AmaWaterways: Elegant, Enriching, and Welcoming to All

A river cruise offers an elegant and enriching way to explore a specific region. I will admit that we are not “cruise people,” and this was our first riverboat vacation, but after the amazing experience we had with AmaWaterways on the AmaViola, we are already ready to book another trip.

A few days before embarking down the Danube, we booked a stay at The Charles Hotel in Munich, Germany. The Charles is tucked beside the tranquil Old Botanical Garden and just steps away from the city’s historical core. Service was polished and genuinely warm, but what hit the spot after a long night of flying was The Charles Spa. It features Munich’s largest indoor hotel pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness center. A few favorite sites to visit: Marienplatz, with its striking Glockenspiel, is the historic heart, while the English Garden offers peaceful green space larger than New York’s Central Park. The food and beer scene is renowned. To enjoy timeless Bavarian comfort food at Hofbräuhaus, a lively beer hall renowned for its great beer and classic dishes, such as pretzels, schnitzel, and sausages.    

The car ride from Munich to Vilshofen is about a 2-2.5-hour drive, which also depends on how fast your driver goes when traveling on the Autobahn.  

This seven-night Danube itinerary sails from Vilshofen (near Munich) to Budapest, touching Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary. It begins with embarkation at Vilshofen (often with a festive Oktoberfest-style welcome) and proceeds through classic Central European cities. Stops include Passau (Germany) for guided tours of its historic Baroque old town and castle, and Linz (Austria), a gateway for excursions to Salzburg. Sound of Music fans will love this stop and the Wachau Valley – a UNESCO region of terraced vineyards. You will taste some of the best white wine here, with calls at Weissenkirchen, Dürnstein (castle hikes, apricot-wine tastings), and the grand Melk Abbey, where they filmed the wedding scene for The Sound of Music. Finally, the cruise visits Vienna (with Imperial city tours or biking) and Bratislava (Coronation City walking tour, castle hike or local food tastings)​ before reaching Budapest, where guests tour Buda’s Castle District and Pest’s Parliament, Heroes’ Square and the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial. I highly recommend staying in Budapest for a few extra days after disembarking. You will not regret the decision. 

The spacious river view staterooms and suites range from 160 square feet to 710 square feet, and most include the revolutionary signature twin balconies—a French balcony and a full outside balcony. The cabins have hotel-style bedding, en-suite bathrooms, climate control, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The housekeeping staff was attentive, professional, and consistently maintained high standards in terms of cabin cleanliness.   

The dining experience was extraordinary. The bountiful breakfast buffet and all the meals are exquisite; bountiful breakfast, lunch buffets, and multi-course dinners should have a Michelin Star rating. Multiple dining venues, including the one-of-a-kind exclusive Chef’s Table specialty restaurant featuring a unique tasting menu with perfectly paired wines for intimate dining experiences

The onboard entertainment is low-key and cultural. Evenings typically feature live music or performances reflecting local traditions. The bar/lounge often hosts these shows after dinner. There are no large-scale production shows like those on ocean cruises, but the nightly entertainment is classy and relaxed. Daily briefings also take place in the bar/lounge area.  

There is also a small fitness center (treadmill, weights, bikes) and a wellness host who leads daily stretching and yoga classes on deck (weather permitted) or in the lounge, and a small gift shop that sells souvenirs and sundries.

Daily life is paced by the river: sail in daylight, dock, or cruise through the night.

A few of the highlights in each of the cities we stopped: 

• Passau, Germany: “City of Three Rivers” – walking tour of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the castle-hill hike​.


• Linz, Austria: Choice of full-day Salzburg (with Mirabell Gardens, “Sound of Music” Mondsee stop) or Český Krumlov tours; or short Linz walking/bike tours​


• Wachau Valley, Austria: Scenic cruise through Strudengau/Wachau; port in Dürnstein for a walking tour or fortress hike (legend of Richard the Lionheart) with wine/fruit tastings, and visit to Baroque Melk Abbey (The Sound of Music) 


• Vienna, Austria: “Imperial Vienna” sightseeing (Opera House, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral) or bike tour, plus afternoon free time​.


• Bratislava, Slovakia: Walking tour of Old Town “Coronation City,” or a “Tastes of Slovakia” culinary tour, or hike to Bratislava Castle​.


• Budapest, Hungary: Guided tours of Buda (Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church) and Pest (Parliament, Heroes’ Square, memorials)​ before final morning disembarkation.
• Practically every day, excursions are offered, including guided tours and special activities. Each port visit typically has multiple choices, catering to different interests and fitness levels. In most towns, you’ll find: a historic walking tour (gentle pace), an “active” tour (more walking/hiking or cycling), and often a special-interest tour (wine tasting, beer tasting, local craft demos, etc.) Regardless of your choice, you're sure to have a wonderful time. 

As I mentioned, we stayed a few extra days in Budapest and stayed at The Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz delivered an elegant and memorable stay. Rooms are spacious, stylish, and equipped with thoughtful amenities, while many offer beautiful city views. Service is consistently attentive and personalized. The dining options, including the Kupola Lounge beneath its striking glass dome, provide a refined atmosphere for both breakfast and evening cocktails. On the night my husband and I got engaged, the hotel staff surprised us with a little engagement party, which included cake, fruit, and a bottle of champagne. 

With its central location, luxurious comfort, and impeccable hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest is an excellent choice for a five-star experience.   

Our first river cruise with AmaWaterways far exceeded expectations and turned us into instant fans. From start to finish, the experience was elegant, enriching, and seamless.

Both the journey and the destinations shined, from the “City of Three Rivers” in Passau to Salzburg’s “Sound of Music” charm, Vienna’s imperial splendor, and the vibrant finale in Budapest. Extending the trip at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest was the perfect capstone, with luxurious rooms, exceptional service, and a personalized touch that made it unforgettable.

AmaWaterways may not explicitly market itself as an LGBTQ+ cruise line, but it has earned a reputation as welcoming and inclusive. Many LGBTQ+ travelers have described the onboard environment as warm, affirming, and filled with thoughtful hospitality

In every way, this trip blended relaxation, culture, and five-star hospitality—leaving us eager to book our next AmaWaterways adventure. 
For more information about AmaWaterways, visit www.amawaterways.com