AmaDara

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AmaWaterways
AmaDara

SHIP OVERVIEW

AmaWaterways' sole cruise ship on the Mekong River, the AmaDara features French Colonial decor and richly carved wood furniture inspired by the history of the region, as well as local artifacts made by native craftsmen. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that invite the ever-changing scenery of Southeast Asia inside. On board, the AmaDara caters to your every whim, with massage rooms, fitness room, gift shop, hair salon and sundeck pool. Her stunning Saigon Lounge provides respite by day and unites guests over intriguing local entertainment by night. Savor authentic regional delicacies and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or dine at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, and throughout your cruise, be treated to unlimited complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house brand spirits, local beer and soft drinks throughout your cruise.

  • CRUISES
  • STATISTICS

STATISTICS

  • Year Built

    2015
  • Year Refurbished

  • Year Entered Present Fleet

    2015
  • Country of Registry

    Vietnam
  • Tonnage (GRT)

    2,650
  • PAX (basis 2)

    124
  • Max Pax (inc. Uppers)

    124
  • Passenger Decks

    3
  • Number of Crew

    52
  • Officers' Nationality

    International
  • Cruise/Hotel Staff Nationality

    International

STATEROOMS

  • Suites

    14
  • Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview

    0
  • Oceanview No Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview With Balcony

    0
  • Balconies

    48
  • Interior

    0
  • Accessible

    20
  • Total Number of Accommodations

    1000
  • SUITE
  • BALCONY
  • OCEANVIEW
  • INSIDE

Deck Plans

SHIP REVIEWS

OVERALL RATING

4.6

Star Star Star Star Star
Based on 18 reviews

SUBMIT YOUR REVIEW

Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.

SUBMIT A REVIEW

Riches of the Mekong Cruise

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Outstanding Cruise Manager, highly trained staff who excel in providing outstanding customer service, beautiful ship with all the amenities, outstanding food and drink options.

CONS

Must be comfortable with high temperatures and high humidity!

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The pool came in handy on quite a few occasions and I was amazed at how quickly the staff learned our names, as well as our drink/food preferences. You won't be disappointed in the high level of service! This is our second AMA Waterways cruise and we definitely plan on taking them again!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Excellent Mekong River Cruise

FEBRUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Exceptional service! Exceptional Quality of excursions! Excellent accommodations!

CONS

River was low so some steps were pretty steep - Didn't receive final documents until after cruise started. App did not work properly until the last 5 days of the trip so that was disappointing.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

I thought this river cruise was fantastic! The service was just exceptional both onboard and at the hotels used for the pre-cruise. The staff onboard could not have been better. Very very impressive. Our suite was larger than we anticipated which was nice. The excursions were fantastic with options for both very active walkers and not so active walkers. The only real issue we had was not receiving final documents and the app not working properly with the updated daily cruiser information. My app didn't really start working until the last 5 days of the trip. Other guests had the same problem. The app was fantastic when it was working. That was our only issue we had. Everything else was wonderful.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

History and Culture of Vietnam and Cambodia

DECEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Very different from European or ocean cruises.

CONS

A few of the arrangements for disembarking were rustic and difficult for some passengers.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We wanted something different and that is what we got. We participated in the pre and post AMA activities. The accommodations were magnificent - two 5-Star hotels and the other including the Ha Long Bay boat were extremely nice. Visiting third world countries is a first for us, although clearly Saigon and Hanoi had some very first world accommodations. As did Siem Reap. Visiting villages and homes of the locals was most interesting. Visiting a school and seeing the very happy and excited students was a highlight. Hearing about (learning about) the very recent battles including the one the US was involved in was enlightening. I got a better appreciation of John McCain who is revered in Saigon.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Mekong River Cruise

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great staff, good food. Rooms and ship is clean.

CONS

Beds are not comfortable, No room service if you would like to order breakfast or a coffee. No pots in the room. Food is only served at certain times. Pool isn't much of a pool. Drink consists of certain wines and select beers and well drinks. Entertainment is very limited. Excursions are very similar. Lots of shrines and Buddhist temples pretty much.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Beds are not comfortable, No room service if you would like to order breakfast or a coffee. No pots in the room. Food is only served at certain times. Pool isn't much of a pool. Drink consists of certain wines and select beers and well drinks. Entertainment is very limited. Excursions are very similar. Lots of shrines and Buddhist temples pretty much.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Cambodia/Vietnam

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent service, great food, great excursions and tour guides, great rooms, friendly and helpful staff

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

I would consider doing this trip again. Would like to spend more time at temples at Angor.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Great trip

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Had a real good time

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

the ship was very nice.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Mekong River Cruise

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great service from the time you land at the airport until you are dropped off at airport when we left. Great service, accomodations, excersions, meals, rooms....

CONS

Major safety issues at Xeo Quyt. Walkway was slippery and many slipped and fell. Not much to see also.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Thang the Tour Manager was outstanding! He catered to all, was very flexible and accomodating. He even assisted our friends who had to layover a few days in Saigon another five days after the tour. Exceptional services!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Lovely Trip!

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great Crew, amazing country, wonderful food

CONS

Too many offshore side trips and scheduled too early

RECOMMENDED

Yes

I would definitely recommend AmaWaterways - AmaDara to see Vietnam and Cambodia. I would recommend being fully rested before you board (especially if you coming from far away like the US) as the schedule is packed tight and you really don't want to miss anything. The crew was great and the rooms were quite comfortable. Would definitely do another river cruise with AmaWaterways.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Amazing cruise

APRIL

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

What a terrific trip! The boat/ship could not have been better. Plenty of room with great storage in our stateroom. The chef was five star and the staff was incredible. The journey far exceeded our expectations!

CONS

None whatsoever!

RECOMMENDED

Yes

<div>This was an amazing experience and we are eager to use AMA for future travels. Also our local travel agency could&nbsp;not gave served us better. There connection to AMA really made our journey the trip of a life time.&nbsp;</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

AmaDara - Wonderful Experience

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Fantastic Crew, well organized, exceptional customer service, spacious and very comfortable staterooms

CONS

None

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This was our first small ship cruise and our first experience with AmaWaterways. AMA exceeded our expectations and we would highly recommend this cruise company. Service was exceptional. Food was very good and we the dishes reflected the region that we were visiting. Ship was very clean and well organized.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Vietnam & Cambodia

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

travel when the weater is a bit cooler

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

It helped me to appreciate home and for what I have. The simple thing as running water. I have taken for granted. it exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed unpacking once. I liked the pace of the tours. One in the morning, lunch, then another tour in the afternoon. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. In the heat they managed to smile. The colored signs were very helpful. They were there making sure you got on/off the bus/boat okay. Returning to the boat you were greeted with smiles, cold water and towel. They always answered my questions. Service with a smile. Cappuccino at 6 am. Too much good food. I came home and I was missing the Pho :( . I had to make my own breakfast.! Someday I would like to revisit when it is cooler. The heat at times was too much for me.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Mekong Delta

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great food, nice rooms, friendly staff,

CONS

Very slow wifi. No wifi in rooms.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Purchased the massage/manicure package. Massage was very good, but the manicure was quite unsatisfactory. Used wrong color on one hand, had to remove, and nails not dry when I left, so it was flawed. Your wait staff was very good. The specialty restaurant was also good, but waitstaff spent considerable time zapping the bugs that entered the room thru an open window. Never saw so many bugs a one time. It was also amusing to watch the staff zapping the bugs.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viet Nam/Cambodia Trip

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Accommodations, excursions, and guides were outstanding

CONS

A simple complaint - beer was always available but a glass of wine was only available for a charge!

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We had a terrific experience with AmaWaterays. Our trip guide/coordinator, Long, was outstanding and watched out for the needs of everyone and went out of his way to assist tour participants. Our daily excursions were well planned and local guides provided excellent commentary and guidance. Accommodations on the river cruise as well as the land part of the trip were also outstanding. This was our first experience with Ama but certainly not our last!!!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Vietnam

JANUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great crew.

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The ship was beautiful and set the mood of being in Southeast Asia.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Vietnam & the Mekong Delta

DECEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

CONS

Living out of a suitcase prior to boarding ship!!

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Nice trip!!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Great Itinerary, Lovely Ship

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The staterooms were spacious and very comfortable. The carved woodwork around the ship was beautiful, and the public rooms (lounges and dining rooms) were a perfect setting for relaxing. The food, from the breakfast and lunch buffets to the multi-course dinners, provided a wide range of cuisines, from Asian to Western specialties. All in all, it was a rich and culturally rewarding cruise.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

A great way to see Vietnam and Cambodia

FEBRUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The ship is new. Great crew. You really see how people live along the river.

CONS

Some of the excursions were just okay. We did not like to have to deal with tips for every excursion. It would have been better to pay a little more and have the tips covered.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We did the land and river cruise parts of this tour, and I would encourage anyone to do the same. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap are all really interesting, and then traveling on the ship gives you an excellent perspective on how the people live. We learned so much about the culture, the history, the religion and the people. It was wonderful.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Vietnam & Cambodia - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

FEBRUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

A very positive experience

CONS

Good was good but not exceptional

RECOMMENDED

Yes

An exciting experience and a well organized trip.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

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