Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Ho ..., Cambodia
With 29 custom designed ships in their rapidly growing fleet, family owned and operated AmaWaterways specializes in intimate and quality river cruising. AmaDara is a destination-specific ship sailing only on the majestic Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia between August to April each year. It is the only ship in the fleet with elegantly designed French Colonial architecture. Wood floors and intricately carved paneling, wicker chairs, and regionally inspired wood furnishing, artwork and paintings throughout the ship – all bring about a sense of place. An airy shaded upper deck with tropical potted plants is ideal for relaxing with a book, grabbing a drink or taking a refreshing dip in the small pool to escape the heat of the day.Read More
Though AmaDara has an old world charm, it is relatively new and offers all modern day comforts. After inaugurating in 2016, the ship took a two year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed sailing in October 2022. It also goes through annual updates during the months it’s not sailing. Spacious and tastefully decorated cabins offer plenty of storage space, roomy balconies, and floor to ceiling glass windows to make the space feel larger. You will find a small gym and spa, as well as gift shop selling local crafts at competitive market prices. The reception desk is available to make dinner reservations on land and exchange currency. There are also two smoking areas on board.
The intimate 124-passenger vessel allows guest to explore life along the river while visiting historic temples, monasteries and villages. With regionally inspired design, locally hired crew and well-crafted exertions, the AmaDara is for those looking for a sustainable cultural immersion in the heart of South East Asia.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
The AmaDara has beautifully decorated 62 staterooms spanning three decks. All of the 48 staterooms, 12 suites, two luxury suites have river views with windows and full size step out balconies. The Luxury Suites on Sadec Deck feature 502 square feet of spacious luxury with a large sitting area, writing desk, a comfortable king size bed, double vanity and a whirl pool bath tub. The Suite is slightly smaller, at 366 square feet, but also have the same facilities. All suites feature both a bathtub and a shower. Category A, B and C staterooms are similar in size and amenities, at 251 square feet. The only differentiator is the location on each of the three decks. Bed configuration can be arranged as two twins or one queen.
With hardwood floors, flat screen television with a selection of television channels, in-room telephone and refrigerator, the cabins feel self-sustained so you can enjoy the pristine scenery while lounging in privacy. Cleverly designed wooden drawers and closet space makes it easy to stow belongings. The bathrooms are also spacious and equipped with silk bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, and a hand shower. Laundry and ironing service is available onboard for an additional cost.
This river cruise is not suitable for those with limited mobility or those who need an assistance device to move about as transfers often requiring stepping into boat taxis and makeshift walkaways in rural areas. There is one set of wooden staircases for guests to use and getting offshore requires walking through stairs, ramps or smaller boats, as some of the ports don’t have docking areas. No passenger elevators are built onboard.
Food & Drink
The AmaDara has two restaurants offering western and regionally inspired cuisine. Daily buffet style breakfast and lunch with a live cooking station is served at the Mekong Restaurant on the Main Deck. There’s open seating so passengers are encouraged to dine communally and make new friends. Breakfast features traditional Vietnamese pho (soup), fresh tropical fruits, an egg station, fresh baked pastries and an a la carte menu. At lunch, you can choose the buffet with plenty of fresh salads, soup, appetizer and dessert, along with an entrée selection. Menu includes regionally inspired healthy and well cooked dishes that change daily, featuring items such as Pad Thai, sweet and sour fish, and lemongrass roast chicken. Portions are perfect size and the food is not too salty, pungent or oily.
For a quick lunch, head to the open-air Sun Deck for a limited selection of burgers and sandwiches. The Saigon Lounge on Upper Deck is the best spot to grab an evening cocktail and enjoy panoramic views of the river. There is a wider selection of wines, spirits and cocktail at the lounge at reasonable prices. The refreshment station at the lounge offers plentiful Asian teas, coffee, fruit, and cookie jars all day. Sandwiches are also stocked each afternoon
There is only one seating at dinner, and the restaurant manager showcases a display of the plated four-course dinner options each night. The restaurant staff dresses up in costumes when serving local cuisine on Vietnamese and Cambodian themed nights. A limited selection of house beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages are included with dinner.
The Chef’s Table Restaurant offers a limited seating, gourmet Asian-inspired pre-set menu. Depending on the number of guests on board, the restaurant is open only certain days of the week. Each cruiser can experience dinner at The Chef’s Table at least once during the sailing at no additional charge. AmaDara accommodates dietary restrictions for gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian guests.
The Saigon Lounge on Upper Deck also has a full service bar. It is the best spot to grab an evening cocktail and enjoy panoramic views of the river. Local beer, soft drinks and some spirits (such as gin and tonic) are complimentary. Cocktails and premium liquors have an additional cost (around $5-10 per drink). A good variety of European, South and North wines are available for purchase by the bottle (ranging $23-88 per bottle).
There is a second bar at the open-air Sun Deck by the pool that is open all day and offers the same selection of drinks.
Entertainment
Socializing with other guests is perhaps the most common form of entertainment onboard AmaDara and there are plenty of opportunities to mingle on the intimate ship. Nightly entertainment at the Saigon Lounge include relaxing piano, folklore dance performances by local groups, and a fun crew talent show. There are also trivia nights, bingo games, fruit tasting, tea ceremony, and cooking classes to keep guests engaged onboard when the ship is sailing.
The cruise manager and local guides hold daily briefings to discuss next day’s excursions, educational history, culture and geography of the area, and share experiences about their lives and families.
There’s also in-room televisions with movies and free Wi-Fi. Internet signal may drop occasionally but is generally fast enough for social media.
Spa & Fitness
If you want to stay active onboard AmaDara, make friends with the fitness director who offers complimentary morning and evening classes for stretching, yoga, Tai Chi, and core strengthening on the Sun Deck. A small but functional fitness room is equipped with a treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bicycle, and weights. Onboard Sadec Spa is spread out across two massage rooms, and offers moderately priced services such as massages, manicures, and facials. There’s also a hairdresser if you need a shampoo and blow dry.
If you want to relax after a busy day of exploring, you can take a dip in the small pool or simply read a book lounging in a chair on the Sun Deck.
There are one to two opportunities each day to get off the ship and walk on land. The tours are generally divides into two groups – one for easy walkers and another for actives who are able to climb steps, hike or take longer routes. Expect to walk around rustic fishing villages, colorful markets and historic temples, as well as climb steps to a hilltop monasteries, if you desire.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
No health forms, vaccinations or testing is required. There are no medical facilities on the ship, but passengers can be taken to a health facility on shore if needed. Because the cruise is on a narrow river, it is always in proximity to a major center with hospitals.
The staff gives out hand sanitizer when entering the restaurant and returning from tours.
Dress Code
The dress code is very casual and comfortable on board to bear with Southeast Asia’s hot and humid climate. Pack comfortable walking shoes, sun hat and flat sandals to take on and off before entering religious spaces. You are also required to cover knees and shoulders when visiting certain temples, palaces and monasteries. A nicer outfit for farewell dinner and Chef’s Table restaurant is optional.
Junior Cruisers
Children under the age of five are not recommended for this itinerary. There are no special arrangements for junior cruisers as they follow the same itinerary as the rest of the passengers. Kids rarely sail on AmaDara.
Service
The low passenger to staff ratio (52 staff to 124 guests) allows the experience on the ship to be personal and friendly. Attentive staff members remember guests by name and attend to preferences during meal times. Guests are addressed as “family.” Most staff members are hired from Vietnam and Cambodia and eager to share their deep rooted culture, local insights and gracious South Asian hospitality.
Tipping
Gratuities are up to guests’ discretion and can be paid upfront at booking or at the end of the sailing. The guideline is to tip $10 per traveler per day for crew and $3 per person per day for cruise manager. Tipping at the spa and bar is not required.