Istanbul Pre-Cruise with AmaWaterways: Luxury Stays, Private Yacht Rides, and New Friends
Istanbul is one of those cities that greets you with a rush of color, scent, and energy, and the best way to experience it is to dive right in.
On our first night, before the AmaWaterways pre-cruise program began, my mom and I headed out for a dinner cruise and show on our own. Sailing under the Bosphorus Bridge as the city lights shimmered around us was the perfect way to shake off jet lag and sink into the rhythm of Turkey. The best way to see Istanbul is by water. We got the chance to do it by night and day, which gave us the ultimate look.
Checking In: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Our home base in Istanbul was the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, a beautifully restored former prison (they’ve really spruced the place up since those days). The building blends history and elegance in a way only the Four Seasons can, warm stone facades, lush courtyards, and interiors that nod to Ottoman design without feeling heavy.
The location couldn’t have been better. We were just a short, easy walk to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. By day two, we had our bearings and could wander the neighborhood with a feeling of familiarity, always returning to that peaceful courtyard sanctuary.
The AmaWaterways Pre-Cruise Advantage
The next morning, the official AmaWaterways pre-cruise program took over, and that’s when Istanbul really unfolded for us. It’s also important to get in early to any cruise so you don’t miss the boat. It’s an added advantage of having buffer time should flights and things go awry.
Our guide was extraordinary, flexible, intuitive, and so tuned in to our group’s interests that no request felt too big. He managed to blend the must-see sights with spontaneous surprises, including:
Multiple Modes of Transportation: Trams, ferries, subway, yacht - you name it, we tried it.
A Last-Minute Yacht Charter: With just a little notice, our guide arranged a private daytime Bosphorus cruise to the Asian side of the city. It wasn’t on the agenda, but it became one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Tailored Touring: We moved at our own pace, added stops that people wanted to see, or skip things, and lingered in places that spoke to us. He made sure to take us to reputable places for shopping and guided us through the ever-so-buzzy Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
The Perks of Traveling in a Small Group
Our pre-cruise group of 13 gelled instantly. The mix of couples, friends, and even a solo traveler made for a great dynamic. That solo traveler? She boarded the ship with an entire batch of new travel buddies who looked out for her the rest of the week.
By the time we set sail, we were no longer strangers. We were a little travel family. We shared meals, swapped stories, laughed over wine, and even made plans to meet up again on future trips.
Why It Works So Well for River Cruising
Doing a pre-cruise extension isn’t just about “adding days.” It’s about starting your trip with connections, easing into the time zone, and having local guides who make the city feel like yours. By the time you step onto the ship, you’re not figuring out names, you’re greeting friends.
Istanbul set the tone for the entire journey: flexible, immersive, and filled with memrobale moments. If you’re considering a river cruise, especially with AmaWaterways, the pre-cruise program is the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed.
