Pork, Pilsner,and Palaces along the Upper Danube.

AmaLea Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 7
Helpful Votes: 89

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
AmaLea

7 Night Melodies Of The Danube (Budapest To Vilshofen)

Sail date: May 11, 2024

Ship: AmaLea

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 3 months ago

Review summary

This was our fourth river cruise with AmaWaterways and similar to our first three it exceeded all expectations. River cruising is a great way to see and experience Europe. Each day we were off the ship exploring some new town or city. The fitness minded in our ranks often exceeded 20,000 steps per day. Meeting our fellow passengers while visiting the lands of our forefathers is truly a highlight of our cruising experience. The more of the world we see,the smaller it becomes, and the difference between its peoples doesn’t seem so great.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
All transfers arranged by AmaWaterways. We were picked up at the airport by private vehicle. and taken to a five star hotel in Budapest to begin our three day pre-cruise land tour. The hotel was located in downtown and within a short walking distance of restaurants, museums, and many historical sites. On embarkation day, we were transported to our ship minutes away from the hotel. Everything went very smoothly with no unexpected hitches.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Meals were excellent and often represented the food and drink in the locality we were visiting. While most of the 140 passengers ate casually in the main dining room, lighter fare was available for breakfast and lunch in the lounge. Outside dining on the deck was also available. Service was A+.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
The ship travelled mostly at night so that passengers could sight see in each day’s port of call. The ship has a small pool, walking track, and various oversized yard games on the top deck. A small fitness room is onboard, as well as, a fitness instructor offering a variety of small group activities to those seeking yoga, stretching, and similar activities. Bicycles are available in port to passengers seeking to tour the sites via two wheeling.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Local singers and dancers are brought onboard to entertain in the lounge after dinner. On the last night passengers could attend an Octoberfest complete with a German band, large pretzels, and all you cared to drink beer. A pianist plays late into the evening for those wishing to dance the night away.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Service and the crew’s attitude providing it is FANTASTIC!!! There is approximately 50 total staff members taking care of the needs of the140 passengers. A family relationship exists amongst passengers and crew by the cruise end.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
AmaWaterways’ ships have the lowest draft and are still motoring up and down the rivers when other ships can no longer sail and passengers are forced to use buses. These ship are well designed and while cozy passengers never feel crowded.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Small (194 sq. ft.) but comfortable, With a French balcony. Plenty of storage. Free WiFi. The room steward kept it immaculate.

Ship tip

Come prepared to meet people and make new friends.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Excellent, we did a four day post-cruise tour in Prague. Once again, we were put up in a five star hotel with AmaWaterways coordinating tours and transfers. On the final day, we were escorted to the airport by a ship’s representative who assisted us with baggage drop-off and flight check-in.
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