Cruise manager Marcia Moricz describes the joys of sailing before spring, as AmaWaterways starts the season early in 2025
Q. What does your role involve?
A. As a cruise manager, I get to wear every hat. It’s my job to make sure guests have a memorable experience. We accompany guests throughout their river and land journey, leading port talks, hosting activities and offering insider information on the places we sail to.
Q. Are you planning to start your Europe sailings early again?
A. Next February, we have cruises on the Rhine and Danube, where we’ve launched a new seven-night itinerary, Best of the Danube, for 2025. This sails round-trip from Budapest, with a full day each of exploring in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, which we’re excited about. Cruises at this time of year are gaining popularity; we began offering early-season cruises this year, and we now have two ships sailing in February 2025, and are expanding that to three ships in 2026.
Q. What’s your favourite thing about cruising at this time of year?
A. For me, the end of winter is one of the best times to visit Europe – you feel more like a local than a tourist. Most attractions are open and smaller crowds at popular sites mean you can immerse yourself in local culture. Travelling in February usually means lower airfares.
Q. Where are your favourite spots in winter?
A. Everywhere is magical in winter, with snow-dusted scenery along the river banks, but I really enjoy Strasbourg and Cologne. They’re less crowded and the cooler weather makes hiking in the area ideal – I love returning to the ship for a hot chocolate after a refreshing walk. The days are starting to get longer in February, so while you still have that crisp winter feel, you get more daylight to enjoy the sights.
Q. What can guests expect from the onboard experience?
A. I often kick off our cruises with a music quiz so guests can get to know each other, and we bring on entertainers in the evenings. We host trivia nights and parties, alongside our daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, where we serve complimentary champagne, wine, beer and a signature cocktail. In winter, I love spending time in the lounge – you can relax by the fireplace while watching the scenery pass by.
Q. Are there any special events happening in February?
A. Coinciding with Valentine’s Day is, of course, ideal for couples, with romantic views of snow-capped castles and misty valleys. February is also carnival season, with big celebrations held in Cologne and Düsseldorf, where you can enjoy colourful parades and vibrant street parties, then retreat to the tranquillity of the river. It’s the perfect balance and one of my favourite times to sail.
PICTURES: AmaWaterways
