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Travel Agents’ Guide to Selling AmaWaterways

In order to book a client’s vacation, travel agents need to be somewhat familiar with the product they are working with. As an agent, you’re going to have an easier time selling vacations when you know what you’re talking about.

From cruise lines and tour operators to hotels and resorts, it’s important to learn about the companies your clients are interested in.

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When it comes to river cruising, AmaWaterways is a wonderful choice to offer both seasoned cruisers and first-timers. This family-owned company is dedicated solely to river cruising so your clients will be in great hands during their journey.

To book a cruise with AmaWaterways, you can call directly or visit the Travel Advisor Portal .

In addition to booking capabilities, the Travel Advisor Portal has helpful tools and information for agents. For example, travel agents can choose to create a co-branded website for free. They can also create personalized marketing materials to send out to potential clients.

In the portal, agents will also find promotions to share with clients and downloadable ads, flyers and high-resolution photos. Various types of forms are also housed here, such as gift orders and fam application forms.

When booking a river cruise with AmaWaterways, you’ll want to keep a few important tips in mind.

First of all, you’ll want to encourage clients to book their cruise early . River cruise ships are much smaller than ocean cruise ships, and the cabins fill up quickly in a lot of cases. Booking clients early will ensure they get their first choice of cabin.

You’ll also want to share the different types of cruises with your clients. There are a number of destinations AmaWaterways covers and also several specialty cruise options available.

Clients can choose to take a Christmas-themed cruise and explore the iconic Christmas markets in places like Austria, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland. Or maybe a wine cruise is more of interest—wine cruises allow guests to have a special wine host, and they are treated to exclusive wine menus and culinary experiences.

Guests of AmaWaterways can explore Cambodia and Vietnam on the Riches of the Mekong cruise or take the Discover Africa sailing to visit Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. With all the options, there’s an itinerary to fit everyone’s travel needs and desires.

In addition to booking the cruise itself, you can help your clients with specific excursions, pre and post cruise add ons and airfare.

Overall, there is really no better way to learn about a product than by experiencing it firsthand. So in order to learn about AmaWaterways inside and out, consider keeping an eye out for FAM trip opportunities or reach out to your BDM to inquire if there are any agent rates available.

This way you can experience everything this cruise line has to offer and report back to share specifically what your clients need to know.

Visit amawaterways.com to learn more.

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To register or update your agency in our database, please download our Agency Registration Form , complete it and send to our Agency Support team by email ([email protected]) or mail (FAO AGENCY SUPPORT, AMAWATERWAYS LTD, ABBOTS PLACE SUITE B, WALNUT TREE CLOSE, GUILDFORD, SURREY, GU1 4RW, UK) as soon as possible.

Once we have received your Agency Form we will be able to create or update your agency profile in our system, allowing you to register for our online Travel Agent Portal which hosts a wealth of important information to help you start selling AmaWaterways and our award winning product. You will also be able to apply for access to our Online Booking Engine which shows the latest availability onboard our fleet of Highest Rated River Cruise Ships.

Thank you in advance and we appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Please note we must receive this form before we can add you to our database and to have access to Travel Agent Portal. Should you have any queries regarding registration, commercials or general AmaWaterways enquiries, please do contact us on the above email address or +44 (0) 333 305 3909.

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Should You Work With an AmaWaterways Travel Agent?

AmaWaterways is one of the most well-known names in the river cruise industry. With cruises ranging from short 4-night jaunts to epic 49-night tours visiting 15 European countries, they have offered river cruises in Europe, South America, South Africa, Egypt, and Southeast Asia since 2000. 

Upscale staterooms, gourmet dining, and one-of-a-kind experiences make a river cruise with AmaWaterways a romantic and fun adventure for couples and honeymooners. 

You have quite a few options to choose from when planning an AmaWaterways cruise. Settling on a destination, itinerary, and stateroom can be daunting. You don’t always know what factors to consider, especially if it’s your first river cruise. 

An AmaWaterways travel agent can save you time and money and relieve the stress that goes into travel planning, but that’s not the only reason to work with one. Keep reading to find out how a travel agent can streamline travel planning and make your next river cruise with AmaWaterways all that it can be. 

Why Use an AmaWaterways Travel Agent?

AmaWaterways travel agents specialize in finding the perfect cruise for their clients. They know how the company operates and are familiar with the itineraries, so they can make sure you’ll experience everything you dream of. 

Want to take a detour to Paris on your tour of the Rhine or spend a few extra days in Amsterdam ? An AmaWaterways travel agent can easily make those arrangements for you. Want to extend your holiday when your cruise is over? An AmaWaterways travel agent can sort that out while you enjoy the last few days on the ship. 

Speaking of ships, an AmaWaterways travel agent can make sure you’re booked on a ship that has the specific features and amenities you want. They can also help you find the best price on your stateroom so you don’t have to sacrifice luxury in order to save a few dollars. 

Not only that, but AmaWaterways travel agents can take care of the most tedious and stress-inducing part of planning a cruise: booking your air travel and ground transport. All you’ll need to do is show up at the airport. 

Finally, AmaWaterways travel agents are familiar with the port cities your cruise will visit. If it’s your first time, a travel agent can save you precious time on land. Instead of wasting the afternoon looking for the best place to have lunch or the most scenic bike route, come prepared with the advice and expertise of an AmaWaterways travel agent. 

AmaWaterways Travel Agents Get the Best Deals

AmaWaterways travel agents work with their clients to find the perfect river cruise experience at the best price. Tell them your budget and they’ll move mountains to get you the best cruise package they can at the price you can afford.

A lot of folks avoid using travel agents because they think it will increase the cost of the river cruise . However, AmaWaterways travel agents often save their clients quite a bit of money thanks to industry insider deals and discounts, especially when it comes to airfare and ground transfers. 

If you need to fly to your river cruise embarkation point, making your air arrangements through an AmaWaterways travel agent can save you hundreds of dollars on plane tickets alone. Plus, you won’t have to worry about booking a shuttle or scrambling to find a cab. If you book with a travel agent, your ground transport will be waiting for you when you step off the plane. 

The Perks of Using an AmaWaterways Travel Agent

Travel agents want to make their clients happy so they’ll be repeat customers, and refer others to them. They want clients to rave about their river cruise and recommend the company to friends and family. One of the ways they enhance your experience is through perks.

Travel agents know that a free drink package or an extra excursion at no added cost can go a long way in building customer loyalty. Freebies aren’t always offered, though, so be sure to ask your AmaWaterways travel agent if there are any available.

AmaWaterways Travel Agents Are With You Every Step of the Way

Your AmaWaterways travel agent doesn’t just arrange your tickets. They are there for you throughout the duration of the cruise and your journey home. If anything goes wrong, your AmaWaterways travel agent will set it right. 

Plus, many AmaWaterways travel agents are cruisers themselves. They know the ins and outs of river cruising and can provide you with priceless advice on everything from when to book to what to pack. 

Tips for Selecting an AmaWaterways Travel Agent

You’ll be working with your AmaWaterways travel agent for weeks or months at a time, so it’s important to pick the right one. Ask questions about their knowledge of AmaWaterways and of river cruises in general. Don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions that come to mind; that’s what they’re there for. 

You should also look for reviews online or ask for referrals from previous clients. 

Do I Need an AmaWaterways Travel Agent?

If this isn’t your first river cruise, you might not need the services of an AmaWaterways travel agent. If you know exactly what your options are and have the ideal trip in mind plus the know-how to book it yourself, then an AmaWaterways travel agent might not be necessary. 

However, even if you know what you’re doing, there are still deals and perks that an AmaWaterways travel agent can offer you. It may be worth reaching out to one to see what sort of savings and/or extras they might be able to get you.

How to Find an AmaWaterways Travel Agent

It’s easy to find an AmaWaterways travel agent; just talk to one of our trusted travel partners! Patty Coffey , Alicia Hansen , and Mike Salvadore are river cruise experts. They have extensive knowledge of AmaWaterways river cruises as well as other cruise operators all around the world, in addition to years of experience with European and other destinations. 

Head over to our travel planning page to find out more. And if you’re looking for more information on river cruise lines before you make up your mind, check out our articles Avalon vs. AmaWaterways , AmaWaterways vs. Viking , Uniworld vs. Avalon , Uniworld vs. Tauck , Rhine vs. Danube River Cruises , and Avalon vs. Viking.

He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club. Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.

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He was thoughtful with our suggestions, and provided some of his own without every pushing us. He stayed within our budgetary means but made it feel like we had a budget twice the size. 

Dan and Michelle were such a joy to work with! They really made our trip and cruise successful. Based on our needs they were able to help us identify and schedule what side trips and activities would best suit our interests.

After this trip I will be using a travel agent for future vacations…just can’t wait for the next one they help us plan!

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AmaWaterways’ Advance FAM Rates

“This year’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Day comes at what we believe is the beginning of a strong rebound in international travel and our travel partners are ready to take advantage of this demand. By opening up Advance FAM rates and dates five months in advance, we hope to encourage new advisors to experience the AmaWaterways difference, as well as allow our loyal travel partners to re-connect with their AmaFamily on board,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, in a press statement. “There is no better way to build confidence and trust than for travel advisors to invite their valued clients to sail along with them and we are thrilled to refund the FAM cost if they are able to bring along three full paying staterooms!”

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Are these two the same?

By sjde , July 5, 2023 in River Cruising

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There is a Danube cruise  I was told about for next year on Amadeus Silver III. I can't seem to find that company and am wondering if it's the same as AMA (Amadeus) Waterways.

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46 minutes ago, sjde said: There is a Danube cruise  I was told about for next year on Amadeus Silver III. I can't seem to find that company and am wondering if it's the same as AMA (Amadeus) Waterways.

Amadeus is the cruise line. Silver lll is one of their ships. 

Host Jazzbeau

19 hours ago, sjde said: wondering if it's the same as AMA (Amadeus) Waterways.

AmaWaterways is a different company from Amadeus.  AMA was originally known as Amadeus but there was a copyright dispute and AMA was forced to change their name to AmaWaterways.

Amadeus Silver III was built in 2016; it is 135m long and holds 168 passengers.  It is operated by Lüftner Cruises of Austria.  The most recent Berlitz guide gave it 4 stars.

AmaWaterways' newer 135m ships have 156 passengers and are rated 4 1/2 stars.

I'm not sure if  Lüftner cruises are multi-lingual or only German – but you may be looking at a full-ship charter which would  probably be in English if you are seeing it advertised in the US.

CastleCritic

The only other user Im aware of for AMAWaterways ships is APT (Australian Pacific Touring).  AMA provides the ships for their cruises.

Just now, CastleCritic said: The only other user Im aware of for AMAWaterways ships is APT (Australian Pacific Touring).  AMA provides the ships for their cruises.

There is some cross-ownership between AmaWaterways and APT, just as there is (was?) between APT and Noble Caledonia.  Tangled webs in cruise line financing!

3 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said: There is some cross-ownership between AmaWaterways and APT, just as there is (was?) between APT and Noble Caledonia.  Tangled webs in cruise line financing!

Apparently, Yes, the always accurately Wikipedia has this to say 

In 2005, APT entered another expanding travel market when the company invested in river cruise business   AmaWaterways , in partnership with longtime friend and North American tour expert, Jimmy Murphy and cruising expert, Rudi Schriner.

Jimmy Murphy has since passed away but Rudi and and other Co-Owner Kristin Karst are still running  the  company.

They are private so I have no idea if they ever bought APT back out.

Thank you. Their prices seem much more reasonable than the usual river cruise lines normally seen on these boards, with the possible exception of Gate 1 and Grand Circle.

To make it more confusing... When AMAWaterways started out they chartered river cruise ships from Lueftner which were by then already named "Amadeus...". Hence the name Amadeus Waterways. Then AMAWaterways started to build their own ships and had to change the company name from Amadeus Waterways to AMAWaterways.

BTW Amadeus by Lueftner is multi-lingual. They also have brand new ships like the Amadeus Riva which entered service this spring.

4 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said: Amadeus Silver III was built in 1996; it is 135m long and holds 168 passengers.  It is operated by Lüftner Cruises of Austria.  The most recent Berlitz guide gave it 4 stars.

The Amadeus Silver III is built in 2016 - see here .

8 hours ago, sjde said: Thank you. Their prices seem much more reasonable than the usual river cruise lines normally seen on these boards, with the possible exception of Gate 1 and Grand Circle.

I dont know the first thing about them, but take a close look at what their fare includes and what they charge extra for.

One good thing about AMAwaterways is that ALL their excursions are included. This isnt true of viking for example.  This can add up quickly.

13 hours ago, steamboats said:   The Amadeus Silver III is built in 2016 - see here .   steamboats

Yes, you're right.  I lost track from one screen to the next...

I corrected my post above to avoid confusion.

When I sailed Amawaterways - it was known as Amadeus..... It was confusing back then.

terry&mike

My cousin, who is also in the travel industry, sailed an Amadeus river ship last Fall; she brought along my Aunt. She enjoyed the sailing and thought the ship was very nice, and that everything onboard was quite well done. The ship was multi-lingual, and she had no problems with communication. She felt the style and service were slightly below that of most of the major river lines that market in the US (AMA, Scenic, Viking, Uniworld), but she would not hesitate to sail with them again. There were only a few passengers from the US onboard, but she did not see that as a negative herself (some may). From hearing her verbal review upon review, it sounded a lot like the CroisiEurope river cruise experience, very good, but a little different experience than Americans are used to having - in my mind, this is a plus, but I am aware that not everyone has the same perspective. 

So are you saying that the European lines like CroisieEurope , Amadeus , Riviera are not as upscale as the American lines  like Viking and AMA? 

40 minutes ago, sjde said: So are you saying that the European lines like CroisieEurope , Amadeus , Riviera are not as upscale as the American lines  like Viking and AMA? 

Nope, but I also wouldn´t say that Viking is upscale. For German/European river cruise lines there´s a different concept. No drinks included (except for VIVA or A-Rosa when you book the Premium fare), no excursions included...

1 hour ago, sjde said: So are you saying that the European lines like CroisieEurope , Amadeus , Riviera are not as upscale as the American lines  like Viking and AMA? 

I'll try to answer that as best I can, keeping in mind that every line has its loyalists, and sometimes a person will rate one line well above another line based on that line is a better fit for their personality, and they relate more to the vibe; kind of like hotels have their guest "tribes" it's the same for cruise lines and river cruise lines. 

A lot of it has to do with familiarity, so the lines of CroisiEurope which is French owned and sells mostly to the European market will offer a more French and European feel, and Amadeus which is Austrian owned and sells mostly to a European market, especially Germans, will have a different feel; these lines don't market heavily in the U.S. and will have a limited number of US passengers on board.The general ambience and protocol are not geared to the US market, not bad, just different. 

Viking, while foreign owned, does major marketing in the US and draws the majority of its clients from there, and offers a product very geared to those clients; I would like to add that I do not consider Viking river upscale in comparison with Scenic and AMA (who I do consider upscale), but a very nice product, although Viking loyalists may revolt at this. Scenic (and their little sister Emerald) is also foreign owned, but in the past few years has made major strides in the US market and is now pulling a large portion of their clients from the US. AMA is US owned, mostly markets in the US, and mostly has US clients. Products that mostly have US clients are catering to, geared to, and courting that market with food, service, tours, style, and so on. Sometimes it's in the little things, for example, I love a dirty vodka martini, generally speaking this is an American cocktail (although it can be found all over the world). On an AMA ship I am able to order a dirty vodka martini and have one served to me without much pause, and it will likely be right. On a foreign owned and marketed ship, they may have to Google how to make it, or it could be not quite right, such as the time a bartender used olive oil instead of olive brine to add the dirty (the drink got remade, and the bartender and I became fast friends over this connection). Announcements may be in German first, and English second. I find this kind of thing fun and interesting about travel, I have clients who find this kind of thing frustrating. 

To answer your question, I would say that for upscale river cruise lines, I put Scenic at the top, giving them just a bit of an edge over AMA. I'd probably put Emerald next, and Uniworld (although their decor may drive you crazy). Then I'd put Viking, as they offer a stable product that many are comfortable with. Then I guess I'd put foreign lines next, as I think for some Americans the experience may feel a bit more foreign to them, and it'd probably look like Amadeus, then Croisi, then Riviera. That's just personal perspective based on my personal sailings and feedback from other travel agents and from clients over the years, many people may feel differently. 

And there are others- Avalon, Gate 1, Tauck….

16 hours ago, terry&mike said: I'll try to answer that as best I can, keeping in mind that every line has its loyalists, and sometimes a person will rate one line well above another line based on that line is a better fit for their personality, and they relate more to the vibe; kind of like hotels have their guest "tribes" it's the same for cruise lines and river cruise lines. 

Very thoughtful and true.

16 hours ago, terry&mike said: Viking, while foreign owned, does major marketing in the US and draws the majority of its clients from there

Viking markets different boats to different markets, so if one were to book a cruise with Viking USA the boat used may be full of US passengers. That's not necessarily true of boats marketed in other countries. (unsold places may be offered to other countries near cruise time. It happened to me, I went on a boat not listed on the Viking UK site and we found ourselves one of 6 Brits on a boat of Americans. Lovely people, I'm not complaining, just saying.)

16 hours ago, terry&mike said: I would like to add that I do not consider Viking river upscale in comparison with Scenic

As your first para goes, this is a personal choice. I took a Viking and a Scenic cruise last year and I thought the Viking was more upscale. Depends on measurement criteria, and cabin booked. And cost!

 RE:  I took a Viking and a Scenic cruise last year and I thought the Viking was more upscale. Depends on measurement criteria, and cabin booked. And cost!"

And I've taken 2 GCCL (Grand Circle Cruise Lines) and 3 AMA river cruises and didn't see much difference, outside of GCCL was about 1/3 the cost!  And only has twin beds. They save by not using travel agents and by not advertising (except to past guests ) and pass those savings onto guests.

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AMAWaterways debuts MS AMAKatarina on “Russian Waterways” itinerary

AMAWATERWAYS has announced the newest addition to its  fleet, the 212-passenger MS AMAKatarina . Celebrating its inaugural “Russian Waterways” itinerary from Moscow to St. Petersburg on May 10,  the ship will provide the most luxurious and spacious accommodations on Russia’s famed Volga-Baltic Waterway. Completely redesigned by AMAWATERWAYS and rebuilt starting from the hull, the MS AMAKatarina features outside balconies in 76 of her 106 staterooms, and suites ranging up to 432 sq. ft. in size.

“We are very pleased to introduce the MS AMAKatarina, a ship that represents a new standard of cruising in Russia. We are confident that she will provide the finest river cruise experience available in this highly-desirable destination, and further AMAWATERWAYS’ position as the overall river cruise industry leader,” says AMAWATERWAYS President, Rudi Schreiner.

The MS AMAKATatarina’s modern, upscale décor is showcased in her staterooms, which feature a sitting area, bathroom with separate shower, a refrigerator, hairdryer, safe and telephone (onboard communications). Public areas include a beautiful Panorama Lounge; Conference Hall for onboard entertainment/lectures; Solarium and Gift Shop. An American chef with extensive experience in Russia will oversee onboard dining.

The MS AMAKatarina features two separate dining venues, including a beautiful Main Restaurant with panoramic views of river-side scenery. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served with dinner, bottled water is replenished in staterooms daily and speciality coffees are available throughout the day. The ship also features internet access; a fitness center on the Sun Deck; a hair dresser and masseuse; elevator reaching all four decks plus an infirmary staffed by an onboard physician.

Guests aboard the 12-day “Russian Waterways” itinerary between Moscow and St. Petersburg experience an unforgettable cruise into the heart of Russia, from bustling Moscow to the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl to the splendors of St. Petersburg. Highlights include visits to the Kremlin, the Hermitage Museum, a day boat luncheon cruise on the Moscow River; an exclusive ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre plus a specially-arranged visit to the home of a local Russian family in Uglich. During the cruise, guests will enjoy onboard music performances and Russian language classes, as well as lectures from experts on topics such as Russia’s history, culture, art, politics and economy

In the fall of 2011, AmaWaterways will introduce the new 124-passenger MS AmaLotus on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.  The luxurious balcony ship will join the MS La Marguerite in offering the line’s extremely popular 7-night Mekong cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

For more information about AmaWaterways, go to www.amawaterways.com or call 800-626-0126

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