AmaVida

AmaVida at a Glance

Built in 2013, AmaVida is an AmaWaterways river ship purpose-built for the Douro valley, one of Europe’s most dramatic wine rivers. A few things that define her at a glance:

• 102 guests, 38 crew — a crew-to-guest ratio that keeps service personal
• 51 cabins across three grades, from outside cabins to a 30 m² suite
• 79.2 metres in length — scaled for the Douro’s narrower passages and historic locks
• Launched 2013 and sailing for AmaWaterways

Current sailings depart from Porto and from Vega de Terrón in Spain, threading through the terraced vineyards and hill-top villages of Portugal along the Douro river. All sailings run up to seven nights, departing from September 2026 onwards.

Dining on AmaVida

AmaVida offers 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 means you choose when and with whom you sit, and the menu draws on regional cuisine with river views on either side. For something more theatrical, The Chef’s Table is a dedicated space where a chef crafts a multi-course tasting menu in an intimate setting — culinary theatre with personalised attention, and no extra charge. Complimentary speciality coffees and teas are available throughout the day from the self-service Specialty Coffee & Tea Station.

On-Board Life: Lounges, the Sun Deck and Activities

The Main Lounge is where most of AmaVida’s social life happens — cocktails at the bar, port talks from local experts, and live entertainment in the evenings. Drinks carry a separate charge unless included in a beverage package, but the lounge itself is open to all.

Above deck, the open Sun Deck offers unobstructed views of the Douro’s terraced hillsides — the best seat on the ship as you glide through the Duriense wine country. The Heated Sun-Deck Pool includes a swim-up bar, so you can take in the scenery without leaving the water. A Walking Track on the same deck keeps active guests moving, while the Fitness Center below provides cardio and strength equipment, complimentary to use.

One detail that sets AmaVida apart from an ocean ship is the Complimentary Bicycle Fleet: guests can borrow bikes at each port and explore the villages and vineyards independently, at no extra charge. The Library offers a quieter alternative — books and games in a relaxed retreat for moments between the port stops. For wellness, the Massage & Hair Salon is on board; the space is open to all, with treatments charged separately.

Cabins and Suites on AmaVida

AmaVida’s 51 cabins and suites come in three grades, all designed for two guests.

• Suite S (30 m²): The largest cabin on the ship, with a private balcony and noticeably more living space — 10 m² more than the balcony staterooms.
• Balcony Stateroom A (20 m²): Positioned on the highest cabin deck, these staterooms offer prime river views and direct access to the sun deck above, along with a private balcony.
• Outside Cabin D (15 m²): Set on the lowest cabin deck, the outside cabins are the most stable option on board — ideal if you prefer a quieter, more sheltered position with minimal motion.

Choosing between grades is one of the questions our cruise experts discuss with you before you book — the deck position matters on a river ship, where even a few metres of elevation changes your view entirely.

Why Book AmaVida with Cruise1st

As one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, Cruise1st brings specialist knowledge of AmaWaterways — not the broad-brush approach of a general travel agent. Every sailing currently on sale departs from Portugal or Spain, which means you’ll need to fly. Rather than booking ship and flights separately, our Cruise1st Packages pull together the cruise, your flights, a hotel either side and the transfers into a single booking — the cruise becomes the centrepiece of a longer Portuguese trip, with everything handled in one place.

If you have questions about cabin grades, fare inclusions or the best departure for your dates, our expert advisers are available on the phone before you commit to anything.

Common Questions About AmaVida

Where Does AmaVida Sail?

AmaVida sails the Douro valley in Portugal and into Spain. Sailings currently depart from Porto, Portugal and from Vega de Terrón, Spain, with itineraries of up to seven nights along the river.

How Many Passengers Does AmaVida Carry?

AmaVida carries a maximum of 102 guests, served by a crew of 38. That ratio gives the ship its notably personal atmosphere — far fewer guests than most ocean-going ships, and a crew that can learn names quickly.

Do I Need to Book Flights Separately?

All current AmaVida sailings depart from Portugal or Spain, so a flight from the UK is needed. Cruise1st can book your flights, hotel nights before and after the cruise, and transfers as a single Cruise1st Package, so you have one itinerary and one point of contact for the whole trip.

Which Cabin Grade Should I Choose on AmaVida?

It depends on what matters most to you. The Suite S at 30 m² gives you the most space and a private balcony. The Balcony Stateroom A sits on the highest cabin deck with the best sight lines and sun deck access. The Outside Cabin D on the lowest deck suits anyone who prefers stability and a quieter position. Our cruise experts can talk through the options for your specific travel dates — the deck layout on a 79.2-metre river ship makes the choice more meaningful than it might be on a larger vessel.

What Is Included in the AmaVida Cruise Fare?

The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table are both included, as is the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station, the Sun Deck pool, the Fitness Center, the walking track and the complimentary bicycle fleet for exploring ports. The Main Lounge is open to all guests; drinks there are charged separately unless you hold a beverage package. Massage and hair treatments in the salon carry a charge. Your Cruise1st booking confirmation will detail exactly what your chosen fare covers.