AmaCerto, Captivating Rhine (Taste of Christmas) ex Amsterdam to Basel

7 Night Cruise sailing from Amsterdam to Basel aboard AmaCerto.

Day 1 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION
Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)

Day 2 AMSTERDAM
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3 DÜSSELDORF
As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4 RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Day 5 LUDWIGSHAFEN
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)

Day 6 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

Day 8 BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark after breakfast. (B)

Inspired by classic ocean yachts, the AmaCerto provides the most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies”. The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 300 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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.

AmaCerto - Piano Deck

AmaCerto - Cello Deck

AmaCerto - Violin Deck

AmaCerto - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

AA+ - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Stateroom

Located on Violin Deck. French Balcony and Outside Balcony, 290 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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning

E - Outside 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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning

D - Outside 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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning

C - French Balcony Stateroom

Located on Violin & Cello Deck. 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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning

BB - 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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning

AA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Stateroom

Located on Violin 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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning

Suite

Located on Violin Deck. Suite with French Balcony and Outside Balcony, 300 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
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning. Extra spacious Suites are 300 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