Cruising Through Contrasts: My Adventures on Royal Caribbean and AmaWaterways
To be honest, Sean and I were never big cruisers. So, when I decided to become a travel advisor, I had some serious catching up to do. Cue hours of cruise education, research, and webinars. While all of that learning was helpful, nothing beats firsthand experience. That’s why I made it a priority to book some cruises pronto.
My first was an ocean cruise with Royal Caribbean, followed by a river cruise on AmaWaterways. And next up? A small luxury ocean cruise on Silversea Cruises in June 2025 (stay tuned for that!). These experiences couldn’t have been more different, but that’s the beauty of cruising—there’s something for everyone, depending on your travel style and purpose. Let’s dig into the highlights and contrasts of these two very different cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean: Big Ships, Big Fun
I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials for Royal Caribbean—they’re all about fun, fun, and more fun. With their massive ships and endless activities, Royal Caribbean is perfect for families and travelers looking for nonstop action. Here’s what stood out to me on my Royal Caribbean adventure:
Activities and Adventure Sports
From waterslides and water play areas for kids to rock climbing walls, simulated surfing, basketball, and pickleball, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active. It’s an adventurer’s paradise.
Top-Notch Entertainment
I was blown away by the entertainment options. During my cruise, I caught an ice-skating show, a water/acrobatic performance, a comedy show, and the Broadway musical Mamma Mia. Oh, and for those who like a little gambling, there’s a full casino onboard.
Unique “Neighborhoods” on Oasis-Class Ships
My ship featured distinct “neighborhoods,” each with its own vibe. My interior balcony stateroom overlooked Central Park, a lush, tropical area complete with seating, live music, and even bird sounds. Other highlights included the Boardwalk—home to a hot dog stand, candy shop, and merry-go-round—and the Promenade, buzzing with bars, shops, and restaurants. It’s like a floating city!
Dining Options Galore
From the main dining room to specialty restaurants and a sprawling buffet, the food was varied and tasty. I especially appreciated the efficiency of meal service and the flexibility of dining times. Just a tip: check the Royal Caribbean app for $$ signs to identify specialty dining options, so you’re not caught off guard by extra charges.
Private Island Paradise: CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay, was a highlight. I spent my day at the adults-only Hideaway Beach, where I could choose between a lively pool party atmosphere or a quieter beach vibe. Food was included, and there were plenty of chairs and space to spread out—a total win.
Stateroom and Crowds
My interior balcony stateroom was cozy, with standard furnishings and a small bathroom (especially the shower). If I go again, I’d splurge on a larger room. Despite the ship hosting 4,000 to 5,000 passengers, I was impressed by how well Royal Caribbean managed the crowds. Just beware of long elevator waits—taking the stairs became my go-to (and a great way to get my steps in!).
Pools
With four pools and plenty of hot tubs, there was always space to soak up some sun or take a dip. That said, cruise pools tend to be on the smaller side, so don’t expect Olympic swimming.
Overall, Royal Caribbean delivered an action-packed, family-friendly vacation that I’d recommend to anyone looking for variety and excitement at a reasonable price point.
AmaWaterways: Intimate and Immersive
In contrast, AmaWaterways offered a completely different experience. With only about 160 passengers onboard, this river cruise focused on destination immersion and intimate luxury. Here’s what made this cruise stand out:
Exceptional Service
The service was top-notch. The staff were friendly, attentive, and eager to help with anything—or just chat. On a smaller ship like this, you get to know the crew and even the cruise director, which adds a personal touch.
Incredible Food and Drink
The food was phenomenal, with multi-course meals and high-quality ingredients. We indulged in five-course lunches and dinners, plus tea time and snacks in between. On AmaWaterways, wine and beer are included at lunch and dinner, along with a daily cocktail hour called Sip and Sail. As this was a wine-themed cruise, we also enjoyed wine tastings led by a sommelier—a delightful and educational experience.
Excursions for Every Interest
This was the biggest (and best!) surprise. I’d worried the excursions might be too tame, but there were options for all activity levels. We could hike, bike 15 miles, join foodie tours, or take leisurely "gentle" walks. Stopping in charming German towns along the river was a highlight—these are places we wouldn’t have visited on our own.
Luxurious Cabins
Our upgraded AB-level cabin was spacious at 235 square feet, with upscale finishes, two balconies (French and regular), and a larger bathroom with a roomy shower. It felt like a boutique hotel room. I’d recommend upgrading if possible, as the lower-level cabins are smaller and only have portholes.
Laid-Back Vibe
The overall atmosphere was much quieter and more relaxed compared to Royal Caribbean. Evening entertainment was enjoyable but low-key—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Despite the serene vibe, the passenger age range was surprisingly diverse (35-75 years), thanks to the variety of excursion options.
The Bottom Line
These two cruises couldn’t have been more different, but that’s what made each one special. Royal Caribbean is perfect for families or those seeking action-packed fun at an accessible price point. AmaWaterways, with its higher price tag, offers a luxurious, immersive experience that’s ideal for those looking to explore destinations in depth while being pampered along the way.
Both are fantastic options—it just depends on the kind of vacation you’re craving. And who says you have to choose? With so many cruise styles out there, why not try them all?
