With AmaWaterways, the Danube isn't just a river; it's a gateway to an extraordinary experience, a tapestry woven with captivating destinations, rich history and unparalleled luxury. Named #1 by both Forbes and Travel + Leisure on their lists of Best Danube Cruises earlier this year, AmaWaterways invites you to discover why seasoned travelers and first-time cruisers alike overwhelmingly return to AmaWaterways after having embarked on an unforgettable Danube River cruise.

Experience and Passion You Can Trust

AmaWaterways’ Vienna-born Co-Founder and CEO, Rudi Schreiner, also known in the industry as the “Godfather of River Cruising,” brings decades of experience cruising and designing itineraries along the Danube River. Fond memories growing up along this legendary waterway have led to thoughtful planning of a variety of authentic excursions and experiences that are a love letter to both the sought-after European capitals and hidden delights that await you on more than 12 unique itineraries. You may hike through the famed Vienna Woods to marvel at the autumn foliage beloved by Rudi or perhaps sample his favorite dishes on board your ship, tafelspitz and marillenknödel made with freshly picked apricots from the Wachau Valley – all with the purpose of ensuring you are fully immersed in a region AmaWaterways will always consider home. Cities like Budapest and Belgrade you’ve always wanted to visit and lesser-known towns beyond the riverbanks you’ve never imagined such as Ceský Krumlov all become cherished memories when you experience them with AmaWaterways.

Discover the Danube Your Way

With up to eight included daily excursions available and generous amenities on AmaWaterways’ Danube River cruises, guests have the ultimate flexibility in how to spend their precious vacation time. Those who prefer leaving the planning to AmaWaterways will enjoy the thoughtful array of small group guided tours, from exhilarating bike rides to hilltop castle hikes in places like Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau. In select destinations there are also tastings of locally produced wines such as Riesling and Grüner Veltliner and regional delicacies, like Nürnberger bratwurst, lebkuchen (gingerbread) and apricot jam. There are also walking tours operated at three unique activity levels, accommodating everyone from the gentlest of walkers who perhaps require more frequent breaks to active walkers who prefer to cover more ground.

Independent explorers will appreciate the opportunity to pull up a map of each port of call in their myAmaCruise app, borrow a complimentary bicycle to pedal through town or meet with their knowledgeable Cruise Manager for insider recommendations on local museums, restaurants and shopping. Still other guests may prefer to simply sit back, take a dip in the sun-deck pool, indulge in complimentary afternoon teatime with mini sandwiches and pastries, participate in an onboard fitness class or perhaps even treat themselves to a soothing massage. No matter what your traveling style or activity level, AmaWaterways ensures you have the experience of your dreams each and every day on the Danube River.

Exclusively Yours with AmaWaterways

With more than two decades cruising the Danube River, AmaWaterways has forged incredible relationships with local officials that have enabled them to provide exclusive access to unique experiences in select destinations. In the Bavarian town of Vilshofen, for example, guests on several AmaWaterways itineraries are invited to a private Oktoberfest celebration on shore. Observed year-round and featuring live musicians donning traditional lederhosen and dirndls, this lively riverside event, enhanced by local beer and pretzels, helps preserve a German tradition that has been honored since the early 1800s. On AmaWaterways’ 7-night Melodies of the Danube itinerary, the ship docks in Grein where guests enjoy a private guided tour of Greinburg Castle, the oldest residential castle in Austria. In addition to offering stunning views over the river, the castle boasts a Stone Theatre adorned with more than 22 million pebbles. Guests also step inside the Diamond Vault, a stunning room with an intricately patterned ceiling.

The most luxurious floating hotel on the Danube, the award-winning AmaMagna, is AmaWaterways’ innovative flagship and a pilgrimage destination for many of their loyal past guests. Twice as wide as traditional river cruise ships, AmaMagna lures many ocean cruisers to the river with the luxury of space, four included restaurants and enhanced amenities, from its intimate onboard cinema to the Zen Wellness Studio, brimming with features such as outdoor spin bikes and river cruising’s first full-sized pickleball court on the Sun Deck. Most guests reserve suites on this ship and it’s easy to see why: the standard suite measures 355 sq. ft. with a full balcony; the Owners Suite wows at an impressive 710 sq. ft. Cruising several Danube River itineraries, AmaMagna also has its own exclusive sailing, the 7-night Magna on the Danube, which includes another special event just for AmaWaterways guests: an evening wine experience in Spitz at the historic Klosterhof Restaurant. This itinerary even offers a Concierge Golf Program and gameplay at up to five championship European courses on select departures. If buzzwords like “off-the-beaten-path" and “exclusive” make your heart sing, AmaWaterways is thrilled to take you by the hand and welcome you into their family on the Danube.

Farm-to-Table on the Danube

For years AmaWaterways has sourced all their fresh produce, herbs and freshwater fish from local farmers, many of whose families have been cultivating the soil along the banks of the Danube for generations. This guarantees you enjoy the freshest, most flavorful ingredients while reducing the distance each item travels to your ship. Incorporating the highest quality seasonal ingredients, such as Marchfeld asparagus in the spring and Wachau Valley apricots in summer, AmaWaterways' expert chefs bring the taste of the country from the fields, orchards, farms and docks to your plate at every meal, including the multi-course tasting menu at The Chef’s Table, offered to each guest once during their 7-night cruise with AmaWaterways’ compliments. 

Now, you can also discover captivating stories and history on your plate simply by reading your onboard menu at lunch and dinner. You may learn about Wiener schnitzel’s connection to 19th-century politics, the Wentruba and Neumeister families in Austria from whom we source our root vegetables, the Alpine tradition of making knödel, or why Bavaria’s famous white sausage should always be enjoyed before the noon chime of the church bells. It’s all a part of AmaWaterways’ commitment to ensuring you are fully immersed in the history and culinary traditions of the Danube River.

Seasons and Special Interests

With cruises embarking from February through December, you can experience the splendor of each season along the Danube. Wander cities after the holiday rush in February and early March, with less crowds vying for museum and cathedral entrances and inviting winter wonderland delights such as ice-skating rinks in city centers. Arrive in Europe later in spring and you may be fortunate to admire the cherry blossoms in Vienna’s lovely parks. Air-conditioned ships, refreshing pools, delicious ice creams and chilled towels on board make summer sailing along the Danube a wonderful way to soak in the sunshine. Autumn brings fall foliage, ideal weather for hiking and biking, and Europe’s new wines, while the Christmas spirit transforms AmaWaterways’ ships from mid-November through New Year’s, with festive Christmas Markets appearing in select cities like Nuremberg, Budapest and Vienna on many departures.

Food and wine enthusiasts love the opportunity to cruise alongside a wine expert on more than a dozen annual Celebration of Wine River Cruises on the Danube River. Plus, new experiences such as AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Music sailings enable you to see the Danube River through a unique lens, tracing the musical history of composers such as Mozart and Strauss through Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg and Vienna.

We're sure you'll be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.