AmaPrima Ship Review
Coming from Bratislava, AmaPrima makes her way to Vienna. I boarded for five days, enough time to discover 10 things to like about AmaWaterways’ newest vessel. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Overview
In 2013, AmaWaterways took delivery of the 162-guest, 443-foot long AmaPrima, sister ship to AmaCerto, launched in 2012. Designed to resemble the classic oceangoing yachts, AmaPrima continues AmaWaterways’ long tradition of building comfortable, spacious and elegant river cruise ships, but with a few new twists that were introduced on AmaCerto.
Those innovations include a stunning glass elevator, a heated swimming pool with swim-up bar, and an aft-facing specialty restaurant where magnificent views and an intimate dining experience are always on the menu. AmaPrima also features AmaWaterways’ “Twin Balcony” concept in many staterooms. These rooms and suites contain a standard French balcony and a full, step-out balcony.
AmaPrima Staterooms
A stateroom on AmaPrima, featuring the line’s unique Twin-Balcony concept. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
There are eight different stateroom categories aboard AmaPrima:
- Categories D and E are both located on Piano Deck, and measure 160 square feet. They feature two fixed windows, a sitting area, a bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, and an interactive flat-screen TV featuring complimentary movies.
- Category C staterooms are standard French Balcony staterooms situated on Violin and Cello decks. They measure 170 square feet and feature all of the amenities of Categories D and E.
- Categories BA and BB are located on Violin and Cello decks, respectively. They measure 210 square feet and include both a standard French balcony and a full, step-out balcony — maximizing your options for taking in the sights and scents of Europe’s most beautiful waterways.
- Categories AA and AB are also located on Violin and Cello decks, and also feature both French and full, step-out balconies. At 235 square feet, they are slightly larger than Categories BA and BB.
- Suite Category staterooms are the largest accommodations aboard AmaPrima. These four suites, located at the forward end of Violin Deck, also feature both French and full step-out balconies. They also include a large, marble-clad bathroom featuring a separate shower, full-size soaker tub and dual sink and vanity area.
AmaPrima Public Areas
If you’ve sailed aboard AmaWaterways’ other vessels, you’ll find plenty to like about AmaPrima’s public areas.
AmaPrima’s sun deck features a jogging/walking track, lounge chairs, and tables under umbrellas. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
- The Sun Deck features a walking track and plenty of viewing space to admire Europe’s beautiful waterways, along with a pool and hot tub area. Both covered and uncovered seating options are also available here, along with an additional seating are forward of the Navigation Bridge.
- On Violin Deck, guest have access to AmaPrima’s stunning forward Observation Lounge, with its Al Fresco Dining Terrace located all the way forward. The Main Reception Area, just aft of the main lounge and bar, includes a glass elevator and is the place to go for any daily information or account queries. All the way aft is a Massage and Hair Salon, a Fitness Center, and the aft-facing Chef’s Table Restaurant.
- Cello Deck features AmaPrima’s elegant Main Restaurant.
A nice evening in the specialty restaurant, Erlebnis, on AmaPrima. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Check out our AmaPrima slideshow.
The New AmaPrima Arrives
Coming from Bratislava, AmaPrima makes her way to Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Pink Sunset
AmaPrima on the Danube, approaching Vienna. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Sisters, Side By Side
Two beautiful river cruisers in Vienna, AmaCerto and her newer sister, AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Reception
AmaPrima's modern Reception desk, with the lounge in the background. @ 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
Towel Animals
Each day a new towel animal adorns the bed, this one, a snail. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Welcome Aboard
AmaWaterways includes bottled water as well as wine and beer during lunch and dinner. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Storage Space
In addition to the closets and in-stateroom safe, there is also storage under the bed and at the desk. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Mini-Bar
Replenished daily with bottled water, free of charge @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Desk Space
Measuring 235 square feet, with French balcony and step-out balcony, my room features lots of space, including desk space. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Modern Art
Modern art adorns the stateroom walls. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaWaterways, You've Come A Long Way
The staterooms are like boutique hotel rooms, a far cry from what river cruising was about a decade ago. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Stateroom 216 Desk & TV
The flat panel television features free movies and internet, while the desk doubles as a dressing table. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Spacious Bath
Big sink, lots of marble counter space and a rainforest shower. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
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
Rainforest Shower
Category AB on Cello Deck features a marble bath with rainforest shower. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Flip A Switch And ...
The glass between the bathroom and bedroom turns opaque with the flip of a switch. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Laundry Service
Why can't ocean cruisers do it this well? Laundry service, cheap and returned the same day, usually in the afternoon. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
View From The Library Forward
AmaPrima's lounge is spacious, airy and light. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Library
This cozy area features fireplaces (with animated fire), books, games and room to relax. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Perfect For Lounge Lizards
AmaPrima's lounge is comfortable for relaxing as beautiful landscapes along the river pass by. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Lounge
AmaPrima features a variety of seating options in the lounge. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Bar
Snacks during the day, drink during the evening at AmaPrima's bar. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Buffet Lunch
AmaPrima's main restaurant features a buffet as well as items that can be ordered from the menu. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Bavarian Lunch
The friendly staff on AmaPrima dressed for our Bavarian lunch, where sausages, kraut and beer was served at no additional cost. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Fine Dining In Erlebnis
The speciality restaurant, situated aft, offers fine dining at no extra charge. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Erlebnis, Panoramic Views
Dinner with panoramic views in Erlebnis, situated aft on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Show Kitchen
AmaPrima's Erlebnis features a show kitchen. An Indonesian chef prepares dinner for the evening. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Elegant Erlebnis Service
Elegant service with a smile in AmaPrima's Erlebnis restaurant. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Dining In Erlebnis
A nice evening in the specialty restaurant, Erlebnis, on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Starry Night
Dinner in Erlebnis. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Cheese Trolley
A beautiful cheese trolley in Erlebnis on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Dessert In Erlebnis
A twist on Key Lime pie, served in Erlebnis on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Rainy Night
A thunderstorm quelled the 90F+ temperatures as we left Melk on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Bicycles On Board
AmaWaterways makes bicycles available at no extra charge. We pedaled every day during our voyage, an active and efficient way to see the attractions and beauty along the Danube. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Our Bar Hostess
Ever-gracious and friendly, Reka, from Hungary, serving complimentary iced coffees on the sun deck during our transit from Durnstein to Melk. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Ice Cream On The River
Ice cream enthusiastically served on the sun deck as we cruise from Durnstein to Melk. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Hello Captain
Pilot house on the sundeck on AmaPrima. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Sundeck
AmaPrima's sun deck features a jogging/walking track, lounge chairs, and tables under umbrellas. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Pool
There's even a swim-up bar at the far end. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Sundeck Forward
In front of the pilot house, AmaPrima's Sundeck features cozy couches for stretching out as we transit the Danube. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
AmaPrima Sundeck
Lots of options for shade under umbrellas. AmaPrima docked in Melk. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle
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Read other articles about the AmaPrima.
We just returned from Amsterdam to Basel on the AmaPrima. We were always hesitant about cruises until we read about these river cruises. There was nothing we would or could improve on – the accommodations, service, tours/excursions, food, wine – everything – was exceptional. They made it a trip of a lifetime. We absolutely recommend AMA Waterways.
Thanks for telling us about your experience. We rely on readers like you to inform us and others about what the experiences are like.
I have cruised with AMA on the AMACerto in 2012. This is the best of the best river cruise companies, and the AMACerto is wonderful. I am escorting a group on the AMAPrima in April 2013 and can hardly wait!!
So excited! We leave the West Coast to head over to board the AmaPrima next week in Budapest! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS FABULOUS REVIEW!!!
Thanks! Enjoy your cruise!