AmaMagna sails on the Danube
From a lone ship in 2002, AmaWaterways, a river cruise brand, now has a fleet of some two dozen vessels, including their newest – and biggest – the AmaMagna.
Founders president Rudi Schreiner and wife Kristin Karst focused on memories they would cherish as passengers. “We first had the vision for AmaMagna nearly seven years ago. Like the ship herself, the construction journey has been a one-of-a-kind involvement,” said Schreiner.
The AmaMagna, which is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, has journeyed across several bodies of water, symbolic of the boundaries it has has broken with its innovative take on leisure.
At 135 meters long and 22 meters wide, this vessel hosts 196 passengers. All staterooms and suites are appointed with stylish décor and natural wood accents, enough to rival premier boutique hotels on land.
The suites feature full outside balconies, open seating areas and luxurious bathrooms, complete with double sinks and walk-in showers. Six Grand Suites and an Owner’s Suite provide even more amenities with sizable bathrooms complete with spa-like bathtubs.
The other suites boast giant flat-screen TVs, Apple computers with free WiFi, glass-enclosed showers and separate bathrooms.
Exciting dining options abound.
The Al Fresco, with retractable ceiling and windows, situated in front of the ship, is open for self-service breakfast and lunches and sit-down dinners with vegetable-forward menus.
Jimmy’s Wine Bar, named after AmaWaterways’ late co-founder Jimmy Murphy, is a family-style diner decked with long wooden tables for a homey feel. Appetizers are served at the same time so sharing is encouraged, followed by simultaneously-served mains.
A seven-course menu awaits at the Chef’s Table, a restaurant that can accommodate one’s whims such as surf and turf for breakfast and omelettes and toast for dinner – yet with a fine dining approach and sterling service.
In all venues, wines, beers and sodas are complimentary for lunches and dinners, while the pre-dinner Sip and Sail cocktail hour at the lounge provides free-flowing drinks for everyone. For fitness buffs, AmaMagna has in-house gurus who host daily early morning stretching and warm-ups plus yoga classes to more intense programs as the day progresses. A gym is complimentary for all on board.
Relax at the spa or get pampered at the sun deck, where you can get massages, manicures and pedicures.
“We are excited to welcome AmaMagna into our repertoire of cruises on offer. Its groundbreaking amenities are what travellers should definitely line up for,” shared said Teresita Henderson, founder of Intas Destinations, a multidisciplinary travel and tour operator with over 30 years of experience, which represents AmaWaterways in the country. Due to its size, the AmaMagna sails on the Danube, where the locks are 24 meters wide, in seven-night cruises between Budapest and Vilshofen, sailing through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.
In 2020, she will embark on select one-week cruises in Eastern Europe, from Budapest to Giurgiu, and plans to progress through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
For more information, contact Intas Destinations at 7723314 or visit http://intastravel. com.