Continuing Our AmaWaterways Reviews: Introducing The New AmaPrima

As part of our continuing series of AmaWaterways reviews for River Cruise Advisor, I’m in Vienna, Austria, to experience innovations on the newly-launched AmaPrima — including a heated swimming pool with swim-up bar and an aft-facing specialty restaurant. The views should be spectacular as we cruise along the Danube river through the middle of next week. On Tuesday, I’ll be reporting from Vilshofen, Germany, where AmaPrima will be christened, before disembarking on Wednesday. Join me as we travel on the new AmaPrima along AmaWaterways’ Melodies of the Danube itinerary. — Ralph Grizzle

I’ve just stepped on board the new AmaPrima, and she is a stunner. You’ll learn more about AmaWaterways’ newest vessel this week as we cruise along the Danube toward Vilshofen, Germany, where AmaPrima will be christened on Tuesday.

amaprima bed — The bed looks tempting. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

I also have the good fortune to be cruising with two of the line’s founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst. I’ll try to glean their insights about river cruising and AmaWaterways’ future initiatives. Seems there is always something new happening at AmaWaterways. The company that started in 2002 now operates more than a dozen vessels in Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and Africa.

Check out our story about what’s new, AmaWaterways Launches 2014 Brochure as well as Aaron Saunders’ interview.

Where Are We Going On AmaPrima?

Most passengers boarded July 31 in Budapest and were able to tour that lovely city. This morning, AmaPrima docked in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, before cruising to Vienna, the music capital of the world.

One of the most harrowing sites: the "Shoes along the Danube" monument in Budapest, honouring the Jews who were shot here by facist militia men during World War II. Photo © Aaron Saunders — One of the most harrowing sites: the “Shoes along the Danube” monument in Budapest, honoring the Jews who were shot here by facist militia men during World War II. Photo © Aaron Saunders

If I make it on board in time, I’ll be able to experience (and share with you tomorrow) a traditional “Viennese Wine and Music” evening in a rustic wine tavern outside the city. I’d love to taste a glass of newly pressed, locally grown and produced wine along with Austrian music and friendly Viennese hospitality.

vienna 5.jpg — Bikes offer a good way to see Vienna. © 2011 Ralph Grizzle

Tomorrow morning, still in Vienna, we’ll get a complimentary guided sightseeing tour, which will include the Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. With the afternoon free, I may stroll along the Kärntnerstrasse or head to a coffee shop — or join an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace. In the evening, I’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert. AmaWaterways always includes free tours as well as optional tours for reasonable fees on its river cruises in Europe.

Sunday, we’ll visit Dürnstein, where we will take a walking tour along the town’s medieval cobblestoned streets. We will see the magnificent blue façade of the local Stiftskirche and the ruined castle, high on a hill, where Richard the Lionhearted was once imprisoned.

Stift Melk overlooks the entire town of Melk, Austria and the Danube River. Photo © Aaron Saunders

I also plan to pedal the scenic guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk, if there enough bicycles for me to do so. In the afternoon in Melk, we’ll tour the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque-style monasteries and the inspiration for the novel “The Name of the Rose.” AmaPrima moors overnight in Melk, giving me time for an evening stroll along the Blue Danube.

The beautiful town of Cesky Krumlov, seen from Cesky Krumlov Castle. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Monday, we arrive in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. We have the choice of three different excursions:

The scenic “Salzkammergut” region (Austrian Lake District), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will explore the historic town of Gmunden;
The Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border;
Or Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where we are offered a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music.” I wonder if the hills are alive?

On Tuesday, we cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Our included city tour takes us around this charming city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Highlights include St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in the world. As an alternative, we can explore the city on a guided bike tour. Sounds fun as I’ve already seen the cathedral.

In the afternoon, AmaPrima cruises to the medieval town of Vilshofen, where we’ll witness a traditional christening ceremony for the newest member of AmaWaterways’ family, the AmaPrima.

Wednesday, we disembark and head to Munich for, you guess it, another adventure.

AmaCerto

AmaCerto docked In Vienna, awaiting the new AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaCerto

AmaCerto docked In Vienna, awaiting the new AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Church of Many Names

St. Francis of Assisi Church, also known as the Kaiser Jubilee Church and the Mexico Church, is a Basilica-style Catholic church in Vienna, Austria. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

The New AmaPrima Arrives

Coming from Bratislava, AmaPrima's makes her way to Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Pushing Water AmaPrima

AmaPrima under a pink dusk sky on the Danube, approaching Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Aft On AmaPrima

New for AmaWaterways: An aft restaurant on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Sunset On The Danube

As AmaPrima approaches her docking space in Vienna, the sun is setting. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Docked

AmaCerto made room for the new AmaPrima to dock alongside. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Side By Side

Two beautiful river cruisers in Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Comfortably Docked

AmaPrima and AmaCerto side by side. Walk through the lobby of one to get to the other. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

My Stateroom, 216

Category AB on Cello Deck, measuring 235 square feet, with French balcony and step-out balcony, floor-to-ceiling mirror, flat panel television with free movies and internet, spacious wardrobe, desk and dressing table, refrigerator, safe and marble bath with rainforest shower. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle