AmaLyra Ship Review
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
Launched in 2009, the beautiful duo of the AmaLyra and AmaDolce joined the AMAWATERWAYS‘ fleet, as sister ships to AmaDante and near-sister ships to AmaCello (2008). Carrying 144 passengers apiece, these vessels are 360 feet in length and feature some of the most luxurious accommodations in the river cruise market.
AmaLyra Staterooms
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
There are eight different categories of accommodation aboard Amalyra:
- At 140 square feet are the Single Accommodations. These two staterooms are located side-by-side on Cello Deck, and feature a French balcony – making them ideal for solo travelers who don’t want to compromise. These feature a wardrobe, bathroom with shower, and a desk with Internet access and a flat-screen TV.
- Categories D and E measure 170 square feet, and are located on Piano Deck. They feature fixed windows and offer a sitting area, desk with Internet access and flat-screen television, and a bathroom with shower.
- Categories A, B and C are also 170 square feet, but are located on Cello and Violin decks. They feature all the amenities of the Category D and E staterooms, but with the addition of floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a French balcony. Category A staterooms offer a slightly more desirable location, being one deck higher than Category B and are located amidships.
- Amalyra has one Category A+ stateroom located all the way forward on Violin Deck. It offers all the amenities and features of a standard Category A stateroom, but is appreciably larger at 225 square feet.
- Topping off the accommodation choices are three Junior Suites. Located on Violin Deck, these suites are a comfortable 255 square feet and feature a full bathroom with shower and tub, a flat-screen TV, mini bar, spacious wardrobe, and a full size window in addition to a complete French balcony. As with many ships, these suites can sell out quickly, so it pays to plan ahead.
AmaLyra Public Areas
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
Inside, AmaLyra features a host of amenities designed to sooth and entertain when you’re not admiring the passing scenery. She features a unique library, a beautiful main lounge and bar, a reception area, gift shop, an aft-facing lounge, and a bow-facing Main Lounge.
One deck down, the Restaraunt features fine cuisine influenced by local specialties and ingredients, and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are offered during lunch dinner. Meals are open-seating, and a buffet breakfast and lunch are on offer, with a “Light Lunch” served up in the Main Lounge and consisting of soups, sandwiches, and salads.
Ample open seating is available on the Sun Deck, which also features a whirlpool and a walking track.
AmaLyra also boasts little niceties like complimentary Wi-Fi throughout and complimentary bottled water in staterooms.
River Cruisers Should Know!
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
- Amalyra features a passenger elevator that traverses the Cello and Violin decks.
- Complimentary bicycles and helmets are available onboard for guests to take ashore.
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Read other articles about the AmaLyra.
Just returned from an eight-day cruise aboard the Amalyra from Nuremberg to Amsterdam. Even though most of the passengers are retirement age, our nineteen-year-old son had a wonderful time as did we. I absolutely agree with Kim’s review below, and could not fault this trip – it’s five star all the way and I would recommend it to anyone looking to unwind whilst taking in spectacular scenery and being spoilt by the wonderful crew.
I just returned from sailing on the Amalyra, Europe’s Rivers and Castle Tour (Paris to Prague, 6-25-13) with my sister and mother. Easiest way to describe the journey – a fabulous experience – a five-star hotel set on top of a very quiet barge that glides down beautiful rivers.
I’m in the hotel business, so I can be pretty critical. First off, the ship was absolutely spotless. You could literally eat off any surface on this ship. Cabins are small compared to a hotel room, but plenty of space to unpack and stow belongings – you’re not in the room that much anyway. French balcony, the ceiling-to-floor sliding door/window, made the room seem plenty spacious. Bathrooms were tiny, but laid out very well. Showers were wonderful (long hair needs good pressure.) I would suggest putting in memory foam mattresses – beds were a bit hard with the scaled-down mattress depth and no box spring.
Ratko, the hotel manager, ran a very tight operation. At no point during the time on the ship did we experience ANY half-hearted or poor service. Having the crew made up of mostly couples obviously keeps the morale and service culture thriving. The aft lounge was beautiful, but they had just refinished the floor so it needed a lot more airing out – maybe windows that could open? Housekeeping staff was excellent and we absolutely loved the towel surprise and the little touches each night.
The captain, Hank, and the very small contingent of sailors performed what seemed to me a miraculous feat of moving this floating hotel down the rivers and through the 55 locks. The nautical crew never seemed to be off shift; and yet they always smiled when the passengers pestered them with questions. We saw a Viking ship sailing in the opposite direction one day and it had peeling paint and a run-down appearance. The Amalyra sparkled in comparison with gleaming paint and polished wood. The crew never rested between sailing and sprucing. Again, the entire ship was spotless. Be warned – the sun deck does close down often (high water – low bridges), but there was always seating around the wheel house.
The food service on board takes into account that people are waking at different times. The early bird offering in the lounge is a great idea – loved the 24-hour coffee machine. Having 2 options for lunch – lighter fare in the lounge rather than table service in the dining room was also a great feature. The culinary team was excellent. The menu each night was varied and the food beautifully prepared and presented. The menus for both lunch and dinner offered plenty of options. I heard some grumbling about wanting more regional fare. However, 7 nights of unfamiliar German food would have caused massive complaints. It is a great mix of cuisines. We were a party of 3, so the table arrangements caused us to seek out new dinner partners. Some large groups ran to the dining room and “hoxied” tables – sort of rude. Free flowing wine and beer during meals were served by the bartending staff, who always had a smile and a very generous pouring hand. Bar service is not included, but the prices were very reasonable and, again, very generously poured.
Entertainment was provided most nights, variety of styles. Some got people dancing – Oh, my 82-year-old mother and those spiked heels! Visions of hospital trips and casts abounded but she had a blast because the atmosphere was fun and festive. The final artist of the cruise was a bit of a diva apparently and actually stopped her performance to shush the passengers. Since this was the last night of the cruise, maybe a band-type of entertainment would have been more appropriate when people were enjoying conversing with each other before leaving the next day.
Amawaterways advertises that the ship docks at small towns which you can disembark and stroll to the town center. Be warned that this is true for only SOME of the docking sites. Your excursions are included (with the exception of Rothenburg) but you are bussed to most locations. Some local guides were better than others (a small complaint that a few talked way too much), Keeping us tourists together is probably akin to herding cats. Almost lost someone in Heidelberg, but the guy just didn’t get on the right bus. Local guide was in a panic until all the guides added their numbers together. Buses were also spotless, drivers amazing (although a few us saw death coming going up to Bernkastle – thank goodness we backed up – LOL.) Vox system for tours is excellent. I saw many other tour groups huddled around their guides trying to hear instead of being able to enjoy the experience. System was easy to use and pretty flawless.
Our cruise manager Kata was very knowledgeable, but seemed a bit stressed at times. I think they need to give them an assistant on the cruise. Organization is excellent, but sometimes info was presented in such a way that it was a bit confusing. Language was never an issue – English was spoken by all the crew and staff – accents could be heavy however. The daily “newspaper” which explained where, what and when was a great feature.
Be aware that if you do the land portion – hotel in Paris was in the middle of the left bank (we chose to stay elsewhere and meet the tour for the transfer) and didn’t scream “I’m in Paris!” Also passengers were a bit upset when they realized Prague was a four-hour bus ride from Nuremberg. It wasn’t that bad, small rest stop break in between. Intercontinental in Prague was beautiful and extremely close to where you want to play tourist.
The price for the entire tour was expensive – be prepared. You are not nickel-and-dimed to death – so it was very relaxing when on board (loved the warm towels and tea when we returned from an outing) – but this is not a cheap way to see Europe. You are pampered, wined and dined, entertained and astounded by the beauty of the land, buildings and sheer history of the area. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat – as soon as I pinch my pennies and save up for it. Amawaterways hits every note with precision, excellent service and top-notch accommodations.
Kim from Tucson, AZ
Sorry not to have responded earlier to thank you for this honest and insightful assessment.
Sailed August 2011……….Best vacation we ever had….great food, service, immaculate ship…….
Was on Amalyra ship from november 13 2011 for a week we had a fantastic week everything was perfect : service, crew was great, the food was more then what we had expected can not wait to go back next year, if you are planning to go on any ship of Amawaterways do not hesitate to go they are fantastic