AMA Waterways Health & Safety Protocols
Vaccinated Guests
What testing information do I need to know for my upcoming cruise?
- Vaccinated guests are not required to take a COVID test, unless travel entry requirements of each country being visited require additional testing.
Unvaccinated Guests
Can I sail without a COVID-19 vaccine?
- AmaWaterways is currently operating river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. They have an exemption process in place that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully vaccinated due to religious, medical and other guest considerations.
What testing information do I need to know for my upcoming cruise?
- Unvaccinated guests will be required to complete, and have available to show at time of embarkation, a negative PCR or Antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to embarkation or a Covid-19 recovery letter no older than 60 days prior to embarkation.
Health and Safety FAQs for All Guests
What COVID-19 Vaccine is accepted?
Guests are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving their second dose of Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca (Covishield) or 28 days following a single dose of Johnson & Johnson (based on EMA guidelines*).
- Mixed dosages of these four vaccines are accepted.
We do not collect vaccination cards or store proof of vaccination. Those cruise lines that have vaccine requirements to cruise will likely ask for proof at the time of boarding.
Do I need a Booster vaccine to travel on an AmaWaterways Cruise?
Travelers are responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements, including proof of booster to enter and circulate within each individual country visited during the river cruise. Some countries within the European Union restrict access to restaurants, trains and tourism sites unless you can provide proof of being fully vaccinated based on their definition.
The following vaccination requirement currently apply to multi-country cruises:
Itinerary Requirements Summary:
- For Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium cruises: guests with an approved vaccine are required to have a 3rd shot (booster) if the second shot was more than 270 days ago (Based on current requirements for entry by air into the Netherlands).
- For Rhine, Main and Moselle Cruises: guests with an approved vaccine are required to have a 3rd shot (booster) if the second shot was more than 270 days ago (Based on current requirements for entry by air into Netherlands and Luxembourg).
- For Upper Danube Cruises (between Hungary and Germany): guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter any of the countries along these itineraries.
- For Lower Danube Cruises (between Hungary and Romania): guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter any of the countries along these itineraries.
- For cruises in Portugal and Spain: guests with an approved vaccine are required to have a 3rd shot (booster) if the second shot was more than 270 days ago. Those who do not meet this requirement must present a negative Covid-19 test. (Based on current requirements for entry by air into Spain).
- For cruises in Portugal only: guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter Portugal.
- For cruises in France: guests with an approved vaccine are required to have a 3rd shot (booster) if the second shot was more than 270 days ago. Those who do not meet this requirement must present a negative Covid-19 test. (Based on current requirements for entry by air into France).
- For cruises in Egypt: guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter Egypt.
- For African Safari & Wildlife cruises: guests are required to be fully vaccinated with an EMA* or other** approved vaccine (Based on current requirements of Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe).
- For cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia: guests are required to be fully vaccinated with an EMA* or other** approved vaccine. (Based on current requirements of Cambodia)
*European Medicine Agency (EMA): double doses - BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Covaxin, Covovax, Moderna, Nuvaxovid (Novavax). Johnson & Johnson (single dose).
Do I need to wear a mask?
Guests are no longer required to wear masks while on board our ships. Masks remain a personal choice for guests who wish to continue to wear them.
- Please note, for excursions, independent sightseeing and public transportation on shore, including on our motorcoaches, N95/KN95/FFP2 masks may be required. This will be determined by local authorities.
- In the event they are required by local authorities, our onboard gift shops fleetwide will offer a limited supply for purchase.
Can I get off the ship at port?
Shore excursions will be conducted in small groups. Guests must use hand sanitizers when getting on and off our coaches that are thoroughly cleaned each morning. In addition, masks will be required for all guests when using public transportation on shore, including our motorcoaches. Masking requirements vary by country and sites visited; please be prepared to bring your medical grade mask with you on all excursions. Some countries may require N95/K95 masks.
Check here for the most up to date information on each Cruise Destination, including vaccination requirements, mask mandates, shore excursions, and insurance requirements.
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