River Cruise Wellness Programs in 2022
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
There seems to be a lot going on in the river cruise world in fitness and wellness.
So, let’s explore together and learn about the wellness programs on 7 river cruise lines we follow in 2022.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has the best Wellness Program on the rivers of Europe. We got an early look at the program in the winter of 2017 with the onboard wellness host, Selena on the AmaKristina. It was very good—as I have earned a master’s Degree in Physical Fitness, I think I have the credentials to properly evaluate the program.
Let me be clear—it is robust, fun and I was taken back about how many different activities were offered—it by far is the best fitness program on the Europe rivers by any company!
Among the features: They offer stretching, yoga, resistance bands, core exercises, bike tours and jogging tours. All are professionally led.
Here is another experience during our many river cruises with AmaWaterways--Marcello, from Portugal, was our onboard wellness host and he did an outstanding job on the AmaKristina in 2019! I participated in one fitness session onboard and our other members of the group did a couple of bike rides.
Marcello, the wellness host (in yellow) after our workout session—in front Hank, on the left Jerry and on the right Len
Selena, now the overall director of the program, has created a wonderful addition to Europe River cruising—well done! Here is a sample of another great off board program that I had previously written about:
Go for a Hike. The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also great views to see and unique experiences when you venture out into nature.
AmaWaterways has designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations. Examples include making your way up to Dürnstein Fortress (great views of the Wachau Valley) or walking the Philosopher’s Path in Heidelberg (an optional tour around the famous castle area).
Most AmaWaterways ships have swimming pools on the top deck (some older ships have only whirlpools) a modest fitness room and a walking track on the top deck.
Pool on the AmaKristina
An early whirlpool tube on an AmaWaterways ship.
Resistance training machine on the AmaKristina.
The fitness room on the AmaKristina.
Explore on Two Wheels. AmaWaterways carries a fleet of bicycles on board (they are free of charge), so you can see Europe’s enchanting scenery on riverside pathways while getting some exercise. They were the first line to carry complimentary bikes onboard. They dock close to many city centers and small towns, where you can ride along the locals. Options are to ride on your own, which has always been available since we started cruising in 2009, or join one of their exclusive guided tours, like a trek along the beautiful Danube River in Austria’s Wachau Valley.
Folks on an AmaWaterways bike excursion in the Wachua Valley in 2018 waving to us on the rivership as we cruise by on one of the best cycle routes in all Europe. Shorty afterwrd they link up with our ship.
AmaWaterways bikes at the ready for guest use.
This guided tour concept is new, and we have had clients who love these tours (an update, these are now led by the on-board wellness host and have 2 guides).
We have had clients take a ride along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau and along the banks of the Mosel around Cochem. Both reported, it was fun and a great experience. We also rode into Wurzburg on our own and really enjoyed our short ride—the bikes are very good, and it was fun.
Jane and Len ready for a bike excursion in 2019 on a cruise we led.
The AmaMagna, the double wide rivership, has expanded fitness programs, which include spinning classes onboard with the dedicated wellness/fitness host.
Healthy eating is also a priority, as the line only uses fresh food, that is locally sourced. On every menu there is a vegetarian option. There is a beauty and spa facility onboard, where guests can get treatments and a massage for an extra fee.
Avalon
There seems to be some interesting developments in Avalon—especially their new tour offerings—the trend is to more active tours.
Avalon has enhanced their Active and Discovery itinerates. Tours named “tourapalooza”—how about a wine tasting in a cave, or a medieval ghost tour in Viviers or cycling past French flamingos in the Camargue—all are offered on their Rhône River cruise sailings.
There may be a charge for some of the tours. For example, 23 of the 31 tours were included at no extra charge on the Rhône River route I used as an example in this section.
Avalon carries bikes on board their ships. There are many good reports of their cycling program for other industry observers. They also have a fitness room and have a hair & beauty salon as part of their facilities on the ship.
A bike ready for use for an Avalon guest.
Bike storge area on an Avalon rivership.
Avalon has an excellent vegetarian program on their ships call “Avalon Fresh”. Most industry observers cite this as the best among the river cruise lines.
Emerald
Emerald has a good program. On each of their riverships they have a dedicated Activity Manager.
The Activity Manager has the responsibility to support and conduct the cruise lines EmeraldACTIVE programs and shore excursions. These activities include daily wellness and fitness classes onboard the ship; guided bike tours; hiking tours and even canoeing/kayak trips. This is not a dedicated, full time fitness person—they have several other duties including entertainment and often are the performers during the cruise.
For the fitness class onboard, there are yoga and Pilates classes, one mile walks on the sun deck and my personal favorite—water aerobics in their heated indoor pool.
This is the covered pool that is available during the daytime hours and used for water aerobics. At night it becomes a movie theater, complete with popcorn.
There is a gym on board and the ships have a hair and spa facility.
Fitness Room on the Emerald Sun.
On their daily menu, they always offer a vegetarian option clearly marked with a (V).
Scenic
Scenic has e-bikes onboard. They offer some guided tours or let guests explore on their own, using their Scenic Tailormade GPS system to help guide you.
E bikes used by guests on the Scenic Opal. Photo Anne Schrader
They offer daily scheduled fitness activities. These include two specialized yoga programs--a program called Sun Salutations (a specific yoga program) and a signature fitness program called the “Five Tibetan Rites” (another 5-exercise yoga program), which they tout as a fountain of youth exercise program.
It also has a fitness facility and spa and beauty facilities. It is also unique that it offers a Salt Therapy Lounge. The idea behind this treatment is to promote healing, improve your respiration function and provide a boast to your immune system.
They also cater to any dietary restrictions and offer vegetarian options.
Tauck
Tauck has a fitness center on each vessel. They have yoga programs and carry 10 bikes onboard. There are no guided bike tours. There are hiking trips included in the tour options.
They have a fitness center and hair salon and massage on board and either a hot tub or pool on their ships.
On the far left side of this picture, on the top deck, is where the hot tub is located on the Tauck Treasures rivership.
There are vegetarian options at the meals.
Uniworld
Uniworld has certified instructors onboard, who lead fitness classes.
Uniworld has developed a “Let’s Go” excursions program. Some of activities include guided hiking, cycling, kayaking, and golf tours.
They have a Traveling Lite menu, which offers a healthier dining option with fewer calories. There are vegan and vegetarian dining options also available.
Uniworld does have wellness themed cruises, but most focus on including land spa tours to routes in places such as Baden-Baden.
Viking
Viking does not have a dedicated wellness program from an activity standpoint, other than to arrange bike tours for guests in port, as they do not carry bikes on their riverships. The only onboard activity is a walking track on the top deck.
They believe the walking on the tours is enough fitness activities for their guests. They do offer healthy meal options, including vegan and vegetarian meals.
My Final Thoughts
Fitness and wellness are increasingly important to river cruisers. We hope you enjoyed this report. We will try to keep you updated as these programs change or expand.
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
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ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
