AmaLyra

AmaLyra at a Glance

AmaLyra launched in 2009 and carries up to 140 guests, looked after by a crew of 45, across 71 cabins. At 109.7 metres she fits the rivers and locks the Seine demands. The ratio of crew to guests gives the ship a notably attentive, unhurried atmosphere — something regular river cruisers specifically seek out. All current sailings are on the Seine, running up to nine nights and departing from Paris.

Dining on AmaLyra

AmaLyra offers two included dining venues, each with a different register, and neither carries a surcharge.

The Main Restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship: open seating times, regional cuisine and river views make it the natural gathering place for most meals. Conversation flows easily here because there are no fixed sittings and no assigned tables.

For something more theatrical, The Chef’s Table seats guests in an intimate setting while a dedicated chef assembles a multi-course tasting menu in front of them. It is included in the cruise fare and takes no extra booking fee — a genuine luxury that distinguishes river cruising from most ocean alternatives.

Between meals, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station operates on a self-service basis, covering everything from an espresso at breakfast to an afternoon pot of tea, at no charge.

Bars, Lounges and Social Spaces

The Main Lounge is where the ship’s social life happens: a fully stocked bar, informative port talks before each stop, and live entertainment in the evenings. Entry is free; individual drinks are charged separately unless you have taken a beverage package.

The Sun Deck and Pool

AmaLyra’s open upper deck is one of its most distinctive features. The Sun Deck delivers unobstructed views as the ship moves through the Seine valley, and occasional open-air dining takes place here when the weather allows. Alongside it sits the Heated Sun-Deck Pool, which includes a swim-up bar — so you can order a drink without leaving the water. Both are included in the cruise fare.

A Walking Track circles the Sun Deck for guests who want to keep up a morning jog or an evening stroll while the river slides past.

Fitness, Wellness and Activities

The Fitness Centre carries modern cardio and strength-training equipment, free to use throughout the voyage (specialist classes carry a separate charge). For recovery, the Massage & Hair Salon is available on board; treatments are booked and charged individually.

One of the most popular inclusions on AmaLyra is the Complimentary Bicycle Fleet. Guests can borrow a bike at each port and explore at their own pace, independently of any guided excursion programme — a practical and pleasurable way to see the Norman towns and countryside the Seine passes through.

Quieter moments are covered by the Library, stocked with books and games, and the Gift Shop carries souvenirs and regional keepsakes for purchase.

Cabins on AmaLyra

AmaLyra offers three cabin grades currently on sale, all sleeping two. Full deck plans and every grade are laid out on the AmaLyra cabins and deck plans page.

• Outside Cabin D (15.8 m²): Twin windows bring natural light and river views throughout the day — a meaningful step up from an inside cabin without the premium of a balcony grade.
• Suite with French Balcony (23.7 m²): A separate table and armchair seating area gives this grade a dedicated relaxation space that most river cabins simply do not have. The French balcony opens the full width of the cabin to the river air.
• French Balcony Stateroom A+ (20.9 m²): Approximately 5 m² more living space than a standard French-balcony cabin — a noticeably roomier option for guests who want the balcony experience with extra room to move around.

Sailing the Seine with AmaWaterways

All three sailings currently on sale depart from Paris, France, with itineraries running to nine nights and priced from £2,597pp*. The Seine is one of Europe’s most rewarding river routes — Norman market towns, Impressionist landscapes, historic châteaux and the approach to Paris itself all feature, depending on direction. Because every departure is from France, all guests will need to fly to join AmaLyra; Cruise1st can arrange that alongside the cruise as a Cruise1st Package, covering flights, hotel stays and transfers in a single booking.

You can browse all AmaLyra’s Seine sailings directly, or explore the wider AmaWaterways fleet and cruise line if you are still comparing options.

Why Book AmaLyra with Cruise1st

As one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, Cruise1st has specific knowledge of the AmaWaterways product — not the general awareness of a high-street travel agent. That matters when the difference between cabin grades on a 71-cabin ship is a few square metres and a seating area. Our cruise experts are on the phone before you book, to help you choose the grade and fare inclusions that fit your trip. And because every current AmaLyra sailing departs from France, we strongly recommend letting us build a Cruise1st Package around it — flights, a Paris hotel night or two and transfers, all arranged as one holiday so nothing falls between the cracks.

Common Questions About AmaLyra

Do I Need to Fly to Join AmaLyra?

Yes — every sailing currently on sale departs from Paris, France, so UK guests will need to fly to join the ship. Cruise1st can include flights, hotel nights in Paris and transfers within a single package booking, so the whole trip is arranged in one go.

Which Cabin Grade Should I Book on AmaLyra?

It depends on how much time you spend in your cabin and what matters most. The Outside Cabin D at 15.8 m² is the most accessible entry point and still provides river views through twin windows. If you want to sit and read or have a morning coffee without going on deck, the Suite with French Balcony’s separate seating area earns its price. The French Balcony Stateroom A+ at 20.9 m² is a good middle ground — notably more space than a standard balcony cabin. The AmaLyra cabins and deck plans page shows every grade and its position on the ship.

What Is Included in the Cruise Fare?

AmaLyra’s standard fare covers all meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station, use of the heated pool, Sun Deck, Walking Track, Fitness Centre, Library and complimentary bicycles at ports. The Main Lounge is open to all guests; individual drinks are charged separately unless a beverage package is included. Spa treatments and hairdressing carry a charge.

Are There Other AmaWaterways Ships I Should Consider?

If you are still weighing your options, AmaWaterways operates several other ships you can compare on Cruise1st: AmaMagna, AmaVerde, AmaVenita, AmaLea, AmaDahlia and Zambezi Queen are all other ships in the same fleet. The AmaWaterways cruise line page lists every sailing across the whole fleet.