AmaWaterways is a popular luxury river cruise operator, with a wide variety of itineraries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
If you’re interested in going on a cruise with them, you’re probably wondering, what is the dress code for AmaWaterways river cruises? We’re here to help with a comprehensive guide so you know what to pack.
Amawaterways River Cruise Dress Code: Overview
The AmaWaterways dress code is pretty relaxed, with guidelines rather than specific requirements. These guidelines vary depending on the location of the cruise. Since the company offers river cruises in Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia, the type of clothing that passengers will wear can vary.
In Europe, the company suggests comfortable clothes that you can layer to adjust for different temperatures; “casually elegant” outfits for dinner; something dressy for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner; comfortable walking shoes for excursions; workout clothes if you plan to take advantage of the onboard fitness center; and a swimsuit and coverup if you want to enjoy the pool.
Remember that locals in Europe tend to dress a bit more nicely than in the U.S., so super-casual clothing like sweatpants, leggings, jeans, and t-shirts with printing on them is not really common.
In Asia, AmaWaterways recommends cool clothing that is suitable for hot weather, including lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect from sun and bug bites, as well as a sun hat, raingear, comfortable walking shoes that can get wet and muddy, and “casually elegant” clothing for the Welcome and Farewell Dinners. These ships also tend to have pools and fitness centers, so bring appropriate items for those.
The Africa cruise and land safari recommendations are similar to Asia: breathable clothing for high temperatures and sun/bug protection plus sun hat and sturdy walking shoes. If cruising during the winter, they suggest some warmer clothes that you can layer for cold temperatures at night and early in the morning. These ships also tend to have pools and fitness centers, so bring appropriate items for those.
Nile River cruises have similar lightweight clothing recommendations as well, with the addition of scarves, veils, or shawls for women to wear when visiting mosques and temples (and collared shirts and pants for men). These ships also tend to have pools and fitness centers, so bring appropriate items for those.
Once you book your cruise, you will get detailed information on what to pack for your specific itinerary and departure dates.
Tip: Although the staterooms on AmaWaterways ships are comfortably sized, space is still limited. Try to pack as lightly as possible. It is possible to get your clothes washed while on the trip for a fee (although not dry cleaned). You will find an Amawaterways laundry price list in your stateroom on board the ship.
AmaWaterways Dress Code: Daytime
A lot of what you’ll wear will depend on the weather along your route as well as the cruise itinerary and activities. For example, if it’s warm during the day, you might wear nice shorts, lightweight pants, or skirts and a short-sleeved top. While jeans are not expressly discouraged, most people don’t tend to wear them.
At lunch, casual clothes such as shorts and sandals are OK in the restaurants.
In winter months—such as on Christmas market cruises—bring items you can layer as well as cold weather gear like coats, hats, scarves, and gloves.
When headed out on AmaWaterways shore excursions, you’ll want to dress for the activity. Generally, comfortable walking shoes will be needed, but you also might want a sun hat, rain gear, or other special items.
If your itinerary travels through a country where you’ll be visiting religious sites like churches or mosques, you will need to bring appropriate clothing including scarves for women to cover their heads in addition to making sure knees and arms are covered, and long pants and collared shirts for men.
Since AmaWaterways ships have swimming pools and fitness centers, you’ll want to bring workout clothes and bathing suits if you want to take advantage of those amenities. Be sure to pack a coverup for your swimsuit as well as non-slip shoes.
AmaWaterways Dress Code: Nighttime
Although there isn’t a strict AmaWaterways dress code for dinner, most passengers tend to wear “casually elegant” clothing such as nice slacks or a skirt and top or dress for women and nice slacks and collared shirts for men. Remember to pack appropriate shoes and accessories!
Shorts and sandals are not allowed in the restaurants at dinner.
There are also special dinners on each cruise, such as Captain’s Night, Welcome dinners, and Farewell dinners, that passengers tend to dress up more for. Women might wear cocktail dresses, while men might add a blazer over their nice slacks and shirt.
Have we told you all you need to know about the AmaWaterways dress code? If not, let us know your questions in the comments. And if you’re ready to plan your river cruise, consider talking with an AmaWaterways travel agent to find the perfect itinerary and ship for you!
Ashley has always loved to explore new places and indulges her passion for travel whenever she can. She has been to 12 countries and 32 states so far.
Ashley has worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years, specializing in the areas of travel, marketing, personal development, and the pursuit of happiness.
Favorite destinations include Sorrento and Capri, Italy; Haarlem, Netherlands; Paris; Sydney and K’gari, Australia; Rotorua and Waiheke Island, New Zealand; the American West; Palm Beach; the Florida Keys; and her hometown of New Orleans. Ashley has a goal of visiting every state plus many more international destinations.