Sharon Sparlin: SHOWING PEOPLE THE WORLD

If you are looking for a truly unique experience then look no further. Unlike any other ship in the river cruise industry, a cruise on the Danube between Vilshofen, Germany and Budapest, Hungary aboard the AmaMagna, the flagship of AmaWaterways, fits the bill. Setting itself head and shoulders above all her competitors, this is a river cruise you won't want to miss.

AmaMagna on the Danube Photo:AmaWaterways

THE MAN

AmaMagna is the brainchild of Rudi Schreiner, Co-Founder, Co-Owner and President of AmaWaterways.

Rudi Schreiner Photo:AmaWaterways

Rudi, informally dubbed the “Godfather of River Cruising” by many in the river cruise industry, has always had a passion of architectural design. Put that together with his wanderlust spirit, and what you have is the unparalleled river cruise company known today as AmaWaterways.

When the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal opened in 1992 Rudi finally realized his vision by creating an industry around long-distance luxury river cruising and sharing the experiences by showing people the world, one river at a time.

Rudi cut his teeth on river cruising, partnering with companies such as Uniworld, Viking, Brendan and Globus before establishing, along with Kristin Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways in July of 2002.

Now boasting a fleet of 26 ship, AmaWaterways has been awarded the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the third edition of Berlitz Publishing River Cruising in Europe & the USA.

AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick Award for “Best for Active Cruisers” and 2018 AFAR Reader’s Choice Award for “Best River Cruise Line.”

AmaWaterways is also the only river line to belong to the prestigious culinary organization La Chaine des Rotisseurs, representing world-class standards of food and drink.

As Co-Founder, Co-Owner and President of AmaWaterways Rudi Schreiner has been recognized as the “Most Innovative Cruise Executive” and was presented with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

But where did it all begin? The week of July 21, 2021 I was fortunate to be aboard the AmaMagna on their itinerary from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary. This river cruise represented the companies first to operate on the Danube after an 18-month hiatus due to COVID. It was during this week that I had the pleasure of meeting Rudi Schreiner in person. I found him to be unassuming, funny, down-to-earth, genuine and an all-around engaging individual eager to share his story with me.

Sharon Sparlin with Rudi Schreiner

First, I was curious as to how Rudi came up with the name AmaWaterways. Growing up in Vienna next to the beautiful Danube river, Rudi says he always felt a deep passion and connection to rivers.

Inspired by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Rudi originally christened his new company Amadeus Waterways Inc but shortly thereafter a trademark attempt was blocked by the airline reservation system “Amadeus”, a computer reservation system owned by the Amadeus IT Group with headquarters in Madrid, Spain. When I asked Rudi what his next move was he simply replied “AMA means love and DEUS means god so I decided to drop the gods and just go with love.” Thus was the genesis of AmaWaterways.

With the partnership formed, Rudi would be tasked with the design and building of the ships, Kristin was tasked with filling them and Jimmy was to provide the guidance and wisdom they needed to turn their dream into a reality. And what a dream story it has become.

THE SHIP

Rudi relayed to me that the idea for his unique ship design had been on his mind for years. A typical river cruise ship takes 18 months to complete but the AmaMagna took a whopping 5 years.

The hull was built in Belgrade at the Vahali shipyard . She was then transported by Chinese freighter thru the Black Sea, up to Holland for the hard furnishings. Once completed it was then transported back. Click here for a short video of the transportation of the AmaMagna back to the Danube.

Other river cruise ships can maneuver to 15 countries but due to the size of the AmaMagna she can only cruise the Danube.

At 443 feet in length the AmaMagna is the same length as the existing Ama vessels, but at 72 feet in width it is twice the standard 32 feet width. With double the space, you would think double the guests but the guest capacity only increased from 160 to 196 people. The extra space was allocated to larger suites and cabins, increased restaurant options, enhanced wellness facilities and much more.

With 98 staterooms and suites they range in size from 355 square feet up to an incredible 710 square feet. Her standard entry level cabins are 210 square feet which is about the size of the very biggest accommodation on some of the other river vessels.

Rudi did away with all buffets onboard the AmaMagna and created completely new menus. Buffets waste a lot of food and the new menu concept affords many choices with much less waste.

Main Dining Room Photo:AmaWaterways

In addition to the main dining room, AmaMagna offers 3 specialty restaurant options. Two of the specialty restaurants are located on deck 1

Chef’s Table Restaurant – this has a set menu, multi course with wine pairing and seats up to 36 people. Reservations are required.

Chef's Table Restaurant Photo:AmaWaterways

Jimmy’s Wine Bar – a family style restaurant accommodating up to 60 people. A menu that mimics that of the main dining room but you eat family style with a larger group. Reservations required.

Jimmy's Wine Bar Photo:AmaWaterways

Al Fresco - Located forward on Deck 3 - serves breakfast and lunch with a lighter version of what is offered in the dining room. Dinner seating requires reservations and this space can accommodate up to 28 people. Amazing views with retractable ceiling and side windows to provide an open and airy feeling and view.

Al Fresco Restaurant Photo:AmaWaterways

The Zen Wellness Studio is located aft on Deck 3 - This features a large gym with treadmills, bikes, rowing machine and resistance equipment along with spin bikes on an open veranda. The Spa provides treatment rooms for massages as well as manicures. The relaxation area provides fresh fruits and refreshments.

Zen Wellness Studio Bar Photo:AmaWaterways

Zen Wellness Studio Fitness Gym Photo:AmaWaterways

A fleet of bicycles are available for shore side exploration, independently or on organized tours. The retractable water sports platform features a selection of sports equipment and an excursion boat for 12.

Fleet of Bikes Photo:AmaWaterways

The Danube is the only river that can accommodate a vessel the width of AmaMagna, and it can be taken only as far as Vilshofen, Germany. Unable to navigate through the Main/Danube canal at the watershed, AmaMagna is not able to be transferred to the other European rivers.

Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a “Sip and Sail” cocktail hour with a different drink featured nightly. Tipping is not mandatory and is not included on your cabin charges. At the end of the cruise you are provided with envelopes and tipping guidelines but it is entirely discretionary.

Your cruise fare also includes a guided excursion at each port of call. The lines work together with knowledgeable local guides, and passengers use personal audio QuietVox headsets to listen to the commentary. Most excursions are either a walking tour of towns and cities or a coach tour into the surrounding countryside, stopping off at historic castles and other notable sights.

Shore excursions are graded according to their difficulty level, such as the amount of walking that will required and any steps or steep gradients, to ensure nobody is excluded from seeing key sights. You can opt for gentle, regular or active walking paces.

A library with seating area is located on each side of the ship just outside of Jimmy's Wine Bar with a cinema in close proximity that shows movies and other programming on a large screen.

Starboard Library Photo:AmaWaterways

Portside Library Photo:AmaWaterways

Cinema Photo:AmaWaterways

Deck 1 also includes a boutique area along with a hair salon and a guest laundry service.

Boutique Photo:AmaWaterways

Another unique feature is their elevator. It services decks 1, 2 and 3 but it will also will take you to the Sun Deck. Here you will find a hot tub, pool and a bar. There are multiple canopied shaded areas along with loungers with pop up clam shells. The Sun Deck also features a small putting green, giant chess game and an herb garden.

Pool, Hot Tub, Bar on Sun Deck Photo:AmaWaterways

Sun Deck herb garden Photo:AmaWaterways

Included in your cruise price:

All meals in all venues
Alcoholic beverages with meals
“Sip and Sail” alcoholic beverages 1 hr prior to dinner
Sightseeing and excursions
Tea/Coffee throughout the day
Afternoon Tea/Finger Foods available daily
WiFi and on-demand entertainment
Bicycles and fitness center

THE EXPERIENCE

Due to storms and flooding of the Danube the week prior to my arrival, AmaWaterways was unable to bring the AmaMagna past Linz, Austria to the scheduled embarkation point of Vilshofen, Germany. Instead, I was notified that a bus would be waiting dockside at 12:30pm for the transfer to Linz. This meant a bypass of the port of Passau, Germany.

As the AmaMagna came into view I was immediately taken back by the sheer size. As I stepped off the bus I was warmly greeted by friendly, excited staff more than eager to return to cruising.

Checking in at Linz, Austria

Check in was quick and easy. I traveled with only a backpack and a small roller bag. The roller bag was whisked away, disinfected and I was told it would be delivered directly to my cabin. I was led to cabin 237 by one of the staff members who ‘introduced’ me to the cabin and numerous amenities. Once introduction was complete, my roller bag magically arrived.

THE CABIN

Putting it simply – the cabin was amazing.

Glass enclosed walk in shower with both rainhead shower head and a hand held device

Retractable clothes line

Toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, lotions, shower cap, Q-tips

Lighted make up mirror

Computer with entertainment center for movies, music, internet

Plenty of storage with lots of hangers

Safe, mini bar, ice bucket, ice tongs, glassware, bottle opener

Extra blankets, robes, slippers, shoe horn

Central control wall panel for lighting and temperature

Portable tablet with central control panel program to allow bedside control

European plugs along with USB ports on each side of the bed

Suitcase storage area under the bed (pop the panel up on either side)

Floor to ceiling glass sliding doors to the balcony

2 chairs and small round table on balcony

Once I had settled in I began to explore the ship. Some photos from my initial first walk around.

THE ITINERARY

Day 1 LINZ, AUSTRIA 7/21/2021:

The first night would be spent docked in Linz, Austria. Slight adjustments were made to our cruising schedule and an online app called “MyAmaCruise” provided me with the DAILY CRUISER. This gave important information for the day including docking locations, weather forecast and the days activities, not to mention the ‘drink of the day’ for the “Sip & Sail”.

At 6pm Captain Jan de Bruijn, Hotel Manager Robert Komesz and Cruise Director Nick Hartog provided a Welcome Cocktail followed by the mandatory Safety Briefing. I had made dinner reservations for this evening at Al Fresco and it turned out to be one of my favorite places onboard.

For your dinner you get EVERYTHING on the menu. Your only choices are for your Appetizer and for your Entree. I selected the Skin Grilled Seabass for my Appetizer and the Beef Filet Mignon for my main Entree. For my wine selection I went with the Red Zweigelt Pfafel from Austria. The meal was fabulous.

Day 2 LINZ, AUSTRIA 7/22/2021:

The city of Linz is included on river cruise itineraries due to its proximity to Salzburg, which is offered as a day excursion with AmaWaterways. Having been in this area before I opted for the “UNESCO City of Media Arts walking tour”. AmaWaterways provides both a “regular” and a “gentle” walking tour. This allows everyone the opportunity to explore regardless of their physical limitations.

Our docking location was about 50 yards from the Lentos Museum of Modern Art.

Docked in Linz Austria

Streets of Linz Austria

Lentos Museum of Modern Art

Lentos Museum

Day 3 GREIN, AUSTRIA 7/23/2021 :

Highlight for today was the “Exclusive Greinburg Castle visit with Private Reception”

Day 4 MELK-KREMS, AUSTRIA 7/24/2021:

Highlight for today included “Benedictine Abbey Tour” in the morning, “Durnstein Walking Tour” in the afternoon and “Spitz Wine Tasting” before walking back to the ship.

Day 5 VIENNA, AUSTRIA 7/25/2021:

Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday. Highlight for today included the “Imperial Vienna” tour.

Day 6 BRATISLAVA SLOVAKIA 7/26/2021:

Bratislava, Slovakia’s quaint little capital, straddles the Danube close to the border with Austria and Hungary. The compact old town is the best place to begin your exploration, before heading up to the hilltop castle for commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside. Highlight for today included a “Coronation City Walking Tour” of Bratislava, Slovakia

Day 7 BUDAPEST HUNGARY 7/27/2021:

Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a scholar might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns. Highlight for today included “Queen of the Danube” tour of Budapest, Hungary.