AmaWaterways Colours of Provence: A River Cruise Through Southern France

Colours of Provence

There’s a certain magic to southern France, a rhythm that slows you down, invites you to linger a little longer over lunch, and rewards you with colour at every turn. AmaWaterways’ Colours of Provence river cruise captures this essence perfectly, weaving together history, cuisine, art and landscapes along the Rhône River in a way that feels both luxurious and deeply authentic.

The vibrant Colours of Provence aboard AmaKristina celebrates the charm and artistry of Avignon and the Provence region.

AmaWaterways: Home to Europe’s Second-Largest River Cruise Fleet

The AmaKristina, blends contemporary design with classic European elegance. Carrying a smaller number of guests, the atmosphere onboard feels calm, spacious and personal, more like a floating boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.

Staterooms are generously sized, with most featuring French balconies or twin balconies. Many AmaWaterways ships also offer interconnecting staterooms and family-friendly suites that can accommodate up to four guests, making this an excellent option not only for couples but also for multi-generational families wishing to travel together. Public spaces are beautifully designed to encourage relaxation. The Main Lounge is flooded with natural light and offers panoramic views, perfect for morning coffee or an evening cocktail. On the sun deck, guests can enjoy a heated pool with swim-up bar, loungers, and shaded seating, ideal for watching vineyards and villages drift by. What truly sets the AmaKristina apart is the service. The crew-to-guest ratio ensures warm, attentive and highly personalised care, often learning your name, preferences and favourite drink within the first day. It’s this level of genuine hospitality that makes time onboard as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Inside AmaKristina, elegant interiors and warm, contemporary design create a boutique hotel-style atmosphere on the river.

Included Excursions Designed for Every Guest

AmaWaterways’ shore tours are crafted to ensure there is something for everyone and all fitness levels. Guests can choose gentle guided walks at multiple paces to soak up local culture, more energetic cycling tours through scenic countryside, or culinary and wine experiences that delight the senses. There are also options for deeper historical explorations, special interests and city tours, making each port visit engaging and memorable for all travellers. Every excursion is carefully timed and guided, one morning you might enjoy fresh meats, cheeses, and seafood at markets, and by afternoon explore the cobblestone streets, beautiful cathedrals, and Roman ruins of another town, allowing you to fully enjoy the moment without ever feeling rushed.

Guided shore excursions from AmaKristina offer immersive experiences through historic towns, cultural landmarks, and scenic river landscapes.

Life on board

My day would start at 6:15 am with a tea in the Main Lounge, where a 24-hour tea and coffee station is available. I’d read the daily cruiser via the AmaWaterways app to know the times of excursions, onboard activities, and information about the town we were in. At 6:30 am, fresh pastries arrive from the kitchen, impossible to resist. Breakfast at 7:30 am in the restaurant was always a delight, with the staff remembering my hot drink order and glass of sparkling wine. By 9 am, it was time for our morning excursion on foot, by bike, or by bus to a nearby town returning to the ship by 12:30 pm for a delicious lunch. Afternoons offered either another excursion or time onboard to enjoy local wines, quizzes, watching the ship pass through locks, card games, or relaxing in the outdoor spaces. Afternoon tea at 4 pm was a perfect chance to chat with fellow travellers about the day’s adventures. At 6 pm, Sip & Sail cocktail hour featured a daily special cocktail or other drinks from the extensive menu while the tour director explained the next day’s excursions. Dinner at 7 pm was a highlight with local delicacies served in a relaxed, elegant setting, followed by live music or entertainment, and sometimes dancing with Roberto, the in-house musician and DJ.

Complimentary bicycles aboard AmaKristina offer an active and fun way to explore riverside towns and scenic trails at your own pace.

No trip to France is complete without indulging in local dishes and wines.

Dining onboard AmaWaterways is all-inclusive and focuses on fresh, regional European cuisine that reflects the destinations you visit.

Guests enjoy buffet and made-to-order breakfasts, with daily specials like French toast and eggs Benedict, fresh fruit & yoghurt, made-to-order eggs, fresh juices, and sparkling wine (yes, bubbles at breakfast!)

Lunch varies daily with a buffet or three-course menu, regional specialties, salads, soups and lighter options, alongside always-available favourites like burgers and Pizza.

Dinner offers a four-course experience featuring the chef’s choice of local specialties, alongside a varied menu of classic favourites and lighter options. Onboard AmaWaterways, wine, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary with both lunch and dinner, with selections often paired to complement the evening’s menu and enhance the overall dining experience.

A Highlight is the small-group Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, offering an intimate multi-course tasting menu prepared in an open-kitchen setting.

AmaWaterways is very accommodating when it comes to food allergies and dietary requirements, with chefs and dining staff working closely with guests to ensure meals are both safe and enjoyable.

Artfully prepared cuisine aboard AmaKristina showcases fresh, regional flavours served with refined presentation and exceptional attention to detail.

A Journey That Lingers Long After the Cruise Ends

AmaWaterways’ Colours of Provence is not just a river cruise, it’s a journey through light, flavour and history. From Roman ruins to rolling vineyards, lively cities to sleepy villages, it offers a beautifully balanced taste of southern France. You disembark not just with photos, but with a deeper appreciation for the Provençal way of life, and a strong desire to return.

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing France at its most colourful, relaxed and delicious, this cruise delivers in every sense.