AmaMagna: the Danube “Rudy’s Way”
AmaWaterways, in honor of “Rudi’s favorite cruise,” has created a new “Best of the Danube” itinerary roundtrip from Budapest, with 15 departures scheduled for 2025 and 14 in 2026.
Rudi Schreiner, President of AmaWaterways and known as the “father of river cruising,” grew up in Vienna along the Danube. He has developed a deep connection with the longest navigable river in the European Union. Stretching 2,860 km, it is also the river that crosses the most countries in the world before flowing into the Black Sea.
View of Wachau Valley, Austria
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When asked to choose a favorite itinerary, Rudi easily replied: “The Danube flows through the heart of Europe, offering a river cruise that combines the charm of three capitals—Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava—with the extraordinary beauty of the Wachau Valley. These cities are close to each other, ensuring short sailing distances and plenty of time to explore. Easily accessible with roundtrip flights to Budapest, it’s an all-year itinerary ideal for every season.”
Because Rudi’s favorite time to see the Danube is the early season, special departures will begin on February 23 and March 2, 2025, and continue in 2026 on February 8, 15, 22, and March 1 aboard AmaWaterways’ flagship, the award-winning AmaMagna. The subsequent season departures in 2025 and 2026 will be aboard AmaBella, AmaReina, AmaViola and AmaLea, modern, spacious, and tastefully decorated ships with an average of just 150 guests. The highlight will be Vienna with its rich history, classical music, charming wine villages, and imperial sites like Schönbrunn and Hofburg.
AmaWaterways, a family-run business for 22 years, offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing on major rivers in Europe, the Mekong in Southeast Asia, the Chobe in Africa, the Nile in Egypt, and the Magdalena in Colombia (2025).
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Melk_Library AmaWaterways
The seven-night itinerary touches three capitals: Vienna in Austria, Bratislava in Slovakia, and Budapest in Hungary, with full days in each city to admire their beauties.
Opportunities abound: visits to cathedrals and historic palaces, bike and walking tours, food tastings, and free exploration. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous active monasteries dating back to the 11th century; traditional food and beer tastings in Slovakia; a guided bike tour along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse boulevard; and exploring the many treasures of Budapest, from the Castle District with breathtaking panoramic views on the Buda side to the Neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building on the Pest side.
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On the February 23 and March 2 cruises aboard AmaMagna, guests can relax in the heated Sun Deck pool or hot tub, join various relaxation exercises led by the dedicated Wellness Host, play a game of pickleball on the ship’s court, enjoy a soothing massage at the spacious Zen Wellness Studio, and much more. It’s also possible to extend the river cruise experience with a two-night pre-cruise package in Budapest, fully accompanied by AmaWaterways’ Cruise Managers.
Among the refined services offered by AmaWaterways is exclusive cuisine in multiple dining venues, including the specialty restaurant The Chef’s Table; unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks; a daily variety of small-group excursions; a complimentary wellness program in Europe and the Mekong with a range of fitness classes, and much more.
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