AmaMagna

The 2019-built AmaMagna cruise ship is among the newest (23rd) vessels in the AmaWaterways fleet. The ship has a length overall (LOA) of 135 m (443 ft) and a width of 22 m (72 ft). By length, she is Europe's largest river cruise ship, featuring twice the width of a standard European riverboat and surpassing even the Soviet-era Volga River passenger ships.

However, the title of Europe’s widest riverboat belongs to Crystal Cruises' double-hull vessel Mozart, which has a width of 23 m (75 ft) and an LOA of 120 m (394 ft).

AmaMagna was built by Vahali Shipyards in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. The shipyard is located on the River Sava, a Danube tributary. In 2019, AmaWaterways also launched two more newbuilds: AmaMora and AmaDouro.

In 2023, solar panels were installed on AmaMagna’s sundeck to help reduce the vessel's energy and fuel consumption.

Itineraries

Due to her size, AmaMagna can only operate on the Danube River. The ship sails 7-day cruises between Vilshofen and Budapest. Originally scheduled to debut on November 17, 2019, her inaugural cruise was rescheduled for May 5. Voyages are themed as “Romantic Danube,” “Melodies of the Danube,” and “Christmas Markets.”

The “Melodies of the Danube” itinerary includes stops in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Wachau Valley (Melk Abbey or Durnstein wine tasting), Grein, Linz (walking tour, Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov excursions, or Austrian Lake District tour), Passau (walking tour, bike tour or castle hike), and Vilshofen.

The “Romantic Danube” itinerary visits Vilshofen, Passau (walking tour, hike or bike ride), Linz (city tour, Salzburg excursion, Cesky Krumlov or Austrian Lake District), Weissenkirchen, Wachau Valley (Durnstein and Melk Abbey, or regional tasting experience), Vienna (bus or bike city tour), Bratislava (walking tour, food tasting or hike), and Budapest (city tour or Castle Hill hike with Illuminations Cruise).

Cabins

AmaMagna accommodates up to 196 guests in some of the most spacious staterooms on the Danube. The ship offers six Grand Suites (44 m² / 474 ft²) and one Ama Owner’s Suite (66 m² / 710 ft²). All standard cabins exceed 28 m² (300 ft²), making them among the largest in river cruising. Each stateroom features a marble bathroom, with many offering double sinks, separate bathtub, and deluxe walk-in multi-jet shower.

Shipboard Dining Options – Food and Drinks

The vessel offers multiple dining venues, including a stylish glass-enclosed al fresco restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, enhanced with themed onboard activities and nightly live entertainment. AmaMagna features a forward bar lounge, library, and a passenger elevator connecting all decks, including the sundeck—an uncommon feature on river cruise ships.

Dining is a hallmark of AmaWaterways’ experience, and AmaMagna offers several options in addition to the main restaurant and the specialty “Chef’s Table” where guests can observe chefs preparing multi-course meals. Additional venues include:

• Al Fresco Restaurant – Located forward, with retractable floor-to-ceiling windows and seating for 35.
• Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant – A family-style venue named after AmaWaterways co-founder Jimmy Murphy, seating up to 65 guests. It features gourmet cuisine and complimentary premium wines served by the glass at 12-seat communal tables.

All dining venues onboard are complimentary. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with meals.

Shipboard Entertainment – Fun and Sport

AmaMagna is considered a “game-changer” in river cruising, featuring the industry’s first aft-located open-water marina (sports platform/outdoor lounge) with equipment for kayaking, canoeing, and Zodiac cruising.

Spaces onboard prioritize recreation and wellness, with a full-size gym for small-group classes and a large wellness complex featuring a spa, fitness room, group class area, and a wraparound terrace. The multi-functional Zen Wellness Studio includes retractable windows and a Juice Bar. Guests can enjoy complimentary group classes in cardio, stretching, and circuit training. Additional services include two massage rooms, hairstyling, manicures, and pedicures.

The Sun Deck includes a heated swimming pool, large whirlpool, Sky Bar, power walking/jogging track, deck games (including Giant Chess), and shaded seating areas with retractable awnings. Midship and forward areas offer lounge spaces with 4-seat tables and deck chairs.

AmaMagna also provides a fleet of complimentary bicycles and helmets, allowing passengers to explore destinations via guided or independent bike tours. Hiking excursions offer active ways to discover cities and villages from unique perspectives.

Evening entertainment includes performances by local dancers and musicians, showcasing regional culture. Technologically, the ship features a quieter, more fuel-efficient diesel engine. Unique to AmaMagna is a Concierge Golf Program offering access to four premium golf courses in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.

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

In 2019, AmaWaterways also launched another newbuild—AmaMora—from the modified Concerto-class.

The following video captures a 3-minute overview of the riverboat’s 17-day sea-to-river conveyance from the Serbian shipyard to Constanta, Romania, for final outfitting.

The ship’s Godmother is Samantha Brown, a 1969-born US television host known for her work on several Travel Channel shows. AmaMagna’s official christening ceremony was initially scheduled for January 2, 2020, during the "New Year Cruise 2019" (itinerary: Dec 29 – Jan 5), with cruise fares starting at EUR 2125 per person (Category E, double occupancy). However, the naming ceremony took place earlier, on July 11, 2019, in Grein, Austria.

The event was attended by AmaWaterways co-founders Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, travel agents, VIP guests, Grein’s Mayor Rainer Barth, and regional government officials. Celebrations included live music, a cocktail reception, gala dinner, and a Sun Deck show with fireworks.

Inaugural Cruise 2019

The following table details AmaMagna’s 7-day Inaugural Cruise (maiden voyage), with fares starting at USD 2800 per person (double occupancy, early booking rates):

In July 2018, AmaWaterways introduced a new wedding vow renewal package exclusively available on AmaMagna. The “Renewal of Vows” package can be pre-booked up to 90 days before departure and includes:

• A symbolic ceremony led by a Designated Official
• Souvenir certificate
• Bottle of champagne on ice upon arrival
• Gift certificate for one manicure/pedicure or hair salon service
• Gift certificate for two 1-hour massages
• Sundowner shore excursion with champagne
• Romantic turndown service with rose petals
• Custom-made dessert crafted by the ship’s Chef
• The package is priced at USD 499 per couple and is offered on all AmaMagna voyages.