Board Ama Dara — There may be changes to the upper deck and pool of Ama Dara's sister ship, Ama Maya, which is scheduled to sail the Mekong in 2026.
AmaWaterways provided details of the potential changes following its annual board meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia. According to AmaWaterways President and Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, it will mirror the cabin layout and other onboard amenities of AmaDara, but there may be another level above the existing top deck that Schreiner said could introduce new activities onboard.
“We could build a whole top deck here and have a pickleball court or something like that,” Schreiner said, referring to the ship’s first and so far only pickleball court, which was added to Amamagna last year and has become one of the ship’s most popular amenities.
Speaking on the Amadara during the Mekong voyage this week, Schreiner acknowledged that the fairly hot climates of Cambodia and Vietnam might not have the same appeal as in Europe. “I don’t know if anyone wants to play pickleball in that heat, but I think in December and January, it’s possible. We’ll see,” Schreiner said.
Whatever changes the company ultimately makes to the upper deck, they will likely be similar to those on the Mekong Serenity, Australia Pacific Touring’s newest ship (which shares ownership of the Mekong ships with AmaWaterways).
Similar to Amadara, Mekong Serenity features an outdoor lounge and pool on the third-floor deck, with ample shade directly above the pool.
Sadec Deck Suite at AmaDara. Photo courtesy of Nicole Edenedo
However, Mekong Serenity also has a fourth deck, a sundeck with a track running the length of the cabin and partially shaded lounge seating area.
Schreiner said it's very likely that another deck will be added to Amamaya.
“We almost have the layout down. It’s going to be very similar to (AmaDara’s) configuration, all the colors and stuff. We’re just starting to talk about the floor,” Schreiner said, adding that the ship’s artwork has not been decided yet.
Deepening investment in Mekong
As demand on the Mekong grew, the company decided to invest in the region and add vessels there.
Amadara is fully booked from September to April, Schreiner said. Demand is so strong that the company is considering opening more departures in July, a month before the season typically begins in the Mekong.
But selling Mekong cruises in August is already a challenge. Schreiner said the reason Mekong bookings are typically slow in August is because most travelers believe that the rainy season, which runs from May to October, means all-day rain every day, which he said is not true. It can rain for an hour or more, but not all day.
Sundeck pool at Amadara. Photo courtesy of Nicole Edenedo.
“July is nicer than April, but April is packed with people,” Schreiner said, adding that while April is still dry, it tends to be much warmer than July and August.
Schreiner said travelers can expect new shore excursions and programs to change regularly, no matter when the Mekong River season begins.
This year, a visit to Angkor Ban village has been added, with two options for walking tours of the area, one for active guests and one for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. Both versions are designed to give guests an intimate look at village life, including a tour inside the houses.
