RIVER CRUISING – A MOST ENJOYABLE WAY TO SEE EUROPE
Note: This is an evaluation report of Ama Waterways Europe’s Rivers and Castles
Cruise on MS AmaLegro during July, 2011 on which Mark Boston and Bob Duncan participated.
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THE SHIP
The MS AmaLegro is one of fastest growing fleet in Europe. By the end of this year, there will be 12 ships in the fleet. Ama Waterways operates their ships exclusively for the English-speaking market. In all they have 21 venues for 7, 14, or 21 night cruises. The River Cruise is a very smooth sailing. There is no motion sickness as on an ocean cruise ship.
This ship built in 2007 has 4 decks, the top one being a sun-deck with a heated whirlpool, a walking tract, 360 degrees viewing, and the bridge for navigation. It is 360 feet long and 38 feet wide, and can accommodate 150 passengers in 75 staterooms with a crew of 41.
THE PUBLIC ROOMS
Beside the Reception Area which has an elevator, there is a large Main Lounge with floor to ceiling windows, comfortable seating, a small dance floor, a bar, and a counter with coffee, tea, cocoa and cookies 24 hours a day. Informal luncheon is served in the Lounge. Other amenities include a Hair Stylist, Masseuse, Beauty Therapist, Fitness Center, Sauna, a Library including video tapes, and a Gift Shop.
THE STATEROOMS
Except for four Junior Suites, the staterooms have 170 square feet. Floor to ceiling windows provide plenty of light and air from the French Balcony. The marble bathroom is equipped with towels and wash cloths, a collection of toiletries, and a stall shower with multi-jet showerheads. There is a flat screen TV and a keyboard with internet access (no additional charge), plush bedding, a sitting area, a safe, terry cloth bathrobes and slippers, individual controlled temperatures, and adequate closet space. In our stateroom we had two single beds. There was a bouquet of fresh flowers, a basket of fruit and four water bottles in the stateroom. Each day the stateroom attendants saw to the room and replenished the water bottles. The Daily Cruiser newspaper was delivered each evening to the stateroom.
THE FOOD
The Chef is very proud of his cuisine creations that reflect the area we are passing through on the cruise. For example, we had a German Night with specialties of the region. Wine and Coca Cola products were served complimentary with the evening four course dinners. There was open seating in the Dining Room with tables for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 persons. There was casual but attentive service. Breakfast and Lunch were served buffet-style.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
Most evenings there was entertainment in the Lounge, such as a Glassblower, a soloist, a band, and one-half hour before dinner the Cruise Manager gave a talk about the excursions for the coming day.
THE ‘EXTRAS’
There were about two dozen bicycles on board for the use of the passengers free of charge, for several excursions, one for 10 miles and another for 35 miles which many of passengers participated in. Hard hats were also provided.
We were fortunate that there was not a lot of rain; however, the ship was equipped with a large collection of big black umbrellas, which some passengers enjoyed using as walking sticks!
Classic films and travel videos were available for use without charge from the Library. The TV provided English news, sports, and entertainment via satellite
stations, plus there was music on the channels of the TV.
THE FRIENDLY SERVICE
We were surprised how friendly and helpful the staff was on the ship, including the Captain. He was visible everywhere, even when the bicyclists were ready to take off on their journey in the morning. He often was engaged in conversation with passengers on the decks and was pleased to have one of the staff show off the bridge. Upon returning home I found a postal card in the mail – handwritten – thanking us for cruising with them and hoping they would see us again soon.
THE ITINERARY
We joined the ship in Nuremberg, after they had been for two nights in Prague.
Since our flight got us there early morning, the staff arranged for us to have a cab tour of Nuremberg and return to the ship for lunch.
From there we sailed to Bamberg on the Main-Danube Canal. We had a walking tour of Bamberg which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The use of head sets worked well. There were 6 guides in most ports: 1 for the Active Walkers, 3 for the Regular Walkers, 1 for the Gentle Walkers (some with canes and walkers), and 1 for the late risers who got to see a part of the tour. The ship sailed to Schweinfurt where we enjoyed a free evening.
The next day brought us to Kitzingen with its famous leaning tower built in the 13th century and the Renaissance Town Hall. In the afternoon we sailed on to Wurzburg, “The Pearl of the Romantic Road” surrounded by slopping hills with vineyards.. A highlight was seeing the Residence Palace. We spent the afternoon taking the optional tour to Rothenburg, a beautiful walled medieval city.