AmaStella

AmaStella at a Glance

AmaStella launched in 2016 and was purpose-built for Europe’s inland waterways. Here is what shapes the experience aboard her:

• Guests and crew: 156 passengers looked after by 51 crew — a ratio that makes itself felt in the attentiveness of the service
• Cabins: 78 staterooms and suites across three principal grades
• Hull length: 135 metres, sized for the Rhine’s locks and bridges
• Where she sails: primarily the Rhine, with sailings also on the Benelux waterways
• Departure ports: Amsterdam and Basel

All current sailings on AmaStella are operated by AmaWaterways, a line known for its all-inclusive approach to river cruising — regional dining, onboard entertainment and a complimentary bicycle fleet are all woven into the fare.

Cabins on AmaStella

AmaStella offers three principal cabin grades, each sleeping two guests, ranging from a comfortable outside stateroom to a 32.5 m² twin-balcony suite. Full deck plans and every grade are laid out on the AmaStella cabins and deck plans page.

Outside Cabin (Grade D)

At 14.9 m², the Outside Cabin gives you a genuine connection to the passing river scenery through a proper outside-view window — everything you need without the balcony premium.

Balcony Cabin (Grade AA)

The 21.8 m² Balcony Cabin is the grade that turns heads: a drop-down French balcony window-wall opens the cabin to the river, and a separate outside balcony gives you a second, physical way to step out into the open air. That dual-access setup is not available in the smaller grades.

Suite — Two Private Balconies (Grade SS)

At 32.5 m², the Suite is the largest cabin on the ship and comes with two private balconies of its own. For guests who want the most space and the most direct contact with the landscapes drifting past, this is the grade to book.

Dining on AmaStella

AmaStella carries two distinct dining venues, both included in your cruise fare and open to all guests.

The Main Restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship: open seating, regional cuisine and river views make it the natural gathering place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Conversation flows easily in a room where nobody is assigned to a fixed table or a fixed time.

For something more intimate, The Chef’s Table seats a smaller group around a dedicated chef who prepares a multi-course tasting menu in front of you. The culinary theatre and personalised attention make it worth booking early — and there is no extra charge.

Between meals, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station operates on a self-service basis: complimentary speciality coffees and teas available whenever you want them.

Bars, Lounges and Social Spaces

The Main Lounge is where the ship’s social life happens. The fully stocked bar, port talks from knowledgeable guides and live evening entertainment make it easy to drift in for a pre-dinner drink and stay considerably longer. Drinks are charged separately unless you are on a beverage package.

Sun Deck, Pool and Staying Active

The open Sun Deck runs the width of the ship and is the best place to watch the Rhine’s castles, vineyards and medieval towns go by. It occasionally doubles as an alfresco dining space.

The Heated Sun-Deck Pool is an unexpected luxury on a river ship: a proper swimming pool with an integrated swim-up bar, so you can order a drink without getting out of the water. Both the pool and bar are included in your fare.

For guests who want to keep active, the Walking Track loops the Sun Deck, the Fitness Centre carries modern cardio and strength equipment at no charge, and the Complimentary Bicycle Fleet lets you explore every port at your own pace — no guided tour required, no extra charge. The Massage & Hair Salon is there for the days when you would rather be pampered; the salon space is complimentary to enter, though treatments carry a charge.

Quiet Corners

The Library is a calm retreat stocked with books and games — ideal on a long stretch of river or a lazy afternoon when you want something quieter than the Main Lounge. The Gift Shop carries regional souvenirs alongside essentials; browsing is free and purchases are entirely at your discretion.

Why Book AmaStella with Cruise1st

As one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, Cruise1st gives you access to expert advice from real cruise experts on the phone before you commit to anything. We know this line and we know these itineraries — we will help you match the cabin grade and fare inclusions to what you actually want from a river cruise, not just sell you the cheapest available.

Every sailing on AmaStella departs from Amsterdam in the Netherlands or Basel in Switzerland, which means every guest travelling from the UK needs to get there first. We treat the cruise as the middle of a longer trip: our Cruise1st Packages bring together the flights, hotels either side and transfers into one holiday, on one booking, with one point of contact if anything changes.

Where AmaStella Sails

The sailings currently on sale run for up to 14 nights and concentrate on two regions. The majority follow the Rhine, one of Europe’s great river routes, connecting the vineyards and castle-topped bluffs of Germany with the flat waterways and medieval city centres of the Netherlands. A smaller number of itineraries explore the Benelux waterways. Most depart from Amsterdam; those travelling in the other direction begin in Basel.

Other AmaWaterways Ships to Consider

If you are weighing up the full AmaWaterways fleet, Cruise1st also sells sailings on several other ships in the range. AmaMagna and AmaVerde are two other options on European rivers, while Zambezi Queen offers a very different experience in Africa. AmaVenita, AmaLea and AmaDahlia round out the fleet pages available on the site.

Common Questions about AmaStella

What Is Included in an AmaStella Cruise Fare?

All meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table are included, as are speciality coffees and teas, use of the pool, fitness centre, walking track, library and bicycle fleet. The Main Lounge is free to enter; drinks there are usually charged separately unless you are on a beverage package. Spa treatments and hair salon services carry a charge.

Do I Need to Book The Chef’s Table in Advance?

The Chef’s Table is included in your fare with no surcharge, but it seats a smaller group than the Main Restaurant, so availability is limited each evening. Reserving your preferred night early — ideally at embarkation — is strongly recommended.

Which Cabin Grade Is Right for Me?

If river views matter most but budget is a factor, the Outside Cabin gives you a proper outside window at the most accessible price. The Balcony Cabin AA adds the dual French-balcony and outside-balcony setup that river cruising enthusiasts tend to prioritise. The Suite SS at 32.5 m² is the right choice if you want the most space on board and two private balconies. Our cruise experts can talk you through each grade — call us before you book.

Do I Need to Arrange Flights Separately?

Not if you book through Cruise1st. Because AmaStella departs from Amsterdam and Basel — neither of which is a drive-to port for most UK travellers — we build the flights, any hotel nights either side and airport transfers into a single Cruise1st Package, so the whole journey is confirmed in one place.

Can I Explore Ports Independently on AmaStella?

Yes. AmaWaterways provides a complimentary bicycle fleet so you can set off and explore at your own pace without joining a guided excursion. The Main Lounge port talks each evening help you decide what to see the next day, whether you go independently or with a group.