AmaWaterways, Oberammergau and Short Cruises

AmaWaterways offers impeccable service, superb cuisine and a variety of included excursions.

The line is offering our customers these great deals:

Save 20% off the cruise price of select cruises.

Save up to $3,000 per couple on a large selection of cruises.

The upfront price of your AmaWaterways vacation includes sightseeing, meals and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour. It also includes the company's Wellness Program, where hosts lead a variety of fitness classes and lectures.

Many staterooms have twin balconies: a French balcony with glass doors that open to a railing and a full balcony that you can walk out on. Meals feature locally sourced ingredients, recipes and wine.

AmaWaterways offers passengers several complimentary options for exploring each port of call, from walking tours of historic districts and guided hiking and biking excursions to introductions to the local culture through its food and drink.

The company will debut a new itinerary in 2023, Seven River Journey, which sails through 14 fascinating European countries and features exclusive experiences.

The Passion Play is a centuries-old tradition in Oberammergau, a town tucked at the edge of the Bavarian Alps in Germany. It depicts the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is produced only every 10 years, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Several companies offer itineraries that include a river cruise and tickets to one of the performances; these cruises are scheduled through September of this year. Click here to see cruises that include tickets to the Passion Play.

Some river cruise operators are also including this year's Floriade Expo in some European itineraries. The six-month horticultural expo of spectacular floral displays is also held once every 10 years and takes place through October in the Dutch town of Amlere. Click here to see departures that include the Floriade Expo.

Many companies offer shorter sailings that provide customers with an opportunity to sample the river cruise experience. For example, Avalon Waterways has itineraries of four to six days on the Danube and Rhine and CroisiEurope offers a variety of four- and five-day cruises, including sailings on the Rhone and Seine. American Cruise Lines offers Mississippi and Columbia river cruises that are less than a week long.

Click here to see all departures of four to six days.