Travelling solo has both benefits and challenges.
Perhaps the most significant challenge is paying double for accommodation – and the higher-end your trip, the more the single supplement bites.
That’s why I was pleased to see AMA Waterways’ current offer, where the single supplement is waived on select 2017 and 2018 sailings if you book before October 31st.
You are NOT limited to the base category cabins (i.e. window-only), which is the normal situation. A a range of stateroom types is available with the waived single supplement, including balcony and French balcony cabins.
So… what’s the catch?
None that I can see!
(By the way, in case you think this sounds rather cynical, I can assure you that I have become trained to be think this way becomes some travel providers will advertise a marvellous-sounding deal such as this one, but it often turns out to be only available on one or two departure dates, for example).
Yes… there are some date restrictions with AMA’s offer, but I was pleasantly surprised when I went to check the availability.
AMA is offering the waived single supplement on a wide variety of departures in 2017 and 2018, along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. What caught my eye about this is that these are the most popular rivers for cruising in Europe, and even though there are some great itineraries along the other rivers, it is these two rivers that garner them most interest from our clients.
I have personally sailed with AMA (on the Rhine, from Amsterdam to Basel), and was very pleased with the entire luxurious experience.
I recently spent some time with Gary Murphy at Virtuoso Travel Week this year, where AMA Waterways won “Cruise Line of the Year”.
Gary is the Senior VP of Sales and co-owner of AMA Waterways. I asked him a few things about AMA that I thought might be interesting to anyone considering a river cruise.
Here’s a condensed version of our chat:
- AMA has 20 ships in Europe, and have been cruising the rivers there for 15 years.
- It is an American, family-owned business.
- Their ships have won numerous awards, and have a maximum of 164 guests (compared to 190 on the same sized Viking ship)
- This is the river cruise line for “Foodies”. Tapas are available all day, and there is a 5-course meal every night.
- Premium wines and beer are included for all meals, and for “happy hour” before dinner.
- Internet access is included in the fare
- Fare includes an excursion in every port
As regular readers will know, it’s not very often that I promote a specific cruise line or offer. I prefer to put good information out there, and let people use their own judgment. However, when I see an offer that I feel truly stands out, then I do like to make people aware of it.
If you’re a solo traveller who has been considering a European river cruise, but you’ve always been put off by the cost, then now might be a good time to look at a river cruise with AMA Waterways. Remember, you must book before Oct. 31st to get the single supplement waived.
Planning a Cruise? I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
