AmaViola, Christmas Markets on the Rhine ex Basel to Amsterdam

7 Night Cruise sailing from Basel to Amsterdam aboard AmaViola.

Day 1 BASEL, SWITZERLAND – EMBARKATION
Embark the ship in Basel. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)

Day 2 BREISACH, GERMANY
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. (B,L,D)

Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 4 LUDWIGSHAFEN– RÜDESHEIM
You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Day 5 RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE SCENIC CRUISING – LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY
Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 6 DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 7 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Then, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D)

Day 8 DISEMBARKATION – DEPART AMSTERDAM
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

The AmaViola – set to debut in 2016 – is a sister ship to the AmaSerena and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 350 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and entertainment on demand; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

Their Story Proudly celebrating more than 21 years on the river, family-owned and operated AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by three families; however, their river cruise story began well before that. Co-Founder and President Rudi Schreiner was born in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube. His love of design drew him to architecture, but his even greater love of travel drew him to places far and wide. In 1975, he travelled to South America for a journalism assignment on the Amazon. It was here he designed his first ship, using what he could find to build a raft that would take him up and down the river during the next 7 months. Soon thereafter, he started working in travel, creating unique tour experiences in Europe.

A Turning Point Rudi started the North American operations for many of today’s major river cruise companies, developing itineraries and ships that would become the templates for what we know river cruising to be today. After years of success as a driving force in the industry, Rudi decided to start his own venture — one that would provide guests with a higher standard of luxury travel by river. That’s when he teamed up with Co-Owners and Co-Founders Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to start AmaWaterways.

In 2016, Rudi was inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame and was honoured with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of devotion to the river cruising industry.

A Team of Pioneers Kristin was born in Germany and brings extensive experience in travel, river cruising and customer service to the company in her role as Executive Vice President. Jimmy Murphy was a brilliant travel entrepreneur, having built Brendan Vacations, one of the most successful tour operators in the U.S. Jimmy’s son, Gary, who also played a major part at Brendan, took on an executive sales role at AmaWaterways. Together with Rudi, a true team of pioneers emerged.

The Story Continues From the beginning, their goal was to create a river cruise company that they themselves would enjoy. To then, that meant the highest-quality, locally sourced food and wine; elegantly appointed ships with staterooms offering maximum views to enjoy the ever-changing countryside; and a crew who goes above and beyond, treating every guest like they are part of THEIR family.

With that in mind, for two wonderful decades, they have been building one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences ranging from our signature view-enhancing twin balconies to the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant to their award-winning AmaMagna – redefining the river cruise experience. They continue to lead the way in innovation, pioneering the first sailings on Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2025. As they look ahead to the future, they are more committed than ever to offering innovative and sustainable ways for their guests to experience the rich culture and history found along the banks of the world’s most iconic rivers.

Select the Deck to view detail.

AmaViola - Piano Deck

AmaViola - Cello Deck

AmaViola - Violin Deck

AmaViola - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Suite

Located on Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony. 350 sq ft.

In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Extra spacious Suites are 350 sq. ft. with exclusive “Twin Balcony” and mini-bar
Enhanced sitting area in Suites featuring a sofa and two chairs
Suites have expansive bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower

AA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Stateroom

Located on Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony Stateroom. 235 sq ft.

In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning

AB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Stateroom

Located on Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony. 235 sq ft.

In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning

BA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Stateroom

Located on Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony. 210 sq ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning

BB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Stateroom

Located on Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony. 210 st ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning

C - French Balcony Stateroom

Located on Violin & Cello Decks. French Balcony. 170 sq ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning

D - Fixed Window Stateroom

Located on Piano Deck. Fixed Window. 160 sq ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning

E - Fixed Window Stateroom

Located on Piano Deck. Fixed Windows. 160 sq ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Individually controlled air-conditioning