{"id":11421,"date":"2013-08-02T08:49:31","date_gmt":"2013-08-02T14:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?p=11421"},"modified":"2022-05-28T07:42:04","modified_gmt":"2022-05-28T11:42:04","slug":"amawaterways-reviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/2013\/08\/amawaterways-reviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Continuing Our AmaWaterways Reviews: Introducing The New AmaPrima"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As part of our continuing series of AmaWaterways<\/a> reviews for River Cruise Advisor<\/a>, I’m in Vienna, Austria, to experience innovations on the newly-launched AmaPrima<\/strong> \u2014 including a heated swimming pool with swim-up bar and an aft-facing specialty restaurant. The views should be spectacular as we cruise along the Danube river through the middle of next week. On Tuesday, I’ll be reporting from Vilshofen, Germany, where AmaPrima will be christened, before disembarking on Wednesday. Join me as we travel on the new AmaPrima along AmaWaterways’ Melodies of the Danube itinerary. \u2014 Ralph Grizzle<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Pushing<\/a>
AmaPrima under a pink dusk sky on the Danube, approaching Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I’ve just stepped on board the new AmaPrima<\/a>, and she is a stunner. You’ll learn more about AmaWaterways’ newest vessel this week as we cruise along the Danube toward Vilshofen, Germany, where AmaPrima will be christened on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"amaprima<\/a>
The bed looks tempting. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I also have the good fortune to be cruising with two of the line’s founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst. I’ll try to glean their insights about river cruising and AmaWaterways’ future initiatives. Seems there is always something new happening at AmaWaterways. The company that started in 2002 now operates more than a dozen vessels in Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia<\/a>, and Africa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out our story about what’s new, AmaWaterways Launches 2014 Brochure<\/a> as well as Aaron Saunders’ interview<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Where Are We Going On AmaPrima?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most passengers boarded July 31 in Budapest<\/a> and were able to tour that lovely city. This morning, AmaPrima docked in Bratislava<\/a>, capital of Slovakia, before cruising to Vienna<\/a>, the music capital of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"One<\/a>
One of the most harrowing sites: the “Shoes along the Danube” monument in Budapest, honoring the Jews who were shot here by facist militia men during World War II. Photo \u00a9 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If I make it on board in time, I’ll be able to experience (and share with you tomorrow) a traditional \u201cViennese Wine and Music\u201d evening in a rustic wine tavern outside the city. I’d love to taste a glass of newly pressed, locally grown and produced wine along with Austrian music and friendly Viennese hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"vienna<\/a>
Bikes offer a good way to see Vienna. \u00a9 2011 Ralph Grizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Tomorrow morning, still in Vienna, we’ll get a complimentary guided sightseeing tour, which will include the Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen\u2019s Cathedral. With the afternoon free, I may stroll along the K\u00e4rntnerstrasse or head to a coffee shop \u2014 or join an optional tour to Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace. In the evening, I’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert. AmaWaterways always includes free tours as well as optional tours for reasonable fees on its river cruises in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday, we’ll visit D\u00fcrnstein<\/a>, where we will take a walking tour along the town\u2019s medieval cobblestoned streets. We will see the magnificent blue fa\u00e7ade of the local Stiftskirche and the ruined castle, high on a hill, where Richard the Lionhearted was once imprisoned.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Stift Melk overlooks the entire town of Melk, Austria and the Danube River. Photo \u00a9 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I also plan to pedal the scenic guided bike tour from D\u00fcrnstein to Melk<\/a>, if there enough bicycles for me to do so. In the afternoon in Melk, we’ll tour the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe\u2019s largest Baroque-style monasteries and the inspiration for the novel “The Name of the Rose.” AmaPrima moors overnight in Melk, giving me time for an evening stroll along the Blue Danube.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
The beautiful town of Cesky Krumlov, seen from Cesky Krumlov Castle. Photo \u00a9 2012 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Monday, we arrive in Linz<\/a>, the second largest city in Austria. We have the choice of three different excursions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. The scenic \u201cSalzkammergut\u201d region (Austrian Lake District), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will explore the historic town of Gmunden; <\/li>
  2. The Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border; <\/li>
  3. Or Salzburg, Mozart\u2019s birthplace, where we are offered a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the \u201cSound of Music.\u201d I wonder if the hills are alive?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    On Tuesday, we cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Our included city tour takes us around this charming city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Highlights include St. Stephan\u2019s Cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in the world. As an alternative, we can explore the city on a guided bike tour. Sounds fun as I’ve already seen the cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the afternoon, AmaPrima cruises to the medieval town of Vilshofen, where we’ll witness a traditional christening ceremony for the newest member of AmaWaterways’ family, the AmaPrima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wednesday, we disembark and head to Munich for, you guess it, another adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \n \"AmaCerto\"\/\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    AmaCerto<\/h3>\n

    AmaCerto docked In Vienna, awaiting the new AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"AmaCerto\"\/\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    AmaCerto<\/h3>\n

    AmaCerto docked In Vienna, awaiting the new AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Church\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Church of Many Names<\/h3>\n

    St. Francis of Assisi Church, also known as the Kaiser Jubilee Church and the Mexico Church, is a Basilica-style Catholic church in Vienna, Austria. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"The\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    The New AmaPrima Arrives<\/h3>\n

    Coming from Bratislava, AmaPrima's makes her way to Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Pushing\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Pushing Water AmaPrima<\/h3>\n

    AmaPrima under a pink dusk sky on the Danube, approaching Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Aft\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Aft On AmaPrima<\/h3>\n

    New for AmaWaterways: An aft restaurant on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Sunset\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Sunset On The Danube<\/h3>\n

    As AmaPrima approaches her docking space in Vienna, the sun is setting. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Docked\"\/\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Docked<\/h3>\n

    AmaCerto made room for the new AmaPrima to dock alongside. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Side\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Side By Side<\/h3>\n

    Two beautiful river cruisers in Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Comfortably\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Comfortably Docked<\/h3>\n

    AmaPrima and AmaCerto side by side. Walk through the lobby of one to get to the other. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"My\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    My Stateroom, 216<\/h3>\n

    Category AB on Cello Deck, measuring 235 square feet, with French balcony and step-out balcony, floor-to-ceiling mirror, flat panel television with free movies and internet, spacious wardrobe, desk and dressing table, refrigerator, safe and marble bath with rainforest shower. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Ready\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Ready To Jump In Now<\/h3>\n

    The bed looks tempting. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Lots\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Lots of Space<\/h3>\n

    Measuring 235 square feet, with French balcony and step-out balcony, my room features lots of space. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Welcome\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Welcome Aboard<\/h3>\n

    AmaWaterways includes bottled water as well as wine and beer during lunch and dinner. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Cozy\"\/\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Cozy<\/h3>\n

    Feels like home already. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Stateroom\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Stateroom 216 Desk & TV<\/h3>\n

    The flat panel television features free movies and internet, while the desk doubles as a dressing table. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Nice\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Nice Artwork<\/h3>\n

    In my stateroom. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Spacious\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Spacious Bath<\/h3>\n

    Big sink, lots of marble counter space and a rainforest shower. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"Flip\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    Flip A Switch And ...<\/h3>\n

    The glass between the bathroom and bedroom turns opaque with the flip of a switch. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n

    \n \"AmaWaterways,\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n \n

    AmaWaterways, You've Come A Long Way<\/h3>\n

    The staterooms are like boutique hotel rooms, a far cry from what river cruising was about a decade ago. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

    Trouble viewing our slideshow? View using Flickr instead<\/a>.
    <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Also see . . .<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n