PORTS OF CALL: Vilshofen, Germany; Passau, Germany; Linz, Austria; Grein, Austria; Dürnstein, Austria; Vienna, Austria
PHOTOS © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER
EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION: For Global Traveler’s first hosted cruise with subscribers we chose AmaMagna, the flagship of AmaWaterways. Joining my wife Michele and me were GT Globility Board members Jonathan Fuchs and his wife Catherine Cannan, Tom and Celeste Linhard, and Jean-Christophe (JC) Murat and his wife Sonia. I shared a simple program via group text: everyone was invited to the nightly “sip and sail” briefing about the next day’s schedule, and guests were free to dine together or as couples.
AmaWaterways created a special package for our group that included a pre- or post-cruise extension to Prague and/or Budapest. The whole group opted for the pre-tour, which provided a great introduction to the region. Michele and I flew Air France to Paris, then connected to Prague on a regional flight where AmaWaterways staff greeted us and transported us to the Prague Marriott. JC and Sonia arrived on the same flight with multiple bags; when I offered them a shuttle ride, the amount of luggage made it clear they were on their own.
Because of the VIP status of our group we were invited to welcome drinks in the M Club at the Prague Marriott. After independent sightseeing — Prague is a city full of remarkable sights — we gathered the next evening for a group dinner at Na Pekle Restaurant, a unique wine cave in the former Strahov Monastery about 20 minutes from the hotel. It was an excellent opportunity to get to know one another, and we discussed topics related to the magazine and FXExpress brands.
We followed a pattern of daytime exploration and evening group dinners. One memorable night we dined at a traditional Bohemian restaurant with live music and dancing; Jonathan and Catherine even joined the dancers. Early the next morning we boarded the AmaWaterways coach for the drive to Vilshofen, near Munich, where AmaMagna was docked. That evening the ship hosted an exclusive Oktoberfest-style celebration in a tent beside the vessel, complete with a traditional German band, beer and giant pretzels — a festive send-off for the cruise.
GUEST QUARTERS: Boarding was straightforward and our luggage was delivered to Suite 306. The suite featured a bathroom just inside the entrance with double sinks, a tub and a separate shower and water closet. A hallway between the bathroom and main area contained a large closet, which proved very practical. The suite had a large bed with a built-in sitting area and a small round table at the foot of the bed, a hidden TV, and a desk and credenza that provided ample workspace for checking emails. A generous balcony offered pleasant views while sailing and a chance to watch activity during embarkation.
The bathroom amenities were upscale Pure Herbs products including shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion, plus a selection of personal kits. A bottle of champagne, fresh fruit and a welcome card signed by AmaWaterways owners Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner awaited us in the room.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served in the main dining room, while specialty venues such as The Chef’s Table and Jimmy’s Wine Bar were available by reservation at no extra charge. Jimmy’s Wine Bar, named for cofounder Jimmy Murphy, was where I celebrated a birthday with the group and received a thoughtful gift from friends on board. Al Fresco Restaurant was open for breakfast and late snacks as posted.
Most evenings we used the main dining room, and a few of our party would secure our preferred table by arriving a bit early from the cocktail lounge. Meals were excellent, the menu offered many choices, and the dining staff were attentive. The cocktail lounge provided varied nightly entertainment and friendly service; the final night featured lively dancing before we all dispersed.
AmaMagna is the fleet’s largest ship and includes recreational facilities such as a pickleball court — which we christened on the first day while sailing to Passau — a running track, pool, hair salon and fitness center. These amenities provided a pleasant diversion between shore excursions. Shore programs included hiking, walking and biking options, plus opportunities to cycle ahead to the next port and meet the ship. During the cruise some guests in our group even renewed wedding vows in a small ceremony aboard.
PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER
PORTS OF CALL: The itinerary included stops in Passau, Germany; Linz, Austria (with an option to bus to Salzburg and visit Mondsee’s church featured in The Sound of Music); Grein, Austria; Dürnstein, Austria, where we enjoyed a private castle tour and dance show; and Vienna, Austria.
Along this stretch of the Danube there are no locks, and last summer low water levels caused by drought prevented the ship from reaching our planned final port in Budapest. The crew, led by our cruise director David, communicated changes promptly and organized buses so passengers could join their scheduled tours in Bratislava and Budapest.
Some members of our party remained on board with AmaWaterways’ shore excursions, while others hired a car for a private drive to Bratislava and then on to the InterContinental Budapest for extra sightseeing time. Everything worked out well, and we reunited in Budapest. Our group continues to share travel stories via WhatsApp as we plan future trips together.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Our original text group evolved into a WhatsApp group that remains active nearly a year later.
- Our cruise director, David, was an outstanding representative of AmaWaterways throughout the trip.
- AmaWaterways provides reliable, fast WiFi on board, which made staying connected easy.