AmaWaterways AmaSerena

Stepping aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaSerena in Amsterdam feels like the start of a grand story, following the Rhine’s castles and vineyards all the way to Basel, Switzerland. From the quay, her sleek profile and festive touches build anticipation; once inside, the warm crew, inviting lounges, and intimate spaces make it feel like reconnecting with a favorite friend rather than meeting someone new.

Stepping onto AmaSerena feels refreshingly simple and relaxed. A short stroll along the gangway and a few easy steps bring you from the pier straight into a calm, light-filled lobby that immediately sets the tone for your cruise.

Instead of crowds and long lines, a smiling crew member at the reception desk greets you by name, checks your passport and reservation, and answers any quick questions. Within minutes, you are free to explore the ship or head straight to your stateroom, already feeling the ease and comfort that define river cruising.

Opening the door to your stateroom, the first thing you notice is how open and inviting it feels—a calm blend of space, light, and thoughtful comfort. The seating area, warm finishes, and smart storage make it easy to settle in and feel at home right away.

This is one of AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony staterooms, featuring both a French balcony and an outside balcony so you can choose how you enjoy the river views. Slide open the glass doors behind the chairs to let in fresh air, watch the shoreline glide past, and savor the scenery without ever leaving your room.

In the photo gallery below, next to the chair on the right, you will notice a second door leading out to your full step-out balcony, complete with two chairs and a bistro-style table. This means you can enjoy fresh air and river views from either the French balcony inside or the traditional balcony outside, giving each traveler in the stateroom the freedom to relax in the way that feels best.

Your bed can be arranged as one roomy queen or separated into two comfortable twins, giving you flexibility whether you are traveling as a couple, friends, or family. Thoughtful design means each side of the bed has its own nightstand, full-size lamp, and focused reading light, so you can unwind with a book or charge devices without disturbing your travel companion. Plush pillows and smooth, hotel-style bedding invite you to sink in and enjoy a restful night’s sleep after each day on the river.

The stateroom closet is designed to make unpacking easy, with generous hanging space and plenty of wooden hangers so everything has its place. A full-length mirror on the door and umbrellas tucked inside add thoughtful convenience for getting ready and heading ashore.

A second section of the closet offers organized shelving, where you will find cozy robes and slippers along with an in-room safe to secure passports, jewelry, and other valuables, helping you feel both pampered and prepared for your days on the river.

Your stateroom bathroom combines a modern, hotel-style look with smart functionality. A glass-enclosed shower with sleek tile work features both a handheld shower head and an overhead rainfall shower, so you can choose the experience you prefer.

Generous counter space, soft towels, and a full set of toiletries are neatly arranged for you, making it easy to refresh after a day of excursions or prepare for an evening onboard without needing to overpack your own amenities.

The stateroom desk area doubles as a convenient work and relaxation space, with both U.S. and European outlets so you can easily charge phones, tablets, and cameras. Bottled water is replenished daily, and you will find stationery and postcards handy for jotting down memories or sending a quick note home.

A flat-screen monitor serves as both television and onboard information hub with internet access, while a phone and personal earbuds are provided for use on guided excursions. Full-size mirrors along the desk and wall help reflect natural light from the balcony, opening up the room and extending your river views.

The main lounge quickly becomes a favorite gathering spot on AmaSerena. During the day, its large windows, colorful seating, and relaxed atmosphere make it an inviting place to curl up with a coffee, watch the scenery drift by, or chat with fellow guests between excursions.​

Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to read or a social space to share stories from the day, the lounge offers plenty of comfortable seating arrangements so you can settle in exactly the way you like.

In the late afternoon, the lounge becomes the hub of activity as your Cruise Manager gathers everyone to preview the next day’s ports and excursions. Detailed presentations, maps, and photos help you decide which experiences fit your interests, so you feel prepared and excited for what’s ahead.

In the evenings, the lounge transforms into a lively social hub with live piano music, a small dance floor, and a full program of entertainment. Laughter, clinking glasses, and easy conversation fill the space as guests mingle, dance, and share stories, making it a natural place for memorable moments and new friendships to unfold.

River cruise days start smoothly and at your own pace. Instead of facing long lines, you simply step off the ship and join the walking group that best matches your comfort level.

Most days, AmaWaterways docks right in or near the heart of each town, so you can join a Gentle Walker group, a standard-paced tour, or a more Active option, depending on how far and how quickly you prefer to explore. When the river requires docking a bit outside the city, comfortable, air-conditioned coaches whisk you to the center, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery on the short ride before your next discovery begins.

A Christmas Markets river cruise wraps festive charm into every day of your journey. Sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, you can wander twinkling markets and storybook streets in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, collecting memories that stay with you long after the lights come down.

On an itinerary like this, you might sip mulled wine under sparkling garlands, browse handcrafted ornaments in centuries-old squares, and listen to carols echo through historic churches as gently falling snow dusts the rooftops. Each stop brings its own flavor of the season—from Dutch canals lined with lights to German half-timbered towns, French Alsatian villages, and Swiss riverfronts—creating a seamless string of magical moments you will always remember.