Earlier this year, I was offered the chance to spend three nights sailing the Dutch Waterways on board the amazing AmaSerena and last week, after much anticipation, it was finally time for me to set sail! I had heard incredible things about AmaWaterways from my colleagues who have sailed with them previously, and it's safe to say the experience led up to every expectation...
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, I was met at the ship by a warm and friendly crew who took my suitcase, welcomed me on board with a smile and showed me to my stateroom. I was assigned an Outside Balcony Stateroom, which was simply stunning with calming neutral decor, a large comfortable bed and ample wardrobe space including a safe, branded umbrellas and plush robes and slippers, which added such a luxurious feel. The bathroom was bright and modern, fitted in marble and featuring a spacious walk in shower with indulgent toiletries.
The ship's size allows an intimate onboard atmosphere, with each area designed to feel warm and welcoming. The Lark Lounge is the perfect place to cosy up with a coffee in the morning or join newfound friends for the cocktail of the day during the daily Sip and Sail. Up on the Sun Deck, you can enjoy the heated pool, practice your putting skills or relax on one of the loungers whilst watching the world go by.
The Journeys Restaurant opens for three meals a day: a buffet breakfast with everything you could imagine from cooked to continental with daily specials made to order, a wealth of lunchtime options including a salad bar you can help yourself to, and at dinner, you can enjoy three-course a la carte dining with regionally inspired options. If you'd prefer a more relaxed environment for lunch, you can also enjoy a variety of fresh sandwiches, soups and salads in the Lark Lounge. I tried both during my stay, and the quality of the food in either venue was incredible.
Prior to my trip, I'd heard amazing things about the Chef's Table restaurant, so when I returned to my stateroom one day to see an invite for that evening waiting on my bed, I was very excited to attend. The restaurant itself is small, with panoramic views from the back of the ship and takes reservations for just 30 guests per evening.
Featuring an open kitchen, you can watch the chef prepare seven delicious courses, including an amuse-bouche and palate cleanser, served with expertly paired wines. The staff are so attentive and strive to fulfil every request. For example, I informed our waiter upon arrival that I don't eat meat, and when the beef course arrived, I was served a delicious salmon fillet, which was cooked to perfection.
One of the things that AmaWaterways does best, in my opinion, is their excursions. Extremely well organised and so easy to sign up to, these daily activities are easily the best way to get to the heart of each destination.
Throughout my journey, I went on three different excursions. The first morning we docked in Dordrecht, and I visited Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its windmills, and we were shown the inside of one and how they work by a local miller. That afternoon, we arrived in Rotterdam, where I went out on a walking tour of the city, stopping to take in the unique architecture, followed by some free time in a large food market. The following day, I took a guided tour of Zaandam, a town filled with colourful storybook buildings and home to several of the subjects in Monet's paintings, and tried some local delicacies in a couple of different cafés.
Each excursion was led by a different local guide, and all three were extremely personable with a fascinating knowledge of the destinations we visited. The Quietvox devices provided by AmaWaterways allow you to use the earpiece to clearly hear your guide even if you're at the back of the group or stray away slightly.
Overall, my experience sailing with AmaWaterways was the perfect opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into life on board.
