children facilities are not available onboard this ship.
