Guests must be at least 4 years old to travel with AmaWaterways, unless otherwise approved. Children under 18 must share a stateroom with an adult and remain supervised at all times, as balcony staterooms may be unsafe for unattended minors. On Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, the minimum age is 12 due to safety considerations. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or childcare services.

Dress aboard AmaWaterways ships is comfortable and casually elegant. On all ships, something a little dressier is recommended for the Welcome and Farewell dinners. Guests sailing in warmer destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and Colombia should pack breathable fabrics, sun protection, and modest attire for temple visits.

In primarily Muslim countries like Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, guests should dress respectfully, with women covering shoulders and arms and men wearing collared shirts and lightweight pants.

Smoking is not permitted inside any AmaWaterways ship. It is only allowed in designated areas located at the aft of the Sun Deck. For the comfort and safety of all guests, we kindly ask that you observe this no-smoking policy while on board.

Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

The ship does not have an elevator, and some areas involve stairs or uneven ground during excursions. While the crew provides assistance, the ship and activities may not suit guests with significant mobility challenges. Guests with limited mobility are encouraged to contact AmaWaterways’ reservations team for guidance before booking.

AmaWaterways ships do not have onboard medical facilities or medical staff. In the event that assistance is needed, appropriate medical services can be contacted from shore, though response times may vary depending on the ship’s location. In Europe, medical services can easily be called from shore if required. Response times elsewhere can vary. Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical treatment and evacuation while overseas.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in your room and in all public areas, making it easy to stay connected, share photos, or check in with loved ones during your journey.

Laundry services are available on all AmaWaterways ships for an additional fee, with price lists provided in your stateroom. Please note that dry cleaning is not available on board.

The ship sails exclusively on the Chobe River along the Botswana–Namibia border, a region famed for its high concentration of elephants and diverse wildlife, complementing AmaWaterways’ Africa safari programs.

Each itinerary features a variety of guided excursions designed to showcase local culture, history, and cuisine. Choose from gentle walking tours, active hikes or bike rides, and immersive experiences such as wine or beer tastings, cooking classes, and visits to local artisans.

Your journey includes all meals, soft drinks, local beer and wine, daily wildlife excursions, and Wi-Fi where available. Premium beverages, gratuities, and some optional activities may be additional, but the core safari-river experience is included.

All ships in Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Egypt have a fitness center with exercise equipment (hours vary by ship).

Every ship also offers a gift shop with accessories, souvenirs, and essential items for your convenience.

Many ships include spa or salon services—Europe offers hair treatments, beauty services, and massages; Portugal and the AmaDara in Vietnam & Cambodia each feature an onboard spa; and Egypt offers similar massage services upon request.

Guests can also enjoy refreshing pools across destinations: whirlpools or heated pools in Europe (with saunas on select ships)

The official language on board all AmaWaterways ships is English, and most crew members, guides, and Cruise Managers are fluent. Announcements and lectures are conducted in English. On Latin Experience cruises, a bilingual atmosphere is offered, with both English and Spanish spoken.

Onboard payments vary by region. In Europe, charges are in euros and may be paid in cash or by credit card. In Vietnam & Cambodia, payments are accepted in Vietnamese dong or U.S. dollars.

We warmly welcome solo travellers who wish to explore the world, meet kindred cruisers and become a part of our extended AmaWaterways family. With a variety of itineraries in fascinating destinations, you have every reason to take advantage of special savings reserved exclusively for solo travellers.

A Warm Welcome

Begin your river cruise with a guided ship tour created for solo travelers, offering a friendly introduction that helps you feel comfortable and confident from the very start.

Social Time, Your Way

Select invitations to cocktail gatherings or the Captain’s Table offer friendly ways to meet others, but you always have the freedom to enjoy time independently.

Small Groups, Big Connections

Our small onshore experience groups make it easier to meet fellow travelers and connect with knowledgeable local guides, creating meaningful opportunities to explore and learn at your own pace.

Dining That Feels Natural

Select dining tables are thoughtfully set for five, offering comfortable spaces that encourage easy conversation without the pressure of joining a larger group on your own.

Care That Feels Personal

Our Cruise Manager and crew offer thoughtful attention to solo travelers, providing warm guidance and support to ensure you feel comfortable and welcome throughout your journey.

Single Occupancy Staterooms

On select European ships like AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce, and AmaLyra, enjoy our Waived Single Supplement. These ships feature a few specially designed single occupancy staterooms with French balconies (140 sq. ft.). Just pay the standard cruise fare, no extra fees. 

All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult and must remain supervised at all times; their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). In the case where a triple or quad occupancy stateroom is not available or not selected, children under the age of 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with two adults only in circumstances where the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for minors if left unsupervised. There is a minimum age limit of 4 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways.

On our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways.

AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to us if you have any further questions regarding our child policy.

Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions. For the evening, “Casually elegant” attire is recommend and you may want to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.

Smoking is forbidden on all internal areas on the Zambezi Queen. Smoking is only permitted on the outside area of the entertainment deck.

Please let us know prior to your departure if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your requests, with the resources available to us.

Physical Requirements

AmaWaterways’ itineraries are as varied and active as you want them to be. Shore excursions and land packages require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues.

Due to uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, temples, dirt roads and a lack of accessible facilities, our itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. We kindly request guests requiring special assistance be accompanied by a companion who is physically able to provide such assistance, as AmaWaterways crew is unable to assist guests with personal tasks or hygiene needs. If there is uncertainty of a prospective guest’s fitness to travel or ability to independently care for their personal needs, please inform AmaWaterways as soon as possible. This will allow us to consider and discuss possible accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort during the cruise.

Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. It is important to note that in these cases, disembarkation/embarkation may include walking up the stairs and through the adjacent ship(s) lobby or Sun Deck to reach the shore. You may also need to embark or disembark via a narrow gangway or occasionally cross an uneven surface to enter or exit the ship. These are typical situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.

Accessible Facilities

Due to lack of space and facilities, shipboard accommodations and storage for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices are unavailable and accessible facilities are extremely limited in most destinations. In addition, motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions are not equipped with the devices and tools necessary for full accessibility.

Mobility Devices

Guests may bring personal mobility devices (wheelchairs, electric scooters and walking frames) onboard our ships. However, devices must be stored in the guest’s stateroom and cannot be used in the dining room or lounge and must adhere to local standards and limitations. AmaWaterways Cruise Directors, crew and guides are unable to push wheelchairs on board or on shore.

Transfers and shore excursions adhere to a set schedule and cannot be adjusted for unexpected delays due to physical limitations. AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, motorcoaches, local guides/operators or other independent suppliers.

There is no doctor or nurse aboard your cruise. Please consult your physician prior to traveling if you have a medical condition that might pose limitations during your trip. Please advise us at time of the booking if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip.

Free Wi Fi is available but may be limited and sporadic during certain times of the day due to the ships isolated location.

Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.

Africa Cruise & Land Safari: All excursions are included.

Your Essential Africa River Cruise Packing Guide

When traveling through Africa, it is always advised to travel light. On some itineraries, baggage size and weight are strictly limited. The best advice is “if in doubt, leave it out.”

A safari calls for casual, easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and the sun. If you plan on dining at a fine restaurant in a city such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, “smart casual” is the norm – no ties for men or evening dresses for women are necessary. For those traveling to South Africa during the winter months (April – September), it is recommended to bring some warm clothes for chilly early morning and late-night temperatures. Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures rise quickly during the day. Please note plastic bags are discouraged in Botswana and banned in Tanzania and may not be brought into the country. However, Ziploc plastic bags are acceptable for carrying toiletries and medication.

Some recommended items to pack:

• Shorts, jeans and/or long cotton pants (preferably beige or other light color)
• T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Sweater, sweatshirt or warm wrap
• Cotton/wool socks
• Sturdy tennis shoes/walking shoes
• Bathing suit, cover-up and flip flops (for use at lodge/hotel)
• Small flashlight, binoculars, camera equipment and extra batteries/accessories
• Converter and electrical adapter (220v) with a 3-prong plug, although hotels and the Zambezi Queen have adapters readily available.
• Travel-sized deodorant, toothpaste, face masks and razors
• Prescription medications in their original containers
• Non-prescription products: aspirin, eye drops, antibacterial cream, etc.
• Feminine products and cosmetics
• Sun protection: hat with brim and neck strap, lip balm, sunscreen (SPF 40+)
• Insect repellent, especially for mosquitoes, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
• Money belt or other secure place to keep passport and cash
• Backpack or ‘fanny pack’ large enough to hold camera, binoculars, etc.
• Photocopies of your passport, credit cards and important documents
• If traveling on Rovos Rail, men must wear a jacket and tie, and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit at dinner each night on the train