Site Inspection: Ama Waterways AmaDante on the Seine River

AmaWaterways is all about "Ama" - which stands for love. This love shines through in their meticulously designed ships, thoughtfully curated itineraries and unparalleled guest services. Whether you're cruising through Europe, Asia or Africa, their award-winning fleet promises a lavish experience filled with exploration, indulgence and memorable moments at every turn.

Who would enjoy AmaWaterways?

Travel Enthusiasts: Individuals who cherish immersive experiences in diverse locales, from the vibrant cities of Europe to the serene landscapes of Asia and the rich cultures of Africa.

Luxury Seekers: People who appreciate the finer things in life, including meticulously designed ships, top-tier services and critically acclaimed dining.

Cultural Explorers: Those eager to engage in authentic excursions, wanting to understand the history, culture and traditions of their destinations.

Romantics: Couples seeking intimate settings, whether it's a honeymoon, anniversary or just a romantic getaway. The "Ama" or love philosophy of AmaWaterways can set the perfect tone.

Comfort Travelers: Those who want the convenience of unpacking once but visiting multiple destinations, enjoying the comforts of their stateroom and the various onboard amenities.

Gastronomy Lovers: With their critically acclaimed dining, those who love indulging in local and international cuisines will find it a treat.

Nature Lovers: The serene glide along rivers offers unparalleled views of nature, making it a haven for those who enjoy picturesque landscapes.

Active Travelers: Many of AmaWaterways' itineraries include options for biking, hiking and other activities, appealing to those who like to stay active even while on vacation.

Families Seeking Magical Adventures: AmaWaterways, in partnership with Adventures by Disney, provides families a unique opportunity to journey through Europe's iconic Seine, Rhine and Danube Rivers. This blend of Disney's magic and the splendor of European destinations guarantees that families can effortlessly explore iconic cities and sights, making it an easy and memorable way to create a lifetime of memories for the entire family.

Ship Details

AmaDante by AmaWaterways:

Registry: Switzerland

Year Built: 2008

Capacity: Accommodates up to 144 passengers

Ship Dimensions

Decks: 3

Length: 360 feet

Beam: 38 feet

Cabin Information

Outside Cabins: 73

Crew

Nationality: European

Number: 45 crew members

The AmaDante is a Swiss-registered river cruiser under AmaWaterways, designed to offer an intimate and luxurious experience along the rivers with a European crew and a capacity to comfortably accommodate 144 passengers.

Benefits of a Small Ship Experience on AmaDante

Intimate Ambiance: The compact nature of the ship fosters a close-knit community feel where guests can truly connect with fellow travelers and crew members.

Personalized Service: With fewer passengers on board, staff can offer more attentive and tailored services, ensuring every guest feels special and well-cared-for.

Uncrowded Spaces: Whether dining at The Chef’s Table, relaxing in the Main Lounge or embarking on an excursion, the reduced guest count means less waiting and more enjoyment.

Accessibility: Smaller ships can dock in the heart of smaller towns, villages, or unique ports that larger vessels can't access, giving guests a more immersive experience.

Environmentally Friendlier: Smaller ships typically have a smaller carbon footprint compared to their larger counterparts, making them a more eco-conscious choice.

Exclusive Events: The limited capacity often allows for special onboard events or shore excursions that can be more curated and exclusive.

Quieter Atmosphere: With fewer guests, there's a serene and peaceful vibe onboard, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape.

The AmaDante provides an ideal setting for those seeking the many advantages of small ship cruising, blending intimacy with luxury in an uncrowded environment.

Amenities and features

Wellness: Includes a wellness coach and a spa and beauty salon.

Recreation: Bikes available for guests, hot tub and sauna.

Fitness: A fully-equipped gym.

Room Types

Suite (4): These are the most spacious accommodations on the ship, often with additional seating areas, larger bathrooms and enhanced amenities.

Balcony Staterooms: These rooms have a French balcony, allowing guests to enjoy outdoor views directly from their rooms.

Fixed Window Staterooms (9 rooms): While they don't always have a balcony, they do have windows that offer light. These rooms can be partially under water and are affordable but do not offer the views of balcony staterooms

Single Staterooms (2): Designed for solo travelers, these rooms are smaller and are tailored to offer comfort for one. They are outside rooms with fixed high windows.

Connecting Staterooms: Ideal for families or larger groups traveling together, these rooms provide interconnecting doors between two adjacent rooms. Ama offers these rooms, but not on the AmaDante.

Dining: Indulge in fine dining at several venues, including the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. For those in-between meal cravings, the Main Lounge offers delightful tapas.

Main Restaurant: Offers a wide range of culinary delights.

Lounge: Serves snacks and refreshments.

Chef's Table: An exclusive dining experience with curated menus.

Destinations

The AmaDante travels exclusively along the Seine River. The Seine River winds its way through Northern France, with Paris at its heart. A river cruise along the Seine offers a variety of picturesque and historically rich ports and destinations. Here's an outline of some of the notable ports and destinations you might encounter on a Seine River cruise:

Paris

Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Montmartre, Sainte-Chapelle and the Latin Quarter. Often the starting or ending point of Seine River cruises.

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

Highlights: Home to many barge folk, with a unique maritime charm and the Van Gogh house in nearby Auvers-sur-Oise.

Rouen

Highlights: Historic capital of Normandy, Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, Gros Horloge (astronomical clock), site where Joan of Arc was martyred, and medieval old town.

Les Andelys

Highlights: Château Gaillard (built by Richard the Lionheart) and panoramic views of the Seine River.

Vernon

Highlights: Gateway to Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet and the Gothic Church of Notre Dame.

Giverny

Highlights: Claude Monet's House and Gardens, the setting for many of his iconic paintings, including the Water Lilies.

Honfleur

o Highlights: Old Harbor, Saint Catherine’s Church, Eugene Boudin Museum and proximity to the beaches of Normandy.

Caudebec-en-Caux

Highlights: Near the Normandy region, a launching point for excursions to World War II sites including the Normandy Beaches.

Le Havre

Highlights: Modern architecture, André Malraux Museum of Modern Art and gateway to the Alabaster Coast.

Poissy

Highlights: Villa Savoye designed by Le Corbusier and toy museum.

These are just a few of the key stops and highlights along the Seine. Depending on the specific cruise itinerary, other towns, villages and attractions might be included. Every stop offers a unique blend of history, culture, art and natural beauty.

When I cruised the Seine River aboard the AmaDante in August 2023, its tranquil elegance immediately took me, beautifully expressed in shades of blue and gold. The vistas outside seemed to seamlessly blend with the ship's decor. Having a French balcony in my room was a treat; it wasn't just about the views of vineyards and historical sites, but also about feeling truly immersed in the breathtaking landscape right from the comfort of my cozy stateroom.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to France. In need of further inspiration? Check out Ashtin Robison’s guide, Savor Romance on a Luxurious Wine River Cruise Along the Seine