Photo courtesy: AmaWaterways
River cruise fans in Australia can now book their entire European or Asian journey end‑to‑end with a single call, thanks to the launch of AmaAir, AmaWaterways’ new fly‑cruise program for the Australian market. The initiative allows guests and travel advisors to bundle international flights and river cruises, simplifying trip planning and adding extra peace of mind.
The fly cruise option is designed to make it much easier for our guests and travel partners to plan and book a complete journey with confidence, from flight options to the river cruise itself.
You can explore AmaWaterways’ river cruise collection and Australian offers at the line’s local site: AmaWaterways Australia.
What is AmaAir – and why it matters
AmaAir marks the first time AmaWaterways has offered a dedicated fly‑cruise product in Australia, giving guests a true door‑to‑deck solution on select 2026 and 2027 departures. Through the new service, Australian travellers and their advisors can:
- Book international economy flights that align with specific river cruise dates
- Arrange airport–ship or airport–hotel transfers as part of one package
- Access competitive airfares negotiated by AmaWaterways
- Enjoy local, time‑zone friendly support from the Sydney reservations team if plans change
Richards notes that the local air team is there to help whether travellers need “the best routing, competitive fares, or simply making the process smoother.” For busy Australians used to stitching flights and cruises together themselves, it’s a significant upgrade in both convenience and after‑sales support.
Limited‑time Cruise & Fly promotion
To celebrate the launch, AmaWaterways has introduced a limited‑time fly‑cruise promotion that combines return international airfares from Australia with more than 300 river cruise itineraries across Europe and Asia.
Eligible journeys include a broad mix of sailings, from classic one‑week itineraries to longer, in‑depth voyages on iconic rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Mekong. For travel advisors, the promotion offers a compelling way to package air + cruise at one price point, while guests benefit from simplified planning and the reassurance that their flights are tailored around their cruise schedule.
For full details and current offers, visit AmaWaterways or speak with the Sydney reservations team via your preferred travel advisor.
Highlight itineraries for Australian fly‑cruise guests
Among the more than 300 eligible itineraries, several standout routes are especially appealing for Australian travellers looking to maximise their long‑haul flights with rich, multi‑country experiences.
Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals – 14 nights, five countries
The 14‑night “Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals” voyage leads guests through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland, blending:
- Storybook canal cities such as Amsterdam
- Medieval and Renaissance towns along the Rhine
- Wine regions, castles and river scenery in Germany and France
- Alpine‑framed landscapes as you approach Switzerland
Paired with AmaAir flights, this itinerary becomes a comprehensive two‑week European grand tour, ideal for those travelling from Australia who want depth rather than a quick taste.
Colours of Provence – 7‑night Rhône round trip from Lyon
For a more food‑ and wine‑focused escape, the seven‑night “Colours of Provence” cruise sails round trip from Lyon along the Rhône. Guests can expect:
- Time in gastronomic Lyon
- Classic Provençal scenery of vineyards, lavender fields and hilltop villages
- Visits to historic towns like Avignon and Arles
- Regionally inspired cuisine on board, paired with local wines
When booked as a fly‑cruise, Australian travellers can lock in flights to Lyon (via key European hubs) directly with AmaWaterways, reducing connection stress and making it easier to bolt on pre‑ or post‑cruise stays.
Why AmaAir is good news for Australian river cruisers
For Australia‑based guests, planning a river cruise often means juggling multiple airlines, tight connection times and complex routing to reach European or Asian embarkation ports. AmaAir addresses these pain points by:
- Offering one‑stop booking for flights, transfers and cruise
- Providing local support in the same time zone if schedules or requirements change
- Ensuring flights are coordinated with embarkation and disembarkation timing, reducing the risk of misaligned arrangements
For travel advisors, the new service streamlines administration, enabling them to secure air and cruise components together while still delivering personalised advice on cabins, itineraries and pre‑ or post‑cruise land stays.
If you’re considering a European or Asian river cruise from Australia in 2026–2027, AmaAir’s fly‑cruise packages through AmaWaterways’ Australian website are now one of the simplest ways to turn a complex itinerary into a single, well‑supported booking.
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