Not that I don't love ocean cruising, but some people may not love that wide-open expanse of water and perhaps prefer something more intimate.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
The AmaMagna is AmaWaterways flagship vessel on both the Upper and Lower Danube River. It’s unique in size considering it is double the normal width of most river cruise ships.
Although it can only sail on the Upper and Lower Danube considering the limitations of the lock sizes on all the other European rivers, there are some great itineraries to choose from.
It’s an attractive option for ocean cruisers and anyone who prefers larger staterooms and suites. It’s more upscale considering it has 4 restaurant choices, more overall space, more luxury amenities and more activities on board. River cruising is also a great alternative to those who have motion sickness issues and may be concerned with ocean cruising as a result.
Another great thing with river cruising is the flexibility it offers vs. land tours with families and groups. People don’t all have to do the same thing every day but can still have the dinner meal together to re-group with their family and/or friends.
The AmaMagna has a maximum capacity of 194 guests. This speaks to the amazing extra space available on board vs. other cruise ships half its size with the same number of guests on board. Their 'suites' range in size from 355 to 710 square feet and more than 50% of the ship has staterooms this size. The smallest stateroom is over 200 square feet and they even have connecting and triple staterooms available. This one pictured here is a balcony stateroom and is 252 square feet.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - smaller stateroom, not even a larger suite option
As mentioned previously, the AmaMagna has 4 great culinary dining options available enabling more choice onboard including the very comfortable main dining area, the wonderful Al Fresco Restaurant with open-air seating and lighter fare menu options, Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant, and AmaWaterways unique Chef’s Table with the exquisite 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing, all at no extra cost.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - Chef's Table Restaurant
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - Al Fresco Restaurant
All meals are a la carte including breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have a focus on regional specialties and always have meat, poultry and vegetarian options along with traditional options including steak, chicken and salmon in the main dining restaurant and Jimmy’s. The latter is a casual, fun dining experience with shared platters for friends and family dining together.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - Jimmy's Wine Bar & Restaurant
Even though there’s a risk of putting on a few pounds while indulging in all these fabulous culinary options, there’s also the fabulous expansive ZEN Wellness Studio. This beautiful space includes some great exercise options including both indoor equipment and outdoor spin bikes ‘with a view’, a wellness juice bar, and plenty of activity classes to keep you active and hold off any unwanted weight gain. There’s even a hair and nail salon and massage rooms.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - ZEN Wellness Studio
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - Spin bikes with a view
Other unique spaces on board the AmaMagna include the Cinema area and plenty of lounge and bar areas including a couple of lounges with a cozy fireplace to snuggle in if and when the weather is cooler outside during certain times of the year.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - The Cinema
Of course, not to be forgotten is the magnificent sundeck with both a whirlpool and pool with a pop-up sky bar, walking track, miniature golf and now, even a full size pickleball court!
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - Fullsize Pickleball Court on Sundeck!
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - Heated pool on the Sundeck
From a sustainability standpoint, AmaWaterways actually secured the first Green Award within the river cruise industry for one of their river cruise ships. The AmaMagna also received one and they continue to work diligently to create environmentally friendly designs to limit their impact on the rivers and reduce the required fuel consumption. They’ve eliminated plastic water bottles on all their ships and their wastewater is so clean with their system that it’s drinkable. You need not worry though, they don’t actually serve it. 😉
Courtesy of AmaWaterways - Herb Garden on Sundeck
There are 4 different 7-night itineraries on the Upper Danube including a Christmas option, a 7-night Lower Danube option and their 14-night Grand Danube that includes both the Upper and Lower Danube. They have pre and post tour options that include Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Brasov, Bucharest, Munich, Krakow and even Istanbul! They have special exclusive events such as their wine and beer tasting in Spitz, Austria and even an Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen no matter what time of year it is!
Photo of Belvedere Palace, Vienna - one of the many pre or post options
The unique aspect to AmaWaterways pre and post extensions is that their Cruise Directors are with these tours every step of the way both on land and on board the ship so that the continuity and great customer service is a seamless experience.
There are even some select sailings where you can get ‘free’ pre or post land packages for 2023 and 2024 if they’re booked before the end of June 2023. The other special opportunity right now is their 'Air Plus Program' available on their August 13th, August 20th, October 29th, and November 5th sailings this year. The per person pricing for air is at a rack rate of just $899 U.S./$1099 Canadian for economy; $2299 U.S./$2999 Canadian for premium economy or $4299 U.S./$4999 Canadian for business class. This too is a limited time offer.
Two other unique opportunities with the AmaMagna include an opportunity to enjoy a Golf Concierge package that includes up to 5 of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses or even a special Vow Renewal package!
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - One of the golf courses with their Golf Package
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways - A Vow Renewal Ceremony Option
If you want to take advantage of this great river cruise ship experience, I’m ready to work with you for single occupancy, double occupancy or any group plans you might have in mind. I’m also fortunate to be connected with Virtuoso that enables me to offer exclusive amenities as well. Simply call, text, or email whenever you’re ready!