Set sail with us on-board AmaWaterways

Join our team on-board two AmaWaterways’ ships – AmaCerto and AmaPrima – as they set sail along the Danube for an unforgettable experience.

Our very own Product Manager, Rebecca Welsby, enjoyed a trip aboard AmaWaterways, visiting stunning destinations, sampling the fine foods and exploring this wonderful waterway for herself. Read on to see what she thought of these ships and their itineraries.

Initial impressions

From start to finish the cruising experience with AmaWaterways was seamless. After arriving at the port in our taxi transfer, we were greeted by three AmaWaterways employees who noted our names, took our luggage and prepared our keys for our room before we had even stepped on-board – we were early too!

The sail away in Budapest is a particular memory that will stay with me for a lifetime. The Illuminations cruise was absolutely beautiful and an experience that left me wanting to return to Budapest.

Life on-board

Dining and drinks

The food on-board both AmaCerto and AmaPrima was on another level. We were never left hungry and there were so many options throughout the day to choose from including three breakfast times, two lunch options and an incredible five-course-dinner in the evening.

As well as these, there were various snack options throughout the day including the optional tapas dishes on-board AmaPrima which you can request in the lounge. Food in unlimited with plenty available – I made my way through a good share of chicken and steak sandwiches to last a lifetime!

In the evenings the menu was often tailored to where you were docked or had visited that day, with dishes inspired by local cuisine allowing you to experience even more of the destinations on-board. Food portions were just enough, meaning you didn’t over indulge.

On two of the evenings there was something on the main menu which I wasn’t sure I would like, so I requested an additional side meal from the ‘Always Available’ section which was never too much trouble for the staff. Both times this happened my side meal was served as a full portion which left me very happy!

Drinks with lunch and dinner are included throughout the cruise, though we rarely needed to buy any drinks at other times. Throughout lunch and dinner, the drinks are generous and unlimited, with waiters even topping up your glass before you leave the table.

There was also a ‘Sip and Sail’ hour before dinner where a cocktail of the day was available, as well as any other drinks you like. Water was available on the ship wherever you needed it and you often saw staff walking around offering bottles of cold water if needed.

Some of my favourites included the Lemon Martini which was the cocktail of the day on our first night aboard AmaPrima – we had four each before dinner! The ice cream at lunch every day was delicious and unlimited with three flavours and multiple toppings you could put on yourself.

While in Durnstein we also enjoyed a BBQ after our fortress hike excursion, which the cruise line hosted on the top deck. The day was hot and there were drink waiters walking around offering the same beverages as in the restaurants so you could order your favourite tipple.

Service

Due to low river levels between Linz and Regensburg, we were unable to continue on-board AmaCerto. Unfortunately this happens from time to time due to extreme weather conditions such as too much rainfall or temperatures reaching too high. Most cruise lines have contingency plans in place should this happen and AmaWaterways had it completely under control.

We were transferred from AmaCerto to AmaPrima in Regensburg, with the guests aboard AmaPrima doing vice versa as they were on a reverse itinerary. Other than having to pack and unpack our suitcase again, there was no problem transferring between the ships and it was very straightforward.

AmaWaterways even included two full-day excursions for free – one of which was worth €70pp – to enjoy on the day of the transfer. We left our suitcases outside our cabin on the morning of, went for breakfast as usual and joined our tour. We weren’t able to have lunch on-board as it was a full-day, so AmaWaterways also gave us €20 each to buy lunch. We then drove to AmaPrima and walked straight on-board to our cabin which was in the same location with the same number – simple!

Every member of staff we spoke to on both AmaCerto and AmaPrima was beyond exceptional. They were kind and helpful, rarely letting your do anything yourself and no request was too much for them.

Our stateroom attendant was friendly and efficient. We could leave our room for 30 minutes at breakfast and our room was cleaned and done up before we returned. During the ‘Sip and Sail’ happy hour, the bar staff were always chatty and friendly, we rarely had to ask for a drink as they were happy to top it up.

Our favourite members of staff were the Cruise Manager and Hotel Manager on-board AmaCerto, who were both chatty and friendly, always making an effort to make conversation when passing. Considering the fact each staff member sees over 150 people weekly, it’s a lovely touch that they remember your name and personal tastes within the first day.

Itinerary

Our itinerary was beautiful, with a unique memory from each port of call. For excursions, we opted for the cruise line’s own shore excursions which are included in the price. These included various options to suit each guests from gentle walking and bus tours to active, fast-walking tours in city centres. Each shore excursion had a guide who was incredible knowledgeable and I couldn’t fault them in any way.

The guides were truly passionate about the cities and knew everything there was about the places we explored. Most tours were only a few hours long and included free time to roam the city by yourself. I felt these were the perfect length and it gave us time to explore and then return to the ship for more food.

Final verdict

Our sailing was sensational, despite having the transfer between. Leaving the ship was just as simple, with the cruise line booking our taxi back to the airport and sort out luggage in the morning without any hesitation.

Vienna was my favourite city and somewhere I’d definitely return to. The architecture was stunning and every corner brought more magnificent buildings to see. Durnstein was my favourite for excursions, with vineyards to walk through, hiking trails and fortresses where the views were breath-taking and something I will remember forever.

If you’re keen to set sail along the Danube with AmaWaterways, browse our best sailings and lookout for cruises on-board AmaPrima and AmaCerto.

Call our Cruise Concierge team on 0800 197 0854 for expert advice and award-winning customer service with your booking and any questions you may have.