AmaRudi

The 2027-built AmaRudi cruise ship is AmaWaterways' second double-hull vessel, and the sister ship to AmaMagna (2019). These boats have a length overall (LOA) of 135 m (443 ft) and a width of 22 m (72 ft). By volume (~5000 gross tons), they are Europe's largest river cruise ships, having twice the width of a standard riverboat and surpassing even the Volga River's passenger ships from the Soviet era (USSR).

The vessel (ENI number 02340166) will be Switzerland-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Basel.

AmaRudi is named after Rudi Schreiner (AmaWaterways' co-founder) and built by Vahali Shipyards in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. The shipyard is on the River Sava, a Danube tributary.

Considered a "game-changer" in river cruising, AmaMagna and AmaRudi feature the industry's first aft Marina (watersports platform/outdoor lounge) with equipment for kayaking, canoeing, and Zodiac boating. Their sundecks are also fitted with solar panels to help reduce energy consumption and fuel usage. The vessels are also fitted with shore power connectivity, allowing them to connect to the local power grid while in port and operate on shoreside electricity rather than their diesel generators, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Itineraries

Due to their size and volume, AmaMagna and AmaRudi can only navigate on the Danube River.

The ship sails mainly 7-day itineraries between Vilshofen and Budapest.

AmaRudi's inaugural cruise/maiden voyage is currently scheduled for April 11, 2027, departing from Vilshofen.

AmaMagna's and AmaRudi's current itinerary programs include the following themed voyages.

The 7-night GEMS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE itinerary visits Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. The cruisetour starts with Budapest (DAY 1-2/embarkation/overnight), continues with Vukovar (DAY 3), Belgrade (DAY 4), Iron Gates passage (DAY 5), Vidin (DAY 6), Rousse (DAY 7), and ends in Giurgiu (DAY 8/debarkation, transfer to Bucharest for the home flight).

The 7-night MAGNA ON THE DANUBE itinerary visits Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. The cruisetour starts with Budapest (DAY 1/embarkation), continues with Mohacs (DAY 2), Vukovar (DAY 3), BELGRADE (DAY 4), Iron Gates passage (DAY 5), Vidin (DAY 6), Rousse (DAY 7), and ends in Giurgiu (DAY 8/debarkation, transfer to Bucharest for the return home).

The 14-night GRAND DANUBE itinerary visits Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. The cruisetour starts with Vilshofen (DAY 1-2/embarkation/overnight), continues with Linz (DAY 3), Durnstein and Melk Abbey (DAY 4), Vienna (DAY 5), Bratislava (DAY 6), Budapest (DAY 7-8/overnight), Mohacs (DAY 9), Vukovar (DAY 10), Belgrade (DAY 11), Iron Gates passage (DAY 12), Vidin (DAY 13), Rousse (DAY 14), and ends in Giurgiu (DAY 8/debarkation, transfer to Bucharest for the return home).

The 7-night BEST OF THE DANUBE itinerary visits Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. The cruisetour starts with Budapest (DAY 1/embarkation), continues with Bratislava (DAY 2), Melk Abbey (DAY 3), Linz (DAY 4/bus tour to either Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov), Vienna (DAY 5-6/overnight), and ends in Budapest (DAY 7-8/debarkation/overnight, transfer to Bucharest for the return home).

Decks and Cabins

AmaRudi's staterooms (98) accommodate up to 196 passengers and are among the most spacious on the Danube. Guests are served by a complement of 70 staff and crew members.

The ship has 6x Grand Suites (44 m2 / 475 ft2) and 1x Owner's Suite (66 m2 / 710 ft2).

Most accommodations (89%) have step-out balconies - a rare feature for a European river cruise ship, and most measure 25-33 m2 (250-355 ft2) - twice the size of a standard European river cruise cabin.

AmaMagna has cabins that can sleep 3 guests, and also connecting cabins for up to 4 guests. Triple-occupancy cabins are 22 (5x SA/on 3rd floor, and 17x SB on 2nd floor). There are 8 pairs of rooms with interconnecting doors (6x on 2nd and 2x on 3rd floor) that can be booked as one stateroom by families or small travel groups.The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

An elevator/lift and a grand staircase connect all cabin decks.

Shipboard facilities, venues and amenities (review)

Next are reviewed the AmaRudi ship's venues and facilities by deck.

Piano/Lower Deck (1st floor)

Jimmy's Wine Bar is a dedicated tasting venue located in a quieter part of the ship, making it much calmer than the main lounge during the evening entertainment. The decor is contemporary with comfortable armchairs, small cocktail tables, warm lighting, and wine displays creating an upscale but intimate atmosphere.

Unlike the lounges serving complimentary wines during meals, Jimmy's Wine Bar focuses on premium wines. Tastings and specialty wine experiences may carry an additional charge depending on the cruise, while some events are complimentary for guests on wine-themed cruises. It's best suited for couples and wine enthusiasts rather than large groups, and because seating is relatively limited, arriving before dinner is recommended.

The Chef's Table is a complimentary specialty dining venue, but dinner reservations are required because seating is limited. Guests are typically invited once during the cruise, although additional visits may be possible depending on availability. The restaurant features an open show kitchen where chefs prepare several courses in full view of diners. Seating consists mainly of tables for two and four, creating an intimate fine-dining atmosphere. The Chef's Table's menu is fixed (not a la carte). Courses are paired with complimentary wines, and service takes noticeably longer than Journeys Restaurant's dinner (usually ~2 hours), making it ideal for an evening when no excursions begin early the following morning.

Boutique is a compact Gift Shop selling a practical mix of merchandise - special occasion gifts and souvenirs, it AmaWaterways-branded/loggoed apparel, travel accessories, toiletries, jewelry, handbags, scarves, and a small selection of snacks or necessities. The shop operates only during designated hours and usually remains closed while the ship is docked in call ports due to local regulations.

Hair Salon (Beauty Parlor) offers hairstyling, washing, blow-drying, cuts, barber services, and selected treatments. Services are available for an additional charge, and appointments are recommended.

After the passenger staterooms are located staff and crew cabins and service areas (inaccessible to passengers).

The aft-located Marina (Watersports Platform & Lounge) is one of AmaRudi's distinguishing features and unique for a river cruise ship facility. When conditions permit, a hydraulic platform lowers to water level, providing access for complimentary activities such as kayaking and other water equipment (river canoes, Zodiacs/large-capacity inflatable boats) carried by the ship. Adjacent seating creates a relaxed waterfront lounge where guests can sit just above river level. Staff supervise operations and provide safety equipment.

The Marina's availability depends entirely on river conditions, current, local regulations, docking position, and weather, so it's not guaranteed every day. The Marina is accessible via stairs from upper decks.

AmaRudi also provides a fleet of complimentary bicycles and helmets, allowing passengers to explore land destinations via guided or independent bike tours.

Cello/Main Deck (2nd floor)

Journeys Restaurant (Main Dining Room) is the ship's primary dining venue serving breakfast, lunch, and a 3-course dinner, all included in the cruise fare. The dining room is spacious for a riverboat, with modern furnishings, comfortable upholstered chairs, luxury dining amenities (premium table linens, china, cutlery, glassware), and large wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows offering river views from nearly every table. Tables are arranged for couples as well as larger groups (up to 8 guests per table). Meals are primarily waiter-served, although breakfast and lunch also include buffet components. Complimentary beverages (regional wines, beer, and soft drinks) are served with lunch and dinner.

Adjacent to the Restaurant is the Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for provisions). It supports multiple dining venues operating simultaneously (Journeys Restaurant, Chef's Table, Al Fresco Restaurant/bow terrace, Rudi's Cafe). Food preparation emphasizes fresh regional ingredients and daily baking. Special dietary requirements are generally accommodated when requested before sailing.

The Lobby Hall houses the ship entrances (portside and starboard) and the Reception Desk (24-hour general assistance, information, account queries, purser services, key-card issues). The Reception doubles as the Cruise Director's Office, providing information on shore excursions/tours, daily scheduled activities, and also serving AmaWaterways' onboard cruise booking program.

In the Lobby, there is also a complimentary (open 24 hours) self-service beverage station offering coffee, espresso-based drinks from automated machines, hot water, tea bags, hot chocolate, and occasional cookies or pastries. Guests don't need a drink package to use the station.

After the passenger cabins is the Engine Room.

Violin/Upper Deck (3rd floor)

Al Fresco is a fore-located and glass-enclosed dining venue with an adjacent Outdoor Lounge. Located at the ship's bow, this Outdoor Observation Lounge doubles as an alfresco terrace. It is directly accessed from the Lark Lounge, and also via stairs from the Sun Deck (above) and from the Galley/kitchen (below). Al Fresco Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Depending on weather, sections may open for fresh air while remaining protected from wind. Meals are included in the cruise fare and generally feature lighter buffet selections than the main restaurant.

The Outdoor Lounge offers shaded seating with sofas, chairs, and cocktail tables near the front of the ship. It's an excellent venue for scenic cruising because it's sheltered from wind while still providing unobstructed bow views.

The Studio/Cinema is a multi-media room equipped with theater-style seating, a large projection screen, a karaoke sound system, billiards, and a jukebox. Programming varies by cruise itinerary and may include feature movies, destination-themed media presentations, enrichment lectures, or documentaries. Because passenger numbers are relatively low, seating is generally sufficient without reservations.

The Lark Lounge & Bar is the ship's main social venue. It features a full-service bar, comfortable lounge seating, a dance floor, a grand piano and live musical/show performances (in the afternoons and evenings), and a large screen used for presentations and evening entertainment. Standard cocktails, premium spirits, specialty wines, and premium beverages may incur additional charges, while many drinks are included depending on the fare and service period. The lounge's evening programming includes live music and vocal performances, cocktail hour (nightly), a live show program with local performers (dancers and musicians boarding the riverboat), and the crew show (once per cruise). The daily programming includes various workshops, classes, demonstrations, trivia games, and watching movies. Special activities hosted here are themed dance nights and food-and-wine tastings (itinerary-based / local delicacies, liqueurs, cheeses, sweets, etc).

The Lower Lounge is a sunken seating area (slightly below the main lounge level) part of the Lark Lounge complex. Actually, the Lark Lounge has two connected sections - the Main Lounge (bar, live music, dance floor, panoramic windows) and the Lower Lounge (a quiet conversation area reached by a few steps down from the Main Lounge, with additional sofas, upholstered lounge chairs and coffee tables). The Lower Lounge serves as overflow and quiet seating where guests can relax with a drink from the Lark Bar, read or socialize, and enjoy the river scenery.

Rudi's Cafe is a casual daytime venue serving complimentary light breakfasts, lunches, snacks, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts in a relaxed cafe bar setting. Unlike The Chef's Table, the Cafe requires no reservations and no surcharge. The venue features comfortable lounge seating, cafe tables, and large windows overlooking the river, making it popular for reading, working, or enjoying coffee between shore excursions. Service is informal, with guests free to stop in throughout opening hours rather than adhering to fixed meal times. For many passengers, Rudi's Cafe is the preferred dining venue for a lighter lunch or an afternoon tea/coffee instead of returning to the main restaurant.

Aft on the Violin Deck are the wellness facilities - the Nail Salon (offers manicures, pedicures, and selected beauty treatments), the Spa (Massage Rooms for treatments, body massages, facials, aromatherapy, various wellness treatments), and the Fitness & Zen Wellness Studio (a modern Gym, also hosts group training classes). The Fitness includes cardio machines, free weights, resistance equipment, and space for stretching. The adjacent Zen Wellness Studio hosts complimentary fitness classes, yoga sessions, stretching, circuit training, and wellness programs led by the ship's Wellness Host. Large windows provide natural light during workouts, making the space feel more open than typical ship gyms.

The wellness complex also has a small wraparound terrace with seating at the stern, and the spa section is covered with a SkyLight (a glass roof on the Sun Deck). Wellness services are charged separately, with appointments recommended because only a limited number of guests can be accommodated each day.

Sun Deck (4th floor)

The Sun Deck is accessible only by stairs. It houses the ship's Navigation Bridge (called Wheelhouse on riverboats and small ships), which is passenger-accessible and retractable/hydraulic.

AmaRudi's Sun Deck is unusually spacious for a European river cruise ship and is divided into several activity zones instead of being one large open deck. The sundeck's amenities include a heated swimming pool (complimentary), a large Jacuzzi/Whirlpool/hot tub (complimentary), a Walking/Jogging Track, a deck games area (full-size Pickleball Court, Giant Chess Board), a Deck Club Barbecue, numerous loungers and shaded seating (covered with retractable awnings). Tables and deckchairs are designed for outdoor relaxation and reading.

The Pop-Up Sky Bar is an open-air pool bar serving drinks and refreshments.

Located next to the Sky Bar is the Deck Club Barbecue - an outdoor dining venue offering an alternative to the ship's indoor restaurants. Unlike the indoor restaurants, Deck Club Barbecue operates only weather and itinerary permitting, typically for selected lunches or special BBQ events rather than daily service. The menu focuses on freshly grilled items (meats, seafood, vegetables, burgers) accompanied by salads and side dishes. Meals and soft drinks are complimentary, and beer and regional wines are available during lunch service.

Forward are the pair of stairs for direct access to the Lark Lounge's Al Fresco (glass-walled bow terrace below).

Aft are the pair of stairs for direct access to the Marina (watersports platform on Deck 1). Also aft is a SkyLight (glass roof over the wellness facilities below) and the boat storage area.

The sundeck is particularly attractive during scenic cruising because it provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the passing scenery.

All sundeck structures (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings, Sky Bar) are collapsible and lowered when the ship passes under low bridges. During these periods, the Sun Deck closes temporarily, all furniture is secured, and passengers must leave the deck until clearance is restored.

Unique to AmaMagna and AmaRudi is AmaWaterways' Concierge Golf Program offering access to four premium golf courses in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.