AmaDara Review

4.5 / 5.0
29 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.5
Very Good
Overall
Sherri Eisenberg
Contributor

AmaWaterways has had a presence in the Mekong since 2009 and AmaDara, which launched in 2015, is currently its only vessel on the river. The ship sails the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia from August to the end of April each year. The pace of these trips is relaxed and quiet, and the look and feel of the ship is designed to reflect the style of the region with lots of shiny wood -- from floors and paneling to intricately carved room dividers -- and fresh orchids throughout the vessel and even in the cabins.

Service levels are high onboard, and -- with a maximum of 124 passengers -- it never feels like you're part of a large crowd struggling to do the same things at once. In fact, the crew members quickly learn your names and preferences. ("Maria knows we're dairy-free and so she brings me soy lattes every morning," said one passenger, to a table full of nods.)

The pace onboard is designed to show passengers life on the river without offering a schedule that's too challenging or taxing. On our sailing there were several families traveling with children, and the kids -- who ranged in age from kindergarten to high school -- seemed to enjoy the experience, though without organized activities onboard designed for little ones, it was on the parents to keep them entertained.

Pros

Authenticity and Western options in everything from food to decor.

Cons

Pace can be slow for more active travelers and families.

Bottom Line

A well-crafted regional overview with excellent service and dining.

About

Passengers: 124
Crew: 52
Passenger to Crew: 2.38:1
Launched: 2015
Shore Excursions: 13

Sails To

Fellow Passengers

Passengers on this ship tend toward retirees and empty-nesters. They're generally English speakers, but not always American – and often you will find plenty of Brits and Canadians as well as a smattering of Aussies and English speakers from other parts of the world.

AmaWaterways AmaDara Dress Code

This is a casual ship, all day long, with no formal dress code requirements for dinner. Pack lightly and comfortably, both for the potential muddiness of some ports and for the hot weather of the region. Some passengers pack a slightly nicer outfit for the Chef's Table restaurant and the farewell dinner, but the line does not impose any restrictions.

AmaDara Inclusions

Some tips, many drinks and all shore excursions are included in the fare. While wine is included at meals, both wine and cocktails -- except for those using local libations -- come with a fee in the lounge. Free internet and Wi-Fi are available throughout the ship, and there are also a couple of computer stations set up onboard for those who didn't bring laptops. The internet is fast enough for social media, email and surfing, but uploading photos and streaming video is not suggested.

Gratuities are not included and the line suggests that you tip the crew $10 per person per pay and the cruise manager $3 per person per day. For bar bills and spa service, tipping is not required. All bills are listed in U.S. dollars.

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More about AmaWaterways AmaDara

Where does AmaWaterways AmaDara sail from?

AmaWaterways AmaDara departs from Ho Chi Minh City

Where does AmaWaterways AmaDara sail to?

AmaWaterways AmaDara cruises to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and Tan Chau

How much does it cost to go on AmaWaterways AmaDara?

Cruises on AmaWaterways AmaDara start from $1,399 per person.
AmaWaterways AmaDara Cruiser Reviews

Amazing experience!

The entire crew and staff of the AmaDara were so pleasant and their smiles each and every day made us enjoy the cruise even more.Read More
kate_mac

few6-10 Cruises

Age 70s

Absolutely 5 star

The Amadara is a stunning boat ,all wood and Asian ,absolutetly prefect for the Mekong ,unlike the other big name cruise boats that were just European boats floating in Asia.Read More
Kinellar234

few6-10 Cruises

Age 60s

Trip of a lifetime on the Mekong River with Ama Waterways (and with the pre and post cruise land portions)

This was all booked by Ama and Tung made the trip flawless by collecting passports to apply for our Cambodian visa’s, checking into our flights and clearing us for customs so we could walk right through to security with no lines (AMAZING!Upon reaching Siem Reap we met our next fantastic guide Vanna (like Nirvana ) who stayed with us for our entire Cambodian portion of the trip (pre and during the cruise).Read More
canadiansailordave

few6-10 Cruises

Age 50s

The Trip of a Lifetime!

The AmaDara is a beautiful ship.Read More
Buffyr

many10+ Cruises

Age 70s

AmaWaterways Fleet
AmaDolce

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