Choosing an Ama Cabin with the King
A Classic RiverCruiseKing.com Blog re-post from 2019
Ama ships are elegant and luxurious... but which cabin is right for you?
While all of AmaWaterways' ships are fantastic and will be your home away from home, people often ask me which cabin they should book. I find there are three key factors that go into choosing the right cabin on your AmaWaterways river cruise: cost, location, and use.
The most important thing to keep in mind, regardless of which category cabin you book, is that your cruise experience—from dining to tours to the personalized attention showered on guests by the staff—is the same whether you are in a Suite or an E Cabin. The main difference to the overall cruise experience will be how you spend your quiet, private time.
All cabins are well laid out, have plenty of storage, are equipped with a safe, Apple entertainment systems, robes and slippers, basic toiletries, hair dryers, comfortable beds, and thoughtfully designed bathrooms. River cruising has come a long way and AmaWaterways has led the way in comfort, design, and overall quality for over a decade.
The Classic Ama Ships vs. the Double Balcony Ships As Ama has grown, their ships have also evolved. Currently, Ama's classic ships are primarily located in France. Their famous "double balcony" series ships—which are discussed here—are located on the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube. Portugal, Vietnam & Cambodia, and Egypt offer their own specially designed versions of the double balcony ship.
AmaWaterways' classic ships like the AmaLyra, AmaDolce, and AmaDante have cabins that all share the exact same square footage (170 sq ft) and are differentiated by Category E & D cabins with 2 windows or French Balconies in Categories C to A and the larger Suites. The only main thing distinguishing them is location on the ship.
The classic Ama ship
Cabin Descriptions
Category E & D Cabins Located on the lowest deck of the ship on all vessels. Picture windows and average 160–170 sq. ft. Small but functional bathrooms. Best for budget-conscious travelers. TIP: Great solo traveler deals if booked early—often no single supplement or a small 110%–125%.
Category C French Balcony Cabins These have a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door (French balcony) instead of two windows. Same square footage as D & E. Located at the rear of the middle and upper decks. TIP: May have slight engine vibration when sailing at full speed.
Double Balcony Cabins (Categories BA, BB, AB, AA, AA+) These game-changing cabins combine a French balcony with a full step-out balcony.
BA & BB: 210 sq. ft. BBs are mid-to-rear middle deck; BAs are on the upper deck. TIP: BB is my personal favorite for space, views, and value.
AB, AA, AA+: 235 sq. ft. Larger bathrooms with double sinks, added space, in-room fridge.
Suites Large spaces with a sitting room, bath tub, oversized showers, and tons of perks: Butler service, free laundry, replenished fruit basket, stocked fridge, coffee service. TIP: If you want true luxury, a Suite is the way to go.
Cabin Location Tips
Middle Deck: Quietest and most convenient—half a deck up to the lounge, half a deck down to the restaurant.
Upper Deck: Great views but may experience muffled sounds from the Sports Deck or early morning crew activity.
Back of the Ship: Longer walk to the lounge and common areas, but quieter if mid-ship.
AmaMagna... the Game Changer In 2019, AmaWaterways introduced a revolutionary class of ship: the AmaMagna—nearly double the width of standard European river ships.
Most cabins are spacious suites (355–710 sq. ft.) with full balconies.
E & D cabins: Double windows, 205 sq. ft.
A & B: Outside balcony cabins, 250 sq. ft.
Standard Suites: 355 sq. ft., full balconies, sitting areas.
Giant Suite: 455 sq. ft.
Owner’s Suite: A staggering 750 sq. ft.!
Exclusive Suite Amenities Include: · Prepaid gratuities · Roundtrip airport transfers (on brochure itinerary) · Complimentary wine, beer, premium liquors and soft drinks · Private Mozart & Strauss Concert in Vienna
No Matter Your Cabin—The Experience is the Same Regardless of your cabin choice, I will make sure you get the best rate and all applicable discounts during the booking process. Ama past passengers qualify for Privilege Reward discounts, and many have Future Cruise Credit discounts that can be combined with whatever the lowest rate is I can find.
I hope this breakdown of cabins gives you a good understanding of the options, but always remember—no matter where you lay your head at night, every guest is on the same ship eating the same food, taking the same tours, and enjoying the same amazing travel experiences.
Take a look at a sample ship fact sheet
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