AmaMagna

AmaMagna cruise ship is the newest riverboat (23rd) in AmaWaterways fleet. The vessel has LOA length 135 m (443 ft) and width 22 m (72 ft). By length, this is Europe's absolute largest river cruise ship - having twice the width of a standard/traditional for Europe riverboat and surpassing even the Soviet-era Russian passenger ships on Volga River. Still, Europe's widest riverboat remains Crystal Cruises' double-hull designed vessel Mozart, which has width 23 m (75 ft) and LOA length 120 m (394 ft).

AmaMagna's shipbuilder is Vahali Shipyards (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia). The riverboat is scheduled for launch in 2019. The shipbuilding yard is on River Sava (a tributary of the Danube). In 2019, AmaWaterways launched two more newbuild boats - the fleetmates AmaMora and AmaDouro.

Cruise itinerary program

As to the APT-AmaWaterwas itineraries of the Magna ship, European riverboat of this size can only navigate on Danube. AmaMagna cruises on 7-day itineraries between homeports Vilshofen and Budapest. The inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) was initially planed for November 17, 2019, but later re-scheduled for May 5. Voyages are themed as "Romantic Danube", "Melodies of the Danube" and "Christmas Markets".

"Melodies of the Danube" itinerary visits Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Wachau Valley (Melk Abbey tour or Durnstein excursion with wine tasting), Grein, Linz (walking tour, Salzburg excursion, bike tour, Cesky Krumlov excursion or Austrian Lake District excursion), Passau (walking tour, bike tour or castle hike), and Vilshofen.

"Romantic Danube" itinerary visits  Vilshofen, Passau (walking tour, castle hike or riverside bike tour), Linz (walking tour, Salzburg excursion, bike tour, Cesky Krumlov or Austrian Lake District excursion), Weissenkirchen, Wachau Valley (Durnstein walking tour and Melk Abbey, fortress hike or Apricots and Sweets tasting with a winery wine tasting in the evening), Vienna (city tour by bus or bike), Bratislava (walking tour, Tastes of Slovakia tour or castle hike) and Budapest (city tour or Castle Hill hike, both with Illuminations Cruise in the evening).

Cabins

The Magna boat accommodates up to 196 cruise passengers in the most comfortable and spacious accommodation on Danube River, including 6 Grand Suites at 44 m2 (474 ft2) and 1 Ama Owner’s luxury suite at 66 m2 (710 ft2). All standard cabins are over 28 m2 (300 ft2), claimed to become “some of the largest in river cruising”. Each one includes a sizable marble bathroom, while many boast double sinks, separate bath and deluxe walk-in multi-jet shower.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Multiple dining venues include a stylish glass-enclosed al fresco restaurant (with floor-ceiling windows), enhanced live entertainment in the evenings and themed onboard activities. This beautiful riverboat has fore-located bar lounge, library and one elevator. The passenger lift connects all decks, including the sun deck, which is a unique and unusual feature on riverboats.

Fine dining is a key part of AmaWaterways’ experience and AmaMagna makes no difference. All ships of the cruise line provide a choice between the main dining room and speciality ‘Chef’s Table’ where passengers can watch their multi-course menu being prepared. AmaMagna offers 2 additional options for guests seeking for more variety:

• "Al Fresco" restaurant (capacity 35 seats) is located forward and features retractable floor-ceiling windows.
• The family-style "Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant" has max capacity 65 seats and is named after one of AmaWaterways company's co-founders - Jimmy Murphy. Restaurant's gourmet cuisine is paired with complimentary premium wines served by the glass in private rooms fitted with 12-seat communal tables.

Fine dining is offered in all restaurants aboard at no additional charge. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are served at mealtimes.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

AmaMagna, which is described as “a game-changer”, is river cruising industry's first vessel with an open-water marina (sports platform / outdoor lounge). From this aft-located facility are launched canoes, zodiacs (inflatable motorized boats for small group cruising) and recreational equipment.

The emphasis is put on "lots of playroom" in spots like the gym (large enough for small-group classes) and the large wellness complex (spa, fitness room, separate room for group classes) with a wraparound terrace. The multi-functional Health & Wellness Studio, called ‘Zen Wellness studio’, is complete with retractable windows and Juice bar. Guests have the chance to participate in free of charge group classes that are focused on cardio, stretching and circuit training. AmaMagna also offers 2 massage rooms and hairstyling. Passengers are pampered with a range of additional beauty treatments like manicures and pedicures.

Sun Deck has the ship's large swimming pool (heated), large jacuzzi whirlpool, Sky Bar, power walking/jogging track, deck games area (with Giant Chess Board), shaded seating area (covered-with retractable awnings), midship and forward lounge areas with 4-seat tables and deckchairs.

With a fleet of complimentary bicycles and helmets available onboard, passengers have the chance to explore on guided bike tours, as well as to discover all on their own. Organized hiking tours provide active ways to see famous cities and villages from different perspectives.

Nightly performances highlight local dancers and musicians, bringing the culture of Europe to life. As technology, the ship debuts a quieter and more fuel-efficient diesel engine. Exclusive to AmaMagna, cruisers may benefit from a Concierge Golf Program with 4 premium golf courses in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Vessel's construction (ENI number 07002100) started on March 6, 2017, at Vahali Shipyards in Serbia. The boat is Switzerland-flagged (MMSI number 269057657) and registered in Basel.

In 2019, AmaWaterways also had a scheduled launch for another newbuild (AmaMora) from the modified Concerto-class.

Next video shows 3 minutes of riverboat's 17-day sea-to-river conveyance from the Serbian shipbuilding yard to Constanta Romania for final outfitting.

Ship's Godmother is Samantha Brown - 1969-born US TV host (of several Travel Channel shows). Boat's official christening ceremony was initially scheduled for January 2, 2020, during the "New Year Cruise 2019" (itinerary Dec 29 - Jan 5). Prices for the 7-day Vilshofen to Budapest holiday-themed voyage started from EUR 2125 pp (double occupancy Category E cabin rates). However, the naming ceremony was held on July 11, 2019, in Grein Austria. The special event was attended by AmaWaterways founders Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, along with travel agents and VIP guests, including Rainer Barth (Grein's Mayor) and a group of regional Government representatives. Pierside festivities included live music performances, cocktail party, gala dinner and Sun Deck show with fireworks.

Inaugural Cruise 2019

Next table shows boat's 7-day Inaugural Cruise (maiden voyage), which prices started from USD 2800 pp (double occupancy early-booking rates).

In July 2018, AmaWaterways announced a new wedding vows renewal package available exclusively on AmaMagna. The "Renewal of Vows" package can be pre-reserved up to 90 days prior departure and includes:

• A symbolic ceremony led by a Designated Official
• Souvenir certificate
• Bottle of champagne on ice upon arrival
• Gift certificate (1 manicure/pedicure or hair salon service)
• Gift certificate (two 1-hour massages)
• Sundowner shore excursion with champagne
• Romantic turndown service with rose petals
• Custom-made dessert by the ship's Chef
• The new package costs USD 499 per couple and is available on all AmaMagna cruises.