AmaCello felt like a comfortable home base rather than a floating hotel. The days could be full—Roman ruins, food experiences, wine tasting, and château visits—but coming back to the same welcoming ship each evening made the trip feel easy and unhurried.
An intimate size for a river cruise
AmaCello is designed for a more personal river-cruise experience. With 71 staterooms and suites for up to 140 guests, it never felt like we were navigating a massive resort at sea. Public spaces were easy to use, and the Main Lounge became a natural place to gather, meet fellow travelers, or simply watch the scenery change.
Room types: choosing the right fit
The larger Suite is about 255 square feet and has a French balcony; Categories A, B, and C are about 170 square feet and also have French balconies. A French balcony is the floor-to-ceiling glass door and railing rather than a step-out balcony, but it brings the river views right into the room.
For travelers who plan to be out enjoying the ports all day, the 170-square-foot rooms are a smart, comfortable value. Choose a Suite when extra living space matters most—perhaps for a longer sailing, more time relaxing in the room, or simply a little more breathing room. Every room has climate control, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
Dining was part of the experience
The Main Restaurant handled daily meals with a polished but approachable feel. Menus reflected the regions we were sailing through, and wine, beer, and soft drinks were served with lunch and dinner. There was also an easygoing option for tapas in the Main Lounge between meals.
Sip & Sail: an easy pre-dinner ritual
AmaWaterways’ daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour is a lovely bridge between a day ashore and dinner. Cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks are included, making it an easy time to trade excursion stories, meet fellow guests, or simply settle in with the river view.
The Chef’s Table
Our favorite special evening was The Chef’s Table. This complimentary, intimate multi-course tasting dinner is served beside the open kitchen, so you can see the culinary team at work. On our sailing, it paired a seven-course menu with three wines. Reservations are made aboard the ship, and every guest has an opportunity to experience it, subject to availability.
Evenings aboard: relaxed, social, and local
AmaCello’s entertainment fits the rhythm of a river cruise: it is more about winding down than late-night shows. Evenings may include the Cruise Manager’s next-day preview, a local musician or folk performance, regional talks, and easy time in the Main Lounge with fellow travelers. It is a nice way to bring a little of the destination back on board after dinner.
On our Burgundy & Provence journey, the best entertainment was often the conversation—sharing a glass of wine, comparing excursions, and watching the riverbanks pass by. The exact program changes by itinerary and sailing, which keeps it connected to where you are.
Small touches for the time between ports
There is a Sun Deck with a whirlpool for warm-weather sailing, plus a fitness room, sauna, massage services, and Wi-Fi in staterooms and public spaces. Those details are not why most people choose a Rhône itinerary, but they make the downtime more enjoyable—especially after a day of walking through historic towns or tasting your way through Burgundy.
Who may enjoy AmaCello most
- Travelers who value a smaller, more relaxed ship environment
- Couples and friends who want food, wine, and local culture woven into the trip
- Guests who appreciate a French balcony or suite but do not need a huge ship
- First-time river cruisers who want an easy, unpack-once way to see France
- Anyone who likes a choice of included excursions rather than one fixed daily tour
AmaCello is not trying to be a giant cruise ship—and that is exactly its appeal. On this itinerary, it gave us a comfortable setting for the real focus: Provence, the Rhône, Burgundy, and the experiences waiting ashore.
Ship features, dining, and inclusions can vary by sailing. We’ll confirm the current details when we help you choose your itinerary and stateroom.