There is something rather special about arriving to sunshine in Budapest with the glimmer of a river ship waiting patiently at the quay. That was my first glimpse of AmaReina, her elegant exterior glistening in the afternoon light as we stepped aboard and into a week of relaxed discovery along the Danube.
This particular sailing, Best of the Danube, is one of AmaWaterways’ newest itineraries. It was personally chosen by Rudi Schreiner, Co-Founder of AmaWaterways, and reflects his deep affection for the region. The result is a thoughtfully crafted journey through some of Europe’s most cultural and historic riverside cities.
The welcome was immediate and personal. We were greeted with chilled glasses of champagne and ushered into the Lounge, a light-filled, beautifully presented space gently humming with soft piano music. The décor is bright and understated, with creamy tones, floral armchairs and comfortable seating that invites you to unwind. Our stateroom was not quite ready when we arrived, but the bar staff ensured we were looked after while we settled in and took in views of Budapest from the picture windows.
Cabin Accommodation
We were allocated Cabin 231, a French Balcony stateroom on Deck 2 towards the aft. While not overly spacious, the room is well-designed, featuring a queen-sized bed, crisp white linens, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that let in plenty of light and fresh air. The bathroom featured a rainfall shower and quality toiletries, and there was a good amount of hanging and shelf space in the wardrobe. Small touches, such as complimentary bottled water, umbrellas, and a daily turndown service, made it feel considered. There was even the option to change to sheets if preferred.
We also viewed one of the twin balcony staterooms, which featured both a French balcony and a step-out balcony. These are a good option for guests who enjoy private outdoor space. The only minor drawback was the absence of a kettle or coffee machine in the cabin, although hot drinks were always available in the Lounge.
Spaces to Relax and Recharge
AmaReina’s Lounge is the heart of the ship and becomes the setting for morning briefings, evening entertainment and casual daytime moments. It is bright, cheerful and always inviting. Afternoon tea is served here each day, complete with traditional sandwiches and homemade cakes. A bistro lunch is also offered, providing a lighter alternative to the Main Restaurant, with sandwiches, salads and a few regional dishes.
The Sun Deck is a standout. Spacious and well-equipped, it features a walking track, shaded seating areas and a small pool with a swim-up bar. The water was a little cool during our sailing, but it was still a pleasant place to sit and relax. One evening, we watched the stars from the deck until the early hours, a peaceful and memorable experience.
There is also a well-equipped gym on Deck 3 with cardio machines, free weights and yoga mats. The ship’s Wellness Host leads daily classes ranging from gentle stretching to full yoga sessions, which are a welcome addition for those wanting to stay active.
At the aft of the ship, the Chef’s Table offers a tasting menu experience in a more intimate setting. This is available to all guests once during the cruise and is well worth booking early. The food was beautifully prepared and presented, and the service throughout the meal was excellent.
Dining and Drinks
The Main Restaurant offers menus that reflect the regions visited, accompanied by local wines and beers at both lunch and dinner. There was always something tempting to try, and vegetarian or gluten-free diets were well catered for. The service was polished yet friendly, and the staff quickly learned the guests’ preferences.
Dining is open seating and dinner is served from 7pm. While this encourages social dining and a sense of community, guests who prefer a table for two may occasionally need to wait or share with others. That said, we met some wonderful fellow travellers during meals.
Entertainment and Enrichment
Evenings onboard are deliberately low-key. A resident pianist plays before and after dinner, creating a calm and elegant atmosphere. On a few evenings, local performers came aboard, including Hungarian dancers and vocalists. These were enjoyable and tied in nicely with the destinations visited.
Our itinerary, Best of the Danube, included several music-themed experiences, the most impressive of which was a private classical concert in Vienna, held inside the Minoriten Church. The acoustics were sublime, and the musicians were outstanding. There was also a charming private choir performance in Melk, and music-themed excursions in both Vienna and Budapest were available. Guests looking for active exploration could take advantage of complimentary bicycles. We joined two guided bike tours, one to Devin Castle from Bratislava and another through Vienna, both of which were leisurely and a fun way to explore.
Service and Crew
The service aboard AmaReina was consistently excellent. Crew members were warm, approachable and always seemed to know exactly what was needed. Many greeted us by name after the first day.
A special mention must go to Debbie, our Cruise Director, whose professionalism, charm and passion for the product truly shone through. She was ever-present, ensuring that every detail was handled smoothly and that all guests were having the experience they had hoped for.
Guest Experience and Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere on board AmaReina was informal and relaxed. Guests could choose to be as active or as laid back as they wished. On our sailing, there was a mix of couples, a honeymooning pair, solo travellers and a few extended family groups. Most were from Australia, Canada, Germany and Mexico.
There was never a sense of the ship being overcrowded. With only 114 guests on board, public spaces remained peaceful and well-paced. The lift onboard also made the ship accessible for those with limited mobility.
AmaReina
Seamless from Start to Finish
Both embarkation and disembarkation were straightforward and well-managed. We booked AmaWaterways’ own transfers, and everything was taken care of efficiently. Being able to board early and stay a little later on the final day was a significant benefit, especially considering the flight timings.
Final Thoughts of AmaReina
If you are looking to try river cruising or are considering a return to the Danube, I would highly recommend a voyage on AmaReina. The ship offers an elegant yet comfortable environment, a strong sense of hospitality and a well-curated itinerary.
The Best of the Danube sailing includes overnight stays in both Vienna and Budapest, as well as visits to Bratislava, Melk, and a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov. There is plenty of variety in the excursions with something suitable for all levels of mobility.
The music theme added a unique touch, with enriching performances and concerts that elevated the experience even further.
A Few Extra Touches
Some thoughtful features I particularly liked included the complimentary postcards posted for you at reception, hiking sticks for shore excursions and reading glasses available if needed. The pool is open into the night, and while the swim-up bar was not used much, the space itself added to the ship’s relaxed charm.
There were a few minor areas for improvement. There is no room service or in-room tea and coffee facilities, and more outdoor dining options would be a welcome addition. The Chef’s Table is excellent, although it would be nice to see it used more frequently or perhaps even offered as a second visit for those interested.
Overall, AmaReina provides an experience that is cultured, comfortable and just the right amount of indulgent. I would return in a heartbeat, though next time, I would add a night or two pre- or post-cruise to linger longer in these fascinating cities.
If you want to learn more about AmaWaterways or wish to discuss a future voyage, please email me or call 0800 008 6677.
