Life is Beautiful on the Blue Danube

Jim Gladstone READ TIME: 4 MIN. SPONSORED

"I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding."

In his poem "Fluent," writer John O'Donahue captures the feelings of freedom, adventure, and unhindered delight so many travelers experience when they cruise the Danube River with AmaWaterways.

For LGBTQ+ travelers new to river cruising, a vacation aboard AmaWaterways' flagship, AmaMagna, offers an ideal first-time experience. Unpack just once, but visit as many as 11 European countries along the Danube – and beyond – in a single, spectacular one- or two-week vacation.

AmaMagna cruises itineraries that include Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia, with additional countries including the Czech Republic, Poland, and Turkey are available as part of their optional pre- and post-cruise land packages.

The Danube River winds its way through some of the world's most picturesque destinations, including some that even your most well-traveled friends may never have experienced.

And journeying between them on the river that has inspired writers, artists and musicians for centuries provides a sense of traveling not just through the landscape, but through time.

A Wealth of Experiences on Shore

Each day of your Danube River journey offers new opportunities for exploration and enrichment, with up to eight daily guided excursions included in your river cruise fare.

Whether you prefer a hike, a museum visit, a peek into the workshops of local artisans, or an expert-guided historical tour, there are options to suit your fancy. Plus, AmaMagna travels with a fleet of bicycles aboard, so you can even improvise your own freewheeling days on shore.

Complimentary excursions on your AmaMagna itinerary may include:

• A curated tour of Imperial Vienna
• The chance to see "Sound of Music" locations from the film as well as Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg
• A visit to 900-year-old Melk Abbey
• An exclusive year-round Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration
• A glimpse of medieval life in the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov
• A stroll through Budapest's stunning Castle District

Beginning in mid-November, special seasonal AmaMagna itineraries take guests to some of Europe's most celebrated Christmas markets.

Leisure and Luxury on Board

AmaMagna is the flagship of the AmaWaterways fleet, specially designed for deluxe Danube experiences.

You and your traveling companions will be among fewer than 200 pampered guests aboard this elegant vessel, which is twice the width of traditional river ships for an unparalleled sense of spaciousness.

AmaMagna features handsomely-appointed stateroom suites that range from 355 to 710 square feet, along with a swimming pool, spacious Sun Deck, spa and fitness center – and even a full-sized pickleball court.

Four distinctive restaurants offer plenty of included dining options, always featuring regional specialties from European destinations along the river's path. Whether you are in the mood for a casual bite or a deluxe gourmet experience, AmaWaterways delights your palate with dishes prepared with creative flair and the freshest local ingredients.

AmaWaterways is a member of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society, and their chefs and kitchen staff pride themselves in meeting the highest standards of hospitality.

Wine and beers typical of Danube regions, including fine Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings, are included, unlimited, at lunch and dinner each day.

Shipboard entertainment includes performances by some of the region's finest classical musicians, offering renditions of Danube-inspired music by Strauss and Beethoven along the very waterway that helped spark their creative genius.

In AmaMagna's Main Lounge, the ivory-tickler in residence is at the ready to take travelers' requests, from show tunes to the Great American Songbook to contemporary pop standards.

Explore the Possibilities

Whether you're dreaming of traveling this summer or fall, or planning ahead for a once-in-a-lifetime journey with your partner, friends, or family, AmaWaterways invites you to experience a remarkable blend of relaxation and exploration on the Danube or one of the other great rivers of the world.

Learn more and start planning a vacation you will never forget at www.amawaterways.com.


by Jim Gladstone

Jim Gladstone is a San Francisco-based writer and creative strategist.

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