Karryon boards AmaMagna’s Festive Delights cruise on the Danube to discover what it’s like to sail on AmaWaterways’ “double-wide” flagship.
We meet AmaMagna at the Romanian port of Giurgiu, an 80-minute drive from Bucharest airport on a cool, misty late-autumn afternoon. Even knowing that she’s twice the width of other European river ships, I’m still taken by surprise when I first see her – and amazed when we’re shown to our capacious suite. The balcony alone is the size you’d expect on a luxury oceangoing ship.
It’s my first cruise with AmaWaterways and the first time I’ve sailed in Europe at this time of year. AmaMagna is beautifully decorated for the festive season – even the cushions in the lounges are Christmas-themed, which adds to her warm, welcoming atmosphere.
AmaMagna is the flagship of AmaWaterways’ rapidly expanding fleet and the brainchild of Rudi Schreiner, the line’s Co-Founder, Co-Owner and President. Schreiner is a regular visitor to the ship, especially recently, while her sister ship is being built in the Netherlands; AmaRudi is due to set sail in April 2027.
Design details haven’t been released yet, but the size, configuration and amenities will be similar. Both accommodate a maximum of 196 guests – the same as on many standard river ships in Europe – but the extra space translates to extra-large suites and staterooms and a choice of four rather than the usual two dining venues.
Like AmaMagna, AmaRudi will sail exclusively on the Lower and Upper Danube between Vilshofen in Germany and Giurgiu in Romania. There are only two locks in this section of the Danube that ships of this width (22 metres) can transit, both of which are at the Iron Gates gorge that forms the border between Romania and Serbia.
Suites and Staterooms
Suite 202, where my husband and I stay for the seven-night cruise, is handily located near reception and the main dining room on Cello Deck (Deck 2). It is a generous 33 sqm, including the large balcony. There are eight suite and stateroom categories, ranging from the 66 sqm Owner’s Suite to 19 sqm staterooms on the Piano Deck (Deck 1).
Suites in our SB category have a supremely comfortable king-size bed; a large bathroom with shower, products by Marie-Stella-Maris and a ‘his and hers’ vanity; separate toilet; ample wardrobe and shelving space; desk, chair and couch; complimentary bottled water; and a flatscreen TV with on-demand TV, movies and music.
Special touches throughout the cruise include a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, a basket of fresh fruit that’s replenished daily, and surprise presents – if you leave a slipper outside your room on the eve of St Nicholas’ Day, something delicious will be waiting for you the next morning. And much as I am a traditional Christmas tragic and love all the seasonal decorations, the best perk for me as a suite guest is the free laundry service.
Wining and dining
As well as the main dining room, AmaMagna’s dining options include Jimmy’s Wine Bar & Restaurant, a family-style (shared table) venue named after AmaWaterways’ late Co-Owner Jimmy Murphy; the Chef’s Table, which serves a tasting menu for dinner, presented by Executive Chef Ferry Purnama; and the smaller Al Fresco Restaurant at the bow of the ship.
The MDR is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open seating. Al Fresco is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, although you have to book a table for dinner with the concierge in the MDR. Similarly, you have to book to dine at Jimmy’s and the Chef’s Table. All dining is included, and every restaurant offers vegetarian options. Wine is included at lunch and dinner and paired with the dishes.
The service, choice of dishes and every meal I tasted were excellent. AmaWaterways is a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an invitation-only group that promotes culinary excellence around the world. The line says it is committed to farm-to-table gastronomy, and on the Danube, it sources all fresh produce, herbs and freshwater fish from local farms.
The verdict
Because of her size, AmaMagna is incredibly spacious. Having a cinema, two libraries and ample lounging and dining areas makes for a super-relaxed environment. Every evening, complimentary drinks are served in the Main Lounge bar for Sip & Sail, when guests gather for port briefings and to catch up, and no doubt when the weather is warmer the sizeable pool, hot tub and pickleball court on the Sun Deck get a good (crowd-free) work-out.
The Cruise Manager and staff go out of their way to answer any questions, and the Ama smartphone app is easy to use and full of good info. There’s a good choice of shore excursions every day and a strong emphasis on wellness activities onboard. Classes are designed to suit all levels of fitness, and there’s no activewear snobbery involved; our fitness instructor Milos says he is happy if guests turn up in their pyjamas.
The seven-night Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary from Giurgiu (Romania) to Budapest (Hungary) operates in both directions from March to December each year. Gems of Southeast Europe: Festive Delights operates in November/December and includes seasonal offerings onboard and Christmas-related activities when possible ashore.
Land extension options at the Giurgiu end are two nights in Bucharest plus two nights in Brasov, or three nights in Istanbul; and at the Budapest end is a two-night stay in Vienna.
AmaMagna fast facts
Capacity: 196 guests, 75 crew
Year built: 2019
Total suites and staterooms: 98, including connecting staterooms and triple/quadruple staterooms
Restaurants and bars: Four restaurants, five bars including the pop-up Sky Bar
Lounges and public spaces: Two lounges, two libraries, cinema, coffee station, gift shop, beauty salon, self-service laundry, sun deck with pool, hot tub, walking track and pickleball court
Wellness: Zen Wellness Studio comprises a fitness centre, two massage rooms, and hair and nail salon. Fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, spin, core-strength and balance are held throughout the day. Bicycles are available for independent use and group tours.
For more information, visit amawaterways.
