Known as “The Godfather of River Cruising,” Rudi Schreiner doesn’t hesitate when asked to pick his favorite cruise route. Growing up in Vienna, Rudi developed a deep conntection to the beautiful Danube.

Now co-founder and president of AmaWaterways, Rudi’s reply is, not surprisingly, that his favorite cruise itinerary is on his beloved Danube.

“The Danube flows through the heart of Europe, offering a river cruise that combines the charm of three capital cities – Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava – with the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley,” Rudi said in a press release.

“These cities are close to each other, ensuring short cruising distances and ample time to explore,” he says. “Vienna, with its rich history, classical music scene, charming wine villages, coffee houses and imperial sites like Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palace, is a highlight. Easily accessible with roundtrip flights to Budapest, it’s a year-round itinerary, ideal for any season.”

                                                ‘Best of the Danube’

In honor of “Rudi’s favorite cruise,” AmaWaterways has announced a new “Best of the Danube” itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Budapest, with 15 departures in 2025 and 14 in 2026.

Special early-season sailings (Rudi’s favorite time to see the Danube) are departing on February 23 and March 2, 2025, and Feb. 8, 15, 22 and March 1, 2026,  on AmaWaterways’ Flagship, the award-winning AmaMagna. Later season departures in 2025 and 2026 will sail on AmaBella, AmaReina, AmaViola and AmaLea.

The seven-night itinerary takes guests through the capital cities of three countries – Austria’s Vienna, Slovakia’s Bratislava and Hungary’s Budapest – spending full days in each. Excursions are plentiful with bike and walking tours, food tasting opportunities, visits to cathedrals and palaces, hikes and freely exploring some of Europe’s most popular sites – without the crowds.

Highlights include sampling the traditional foods and beers of Slovakia; touring the UNESCO site of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous active monasteries dating back to the 11th century; a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city, heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard; and exploring the many treasures of Budapest with the city’s Castle District and breathtaking panorama views on the Buda side and the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building on the Pest side.

                                                   AmaMagna features

Onboard the state-of-the-art AmaMagna (Feb 23 and March 2 sailings), guests can relax in the heated Sun Deck pool and whirlpool, participate in various exercise and relaxation classes led by AmaWaterways’ dedicated wellness host, play a round of pickleball at the ship’s onboard court, enjoy a soothing onboard massage or salon service at the spacious Zen Wellness Studio and much more. Guests can extend their river cruise experience with a two-night pre-cruise land package in Budapest that is fully escorted by AmaWaterways’ cruise managers.

Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a complimentary Wellness Program in Europe and on the Mekong with a variety of host-led fitness classes and much more.

                                            About AmaWaterways

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025).

Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options) and award- winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine.

Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars.

Ed. Note: Please contact us for more information and to book a cruise Crown Cruise Vacations | Cruise Getaways You Can Afford.

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