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Europe River Cruise

The most luxurious way to cruise the Danube

Words by

Brydie Shephard

Published

2 June 2025

But AmaMagna – the flagship of AmaWaterways’ fleet – delivers something beyond the traditional. Twice the width of most river ships, yet hosting only 196 guests, AmaMagna redefines space, style, and personalised indulgence on the Danube – and only the Danube.

For travellers seeking the ultimate blend of European elegance and boutique comfort, AmaMagna offers a four-way immersion into luxury: from her visionary design to gourmet dining, state-of-the-art wellness offerings and immersive cultural excursions.

Design

Stepping aboard AmaMagna it’s clear this is no ordinary river ship. Measuring 22 metres wide – double the standard width of most river ships – AmaMagna uses her generous proportions not for more cabins, but for more space per guest.

The result? Some of the most spacious suites on any river in Europe. Over half of the staterooms are suites, starting at 33 square metres and stretching up to a sprawling 66 square metres in the Owner’s Suite. These spaces are complete with full balconies, walk-in wardrobes, and large marble bathrooms with double vanities and indulgent amenities.

The design ethos aboard AmaMagna is modern European chic. Neutral tones with soft gold accents create an atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel in Vienna or Paris than a river vessel. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with light and offer constant views of vine-covered hills, ancient castles and charming villages.

Public spaces mirror this sophistication. The grand lobby with its sweeping staircase and crystal chandeliers sets the tone, while multiple lounges, a cinema and alfresco areas encourage relaxed, elegant living.

Experience AmaMagna’s incredible design first-hand on the seven-night
Budapest to Vilshofen ‘Magna on the Danube’ itinerary.


Dining aboard AmaMagna is not merely a time to refuel – it’s a celebration of the destinations outside your windows, inventive cuisine and world-class service. With four unique dining venues, guests can indulge in a variety of gourmet experiences, all included in the fare.

The Main Restaurant serves up fine fare over multiple courses using locally sourced ingredients. Expect Austrian classics one night and Hungarian goulash the next, always paired with regional wines.

For a more intimate atmosphere, Chef’s Table offers a degustation-style menu served with a side of theatre. Seated in a glass-walled venue at the rear of the ship, diners can watch as chefs prepare and plate a seven-course tasting menu, often themed to reflect the day’s region. Al Fresco Restaurant on the upper deck is a favourite for lunch or a relaxed dinner, with retractable windows and lighter, wellness-focused fare like grilled seafood, vibrant salads and fresh pastas.

Then there’s Jimmy’s, a wine-bar-meets-bistro named in honour of AmaWaterways’ co-founder Jimmy Murphy. Here, guests enjoy comfort-food favourites like gourmet sliders and artisan flatbreads in a relaxed setting.


Wellness

Where Fitness meets the flow of the Danube

Health and wellness have become a key component of luxury travel, and AmaMagna is at the forefront of this evolution in river cruising. The ship’s Zen Wellness Studio is one of the largest on any river ship, offering a full range of amenities including a spacious fitness centre – there’s also a pickleball court on the Sun Deck – two massage rooms, a hair salon and a juice bar serving healthy smoothies and herbal teas. Included daily classes range from yoga and pilates to resistance band workouts and even guided meditation.

Cycling enthusiasts are well catered for, too. AmaMagna carries a fleet of complimentary bicycles and helmets, available for guided or independent exploration. Whether pedalling through Vienna’s cobbled lanes or along the Danube’s riverside bike paths, the experience offers a refreshing way to connect with each destination.

Feel revitalised on the seven-night ‘Legendary Danube’ itinerary from Nuremberg to Budapest, with indulgent options for mindful movement and spa indulgence to invigorating bike rides through Europe’s most storied landscapes.


Experience

Europe up close and unscripted

The magic of an AmaMagna journey lies not just in the ship itself, but also in the destinations it takes you to, immersing you in Europe’s rich tapestry of history, art, culture and of course cuisine. Flowing through 10 countries, the Danube River never fails to turn up nature’s drama, from the rolling vineyards of Austria to the fairytale architecture of Budapest.

AmaMagna’s itineraries are curated with a strong focus on cultural enrichment. Daily shore excursions, included in your fare, cater to both the active as well as those who want to go at the same flow as the river – a leisurely pace. Think a classical concert in Vienna, guided hikes to Dürnstein Castle or a walking tour through Bratislava’s old town with stops to savour local delicacies. Many tours are led by local experts who share personal stories and insider knowledge, adding depth and authenticity to each experience.

Back on board, enrichment continues through lectures, cooking demonstrations and regional performances. One evening may bring a lively Hungarian folk show; another, a sommelier-led wine tasting featuring Wachau Valley vintages.



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