Another Christmas river cruise with AmaWaterways

My time on board AmaVerde was nothing short of magical, the ship was beautiful. From the moment I stepped on board, I was in awe of the elegance of the ship. The ship had a diverse range of luxury accommodation. With three different types of cabin to choose from, there was something to suit every preference and budget. The river view cabins on the lower deck offered beautiful landscape views from the vista, while the balcony cabins provided the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor access. The four suites situated on deck three above the reception area, held the promise of high luxury and comfort.

Each cabin regardless of category included an array of amenities as standard, to enhance comfort and luxury. From the safety of a personal safe to a mini fridge, every detail had been thought through carefully. The inclusion of complimentary toiletries, plush bathrobes, and cosy slippers added more comfort and relaxation to every moment spent on board. They even included the essentials like WiFi, hand cream, bottles of water, and a hairdryer; this allowed me to pack light as I had everything I needed ready waiting for me.

Stepping out onto the balcony was a delight, especially in the warm summer heat sailing across the Danube. The balconies were complete with a Juliet balcony, finished with a table and chairs, offering us the perfect opportunity to just soak up the sun and watch the beautiful passing scenery. 

Yes, all the cabins are luxurious, but for those who are seeking the ultimate luxury, the suites are an irresistible option where you will be living the most lavish lifestyle for your voyage. They offer extra space, including a huge bathtub for leisurely soaks and complimentary laundry service that ensure a carefree holiday.

The primary dining venue, Verde Fine Dining restaurant, serves delightful culinary experiences aboard the vessel. Located on Deck 1, this dining area is for sophistication which provides a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Here, guests can try a wide range of culinary delights, created by their very own dedicated chef and menu, ranging from gourmet classics to specialties. If you are seeking an even more elevated dining experience, AmaVerde offers the exclusive Erlebnis Chef's Table. This intimate venue promises a culinary journey like no other. Featuring beautiful scenic views that requires a reservation at no extra cost.

In addition to the exceptional dining experiences, AmaVerde offers a cosy lounge/bar area. Here, guests can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere while indulging in self-service breakfast options in the morning. During lunchtime, the lounge also offers a selection of delectable snacks, perfect for a quick bite or light meal without the formality of a restaurant. For those who crave late-night snacks, the lounge puts out a buffet of snacks around 10:30pm and the bar closes typically at midnight.

Fortunately, all excursions are included in the selling price, and you are offered a variety of different level activities depending on how fit you are. AmaVerde offers leisurely walking tours around the towns and places of interest, or more of a hike up hills to visit castles etc, you can even opt for bike tours along the river with the wellness instructor.

Vienna in particular, the evening Xmas market was quite spectacular, based outside a big Cathedral lit up when dark, very colorful, all the trees covered in fairy lights, an ice skating rink, and of course all the market stalls selling local festive arts and crafts, local food, and drinks. It was truly a magical experience.

My personal favourite excursion was Melk Abbey, unfortunately, we were unable to take any photos or videos here, but it was a huge Abbey where the Monks live. It had a school and a library with over 9000 books in it on all the different levels. The most spectacular part of this Abbey was the church at the very end, a very baroque theme with a lot of art on the ceiling in a dome shape. It had a lot of gold plated figures right at the very front of the church, was a real wow factor and a definite eye opener and most definitely needs to be seen in person to appreciate the stunning beauty that it really is.

My highlights mainly were the staff on board the ship, they were the heartbeat of the vessel, nothing was too much trouble, always smiling. Also the way they decorated the ship with all the Christmas decorations and lights, certainly made the ship stand out above the rest. 

The food and the choice was delicious, always something to choose from.

Vienna was a spectacular place to visit, so was Budapest, especially in the evening when the buildings and the bridges were illuminated. And of course, Melk Abbey.
 

Call Panache Cruises on 0161 513 8200 if you want to learn more about AmaWaterways