New American Melody & 2 Other New River Boats
By Anne Kalosh
… On the Mississippi, the Rhine and the Nile.
American Melody on the Mississippi
In early September, 2021, American Cruise Lines’ new American Melody entered service with a 22-day voyage along a vast expanse of the Mississippi, from Natchez, Mississippi, to St. Paul, Minnesota.
The inaugural cruise embarked at Natchez after American Melody’s usual home port, New Orleans, was impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Until the end of December, the modern-style riverboat (no paddle-wheel) will sail eight-day upper and lower Mississippi cruises.
American Melody accommodates 175 passengers in all private-balcony staterooms including suites and single-occupancy rooms.
An American Melody stateroom. All have private balconies. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
Public areas include a multi-level, sky-lit atrium, spacious indoor and outdoor lounges, a grand dining room and the casual outdoor Ellipse Café.
You’ll also find a large fitness center and a Skywalk cantilevered over the top deck.
American Melody’s SkyWalk encircles the Ellipse Cafe and outdoor lounge. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
American Melody’s River Lounge. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
AmaSiena on the Rhine
Against the spectacular castle backdrop of Germany’s Lahnstein, AmaWaterways celebrated the christening of its AmaSiena in late August. Debbie Fiorino of World Travel Holdings served as the godmother.
The naming was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
The christening “celebrates our much-anticipated return to the rivers and it is particularly meaningful to have esteemed travel industry leader Debbie Fiorino act as her proud godmother,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president, AmaWaterways. “We continue to be inspired by the resiliency, passion and commitment of the travel advisor community,” she added.
AmaSiena decked out for its naming at Lahnstein, Germany. * Photo: AmaWaterways
Sister of AmaLucia, AmaMora, AmaLea and AmaKristina, AmaSiena features 78 staterooms, most with AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies that offer views from both a French and an outside balcony.
Gourmet dining is available in the main restaurant and The Chef’s Table, and a new alfresco area in the main lounge provides a casual, bistro-style menu.
AmaSiena is sailing a variety of weeklong Rhine cruises before adding Dutch and Belgian waterways itineraries in 2022.
AmaDahlia In Egypt
In early September, AmaWaterways ushered in its 27th vessel, AmaDahlia, on the Nile.
“We are so appreciative of our Egyptian partners, who helped us launch AmaDahlia on time to start her inaugural season as planned,” AmaWaterways co-founder and President Schreiner said. “Their local experience has been critical throughout all the design and construction period and we look forward to continuing to work together to share the iconic wonders of Egypt with our guests.”
Accommodations on the 72-passenger AmaDahlia include 16 roomy suites measuring 370 square feet to 430 square feet.
A standard-category AmaDahlia stateroom. * Photo: AmaWaterways
The Egyptian-crewed vessel is characterized by vibrant colors and patterns, with ample spaces to take in the Nile views. Facilities include a swimming pool and bar on the Sun Deck. Locally sourced cuisine is served at the main restaurant and The Chef’s Al Fresco Restaurant.
AmaDahlia’s 11-night “Secrets of Egypt & The Nile” itinerary operates seasonally from September through June, sailing round-trip from Luxor to Aswan with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor.
AmaDahlia is now plying the Nile River. * Photo: AmaWaterways
Small-group tours led by Egyptologists explore landmarks like the Temple of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.
The cruise is bookended by three nights in Cairo before and one night in Cairo after, both at the Four Seasons Hotel, with an exclusive private tour and farewell lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace.
Optional extensions are three nights in Dubai or four nights in Jordan (Amman and Petra) pre-cruise and four nights in Israel (Jerusalem) post-cruise.
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HEIDI SARNA
My husband and I enjoy he small ship cruising. We have been on Viking,American cruise lines. We are interested ib a 7 day cruise close to the USA or Canada, Great Lakes We are concerned about Covid so not too much air travel. Anything you can suggest. Thank you
Hi Michele,
UnCruise offers some wonderful Pacific Northwest cruises in Washington & Oregon states, here’s more info — https://quirkycruise.com/uncruise-adventures-ss-legacy-rivers-of-adventure-voyage/ & https://uncruise.com/pages/rivers-of-adventure-and-wine-7-nights
Also, in Canada here are three great choices on the St Lawrence River — https://quirkycruise.com/3-small-ship-canada-cruises-you-should-know-about/
A Maine Windjammer is also a very unique experience if you like sailing & some adventure — https://quirkycruise.com/what-to-expect-on-a-maine-windjammer-cruise-aboard-the-j-e-riggin-a-day-by-day-review/
Hope that helps!
Heidi