We’ve always leaned toward sailing during the shoulder seasons, when the crowds are thinner and the pace feels a little slower. And while we still love the quieter times, there’s something about cruising Europe in the heart of summer that’s hard to match. Longer days, vibrant towns and plenty of sunshine make it a season worth experiencing at least once.
We recently read AmaWaterways’ blog about why summer is a perfect time to cruise and wanted to reframe some of their points in our own words – because we agree, summer has a lot to offer.
1. Small Towns, Big Summer Energy
One of the best parts of sailing with AmaWaterways is getting into towns that bigger ships can’t reach. In the summer, these smaller villages really come alive. Cafes spill out onto the cobblestone streets, flowers bloom from every balcony and it feels like every corner has something going on. Places like Spitz, Austria, where only one ship is allowed to dock (spoiler alert: it’s AmaMagna), or storybook spots like Bernkastel, Trier, and Cochem along the Moselle, feel even more magical in the sunshine. If you’re lucky enough to visit Rüdesheim in August, you might even catch the annual wine festival.
2. The Best Seat in the House
One of the best parts of summer cruising is being able to fully enjoy the sweeping views from the Sun Deck. There’s nothing like stretching out in a lounge chair with a cold beer, watching the river wind around you. On some ships, the pop-up bar even has seats in the pool, so you can sip your drink without ever getting out of the water – on the water. A serious highlight when the sun’s shining. It’s hard to beat sailing past the Lorelei Rock with the sun on your face, or floating through the Wachau Valley in the pool, taking in the vineyards and villages without having to bundle up.
3. Extra Hours to Explore
One of the underrated perks of summer sailing is just how long the days feel. When the sun doesn’t set until late in the evening, there’s more time to explore, relax and take it all in. You can wander through town after dinner, have a glass of wine on your balcony while the sky turns pink, or just sit up on the Sun Deck and watch the river glow at golden hour. Some itineraries even overnight in cities like Vienna, Bratislava or Lyon, which gives you a chance to see these places lit up at night, when the streets are still buzzing but the day-trippers have all gone home.
4. Ama Keeps It Cool
Even when the summer sun is beating down, AmaWaterways knows how to keep things comfortable. Before excursions, there is cold water ready to grab. When you return, there are chilled towels, iced drinks and sometimes even scoops of ice cream waiting for you up on the Sun Deck. The air conditioning onboard is a welcome escape when you need it, but with views this good, you might not want to stay inside for long.
5. Bring the Kids (And The Grandkids)
Summer is one of the easiest times to travel with family, and a river cruise with AmaWaterways makes it even easier. With school out, it is the perfect excuse to bring kids or grandkids along for the ride. Some ships offer connecting rooms and triple occupancy staterooms, which makes it simple to stay close without feeling cramped. Plus, with excursions ranging from easy walking tours to more active hikes and bike rides, everyone can find their own version of a good time.
6. Packing Made Simple
Summer packing is about as easy as it gets. Light clothes, comfortable shoes, maybe a jacket for cooler nights. That’s really all you need. You might even be able to fit everything into a carry-on, which makes getting through busy airports a lot less stressful (more on that next week). And if you end up needing to rewear something, AmaWaterways has laundry service onboard that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Sweeten the Deal
If you are thinking about a summer cruise, AmaWaterways has a promotion running that is worth checking out. Right now, you can save up to $2,000 per stateroom, get a complimentary stateroom upgrade, and enjoy $50 in onboard credit on select sailings. The offer is available through June 30, 2025.
