June 2018 Rhine River Cruise

June 18-25, 2018 – Bustling Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland for a Summer Week on this exclusive full-ship fun charter.  

June 2018 Rhine River Cruise

There’s no agenda   —  except to have fun.     

Start your Reservation

A Fine Rhine Adventure –  An Unforgettable Bucket List Item for adult couples on the luxurious AMA Stella by AMAWaterways, just launched last year.  “The Highest Rated River Cruise Ships” (TM).  We’ve designed this cruise to be fully inclusive…no nickel or diming.  The video below includes the exact itinerary you’ll enjoy on the charter.  Hurry, this charter is over 70% sold but great cabins are still available.

AMA Waterways Video

Difficulty viewing the video?  View HERE

James & Champagne comments: We’ve enjoyed many riverboat cruises and over 120 conventional ocean-going ship voyages in the past 30 years. Last year, we sailed this exact Rhine River  Cruise itinerary on AMAWaterways AMACerto and fell in love all over again with not only AMAWaterways but also this memorable European itinerary.  The schedule is packed so you’ll see and do a lot with Castaways couples….just like you.   We welcome newcomers as well as repeat guests and friends to join us on this exclusive,” invitation only” adventure….if you’re reading this, you’re invited.   This is a conventional cruise without nudity but there’s a great plunge pool on the top deck, perfect for catching the sun in all the right places!

AMA deck poolBegin in Amsterdam and make your way to Basel, Switzerland. Start by enjoying the legendary canals and distinctive architecture Amsterdam has to offer. Along the way, we’ll visit the majestic cathedral in Cologne, sip wine in Rüdesheim, visit the red-walled castle in Mannheim tour the famous Heidelberg, explore medieval Strasbourg, and bike through the Rheinau woods of Breisach. Our cruise concludes in Basel, Switzerland where you can visit its large market square and museums or continue your holiday adventure to other European destinations.

On our cruise, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes, and Limited Edition tours. With a large variety of activities, you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be yours to enjoy.

If you’re reading this, you’re invited.

About AMAWaterways:  At our recent annual American Express Travel Convention, AMAWaterways not only was voted the # 1 Riverboat Cruise company but also the #1 Overall Travel Supplier by the worldwide network of American Express Travel.

Send us your Reservation Request.  OR – Give us a call at  800-470-2020  or E-Mail your Cruise Director, Jennifer, for reservations…this ship will sell shortly out so don’t delay…it’s over 70% committed but great staterooms are still available, and all river views, too.  Scroll down to view availability. Contact: [email protected]

The Ambiance and The Unexpected:  It’s included!

You’ve been asking for this and now you’ve got it – another Castaways-sponsored full-ship charter with 79 suites and staterooms for a romantic Rhine River cruise through some of the most famous countryside and cities in Europe.   This is a conventional cruise without nudity but there’s a great plunge pool on the top deck, perfect for catching the sun in all the right places.  You’ll have lots of choices on where to go and what to do including adding on Amsterdam before and, afterward extending your fun in central Europe or visiting Cap d’Agde, France, a short bullet train or plane trip away.

Your friends are invited and you can expect a great mix of couples to share the fun with.

On our cruise, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes, and Limited Edition tours. With a large variety of activities, you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of wonder and discovery.

Start your vacation early:  Plan to join Castaways’ secret Facebook page; stay tuned!

The Cruise  AMA Waterways – AMAStella Launched in 2016

AMA Rhine River cruiseThe AmaStella debuted in 2016  and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation.  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 throughout the cruise with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; all-inclusive bar and alcoholic drinks, a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi plus in-room Internet and entertainment on demand; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or guided bike tours.

Itinerary

Optional Amsterdam pre-cruise tours and sightseeing are available.  Club visits are planned.

Our parent company, Fox Travel, can develop customized itineraries featuring American Express’s preferred travel suppliers.  Your Fox Travel counselors can assist you with airfare to Europe, airport and private transfers, sightseeing, and private tours, and can create a turnkey holiday for you.  American Express cardholders with points:  Use your points for any pre-paid travel product sold by Castaways (including this cruise) or by Fox Travel.  Call us or see more about AmEx Membership Rewards

Day 1 Amsterdam-board your luxury AMAStella for a week of luxurious fun and games
Day 2 Amsterdam City tour and canal cruise
Day 3 Cologne City tour/evening walk.  AMAStella cruises to Koblenz and Moors overnight.
Day 4 Rhine Gorge Cruise past Rhine castles and scenes you won’t forget
Day 5 Mannheim Heidelberg excursion
Day 6 Strasbourg City tour Old Town bike tour or other Strasbourg options
Day 7 Breisach Riquewihr walking tour or Breisach and Freiburg tours
Day 8 Basel

Optional add-on tours, sightseeing, and land packages are available to extend your European holiday.  Our parent company, Fox Travel, specializes in providing distinctive vacations and custom-designed holidays through our American Express preferred supplier partners.  Our Fox Travel vacation counselors can design the perfect addition to top off your European adventure.

Dine and Drink – This cruise is “all-inclusive” and features not only beer and wine selections for lunch and dinner but also bar drinks and alcohol as well as liqueurs.  Tips, taxes, port charges, and daily shore excursions are included, too.

Main Dining Restaurant – offering regional specialties using locally sourced ingredients

AMA Rhine river cruise dinnerAMA rhine river cruise dining areaThe Chef’s Table serves as an intimate dining alternative to the main restaurant. It features a view of the chef as he prepares a true tasting menu with three appetizers, a champagne sorbet intermezzo, three main courses, and three decadent desserts, serving up a variety of regional specialties and traditional dishes with more choices and flavors than ever before.

Complimentary unlimited fine wine, beer, soft drinks, and specialty coffees with every lunch & dinner, plus sparkling wine at breakfast.  At other times, the all-inclusive bar is open for your convenience including mixed and bar drinks and alcohol.

Highlights include:

Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience

An Array of Amenities and Shipboard Highlights on the AMAStella
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Director
Managed during both cruise and land programs Internet and Wi¬Fi access
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim¬up bar and walking track
Fitness room, massage services, and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar with daily entertainment including cultural performances
Panoramic Lounge with bar; piano and dance floor; and Observation Lounge
Complimentary specialty tea & coffee stations available 24/7
Elevator reaches the Restaurant, Lobby/Main Lounge, and staterooms on Violin & Cello Decks
Beauty salon, massage and spa services
Walking track, heated pool, and fitness room
Bicycles for exploring on one’s own or guided bicycle tours

Deck Plans

AmaStella deck plan

Detailed Itinerary:  Daytime and Night time Adventure and Ports of Call Description

On AMA cruises you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes, and Limited Edition tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery.Amsterdam cruise

Day 1 Amsterdam EMBARKATION Welcome Dinner Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam City Tour and Canal Cruise The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour. Begin with a scenic canal cruise and see the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Next, you’ll walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and have some free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour on which you’ll see the Royal Palace, Westerkerk, and stop for photos at a Dutch windmill before returning to the ship. This afternoon depart for Germany. (B, L, D)

cologne city toursDay 3 Cologne City tour and cathedral visit Koblenz Evening walk Your guided tour of Cologne this morning includes the Old Town, Cathedral Square, and the city’s majestic Gothic cathedral. Afterward, you’ll have free time to visit some of the local shops or have a coffee at a quaint café. This afternoon the ship cruises to Koblenz and moors overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Rhine Gorge Cruise past Rhine castles Rüdesheim Wine tasting OR Gondola ride OR Rheingau bike tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum OR Rüdesheimer Coffee This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon you will arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim where you will have the option to take one of three excursions: wine tasting with a local vintner, a gondola ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany’s best wine regions. Later you’ll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. This evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of old robotic and self¬playing musical instruments, or join us for some Rüdesheimer Coffee. The ship sails overnight. (B, L, D)

Mannheim Heidelberg excursionDay 5 Mannheim Heidelberg excursion OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike OR Speyer excursion Arrive in Mannheim, where you have a choice of one of three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half¬day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you will visit the red¬walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000¬gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Or, for your second option, enjoy a hike up the Philosopher’s Path to a panoramic viewpoint of Heidelberg. Your third option is a city tour of Speyer one of Germany’s oldest cities, which is known for its cathedral, numerous churches, and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate). This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Strasbourg City tour OR Old Town bike tour OR Strasbourg hike Capital city of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy either a panoramic bus tour or a guided bike tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique. Afterward, explore on foot with a walking tour of the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. You also have the option of exploring Strasbourg on a guided hike that begins at the Orangery and makes its way to the cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish before the ship departs tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Breisach Riquewihr walking tour OR Breisach and Freiburg excursion OR Breisach bike tour Basel Free time You have three exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town renowned for its historic architecture and for its Riesling wines. A second option is a tour of the beautiful towns of Breisach and Freiburg, where you will visit the historical city center and Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Your third choice is a guided bike tour of Breisach that takes you through the Rheinau woods. Tonight, the ship cruises towards Switzerland. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Basel – Arrive in Switzerland and Disembark after breakfast at your leisure. (B)

Staterooms & Suites – Photos and Descriptions

See the Deck Plan Above or Below

spacious rooms twin balconiesSpacious rooms Stupendous Suite Features
Extra spacious Suites (350 sq. ft.) with revolutionary “twin balconies” and mini-bar
Roomy sitting area with a sofa and two chairs
Marble-appointed bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower

Plus all amenities and features are below.

Spacious Staterooms
7 nights of luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Computer for Internet access
Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news, and music
Mini fridge, desk, and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily
All outside accommodations, with “twin balconies” on the Violin & Cello decks
Deluxe hotel-style bedding with high-thread count linens, plush pillows and duvet cover
Your choice of one large bed (larger than queen size) or two twin beds
Cozy sitting area a perfect for admiring scenic river views
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads
Premium European toiletries, plus plush terry robes and slippers
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV featuring local and satellite channels
In-room entertainment on-demand system providing free Internet access, TV shows, movies and music
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily

Rates/Cabin-Double Occupancy – See the Deck Plan

French balcony and full balcony combination

Windows Fixed=windows don’t open

Cabins marked in BLACK are SOLD

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION SQ FEET COST/COUPLE
SS Suite 350 $15,180.00
AA Fr & Open Bal 235 $12,234.00
AB Fr & Open Bal 235 $11,781.00
BA Fr & Open Bal 210 $11,327.00
BB Fr & Open Bal 210 $10,875.00
CA French Balcony 170 $9,742.00
CB French Balcony 170 $9,288.00
D Windows-Fixed 160 $8,382.00
E Windows-Fixed 160 $7,702.00
PAYMENTS:    
DEPOSIT: $1,000/person Non-Refundable
Balance over 3 payments:
First One-Third Due: August 1, 2017
Second One-Third Due: November 1, 2017
Final One-Third Due: February 15, 2018

CANCELLATION

The Cruise is NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 15, 2018.

Questions? Let us hear from you:   800-470-2020 or [email protected]

GALLERY

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This is our personal Photo Album of the trip we took on this same ship and itinerary.

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