Sailing the Danube on The AMA Serena

One of the best ways to explore Europe's legendary cities and countryside is by cruising along one of the rivers that cross the continent. We recently sailed with AmaWaterways' luxurious ship, AmaSerena on their "Melodies of the Danube" cruise.

Come join us.

The Ship

The AmaSerena is a beautiful three-story ship designed to navigate Europe's low bridges, undulating rivers and tight locks.

On the ship's sprawling top deck, you can take in the sun, dip in the refreshing pool, power-walk around the track or just unwind with a drink and watch rolling green hills, postcard-perfect villages and soaring church steeples.

The epicenter of life on board is the Lounge, a large glass-walled space with a circular bar and living-room style furniture. Here you'll listen to daily port talks, enjoy shows, sip cappuccinos and cocktails and dance the night away with your loved one.

Accommodations include 81 luxurious rooms and 4 suites, most featuring the AmaWaterways signature "twin balconies" — an open terrace and a separate floor-to-ceiling French balcony. The beautifully decorated guestrooms offer fine amenities such as lush Egyptian linen, down duvets and pillows and a state-of-the-art entertainment system. The spacious white-marble bath features a large glass-enclosed jet shower. But you won't spend much time in your room. Europe is waiting.

The Itinerary

The "Melodies of the Danube" cruise starts in Budapest (Hungary), sails up the Danube River with stops in Bratislava (Slovakia), Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, (Austria), and ends in Passau (Germany).

In every port you can join complimentary guided tours or explore on your own. Excursions are designed for different fitness abilities, from gentle walks to vigorous hikes and bicycle tours.

We visit Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, meander through the regal city of Vienna and roam the cobblestone alleys of Bratislava and Lintz.

In Austria's picturesque Wachaw Valley we taste local wines and apricot liqueur and in Switzerland we pass by the idyllic village where "Sound of Music" was filmed.

We also tour medieval cities, legendary castles, grand abbeys and learn about the area's rich history.

The cuisine

AmaWaterways was inducted in La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, oneof the world's most prestigious gastronomical organizations, an honor bestowed only for the highest culinary achievements.

The AmaSerena features breakfast and lunch buffet and a-la-carte dining, offering American and International cuisine along with typical local specialties.

Dinner is an elaborate multi-course menu with delicious and artistically presented dishes often inspired by the destinations. We enjoy Viennese Schnitzel, Hungarian Goulash, grilled River Char, local fish and vegetarian entrees. Caesar salad, grilled salmon, chicken and steaks are always available. Delicious European cakes, pastries and ice cream complete every meal. Complimentary white and red wine pairings, as well as beer and soft drinks are served at lunch and dinner.

Melodies of the Danube and special events

The theme of our cruise is "Melodies of the Danube," and throughout the week we sample the music and folklore of the visited lands: Gypsy melodies and Hungarian dances in Budapest, classic and popular music in Austria, and familiar folk songs in Linz. During our visit to Greinburg castle, a local troupe entertains us with popular dances, and in Vilshofen we all celebrate Oktoberfest with Pilsner Beer, pretzels, Bavarian music and lederhosen-clad dancers. In Vienna we enjoy (for a fee) a delightful concert of Strauss and Mozart music performed in an elegant palace.

So, if you're looking for a superior travel experience check out AmaWaterways. It is one of the highest ranked cruise lines in the world.