Christmas Markets on the Rhine with the Luckey Sailors!

AmaWaterways makes exploring Europe comfortable, personal, and fun, with plenty included in your cruise fare.

• Dining worth looking forward to: All meals onboard are included, with regional dishes inspired by the places we visit. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a multi-course tasting dinner at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant at no additional charge.

• Drinks included: Enjoy wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus the daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary cocktails, wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic options.

• Your choice of excursions: Guided shore excursions are included, with a variety of experiences depending on the destination. Many walking tours offer gentle, regular and active paces, so you can choose what feels right for you.

• Local entertainment: On select evenings, local performers come onboard to share music and entertainment inspired by the region—a fun way to experience the culture after a day exploring ashore.

• Ways to stay active: Enjoy complimentary wellness classes and, where offered and conditions permit, guided hikes, bike tours and bicycles for exploring ashore.

• Wi-Fi included: Stay connected and share your favorite moments along the way.

Just as appealing is the experience itself: a smaller ship, welcoming crew, and the convenience of unpacking once while visiting several destinations. Spend the day exploring Christmas markets, then return to a familiar, comfortable ship for dinner and an evening with fellow travelers.

Meet AmaMaria

Our ship, AmaMaria, is scheduled to debut in 2028, so we’ll be sailing during her inaugural year! With just 152 guests, she’ll offer an intimate setting for our Christmas Markets adventure.

As AmaMaria is still being built, the images currently available are artist renderings. These offer a preview of her planned design; actual interiors and finishes may vary.

Here is the website to view an example of her offerings: https://advisors.amawaterways.com/ships/amamaria-river-cruise-ship

You’ll have more than 20 years of travel experience behind your vacation—and I’ll be sailing with you! As the owner of Brilliant Journeys, I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways and other river cruise lines, so I can help you choose the right stateroom, plan flights and hotel stays, and feel prepared before we leave.

Once onboard, you’ll have a familiar face and a friendly group to share the experience with. Join us for an excursion, compare your Christmas market finds over a cocktail, or enjoy dinner together after a day exploring.

There’s also plenty of freedom to do your own thing. Traveling with our group means having company when you want it and time to yourself when you need it. I’m looking forward to sharing this trip with you!

Group pricing starts at the following rates per person, based on two guests sharing a stateroom:

These prices include the $1,250 early booking discount, $250 group discount, and $290 per person port charges.

Stateroom Descriptions

D — River-view: Located on the lowest passenger deck, these rooms have small windows positioned high on the wall. They provide natural light, but views are limited. A good value if you plan to enjoy the scenery from the ship’s lounges and public decks.

CB — French balcony: Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a railing, allowing fresh air and river views from inside your room. There is no outdoor seating area.

CA — French balcony: The same balcony style as Category CB, with a little more interior space. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing; there is no outdoor seating area.

BB — Twin balcony: Features both a French balcony and a separate outdoor balcony with seating. Enjoy the views from inside your room or step outside for fresh air.

BA — Twin balcony: The same room size and balcony arrangement as Category BB, in a different location on the ship.

AB — Twin balcony: More interior space than Categories BA and BB, with both a French balcony and an outdoor balcony with seating.

AA — Twin balcony: The same room size and balcony arrangement as Category AB, in a different location on the ship.

SS — Suite: The most spacious option, with a sitting area, a French balcony, and a separate outdoor balcony with seating.

To receive the full savings, book and deposit by October 31, 2026. If you’re not ready by then, you can still join us, subject to availability. Later bookings will receive the $250 per person group discount, but the additional $1,250 per person early booking savings will no longer apply.

Deposit: $400 per person, with $200 per person nonrefundable.
Final payment: September 7, 2028.

Flights, airport transfers, gratuities, travel protection, and optional pre- and post-cruise stays are additional. Staterooms and pricing are subject to availability.

*as of 2026, the suggested gratuity amounts are:

• Ship’s crew: €125
• Cruise Manager: €30
• Total: €155 per person, or €310 for two guests. Local guide and driver tips are separate.

Contact me for a personalized quote and current stateroom availability.

Payment Plan

A payment plan is available! After your initial deposit, you can spread the remaining balance into monthly payments, with the cruise paid in full by September 7, 2028.

For example, a Category CB French balcony stateroom is $4,688 per person, including port charges and current promotional savings. After a $400 per person deposit, the remaining balance works out to approximately $187 per person per month over 23 months, starting in November 2026.

This example is based on two guests sharing a stateroom and booking with a deposit by October 31, 2026. Flights, travel protection, gratuities, transfers, and optional hotel stays are additional.

Cancellation Policy

Of your $400 per person deposit, $200 per person is nonrefundable. Cancellation penalties increase as departure approaches:

• 121 days or more before departure: $200 per person
• 120–90 days before departure: $400 per person
• 89–60 days before departure: 35% of the cruise and land price
• 59–31 days before departure: 50% of the cruise and land price
• 30 days or less before departure: 100% of the cruise and land price

Flights and other travel arrangements may have separate cancellation terms. Please contact Heather if you need to cancel; penalties are determined by the date AmaWaterways receives your cancellation notice.

Travel protection is available and recommended. Coverage depends on the policy’s terms, conditions and covered reasons. Full booking and cancellation terms will be provided with your reservation.

Can I travel solo? - Absolutely! Let me know if you will need your own cabin and I will send you a customized quote.

Can I bring my children? - for sure! Ama allows children ages 4 and up. Please know that there will not be a kids program available and the crowd tends to be mostly adults.

When can I check on air? - Airfare should be available 320 days prior to the cruise date. I would say around January 2028, we can look at air.

Are there pre cruise stays in Amsterdam or post stays in Basel available? - Yes! You can join Ama's pre or post program or I can customize something for our group!

What will the weather be like? - Plan for chilly days and colder evenings—perfect weather for bundling up and enjoying a warm drink at the Christmas markets! Typical daytime temperatures along the route are around the upper 30s to mid-40s°F, with nights near freezing. Rain, mist and occasional snow are possible, but a snowy Christmas scene isn’t guaranteed. Pack warm layers, a water-resistant winter coat, gloves, a scarf and comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good traction. You’ll be spending time outdoors exploring towns and markets, then returning to a warm, comfortable ship.

Can I invite friends? - Absolutely, the more the merrier! Please have them contact me for details.

Do I have to join an excursion every day? No, you are free to do whatever you would like. You do not have to stay with my group the whole time. You are welcome to explore how you wish!

What happens if river levels affect our itinerary?

AmaWaterways monitors river conditions and may adjust the itinerary if high or low water prevents safe sailing. Changes can include different ports or docking locations, revised schedules, or motorcoach transportation for part of the journey. When possible, AmaWaterways may arrange a transfer to another ship beyond the affected section of river so the cruise can continue. Their team coordinates the transfer, including moving guests’ luggage. These adjustments can change parts of the planned experience, and the original itinerary and ship cannot be guaranteed. If our sailing is affected, I’ll share updates from AmaWaterways and help you understand any changes.