AmaWaterways - AmaMagna "The Ship of all River Ships"
Imagine gliding through the heart of Europe, enveloped in luxury, with Vienna, Austria's cultural capital, as your backdrop. This is the unique experience offered by AmaMagna, a river cruise ship that redefines the art of river travel. Twice as wide as traditional river cruise ships, the AmaMagna offers unprecedented space and luxury, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a floating boutique hotel. While most river cruise ships are limited by the dimensions of the locks they pass through, AmaMagna's design allows it to offer larger suites, more dining options, and enhanced amenities without compromising on its ability to navigate the picturesque Danube River.
Review: AmaWaterways AmaMagna - Majestic Capitals of the Danube (December 2024)
Note:This is a review focused on the AmaMagna ship itself and not the journey. The journey and the excursions were exceptional too, but this post if focused on the AmaMagna ship experience.
Our December 2024 journey on the AmaWaterways AmaMagna for the Majestic Capitals of the Danube itinerary from Vienna to Budapest was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived to the moment we disembarked, the service, ship, dining, and experiences were top-notch, making this a river cruise unlike any other.
Boarding Experience
Our first impression of AmaMagna was incredibly positive. As our taxi dropped us off about 200 meters from the ship, we started walking with our luggage towards the gangway. To our surprise, three AmaWaterways Crew Members approached us halfway, warmly welcomed us, and promptly took our luggage onboard while directing us to Guest Services. This level of attentiveness and hospitality set the tone for the rest of our cruise.
Christmas Ambiance Aboard the AmaMagna
The ship was stunningly decorated for Christmas, with festive touches in every space imaginable. The decorations were tasteful, elegant, and immersive, ensuring you could not miss the holiday spirit. Every corner of the ship radiated warmth and festivity, making it a perfect setting for a Christmas-season voyage.
First Dining Experience - Al Fresco Restaurant
While waiting for our cabin to be ready, we enjoyed a light lunch at Al Fresco, the intimate dining venue located at the front of the ship. The space was bright and casual, providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to begin our journey.
Our SB Stateroom on the Cello Deck
When we entered our SB Stateroom on the Cello Deck, we were immediately impressed with its size and elegant decor. Unlike other river cruise lines where storage can be limited, this cabin had ample storage space, including cupboards and drawers that exceeded our needs. Having room to comfortably unpack and organize our belongings made the journey even more enjoyable.
Dining Experience on AmaMagna
One of the standout features of the AmaMagna is its four dining venues, all of which are accessible to every guest. We booked our reservations immediately upon boarding to ensure we could experience each one.
Al Fresco - As mentioned, we dined here multiple times, enjoying great service and a fantastic menu in a casual setting.
The Main Dining Room - The ambiance here was lovely. We chose to sit at the same table each meal in the Main Dining Room, enjoying the exceptional service and varied menu. Every meal was cooked to perfection, making each dinner a culinary delight.
The Chef’s Table - This seven-course tasting menu was an exquisite experience. The gourmet food was impeccable, but we would have preferred a wine pairing for each course rather than a single red and white throughout the meal. Nevertheless, it remained an outstanding culinary highlight.
Jimmy’s Family Style Restaurant - This was a fun and interactive dining experience, where guests sat at communal tables and enjoyed platter-style dishes for sharing. One of our favorite meals here was “Another Christmas Dinner”, featuring sliced turkey, potatoes, gravy, and vegetables—truly a wonderful holiday feast.
Throughout our dining experiences, wine and beer flowed freely, and there was never an issue getting refills.
Sip and Sail - A Perfect Evening Tradition
AmaWaterways' Sip and Sail event was another excellent feature, offering a pre-dinner happy hour with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the lounge. This was the perfect way to unwind before heading to dinner each evening.
AmaMagna’s Standout Features
Beyond the dining and service, the AmaMagna offers an impressive array of amenities that set it apart from traditional river cruise ships:
Heated Pool & Hot Tub – A luxurious and relaxing way to unwind while cruising.
Pickleball Court – A fun and active option for those who enjoy the sport.
Wellness Centre & Gym – Fully equipped with modern fitness equipment, including spin cycles.
Massage Services – Available onboard for an extra level of pampering.
Wellness Coordinator – Leading daily fitness classes and guided bike excursions.
Bicycle Checkouts – Available for independent exploration at ports.
Multiple Quiet Areas – Various lounges and outdoor seating areas offered spaces to relax in solitude or with fellow travelers.
Multiple Free Excursions Per Port – A fantastic inclusion, providing diverse options in each stop, whether it be cultural tours, active excursions, or immersive experiences.
Final Thoughts - A One-of-a-Kind River Cruise
The AmaMagna is not just another river cruise ship; it is a luxury experience that every traveler should try at least once. From the exceptional service upon arrival to the impeccable dining, spacious accommodations, and innovative onboard amenities, this was a cruise that truly exceeded expectations. I call it theShip of all River Ships.
For anyone looking for a river cruise that combines elegance, comfort, and unparalleled experiences, the AmaMagna is an outstanding choice. We will certainly be back to sail with AmaWaterways again!
Thinking of cruising soon?Contact me and let’s talk about your next river or ocean cruise in Europe, or anywhere that cruise ships sail.
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