I travelled with a group of other agents to Amsterdam for the day to visit the new AmaWaterways river cruise ship, AmaStella.

I had previously visited AmaPrima two years ago and this gave me a chance to see the differences between this and the new ship.

AmaStella is furnished and decorated in a contemporary style and designs have now been refreshed with floral prints now popular. Most staterooms now feature twin balconies – a French balcony and a traditional balcony with chairs and small table.

Whilst the layout is generally the same as the AmaPrima, the hair salon, treatments room and fitness room are now located in a mid-position on the lower Piano deck. The main lounge on AmaStella has a central console from where snacks such as afternoon cakes are served. There is also the inclusion of bench style sofas.

Lunch was taken in the Chef's Table restaurant at the aft of Violin deck. This offers a taster menu included in the cruise price. It is recommended that guests eat here once during their cruise. It is a small restaurant and accommodates around 25 people, serving a menu that is cooked at a station in view of the guests, who are invited to observe.

Our menu included a selection of fish, red and white meat and vegetarian options. I had the starter of calamari, mussels and prawns followed by quail soup, then entrecote, chicken and pork. I rounded the lunch off with a selection of European cheese and biscuits.

After a tour of the ship we had some free time to spend on the Sun deck (although we were on the edge of a storm!). Before long it was time for afternoon tea. As is commonplace on cruise ships, a 24/7 tea and coffee station is available on-board including an impressive selection of teas – herbal and regular. Small cakes, fancies and pastries are served for all guests in the lounge on a buffet basis.

This brief visit was a good chance to brush up on my AmaWaterways knowledge and provided a chance to meet other agents.