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7 nights | AMAWaterways | AmaMora
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Take in the scenery of Austria & Bavaria on this 7-night, all-inclusive, luxury cruise holiday, enjoying a scenic experience along the Danube river and stopping in four different countries; Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. You'll have a full-day excursion to Salzburg, visiting a number of locations made famous by the timeless movie 'The Sound of Music', there's an exclusive Oktoberfest event in Vilshofen, and extravagant architecture to see in Vienna.
There's immersive guided tours available at every destination (including special 'Local flavours' tours), with your choice of tour style; gentle, regular, active, and late-riser.
Highlights include:-
Linz: Full-day excursion to Salzburg, visiting 'The Sound of Music' filming locations
Vilshofen: Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration
Vienna: Opera House, Habsburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Budapest: Castle District & Parliament Building
Bratislava: "Tastes of Slovakia" experience
Passau: Veste Oberhaus fortress hike or biking along the River Inn
*Ship may vary
Return flights from London or Manchester
Regional flights available from Bristol, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast & Dublin for a supplement of £75pp
Overseas transfers to and from the ship
7 nights’ luxury accommodation
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area in stateroom
Bottled water in every stateroom, replenished daily
Entertainment on demand system featuring movies, TV shows, news and music
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Main lounge with panoramic views and bar
Sun deck with pool, swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room
Daily onboard entertainment, including cultural performances
All onboard dining across a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Immersive guided tours in every destination
Choice of tour styles: gentle, regular, active, and late-riser
Bike tours and guided hikes
Special Local Flavours tours
Knowledgeable local guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Wellness programme with a dedicated Wellness Host offering onboard and onshore exercise classes, healthy eating and relaxation sessions
Personalised service from a highly trained Cruise Manager throughout both cruise and land programmes
Onboard gratuities included
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
Divided by the Danube River, the Hungarian capital of Budapest -- known as the "Pearl of the Danube"-- is a city of two distinct halves. The hilly Buda side is topped by the impressive Royal Palace, home to several museums and charming cobbled streets lined with shops and houses that date to medieval times. On the busier Pest bank, there are grand sights like the parliament building, opera house and statue-lined Heroes' Square, plus fantastic shopping streets, such as Andrassy Avenue, Budapest's grand central boulevard. Several bridges cross the river, but the best one to use is the historic Chain Bridge, which is the oldest. The great thing about Budapest, a mainstay on most Danube River cruise itineraries, is it's compact, so you can pack plenty into a short break. The majority of sights are within walking distance or easily reached on the efficient tram and underground network. Coffee shops are a big thing. At one time, there were more than 400 in Budapest, so take time out to join locals for a caffeine boost and a slice of yummy cream cake. Budapest is also the world's only capital city to boast more than 80 active thermal springs and wells; soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is an authentic experience. Szechenyi is the largest, with indoor and outdoor pools, and Gellert is famous for its opulent -- and mostly original -- architecture. Many river cruise operators offer trips to the baths as an excursion option. Budapest's history dates to the third century, when Celtic warriors occupied the area. Study the place a bit, and you'll find yourself wondering: Who didn't invade the city? The Romans, Magyars, Mongols, Ottoman Turks, Austrians, Germans and Soviets have all played starring roles in Budapest's longstanding municipal drama. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries -- part of the reason for its eclectic architecture, which includes everything from neo-Classical to Stalinist utilitarian. Its current skyline reflects the building programs and styles of the turn of the 20th century. As Claudio Magris wrote in his travel memoir, "Danube," "Budapest is the loveliest city on the Danube. It has a crafty way of being its own stage-set."
Divided by the Danube River, the Hungarian capital of Budapest -- known as the "Pearl of the Danube"-- is a city of two distinct halves. The hilly Buda side is topped by the impressive Royal Palace, home to several museums and charming cobbled streets lined with shops and houses that date to medieval times. On the busier Pest bank, there are grand sights like the parliament building, opera house and statue-lined Heroes' Square, plus fantastic shopping streets, such as Andrassy Avenue, Budapest's grand central boulevard. Several bridges cross the river, but the best one to use is the historic Chain Bridge, which is the oldest. The great thing about Budapest, a mainstay on most Danube River cruise itineraries, is it's compact, so you can pack plenty into a short break. The majority of sights are within walking distance or easily reached on the efficient tram and underground network. Coffee shops are a big thing. At one time, there were more than 400 in Budapest, so take time out to join locals for a caffeine boost and a slice of yummy cream cake. Budapest is also the world's only capital city to boast more than 80 active thermal springs and wells; soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is an authentic experience. Szechenyi is the largest, with indoor and outdoor pools, and Gellert is famous for its opulent -- and mostly original -- architecture. Many river cruise operators offer trips to the baths as an excursion option. Budapest's history dates to the third century, when Celtic warriors occupied the area. Study the place a bit, and you'll find yourself wondering: Who didn't invade the city? The Romans, Magyars, Mongols, Ottoman Turks, Austrians, Germans and Soviets have all played starring roles in Budapest's longstanding municipal drama. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries -- part of the reason for its eclectic architecture, which includes everything from neo-Classical to Stalinist utilitarian. Its current skyline reflects the building programs and styles of the turn of the 20th century. As Claudio Magris wrote in his travel memoir, "Danube," "Budapest is the loveliest city on the Danube. It has a crafty way of being its own stage-set."
Today, explore both Buda and Pest. On the Buda side, visit the Castle District, admire Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and enjoy panoramic views. For a more active option, hike up Castle Hill. In Pest, discover Heroes’ Square, the Parliament Building and the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is an up-and-coming cruise port along the Danube River. It borders both Austria and Hungary, and it's located just miles from the capital cities of Vienna, Austria, and Prague, Czech Republic.
Once the coronation city of 11 Hungarian monarchs, Bratislava lives up to its royal title. Discover its history on a walking tour or enjoy a “Tastes of Slovakia” experience. For a more active option, hike to Bratislava Castle for sweeping views of the city.
Visitors come to Vienna with high expectations of lavish palaces, ornamental parks, cakes piled high with whipped cream and the strain of Strauss waltzes. They're rarely disappointed; this is a city that trades on its glorious past, revelling in its heyday, when Gustav Mahler was conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, Sigmund Freud was inventing psychoanalysis and the coffee houses were abuzz with the banter of middle-class intellectuals.
Yet, as much as it lives in the past, Vienna has hauled itself into the present with elegance and style. Visitors will discover a compact but diverse, multicultural city, with a thriving art and design scene, some truly fabulous shopping, superb contemporary art collections, and acres of gorgeous parks and gardens. Here, you'll find a happy devotion to the good life, whether it's sipping a cocktail at one of the hip bars on the Danube Canal or the gemutlichkeit (the Austrian term for "cosiness") of tasting wines grown on the hills around the city in a traditional pub garden in the village of Grinzing.
Because most of the big attractions are around or inside the Ringstrasse, the circular boulevard that encloses the first district, or city centre, Vienna is easy to explore. In fact, you could spend days in the first district alone, shopping on the elegant Karntnerstrasse, exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral and countless other Baroque churches, devoting time to galleries and museums and immersing yourself in the famous coffee culture.
The many river cruise lines that call on the city provide a mere snapshot of this thriving centre of European culture with little deviation from the very well-trodden tourist trail. But Vienna caters to a diverse range of interests, and the good news is that if you come back for more, or want to explore it alone, the city is a snap to navigate independently.
Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” brims with imperial splendour. See the Opera House, former Habsburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral on a guided tour, or explore by bike. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to discover more of this iconic city.
Nestled along the Danube River in Austria, Wachau Valley boasts stunning landscapes that captivate visitors with its lush vineyards, rolling hills, and charming villages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, medieval castles, and the remarkable Melk Abbey.
Home of the oldest residential castle in Austria, Greinburg, which dates back to 1488. The views from the castle down to Grein village are breathtaking.
Weissenkirchen in der Wachau is a picturesque village situated in Austria's Wachau Valley. Nestled along the Danube River, it is renowned for its stunning vineyards, charming old town, and baroque-style St. Michael's Church. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, wine tastings, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above.
For river cruise operators, Linz is used mainly as a waypoint from which shore excursions set off to other, grander locales like Salzburg, Austria or Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. And while the city is more of a place of work than a place to visit, it is a counterpoint to many other stops on a typical Danube River cruise itinerary. A quick tour through town (there really doesn't need to be any other kind) can provide relief for anyone suffering from "quaint European village fatigue syndrome." Linz is the third-largest city in Austria, with a population of 190,000 inhabitants; it's also the capital to the state of Upper Austria. Once known as the country's centre of industry (and hometown of Hitler), Linz is making a name for itself in the world of computer art and digital design. When you dock there, you will likely notice sculptures along the water's edge and a modern building with glowing LED lights, which is the Ars Electronica Center, a museum and development facility for new media arts. Also directly across from your ship will be Brucknerhaus -- named after composer Anton Bruckner -- a famous concert hall and home to the Bruckner Orchestra. The rising fortunes of Linz were officially recognized when the city was made a European Capital of Culture in 2009. Many cruise lines dock in Linz and offer shore excursions to nearby Salzburg, a couple hours away by bus. Salzburg is set in the forested foothills north of the Alps mountain range, and the Salzach River divides the city. The northeastern half of the city is the new town -- mostly businesses and transport links -- and the southwestern bank of the river is home to the charming Altstadt (Old Town) with its baroque churches and one of Europe's oldest medieval fortresses. Salzburg's Old Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Home to Mozart, Haydn and setting of "The Sound of Music," Salzburg is a wildly popular stop for music-lovers of all kinds and tourists of all ages. In fact, the city gets 8 million visitors a year, an estimated 300,000 of which visit Salzburg each year simply because it's so prominently featured in the film musical "The Sound of Music." So soak it all in and sing it out loud while you're in town. Walk the Getreidegasse, a busy shopping street, and happen upon the house at number 9, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. Pace the gardens of Mirabell Palace; "Do-Re-Mi" was sung on its steps. During the holiday season, enjoy the festivities and decorations of Salzburg's impressive Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market), and if you feel like singing a carol, the lyrics to "Silent Night" were written here, as well.
Arriving in Linz, choose from a full-day tour to Salzburg or to Český Krumlov, with its cobbled streets, grand castle and Baroque charm. Alternatively, enjoy a walking tour of Linz’s old town and Mozart House, a bike ride along the Cultural Mile, or visit a local distillery for a guided whiskey tour.
Arriving in Passau for the first time, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd landed in Italy instead of Germany. The city has a very Italian atmosphere that's led to its nickname, Venice on the Danube. And indeed, Passau was part of the Roman Empire for more than 400 years. When most of the city was destroyed by fire in 1662, it was rebuilt in Italian Baroque style, reflected in the vast cathedral, churches, squares and former homes of wealthy merchants. Today, as you stroll through the pretty streets, you'll notice a plethora of pizza and pasta restaurants rubbing shoulders with eateries that serve up hearty German fare.
While Passau has an undeniably touristy feel, it's a very attractive destination boasting a legacy of wealth built on the salt trade and, during Renaissance times, the crafting of knives and sword blades. The city occupies a unique location on the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz in south-eastern Germany, close to the Austrian border, and so it's also known as the City of Three Rivers. But the rivers haven't always been the city's friends: Passau has repeatedly been flooded by Alpine water swept along the Inn. High watermarks on the side of the town hall bear witness to the flooding; the highest date back to 1501, 1595 and 1954, the latter marked at more than 10m (32 feet).
Packed on a thin strip of land, Passau is easy to get around -- a major plus for visitors -- thanks to its small size. Beyond the long riverside promenade walk, lined with lookalike souvenir shops and some decent eateries, lies the picture-postcard old town, with traffic-free narrow streets made for meandering and many of the main sights. The sightseeing high spot, in more ways than one, is St. Stephen's cathedral, high up in the Old Town, home to the world's largest cathedral organ. Dominating the Danube side, opposite the dock, is the Veste Oberhaus fortress, which is now a multiple-choice castle containing a museum, youth hostel and restaurant.
Typically, riverboats dock in Passau after breakfast for a morning sightseeing tour, and passengers can opt to return for lunch back onboard or stay in town and have a meal independently in one of the many restaurants. River cruisers are then allowed free time to explore on their own before sailing in the late afternoon.
A popular embarkation port for Danube River cruises, the German town of Vilshofen provides a friendly introduction to the charming small towns that you'll encounter throughout your trip. The river is so important to the town that it's part of the official name: Vilshofen an der Donau, which translates to "on the Danube." (The river Vils, which meets the Danube here along with the Wolfach, is responsible for the first part of the name.) A Bavarian burg that dates back to 776, Vilshofen has a famous local son in Josef Groll, a brewer who is known as the "Father of the Pils." His beer, Pilsner Urquell, might have become famous in Bohemia, but it was Groll and his father who invented bottom fermentation. The resultant brew is considered the inspiration for two-thirds of the beer produced today. Often, river cruise lines feature the beer with pretzels and Bavarian music in a mini "Oktoberfest" celebration. The closest airport to Vilshofen is Munich, about 90 minutes to two hours away. Many river cruises offer transfers, either included in the fare or for purchase (if you go on your own, expect to pay at least 75 euros per person). Popular pre-trips for river cruises that begin in Vilshofen include Munich and surrounding Bavaria, or Prague, which is about three-and-a-half hours away. While Vilshofen is pleasant and worth a stroll, it's not a place where you need to stay overnight; you can arrive the same day your ship leaves and still see the highlights.
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the River Inn.
Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive.
A popular embarkation port for Danube River cruises, the German town of Vilshofen provides a friendly introduction to the charming small towns that you'll encounter throughout your trip. The river is so important to the town that it's part of the official name: Vilshofen an der Donau, which translates to "on the Danube." (The river Vils, which meets the Danube here along with the Wolfach, is responsible for the first part of the name.) A Bavarian burg that dates back to 776, Vilshofen has a famous local son in Josef Groll, a brewer who is known as the "Father of the Pils." His beer, Pilsner Urquell, might have become famous in Bohemia, but it was Groll and his father who invented bottom fermentation. The resultant brew is considered the inspiration for two-thirds of the beer produced today. Often, river cruise lines feature the beer with pretzels and Bavarian music in a mini "Oktoberfest" celebration. The closest airport to Vilshofen is Munich, about 90 minutes to two hours away. Many river cruises offer transfers, either included in the fare or for purchase (if you go on your own, expect to pay at least 75 euros per person). Popular pre-trips for river cruises that begin in Vilshofen include Munich and surrounding Bavaria, or Prague, which is about three-and-a-half hours away. While Vilshofen is pleasant and worth a stroll, it's not a place where you need to stay overnight; you can arrive the same day your ship leaves and still see the highlights.
As AmaWaterways' 23rd ship, AmaMora encompasses the best offerings of the European fleet, with a focus on fitness, food and shore excursions. Compared to some other river cruise lines, there's more choices of guided tours (up to four options per day) and fun ways to keep fit and active.
One of the ship's greatest attractions is its wellness program, led by a qualified wellness coach. Every day sees multiple exercise classes, ranging from easy stretching to high-intensity circuits, as well as the thoroughly enjoyable Champagne yoga in the sun. Escorted jogs and brisk walks are held ashore, along with hiking and cycling in most ports of call.
Shore excursions also range from gentle, such as walking and wine tasting, to challenging, like a trek through Germany's Black Forest. For independent explorers, the ship carries a fleet of bicycles, which can be borrowed for riverside rides, and there's always free time to look around after tours, too.
Although it's identical to sister ship AmaLea, AmaMora has one point of difference: The Chef's Table restaurant is slightly larger, seating 34 people, and it boasts the line's first retractable aft veranda. This would be perfect for alfresco dining; alas, it's not often possible as the ship usually sails through the evening and the balcony can only extend when the ship is docked.
The main restaurant and lounge also serve food all day and night, so nobody will go hungry or thirsty. Passengers can enjoy an all-day tapas menu, afternoon tea and late-night bar snacks on top of the usual three meals a day. Wine, beer and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner, plus a bonus happy hour (which adds free cocktails) and a couple of special events. It's more than enough for most people.
AmaMora is a visually pleasing, comfortable and casual ship with a friendly ambience and a good-humoured, proficient crew in all departments. Entertainment is low-key but can get lively at the disco night and trivia. On those evenings, nonparticipants will have nowhere quiet to relax indoors; luckily, the cabins are pleasant and spacious enough to unwind in private and enjoy the view from your bed or balcony.
AmaMora hosts a few specialty sailings, such as Adventures by Disney cruises, when its interconnecting and triple-occupancy rooms become useful for families. All other departures are aimed at adults. An extensive range of wine cruises, organized with partner vineyards, also make this lovely ship a top choice for oenophiles
Dress code
Daytime: Dress casually and comfortably during the day. Most passengers wear jeans, shorts, T-shirts, athletic gear and flat shoes on shore excursions and at breakfast and lunch. Due to Europe's variable weather, it's a good idea to bring a hat, sunglasses, poncho or rain jacket, sweater and a small backpack for carrying water, camera, phone and other necessities. Two umbrellas are provided in each cabin.
Evening: There is no formal night and no requirement for a jacket and tie. At dinner, men wear nice trousers and a collared shirt; women wear a dress or pants and a top. High heels are rarely seen onboard the ship so flat shoes are fine. At the farewell dinner, held on the second-last night, some people dress up a bit more but it is not essential.
Not Permitted: Shorts are discouraged in the restaurant. Swimwear is allowed only on the top deck and pool.
AmaMora Inclusions
Included with your cruise fare:
Not included with your cruise fare:
Shore Excursions
Complimentary shore excursions are offered in each port to explore the destination on land. In some ports there is only one option, such as a canal sightseeing cruise in Amsterdam, but most ports have two to four options, including an active one. In Rüdesheim, for example, passengers can choose from a guided vineyard hike, bike tour, wine tasting or a ride in the gondola (cable car) providing aerial views of the region.
Bike tours, from 14 to 21 miles, take three to four hours along mostly flat paths but have some small hills, bridges and streets to cross.
Hikes are often uphill and challenging.
Walking tours are divided into gentle, regular and active groups. At two ports, a coach trip is required to reach the destination, which may not even be in the same country. For example, in Breisach, it's a 45-minute drive to Riquewihr (France) or Freiburg (Germany).
In the big city ports, AmaWaterways offers additional experiences that cost extra, such as a classical music concert in Vienna.
Passengers can also do their own thing by walking into the riverside villages or catching the line's free shuttle buses. There is usually some free time after the organized shore excursions for cruisers who want to wander around, do some shopping or stay ashore for lunch. Excursions can be booked before sailing but changes may be made onboard after hearing the options explained at the predinner port talks. Quietvox headsets are provided for passengers to easily listen to local guides. Umbrellas, walking sticks and folding cane seats can also be borrowed for use ashore.
Daytime and Evening Entertainment
Little time is spent onboard AmaMora during the day, as most passengers are exploring the destination on shore excursions. The ship has a small library off the lounge with some board games, a few books and a selection of news printouts from several countries. Crossword puzzles are available in the lobby. In-cabin movies are also available on-demand for no extra charge. In the evening, the lounge has a resident musician or guest entertainers performing classical or country music. Special events may include a music quiz, film trivia, a disco night and a soul night.
Enrichment
Presented by the cruise director, the onboard program is limited to port talks about the upcoming destinations, commentary along the Rhine Gorge and a lecture about "France–Germany: A Difficult Partnership." Enrichment is more likely to come from local guides on shore excursions. When AmaMora is hosting a wine cruise, experts are recruited to lead specialty classes and tastings.
AmaMora Bars and Lounges
There is only one main lounge, which is used for quiet relaxation during the day and socializing at night, It starts filling up before dinner at the Sip & Sail happy hour, when house wine, beer and spirits are complimentary. After dinner, a smaller number of passengers adjourn to the bar for trivia or live music.
Lounge & Bar (Violin Deck): As the largest public space on the ship, the lounge hosts the predinner port talks, captain's welcome and farewell drinks, light meals, afternoon tea and nightly entertainment. The décor is colourful, brightened up by floral carpets, flowers, vibrantly patterned furniture and large windows wrapping the room. Long couches, love seats and armchairs are arranged into small and large groups, with coffee tables and higher tables to eat at. Peanuts, pretzels, cookies and gluten-free snacks are always available, along with a menu of more substantial bar snacks that can be ordered from the waiters or bartender. The full-service bar features wine, beer, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks for a fee (except during the complimentary happy hour). The lounge opens to an alfresco covered area with seating at the front of the ship.
Pool Bar (Sun Deck): AmaMora's pool has a bar set up with bottles of liquor and swim-up barstools submerged underwater.
AmaMora Outside Recreation
The Sun Deck is a lovely spot to relax on a sunny day. Plentiful seating includes different types of chairs, reclining loungers and long sofas with comfy cushions, tables, umbrellas and canopies for shade. The heated pool has a swim-up bar and four barstools; it's not big enough to do laps but it's bigger than a plunge pool. There is also a giant chess set and a walking/jogging track (eight laps to a mile; closed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.). Fitness classes are held on the Sun Deck if the weather is pleasant. Smoking is permitted downwind in the aft area.
AmaMora Services
The reception desk, in the main lobby, is where passengers can ask questions, set up onboard accounts, book spa and salon appointments, get shore excursion colour cards and swipe their room key when leaving and returning to the ship. Opposite and up a flight of stairs are the desks for the hotel manager and cruise manager, who can assist with booking shore excursions. An onboard shop sells jewellery, souvenirs, toiletries and AmaWaterways-branded clothing. A glass lift runs between the passenger decks, restaurant and Sun Deck. With its dedicated programming, AmaWaterways has more commitment to wellness than most river cruise lines; wellness is a passion of line co-owner Kristin Karst. While the facilities are limited on AmaMora, a dedicated wellness coach, a massage therapist and a hairdresser are onboard.
Spa
On the Piano Deck is a small room for relaxing (not remedial) massages for a reasonable fee for 60 minutes or 30 minutes. We found the therapist's pressure to be too light but this may suit other people. AmaMora also has a small salon that offers hair washing, cutting and styling services. Book early because the spa and salon have limited appointments, especially outside shore excursion hours when most cruisers are aboard the ship.
Fitness
AmaMora has a cabin-sized fitness room on the Piano Deck. It has two treadmills, two stationary bikes, light weights, yoga mats and exercise balls, as well as water and towels. For a better workout in a group, AmaMora has a wide range of exercise classes run by a wellness coach with fitness qualifications. Active options include stretching and core strengthening sessions, circuit training, resistance band classes, line dancing and yoga (including Champagne yoga on the Sun Deck on a sunny day, where participants can drink wine). In almost every port, it is possible to borrow the ship's bicycles for a nonguided ride along the riverside or join a guided cycling tour or hiking tours. The wellness coach may also lead jogging, brisk walking and digestive walks after some meals. Pace is adjusted to the people in each group, but you will definitely get a good workout if that is your goal.
AmaMora's cuisine is designed for the Western tastes of its clientele, along with some regional specialties, such as schnitzel and goulash when sailing through Austria and Hungary.
Breakfast and lunch are buffets with a few items cooked to order, while a four-course dinner is served to your table. Dietary preferences and restrictions can also be accommodated by informing staff in advance. AmaWaterways is the only major river cruise line to be part of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs food and wine society. Not every dish on AmaMora is world-class gourmet but are of high quality and well-prepared.
A special event, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, is held once per cruise in the main restaurant. Everyone also gets the opportunity to experience a seven-course tasting menu at the more intimate Chef's Table.
Beer, wine and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner and generously poured. Many wines are sourced from the regions of the itinerary, such as Riesling from Austria. If you don't like the nightly selection offered by your waiter, you can ask for another varietal.
Main Restaurant (Cello Deck): The main dining room has booths that seat up to four people and tables configured for two to eight, all offering river views. You can sit wherever you want and change tables (and dining companions) every day if you please. Couples or solo travellers who want to sit alone should get down early to nab one of the tables for two; similarly, large groups should not linger too long at happy hour if they want to be seated together. The restaurant is always busy and lively, especially at dinnertime.
Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, but some dishes can be ordered from your waiter. To avoid the rush, don't turn up as soon as the restaurant opens; you usually have two hours to choose when to eat. Breakfast features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, cheeses, yogurt, nuts, cereal, sliced meats, a made-to-order omelette station, and sweet pastries and jams. Diners can help themselves to juices and sparkling wine, while waiters will bring tea and coffee to the table. Passengers can also order from a menu of oatmeal, waffles and other types of egg dishes.
Lunch consists of salads, sandwiches, soup, an assortment of bread, cold cuts and cheese, fruit and cake. The lunch menu includes a burger, steak sandwich and chicken ciabatta sandwich, which can be ordered from the waiters.
Dinner requires more punctuality as there is only one sitting, entirely served by waiters, so everyone at the same table dines at the same time. The rotating menu has four courses (appetizer, soup, main and dessert) with two or three options for each. There is also a selection of always-available dishes, such as grilled entrecote steak or chicken breast with Caesar salad, plus a basket of bread. A cheese plate is also available as an alternative, or in addition, to the sweet desserts. Portion sizes are sensible so a four-course meal is doable for most appetites, although you are free to have one course or five courses by ordering extras.
Chef's Table (Violin Deck): Open for dinner only, this stand-alone venue at the aft of the ship seats 34 diners for a more intimate affair -- a romantic vibe for couples or like a private dinner party for groups. The restaurant boasts the line's first retractable balcony, allowing people to dine alfresco if the ship isn't sailing that evening, but this didn't happen on our cruise. Watching the ship's wake as it sails off into the sunset is still a sensational view, though. Behind you, the chefs are also visible while they cook in the glass-walled kitchen. The seven-course tasting menu at Chef's Table is complimentary and available to book at least once per cruise for all passengers. The food is the same every night of the cruise and reservations are required. While the focus is on seafood and meat, the menu can be adjusted for the vegetarians and vegans with advance notice. These visually striking dishes may include a feta cheese panna cotta, braised beef in porcini sauce and a nougat gateau with green apple sorbet. The matching wines are fancier, too, such as a peppery Gruner Veltliner and a Wachau Valley Zweigelt.
Lounge Bar (Violin Deck): The lounge offers food from morning till late. In the hour before and after breakfast, freshly baked pastries are available. At lunch, for those who don't want to go into the restaurant, there is a selection of sandwiches, salads, a soup, two entrées, dessert and cheese. Cakes and tarts are offered in the afternoon for tea time, and cookies (including gluten-free) are available 24 hours. Late-night snacks are also laid out during the evening entertainment. In between all of these scheduled snacks, passengers can order from the all-day tapas menu from the bartender. At any time of day or night, they can also help themselves to tea, specialty coffees and hot chocolate from the hot beverage station located on the starboard side of the Violin Deck at the entrance to the lounge.
Room Service: Room service is only available to passengers in suites. The limited menu includes coffee, tea and continental breakfast. For other passengers, staff can bring food or drinks to your cabin if you are sick.
AmaMora's cabins are relatively spacious for a river cruise ship. The majority has a twin balcony configuration, which means both a French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors) and an outdoor balcony with two chairs and a small table. Each cabin has a queen bed, which can be separated into two twin beds, with an underbed storage drawer and enough space for two suitcases, bedside drawers, two lamps and overhead reading lamps. Linens include four pillows, two cushions, white cotton sheets and a white duvet, with two blankets stored in the closet for extra warmth in winter.
Other furnishings include a closet; a desk/vanity area with chair, telephone, lamp, two small drawers and two shelves; a mini-fridge stocked with free bottled water; a small glass table and a second chair; and a full-length mirror and wall mirror.
The room is equipped with an ice bucket and wineglasses, two robes and pairs of slippers, two umbrellas, a hair dryer, code-operated safe, AmaWaterways postcards and stationery, alarm clock and two Quietvox personal audio devices for use during shore excursions. An iMac desktop computer can be used as a TV and for internet (Wi-Fi is free and pretty good speeds for a river ship). Channels are BBC World, Sky News, CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg Europe, Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, VH1, National Geographic and channels with movies (Premiere, Family, Sundance TV), sports (soccer, golf) and ship information (safety, bridge cam, announcements, daily activities). There is a selection of free movies, television series and albums of various music genres.
A wall-mounted touch-screen iPad is used to control the room temperature and lights, including mood lighting. At night, you can turn on a less harsh blue lighting system in the bathroom. To turn off the iPad, touch the Standby button.
Power outlets include 220-volt, two-pronged European-style; one or two American-style outlets, including one by the bed; a 110V outlet and two bedside USB outlets. The computer screen also has two USB outlets.
Bathrooms are compact and modern with white tiled floors and walls, brown cabinets, granite countertops and shelving with adequate storage for toiletries. Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and lotion are provided, along with towels, washcloths, shower caps, vanity sets and sewing repair kits. The shower has glass doors, an overhead-style rain showerhead and a detachable showerhead, a small shelf, plus a handy shaving step in the corner, which could also be used to hold toiletries. Water pressure is strong and it heats up very quickly. (Only the higher category suites have a bathtub.) There is a large mirror and a magnifying makeup mirror, towel rack and hair dryer. A small window looks into the cabin; this can be switched to frosted for privacy or kept clear to let in the natural daylight.
At turn-down service every evening, tomorrow's program is left on the bed and a bite-size chocolate on each pillow.
Riverview: The lower Piano Deck (Deck 1) is home to 11 cabins, each measuring 160 square feet, with water-level views through twin windows that don't open.
French Balcony: On the Cello Deck (Deck 2) and Violin Deck (Deck 3) are 18 cabins with 155 to 170 square feet of space and a French balcony. The larger rooms have two chairs in front of the window.
Twin Balconies: Also located on the Cello and Violin Decks, these cabins (there are 45 in all) range in size from 210 to 235 square feet and have two balconies each -- one French and one outdoor. The outdoor balcony has two padded chairs and a small table. For families, 12 rooms feature a chair that folds out into a twin bed, which would suit a child. A further 12 cabins can be connected via an adjoining internal door for groups traveling together.
Suite: At 350 square feet, suites are the largest rooms on the Violin Deck; they have a small living area with two armchairs and a coffee table, a larger desk, extra storage cupboards and a couch that converts into a two-person pull-out bed. All four suites feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony with two padded chairs and a drinks table. The bathroom is larger and has a bathtub and a shower. The bedroom area, which is separated by a slatted divider, has a queen bed facing the TV and French balcony.
Wine-lovers, foodies, wellness enthusiasts and families
Travellers with limited mobility
Most passengers are North Americans, though a good share come from Australia and the U.K. Most are in the 50-plus range, and are well-educated and active. AmaWaterways attracts solo travellers and couples, and recent ships draw families and multigenerational groups with stateroom designs accommodating multiple passengers.
A little bit, particularly in Europe where, in general, the dress code is country club casual, with cruisers turning up the notch a bit for the captain's night and farewell dinner, showing up dressed as they would be for a fine restaurant. In Southeast Asia, the line urges cruisers to travel lighter with smart casual clothing for the welcome and farewell dinners, and in Africa the rule is casual throughout.
In all destinations, AmaWaterways offers free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and bottled water, and in Europe, Vietnam and Cambodia, a complimentary shore excursion is provided in each port. In Africa all excursions are included in the fare. On all European river cruises (except Portugal), there is complimentary sparkling wine and juices at breakfast, and beer, soft drinks and unlimited wines at lunch and dinner, plus a cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer and spirits. These same cruises provide free bikes and helmets for independent use in port. In Vietnam and Cambodia, cruisers have complimentary soft drinks, juices, house brand spirits, local beers, filtered coffee and tea during the cruise, with free flowing wine with lunch and dinner onboard and bottled water, replenished daily. In Africa complimentary wine and beer is served with all lunch and dinners onboard. Gratuities, laundry, spa and beauty services and some shore excursions carry an additional fee, as do premium alcoholic beverages and drinks outside of meal times.
The destinations visited are the main draw for cruises on an Ama sailing, and passengers take advantage of shore excursions that range from Gentle to Active Walker groups; there's even a concentrated Late Starter option for people who want to sleep in but still see key tour highlights. In Europe there are also guided bicycle and hiking tours in some cities along the way. While sailing, wine tastings and lectures draw a crowd, and when nothing is on the schedule, cruisers are just as happy to relax on deck or in the lounge and watch the scenery go by or read. Some afternoons local cultural groups come onboard to perform and share their heritage. AmaWaterways has found that many of its passengers want active pursuits onboard, so the line established a wellness program onboard. Passengers do relax in the lounges, but they also show up for stretch sessions, yoga, cardio/core strengthening, resistance band workouts and circuit training. There are quite a few reasons to be in your stateroom, too; the line's Entertainment-On-Demand system not only provides high-speed internet access but also movies, music and English language TV stations.
