AmaMagna makes her Danube debut

THE increasing global demand for luxury travel experiences, particularly from the US market, has been a key driver in the AmaWaterways’ development of the new AmaMagna ( pictured), which will be formally named in Austria tomorrow.

The ship, which at 22m is twice the width of traditional river vessels, provides significantly more opportunity to target upmarket demand, according to Ama President Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst, who are this week hosting dignitaries on the new vessel.

Rather than just boosting capacity, the much bigger ship carries only about 20% more passengers, with Schreiner telling

CW, “There is a strong demand for luxury...when people travel far, they want to travel in style”.

Karst noted that the new ship would help service demand from travel advisors who in some cases wanted to book multiple suites for groups travelling together.

“A traditional river cruise ship only has four suites, so we would sometimes lose the booking because they would choose an ocean cruise instead where the staterooms are so much bigger.”

AmaMagna’s cabins are almost all suites, starting from 34m2.

The Grand Suites are sized at 44m2, while the Owner’s Suite (65m2) features beds facing the river, a bathtub, separate shower and spacious seating areas.

AmaMagna also serves the family market with connecting staterooms, while the variety of public areas are ideal to allow groups to congregate without disturbing other passengers.