ama danube river cruises 2023

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Melodies of the Danube 2023

• Introduction
• Day 1 Embarkation – Budapest, Hungary
• Day 2 Budapest
• Day 3 Bratislava, Slovakia
• Day 4 Vienna, Austria
• Day 5 Weissenkirchen – Grein
• Day 6 Linz, Austria
• Day 7 Passau, Germany – Vilshofen
• Day 8 Vilshofen – Disembarkation

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by amawaterways.

AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. All Three brought tremendous experience, knowledge and dedication to the venture. Rudi was one of river cruising’s pioneers, having introduced the modern-day river cruise concept to the market. Kristin brought with her vast sales and customer service experience. And Jimmy Murphy is the founder and former owner of Brendan Vacations. Their combined expertise and passion for the river cruise business results in a river cruise vacation experience that will exceed expectations. With more than 20 different itineraries to choose from, the river cruise vacation of a lifetime awaits with AmaWaterways!

AmaWaterways Ship

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.8
• Itinerary Excellent 5.0
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Excellent 4.7
• Food Excellent 4.7
• Tour Operator AmaWaterways 4.6
• CK Caitlin · 17th January 2020 A fantastic trip- only wish it was longer! The entire crew was great and the ship was extremely comfortable. The organized day trips/tours were spot on. Trip date: December 2019
• AC Anucha · 27th November 2019 Super clean ship with friendly staff. The cruise manager, Vanessa, was so cheerful and full of energy plus she really cared about passengers. I had a cabin on the third deck at the end of the ship, the noise from the engine room was so loud and the... Show more Trip date: November 2019
• RK Rita · 30th August 2018 A trip of a lifetime! Trip date: August 2018

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• Wednesday 19 Mar, 2025 Wednesday 26 Mar, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaSonata €2,984 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Saturday 22 Mar, 2025 Saturday 29 Mar, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaMora €3,080 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Wednesday 26 Mar, 2025 Wednesday 2 Apr, 2025 English Multiple Room Types €3,177 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Wednesday 2 Apr, 2025 Wednesday 9 Apr, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaSonata €3,273 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Saturday 5 Apr, 2025 Saturday 12 Apr, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaMora €3,561 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Monday 14 Apr, 2025 Monday 21 Apr, 2025 English Multiple Room Types €3,465 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Saturday 19 Apr, 2025 Saturday 26 Apr, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaMora €3,465 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Saturday 26 Apr, 2025 Saturday 3 May, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaLea €3,946 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Monday 28 Apr, 2025 Monday 5 May, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaVerde €3,658 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
• Saturday 10 May, 2025 Saturday 17 May, 2025 English Multiple Room Types AmaLea €3,754 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro Austria and Germany Ft Forint Hungary

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Austria, Germany and Hungary. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Hungary. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Hungary. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 20th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 20th July 2024, a minimum payment of €385 is required to confirm your booking with AmaWaterways. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• The following cards are accepted for "AmaWaterways" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Danube River

Captured in art, poetry and music, the Danube River is one of the world’s most romantic waterways. Itineraries wind through Germany and Austria and often into Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. 

These sailings are hassle-free and easy to budget. Along with accommodations, the price you pay upfront covers meals, beverages, onboard entertainment and sightseeing excursions.

• Save up to $3,000 per couple on river cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires April 30. Click here .

• Save $2,000 per couple off 2025 holiday cruises in select cabin categories. Plus, receive a FREE one-category stateroom upgrade in certain cabin categories and a $100 per stateroom onboard credit. Expires April 30. Click here .
• Save up to $4,000 per couple off summer sailings. Plus, receive a FREE one-category stateroom upgrade in certain cabin categories and a $50 per stateroom onboard credit. Expires April 30. Click here .

• Cruise News

AmaWaterways Reveals 2023 River Cruise Schedule

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• April 19, 2021

River line AmaWaterways has announced its 2023 Europe river cruise schedule, a full seven months ahead of when it normally releases future itineraries. A record level of bookings in March confirmed strong pent-up demand for river cruising, leading the line to release these new voyages early.

“Reservations for our 2022 season are the strongest we have ever seen. We have already received such incredible group and charter interest for our 2023 itineraries that we decided to move ahead quickly and open up these cruises for individual bookings,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways.

New Itineraries

Here are some new routes for 2023:

• Five-night Majestic Capitals of the Danube — Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna with optional land packages in Kraków, Poland or Salzburg, Austria
• Seven-night Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube — Budapest to Vienna with concern experiences mixed in with other included excursions
• Two long Seven River Journeys through 14 countries in spring and summer — The summer cruise has limited availability due to pre-launch demand, but the spring sailing is open for reservations.

In addition to these new experiences, there are 10 different itineraries exploring cities and villages along the Rhine, Moselle, and Main rivers in addition to the popular ‘Enticing Douro’ and ‘Flavors of Portugal & Spain’ itineraries. Five ships will be sailing in France, each with a different itinerary.

Combining Cruises

Travelers will have the ability to combine multiple itineraries, and save 10 percent on the second or third river cruise. Another option is to add on a land package before or after the cruise to extend your European vacation.

New pre and post-cruise land packages available to book for 2023 include:

• A three-night St. Malo package with the ‘Impressions of the Seine & Paris’ itinerary
• A three-night Geneva, Switzerland and three-night French Riviera with the ‘Essence of Burgundy & Provence’ itinerary

“I am very optimistic on the future of river cruising and as a pioneer in this sector, we are always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our guests while working closely with the local communities to offer unique experiences that AmaWaterways is known for,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways.

Early Booking Reward

Those who want to book their 2023 vacation sooner rather than later can take advantage of AmaWaterways’ Early Booking Reward. Those who reserve their voyage by June 30, 2021 will receive a 5 percent savings on balcony cabins and suites.

READ MORE:  Which River Cruise Lines Are Best for Kids?

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ON SELECT 2020 CRUISES

INTRODUCING AMAMAGNA

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

Rivers: Danube

Ships: AmaBella, AmaLea, AmaSonata, AmaVerde, AmaViola

Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians.

Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Austria

Ships: AmaBella, AmaVerde

Touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube.

Countries: France

Rivers: Seine

Ships: AmaDante, AmaLyra

Blend a passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture and the timeless landscapes of Northern France.

Enjoy the excitement of reserving your river journey with more flexibility! Plan your river cruise now and protect your purchased services by adding our enhanced Travel Waiver Plus .

From our heritage to our innovations, included amenities and unparalleled service, discover why the best way to travel through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America is with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™.

Special savings and promotions are available on select sailings! See how you can save and contact your travel advisor to receive the greatest value on your river cruise vacation.

Reserve a Combination River Cruise and save an additional 10% on subsequent sailings.

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8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

E urope is a continent built on its rivers, with many having played a vital role in the formation and development of its most important cities. From the Thames to the Tiber, they are a ever-flowing reminder of the continent’s long and varied history.

The opportunity to sail along these rivers, among the world’s most beautiful and peaceful waterways, is a temptation that’s easily given in to. Of course, a river cruise is about more than just spending time floating on the water (although that option is available, should you wish). It’s about the towns, cities and landmarks along the way.

These trips will take you on a relaxing and slow-paced journey to vineyards and valleys, tours and excursions, returning each night to your own floating hotel. Each day offers quick stops to discover some of the continent’s most important culture at your own pace.

The Independent has rounded up eight of the best Europe river cruise packages, from epic continental crossing and to the finest Christmas markets to explore.

Capitals of Eastern Europe, Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises’ Capitals of Eastern Europe itinerary is a 16-night trip covering the main cities on the Danube. It sets sail from Vienna, the elegant and sophisticated Austrian capital, and it finishes in Constanta, Romania, before a quick final journey over land to Bucharest to end your trip with a two-night stay.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Best European holiday destinations to visit by train from London
• Escape to the Chateaux: Why you should book a trip to the Loire Valley
• Best budget European city breaks for your 2023 bucket list

On the way you’ll visit a host of towns in Hungary, Serbia and even Bulgaria, but on this trip the bigger cities are the main attraction. Vienna is followed by Bratislava – where Baroque palaces meet a typically Eastern European Old Town – and then Budapest . The Hungarian capital is a highlight: from festooned “ruin bars” and thermal baths to a spectacular neo-Gothic parliament building, the city has a wide variety of architecture, activities and things to do.

How to book

The tour lasts for 17 days, starting from £3,795pp. This price includes return flights, one excursion in each port of call and all meals. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

North Rhine & The Netherlands, TUI

Alongside the Danube, the Rhine is one of Europe’s main cruise rivers. Many operators have several Rhine packages; TUI’s offering covers a stellar range of cities for a very affordable price. It’s ships have two dining options (a bistro and a more formal restaurant) with al fresco seating, as well as a wellness and activity area on the top deck. No excursions are included, but this does give you free rein to choose whatever activities you like.

The first two days are spent in Amsterdam , where you’ll have ample time to wander its canals and green spaces, such as the Vondelpark, or visit attractions such as the Anne Frank museum, Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum.

Days three and four bring you to Rotterdam and Dusseldorf. You can enjoy the port area in Netherlands ’ second city or simply marvel at its dramatically different modern architecure, while Dusseldorf provides a variety of museums and concerts alongside a lively Old Town. On days five to seven, you’ll visit four picturesque riverside cities and towns: Bonn, Koblenz, Boppard and Oberwesel. There are waterfront bars and restaurants galore, and each has its own slice of history (think of a Beethoven museum in Bonn and a memorial to the ruler who united Germany in Koblenz).

From £1,219pp for this seven-night trip, including three meals per day (you can add coffees, alcohol and other drinks on an all-inclusive basis for an extra £20 per night) and return flights. tui.co.uk

The Douro, Riviera Travel

A trip along the northern Douro river can offer views to rival even the most idyllic of Algarve beaches. This trip starts in Porto , where bars and restaurants line the banks in the Ribeira (Riverside) district, but it is worth climbing the various hills to see other areas and sites, such as the cathedral and Dom Luis I Bridge.

After setting off along the Douro, your first two stops are Pinhao – a picturesque wine town, famous for being at the heart of the Port-producing region of the country – and Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th-century walled village located in the highlands. Day four will see you visit Salamanca, the Spanish sandstone city famous for its cathedrals and university.

The next two days are spent in Peso da Régua and Lamego – two small hillside towns – before returning to Porto on day seven. The cruises ends here but the holiday isn’t; this package also contains a three-night stay in Lisbon . After travelling to the capital by coach, you’ll visit the nearby towns of Coimbra (day eight) and Sintra (day 10), while you’ll have a day in the capital sandwiched in between; while in Lisbon, take in the city’s unique Manueline and Pombaline architecture while wandering through its grand squares, and visit Sao Jorge castle or the city’s famous Time Out Market.

This 11-day cruise is priced from £2,128pp, including all meals on board, excursions, airport transfers and coach travel where necessary.  rivieratravel.co.uk

The Rhone, Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruises’ luxury Rhone sailing takes you through some of the best sections of southern France , starting in Lyon . The regional capital has 2,000 years of history, so it’s blessed with a Roman amphitheatre right through to a Renaissance Old Town. Your first trip will take you north along the Saone river to Macon, a famous wine region in Burgundy.

The next two towns, Vienne and Viviers, offer spectacular views of the Rhone before you arrive in Avignon for two nights. You can enjoy a private concert at the Palais des Papes – once a Papal residence – as well as a cooking class onboard, but a visit to the city itself is worth it to wander its narrow streets and charming squares, starting with the Place de l’Horloge. Your final day takes you to Arles, at the mouth of the Rhone – from here, you can travel home, stay in the city or carry on towards Marseille .

Prices start at £1,863pp for the eight-day cruise. The package includes 20 meals, the premium concert experience, cooking lessons and 19 shore activities, ranging from walking tours to wine tastings. scenic.co.uk

Holland & Belgium, Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s eight-day cruise of the Low Countries is an excellent way to experience some of the region’s best cities in a relaxing way. It starts and ends in Amsterdam , where you’ll have a number of nights to wander its scenic network of canals lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings.

When you move onto Belgium, you’ll visit Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp on consecutive days. More tranquil canals await you in Ghent, and those who enjoy being by the water can continue this in Antwerp’s waterfront area. Brussels has more than its fair share of landmarks and museums (all centred around Grand Place, main square and Unesco Heritage Site), but the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and St Bavo’s Cathedral (Ghent) are definitely places to visit during the other stops. Day six will take you to Rotterdam before you head back to the Dutch capital.

From £1,635pp. Meals and some activities are included; there are additional excursions in each destination that can be purchased. avalonwaterways.co.uk

Danube Delights, Emerald Cruises

This trip from Emerald Cruises takes you along the famous river to Regensburg. It starts with two nights in Budapest , with a traditional Hungarian folklore show and tour of Buda Hill on offer, along with any solo sightseeing you’d like to do. Days three and four take you to Bratislava and Vienna, where you can enjoy cycling tours and hikes.

Krems and Durnstein are the last two stops in Austria before you head to Passau, the German “City of Three Rivers”. At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city is home to an impressive cathedral and Old Town. After disembarking at Regensburg, you make your way to Munich , where a good plan is to spend time exploring the Bavarian capital before you fly home.

From £1,995pp for this eight-day cruise, which includes five guided tours, 20 meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board. emeraldcruises.co.uk

Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Ama Waterways

There’s something quite special about experienceing Christmas celebrations on a river cruise through Europe. On this AmaWaterways voyage, you sail the Rhine, boarding in Amsterdam and with a first stop in Cologne. The Gothic cathedral provides the backdrop for one of the country’s best Christmas markets, where you’ll find dozens of stalls selling festive items, many of it handmade. Other markets include the more elaborate Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town and the Markt der Engel (a more rustic affair in the city’s Neumarkt square). For those who want to mix in a bit of sightseeing, the Museum Ludwig and Roman-Germanic Museum can give you a taste of arts and history.

Next on the itinerary you’ll visit the German towns of Heidelberg and Speyer, where more markets await, before arriving in Strasbourg, France. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of French and German culture, a warm festive spirit and plenty of opportunities to wander the markets that are spread throughout the town. Wander further afield and you’ll find Petite France, a pretty district known for cobblestone streets and canals. Holidaymarkers return to Germany for the penultimate stop in Breisach, before disembarking in Basel (though you can always stay in Switzerland for a taste of Swiss Christmas markets).

From £2,254, including meals and some activitie; flights and airport transfer not included. amawaterways.co.uk

European Sojourn, Viking River Cruises

This ultimate itinerary bisects Europe to take passengers from Amsterdam to Bucharest, via sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube among other European rivers. Along the way, passngers will visit some of Europe’s principal cities – think Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna – smaller (but just as beautiful) riverside settlements such as Passau and Bamberg, and lesser-known towns including Vidin and Kolocsa.

Hidden gems range from Melk, an Austrian town in the underrated Wachau Valley wine-making region, Osijek, the fourth-largest city in Croatia, and Kinderdijk, a Dutch village famous for its set of 19 windmills. With 23 days, eight countries, 20 towns and cities, and at least 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, there’ll be plenty to see as you traverse the length of central Europe.

From £5,395pp, including flights, 19 guided tours, all meals, transfers and amenities. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Europe

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Travel Alert Advisory

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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CRUISE FROM :

At a glance.

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Experience More Connections

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