AmaWaterways AmaMagna Review: Sailing the Danube in Grand Style
There’s something wonderfully unhurried about drifting along the Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a new story etched into Europe’s landscape.
Our recent journey with AmaWaterways aboard the magnificent AmaMagna began with cobblestone wanderings through Prague’s Old Town, continued with the soft hum of the river from Vilshofen to Budapest, and concluded amid the timeless grandeur of Hungary’s capital.
Twice the width of most river ships, AmaMagna offers more space, more dining options, and an unmistakable sense of relaxed luxury. Yet what truly made the voyage special was watching the rhythm of Europe unfold one historic town at a time while enjoying our elegant floating hotel and its delectable cuisine.
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Before You Dive Into Our Review
Before we get into the details of our AmaWaterways AmaMagna review, a little housekeeping. During our journey we shared over 60 photos, videos and stories on our social channels. If you’d like to see a day-by-day look at this cruise — from Prague to Budapest — we invite you to follow us on our social media pages:
Dürnstein, Austria, along the Danube River
Why Sail the Danube?
The Danube is Europe’s second longest river and one of the most popular waterways for river cruisers. A cruise along its banks combines the right mix of history and vibrant culture — think grand capitals like Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg — with stunning scenery of vineyards, rolling hills, medieval castles and picturesque riverside towns.
The river flows through ten countries, giving travelers a chance to experience a variety of cultures without the hassle of repacking.
For North American travelers, the Danube is often a highly requested European river cruise route, thanks to the blend of art, music, food and history that can be enjoyed in a single trip.
On our sailing we were able to explore storybook Prague, visit fairytale towns like Dürnstein and Passau, cycle through vineyards in the Wachau Valley, and end our voyage under the glowing lights of Budapest. Whether you’re drawn by the music of Mozart and Strauss in Vienna, the baroque architecture of Bratislava, or the UNESCO-listed banks of the Danube in Budapest, this river offers something for every type of traveler.
Enjoy pickleball on the Danube!
AmaWaterways AmaMagna: The Ship
Stepping aboard the AmaMagna is like entering a new era of river cruising. Purpose-built to sail the Danube, this remarkable ship is twice the width of a traditional European river vessel, offering a sense of space and freedom unmatched on the rivers of Europe.
At 72 feet wide, the AmaMagna provides room for features unheard of on most river ships—without sacrificing the relaxed intimacy travelers love. She carries just 196 guests, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and personal.
How about a cycling class while sailing the Danube?
Her expanded design allows for four unique dining venues, a full fitness center and Zen Wellness Studio, and even a pickleball court on the Sun Deck. Guests can unwind in the heated pool or whirlpool, take yoga classes, or enjoy a treatment in the onboard spa.
The AmaMagna also shines for active travelers. Guests have access to a fleet of complimentary bicycles for guided or independent rides in port, and guided hiking excursions are offered in select destinations along the Danube. Whether you’re pedaling through Austrian vineyards or hiking to a castle viewpoint, these experiences create deeper connections to each destination.
Beyond her amenities, the AmaMagna embodies AmaWaterways’ commitment to space, wellness, and discovery — a perfect blend of elegance and adventure on Europe’s most storied river.
Staterooms and Suites Aboard the AmaMagna
There’s no question that AmaMagna sets a new benchmark for river cruise accommodations. At twice the width of traditional European river ships, it offers space and comfort more commonly found on ocean vessels — while maintaining the warmth and intimacy that make river cruising so special.
Guests can choose from 98 staterooms, the majority of which are elegant suite-style accommodations ranging from 252 to 710 square feet. Each suite features thoughtful design details such as full balconies, double vanities, separate sitting areas, and ample storage, ensuring travelers can unpack once and settle in for the journey in true comfort.
Among the ship’s highlights are:
- Owner’s Suite (710 sq. ft.) — the pinnacle of river cruise luxury, complete with a spacious living area, expansive balcony, and beautifully appointed bathroom.
- Grand Suites (474 sq. ft.) — elegantly designed with panoramic windows and generous lounge space.
- Category SA/SB Suites (355 sq. ft.) — among the most popular accommodations, offering open layouts and full balconies.
- Category AA/AB Staterooms (252–355 sq. ft.) — bright, well-appointed, and ideal for travelers seeking modern comfort with river views.
During our cruise, Carol and I stayed in Suite 203 (Category SB) on the Cello Deck, a truly lovely location mid-ship. You can take a peek inside our suite in this short Facebook video.
Across all categories, the décor reflects AmaWaterways’ trademark European sophistication — light wood tones, plush furnishings, and spa-like bathrooms with marble finishes.
When paired with the ship’s contemporary public spaces, multiple dining venues, and wellness-focused amenities, the stateroom experience aboard AmaMagna feels more like a luxury boutique hotel than a traditional river cruise vessel.
Traditional Wiener Schnitzel served aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna while sailing in Austria
Dining Aboard AmaMagna
We really enjoyed dining aboard AmaMagna. Because of the ship’s larger size, it was nice to have additional dining options available that most river ships simply don’t have the space to accommodate.
The variety of venues and menus gave us the flexibility to enjoy both elegant dinners and more relaxed, casual meals depending on our mood that day.
We enjoyed most of our dining in the Main Restaurant, as did many guests onboard. Each meal offered an eclectic mix of local specialties and what I’ll call “standard American favorites” — hamburgers, steaks, baked potatoes, and similar comfort foods for travelers who prefer something familiar.
- The Main Restaurant — The heart of daily dining aboard AmaMagna, offering both regional specialties and classic American favorites. Comfortable, elegant, and consistently excellent.
- The Chef’s Table — Our favorite dining experience of the voyage. This intimate, reservation-only venue features a multi-course tasting menu paired with regional wines and beautifully presented dishes. Highly recommended.
- Jimmy’s Wine Bar & Restaurant — A more laid-back venue with family-style seating, perfect for sharing plates and conversation. It offers the same high-quality cuisine in a fun, social setting.
- Al Fresco Restaurant — An inviting open-air space ideal for warmer weather, serving lighter fare with panoramic views of the Danube. It wasn’t used much on our chilly autumn sailing, but would be a lovely option in spring or summer.
All in all, we were very impressed with the quality of cuisine aboard AmaMagna. Every dish we tried was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, and we don’t recall hearing a single complaint from fellow guests. The combination of choice, flavor, and service made dining one of the true highlights of our AmaWaterways experience.
Sun Deck Pool, Whirlpool, and Sky Bar
Public Spaces & Amenities
Beyond the beautiful staterooms and dining venues, AmaMagna’s public spaces are thoughtfully designed to balance relaxation and connection. The ship’s inviting Main Lounge and Piano Bar serve as the social heart of the vessel — a place to enjoy live music, afternoon tea, or a quiet drink while watching the Danube glide by.
On the Sun Deck, guests can soak up panoramic views from the heated pool and whirlpool, or try their hand at a match on the pickleball court. For those seeking wellness on the water, the Zen Wellness Studio offers yoga classes, massage treatments, and a well-equipped fitness area. Whether you prefer a peaceful corner to read or an active morning on deck, AmaMagna offers a little of both.
Carol enjoys a Trdelnik in Prague
Itinerary Highlights: From Prague to Budapest
Our AmaWaterways journey began in Prague, where we enjoyed a pre-cruise stay exploring Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the city’s magical skyline. From there, we traveled to Vilshofen, Germany, to embark on AmaMagna and set sail along the Danube.
Each stop revealed a different side of Europe’s storybook charm — Passau’s colorful architecture, the Wachau Valley’s terraced vineyards and medieval castles, the pastel facades of Dürnstein, and the timeless elegance of Vienna. The voyage concluded in Budapest, where we watched the city’s bridges and Parliament glow gold at sunset — a breathtaking finale to a remarkable week.
Final Thoughts
Our week aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna reminded us why AmaWaterways remains one of the most trusted names in luxury river cruising. The combination of spacious design, impeccable cuisine, and warm, attentive service creates a river experience unlike any other.
From the first welcome toast to the final farewell, every moment felt polished yet personal — a rare balance of elegance and comfort. If you’ve been considering a Danube cruise and want a ship that offers both intimacy and room to breathe, AmaMagna delivers in grand style.
Further Reading: AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna: Twice the Width, Twice the Luxury
Why and How to Book AmaWaterways with Roaming Boomers
As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon and one of the top sellers of luxury cruises worldwide, we’ve seen firsthand how AmaWaterways stands apart in the river cruise world.
Booking through Roaming Boomers Travel Services means you’ll benefit from our deep product knowledge, firsthand experiences, and trusted partnerships.
Even better, our clients often enjoy exclusive Virtuoso perks and amenities that you won’t receive when booking directly. From the moment you start planning until you return home, our role is to ensure your AmaWaterways journey is seamless, rewarding, and personalized to your travel style.
Book your AmaWaterways river cruise with Roaming Boomers Travel Services and receive a $75 per person shipboard credit — plus, for a limited time, take advantage of an exclusive 5% savings on French Balcony Staterooms and up.
These special offers are available to all travelers who book with us, so now is the perfect time to start planning your AmaWaterways adventure.
For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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