Review: AmaSonata Romantic Danube 9/6/2015

[aldukenew]

AmaSonata Romantic Danube, September 6 – 16, 2015

We just returned from our glorious trip from Prague to Budapest on the AmaSonata. It was the trip of a lifetime.

 

We participated in the pre-cruise 3-day stay in Prague. An AmaWaterways representative met us at the airport and drove us the Hilton Old Town. The hotel is in a great location – a few minutes’ walk to the Old Town Square and was very comfortable. They had a nice breakfast buffet (included) and the staff was very helpful.

 

Days 1-3: After a short orientation presentation by our Cruise Manager, Veronika (cute as a button and fantastic!), she took us on an hour-or-so-long walking tour of the area near the hotel, pointing out ATMs, grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, shopping mall, etc.

 

The next morning, we were divided into 3 groups for a city tour on a bus, then a walking tour starting at the Prague Castle complex and ending at the Old Town Square, where there were musicians, performers, restaurants and lots of things going on. We then had the rest of the afternoon on our own. In the evening, there was an optional excursion to a restaurant, where we were entertained by Czech musicians and dancers. It was very touristy, but a lot of fun. The food was delicious and we all participated in the revelry.

 

The next day, there were a few optional excursions: the concentration camp at Terezin (we chose this and thoroughly “enjoyed” it) or the Lobkowicz Palace. Otherwise, this day was on your own to explore the city.

 

Day 4: The next morning, we boarded our buses on our way to Vilshofen to meet the ship, stopping on the way at Regensburg, a beautiful, beautiful town, where we participated in a walking tour. The famous Sausage Kitchen was very crowded, so we followed our guide’s advice to go to a stand in one of the squares where the locals eat – yummy sausage sandwiches! They make a great mustard there in Regensburg. We then headed to Vilshofen, where we board the beautiful AmaSonata. We were greeted by the staff at the door and, after a short wait in the lounge, we were taken to our cabin and shown all of the amenities. The crew member (waiter Kolja) even connected our mobile devices and ipads to the complimentary wifi. There was then an Oktoberfest celebration in a tent just outside the ship – bear and pretzels – meh. There was a mandatory safety briefing by Captain Christian and then a nice dinner in the dining room.

 

Day 5 - Vilshofen/Passau: This morning we had some time to walk around Vilshofen on our own before cruising to Passau, a lovely Bavarian town located where 3 rivers converge – the Danube, Inn from the south and the Ilz from the north. Our guide, Martina, was excellent. In every port, there were 3 walking tour levels: easy, regular, and active. There were also bike tours offered in many of the ports, but we did not participate in any of those. After the walking tour, we wandered around and settled at a little café near the ship for a couple of beers and a pretzel.

 

Day 6 - Linz, Austria

After our walking tours, there was a choice of three different excursions - is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border (we chose this one and were not disappointed – a lovely place) or an excursion to Salzburg.

Day 7 – Melk/Krem/Durnstein

We cruised to Melk this morning and the weather was beautiful, so we relaxed on the sun deck to enjoy the beautiful scenery. In Melk, we toured the gorgeous Melk Abbey – spectacular. We then chose to walk back down the hill through the lovely town (stopped for a cappuccino) back to the ship. We then cruised through the beautiful, I mean beautiful, Wachau Valley to Krems. There are many, many vineyards and apricot orchards on the way. We chose to stay on the ship in Krems for a nap on the sun deck, while others took the bus to Durnstein. In the evening, we attended a very interesting tour/wine tasting at a vineyard.

 

Day 8 – Vienna

After a city tour on the bus, we chose to walk around the city on our own, visiting the Albertina Museum, the Sacher Hotel for weiner schnitzel and Sacher torte, and a café our guide recommended (Gerstner – delicious strudel on the pedestrian street, the Kartnerstrasse). Ama provided shuttle buses all afternoon to/from the ship.

 

Day 9 – Bratislava, Slovakia

It was raining today, so walking around Bratislava was not that pleasant, but we made the best of it. We chose to skip the walking tour and just walked around, stopping for a beer and taking pictures of the whimsical statues around the town. I wasn’t overly impressed here.

 

Day 10 – Budapest, Hungary

This is the highlight of the trip for me. Our walking tour from the ship included the huge indoor market, where there were hundreds of stalls selling food and good. We then boarded buses up to the castle, where we walked around some more. Beautiful views of the city. We chose to remain there and have lunch at a nice restaurant that the guide recommended (Var a Speiz across from the Hilton Castle District) and enjoyed the goulash and paprikash. We walked back to the ship downhill (luckily) – an hour’s walk across the Chain Bridge. It was a little warm but enjoyable. After dinner, there was a spectacular illumination cruise up and down the Danube. The bridges and buildings were all lit up and there were audible gasps from all of us as we listened to beautiful music up on the sun deck. Some folks were dancing. It was magical. What a great ending to a wonderful cruise.

 

Departure

We had to have our luggage outside our cabins 30 minutes before our transfer time (Ama arranged all of that) and waited in the lounge after breakfast for our announcement. The drive to the airport was about 20-30 minutes. We arrived home safe and sound, albeit exhausted.

 

Thoughts

This was our second cruise with AmaWaterways (our first was Tulip Time in 2013) and we were not disappointed. In fact, we signed up for a future cruise while on board (no date or destination yet). Our cruise manager, Veronika, was fantastic and the crew was attentive and friendly. We were well taken care of. We spoke to several folks who had no luggage for the first 2 days of the cruise and Ama provided them with an "emergency pack" and washed their clothes at no charge until they finally received their luggage. I have no complaints at all and would highly recommend AmaWaterways. We had no issues with water levels and the weather was perfect, aside from 2 days of rain in Prague and Bratislava. Memorable.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Thanks for your thorough review! Glad to hear (or, technically, not hear) that the low water issues didn't affect your trip and that AMA service lived up to their reputation.

Edited September 18, 2015 by Host Jazzbeau

[mmsoko]

How were you dressed for your cruise? capris? jeans? sweater? jacket?

 

Did you have a balcony room? Did you use it?

 

Can you tell me more about the ship...food? entertainment? pool?

 

So glad you enjoyed your river cruise. Enjoyed your review and appreciate you taking the time to write it.

[aldukenew]

How were you dressed for your cruise? capris? jeans? sweater? jacket?

 

Did you have a balcony room? Did you use it?

 

Can you tell me more about the ship...food? entertainment? pool?

 

So glad you enjoyed your river cruise. Enjoyed your review and appreciate you taking the time to write it.

 

For the first few days, we wore long pants and a light jacket, as it was cool in Prague. After that, we graduated to capris and finally to shorts, as it was in the 80s in Budapest.

 

We had a French balcony room, not a twin balcony. Those who did said they sat out there a couple of times. We opened our sliding doors occasionally, but we were rarely in our cabin, as we were so very busy on tours and up on the sun deck. We rafted next to another ship twice and went through many locks, so a balcony could not be used then.

 

The ship is beautiful. I only saw one person in the pool. It was hot tub temperature - very warm. We did wade a little on the last day. We sat up on the sun deck a lot and the waiters were very good about bringing drinks up. The lounge was the only other place to go, other than the cabin, while on board. We did not attend most of the evening entertainment, as dinner wasn't over until 9:00 or so and we were bushed. We watched a little of the Hungarian folk dancers and musicians, but left after a little while. You can't really talk to people during the performances. The Captain's Table restaurant was good, I thought. You make reservations for one night during the cruise. Overall, I thought the food was very good. Some people said they thought it was just good. I had no complaints and there was plenty of it! Free flowing beer and wine at lunch and dinner. Lots of it, too! There is a hair salon and masseuse on board, but we did not use either. Also, a very small fitness center, which we did not use either :-).

 

I hope this helps. I welcome any other questions you might have.

 

Allyson

[mmsoko]

[quote name=aldukenew

 

I hope this helps. I welcome any other questions you might have.

 

Allyson[/quote]

 

 

Yes, this certainly helps. It's so nice that you are willing to answer any questions. AND I have at least one more.

 

 

Was there additional expense for the optional tours that you refer?

[aldukenew]

How were you dressed for your cruise? capris? jeans? sweater? jacket?

 

Did you have a balcony room? Did you use it?

 

Can you tell me more about the ship...food? entertainment? pool?

 

So glad you enjoyed your river cruise. Enjoyed your review and appreciate you taking the time to write it.

 

Yes, this certainly helps. It's so nice that you are willing to answer any questions. AND I have at least one more.

 

 

Was there additional expense for the optional tours that you refer?

 

We paid extra for the trip to Terezin (41 Euros), the Czech folklife performance (61 euros), and a Mozart/Strauss concert in Vienna (61 euros). I forgot to add that most nights, we did not even change for dinner. Very casual if you want it to be.

[nyfeds]

Thanks for your very welcome and good review of your AMA cruise.

 

Did you need to book those optional tours in advance or could you book on-board?

 

We are taking AMA's Flamenco and Port Wine land and river cruise in May. Can hardly wait!

 

Thanks!

Denise

Edited September 18, 2015 by nyfeds

[aldukenew]

Thanks for your very welcome and good review of your AMA cruise.

 

Did you need to book those optional tours in advance or could you book on-board?

 

We are taking AMA's Flamenco and Port Wine land and river cruise in May. Can hardly wait!

 

Thanks!

Denise

 

We paid extra for the trip to Terezin (41 Euros), the Czech folklife performance (61 euros), and a Mozart/Strauss concert in Vienna (61 euros). We booked them on board. The cruise manage gave us a sign up sheet for all excursions that we had to turn in on the second day, I think. I think there are a few "limited edition" tours that you'll be able to book online after you check in online.

 

Allyson

[Host Jazzbeau]

We paid extra for the trip to Terezin (41 Euros), the Czech folklife performance (61 euros), and a Mozart/Strauss concert in Vienna (61 euros). We booked them on board. The cruise manage gave us a sign up sheet for all excursions that we had to turn in on the second day, I think. I think there are a few "limited edition" tours that you'll be able to book online after you check in online.

 

Allyson

 

If I'm reading your review correctly, Terezin and the Czech folklife performance were part of the pre-cruise extension. The Vienna concert is one of the very few cruise excursions that AMA charges extra for. Generally all cruise excursion choices (even "limited edition" tours) are included in the cruise fare.

[aldukenew]

If I'm reading your review correctly, Terezin and the Czech folklife performance were part of the pre-cruise extension. The Vienna concert is one of the very few cruise excursions that AMA charges extra for. Generally all cruise excursion choices (even "limited edition" tours) are included in the cruise fare.

 

You are right, Jazzbeau. Sorry for the confusion.

[Valley Girl of VA]

AmaSonata Romantic Danube, September 6 – 16, 2015

In fact, we signed up for a future cruise while on board (no date or destination yet). Our cruise manager, Veronika, was fantastic and the crew was attentive and friendly. We were well taken care of. We spoke to several folks who had no luggage for the first 2 days of the cruise and Ama provided them with an "emergency pack" and washed their clothes at no charge until they finally received their luggage. I have no complaints at all and would highly recommend AmaWaterways. We had no issues with water levels and the weather was perfect, aside from 2 days of rain in Prague and Bratislava. Memorable.

 

Hi Aldukenew - wondering if you could email me. From Loudoun Cty and recently moved to the Valley. We too are going on another AMA cruise next year and just did the Romantic Danube on the Prima in June.

 

Jane

janeschwalm at gmail dot com

[mmsoko]

How did you handle money? Use ATMs? Credit card?

 

 

Did you shop?? Thoughts about buying some Czech crystal.

 

Any tips/ experience along these lines??

[aldukenew]

We used ATMs in Prague, Regensberg, and Budapest. Very easy. We did not shop much, so we did not purchase any crystal. The guides did suggest reputable places for that in Prague. It is helpful to have 1 and 2 euro coins for tips and bathrooms, when necessary.

[John99]

Hi aldukenew. Really liked your review. Very informative.

 

We are looking at the same cruise (Romantic Danube) on AMA for next year. I see you went in September -- when did you book? Do you think I'm to late to book for Sept 2016? Did you use a TA? How about air arrangements -- any problems?

I noticed you mentioned that dinner ended around 9:00pm. When did dinner start? Some cruises have an informational meeting (on what to expect the next day) before dinner. Was this the case on your cruise?

 

John

[aldukenew]

Hi aldukenew. Really liked your review. Very informative.

 

We are looking at the same cruise (Romantic Danube) on AMA for next year. I see you went in September -- when did you book? Do you think I'm to late to book for Sept 2016? Did you use a TA? How about air arrangements -- any problems?

I noticed you mentioned that dinner ended around 9:00pm. When did dinner start? Some cruises have an informational meeting (on what to expect the next day) before dinner. Was this the case on your cruise?

 

John

John,

We booked in July of 2014 for this September, but several couples on this cruise said they got the "last cabin" a few months ago :-). We did use a TA and used the AMA air - prices were competitive but went up $200 in the 30 minutes it took us to decide!! Dinner was usually about 7:15, but occasionally was moved up due to evening excursions (wine tasting and Vienna concert) - once to 5:30 and another to 6:45. We did have a briefing every night before dinner about the next day. Very informative. Our Cruise Manager, Veronika, was very helpful with suggestions and insights about what to do and what not to do. She put together money conversion cheat sheets for Prague (pre-cruise days) and Budapest.

 

All questions are welcome!

 

Allyson

[nyfeds]

We paid extra for the trip to Terezin (41 Euros), the Czech folklife performance (61 euros), and a Mozart/Strauss concert in Vienna (61 euros). We booked them on board. The cruise manage gave us a sign up sheet for all excursions that we had to turn in on the second day, I think. I think there are a few "limited edition" tours that you'll be able to book online after you check in online.

 

Allyson

 

Thanks for your reply.

[aldukenew]

Thanks for your reply.

 

As Jazzbeau pointed out, the first two excursions I mentioned, the trip to Terezin and the Czech folklife performance, were during our pre-cruise stay in Prague. The "limited edition" tours may be booked online after checkin, but there is no charge. The only one we paid for during the cruise was the concert in Vienna, booked on board. You will receive information about these in your packet.

[mmsoko]

Hi aldukenew. Really liked your review. Very informative.

 

We are looking at the same cruise (Romantic Danube) on AMA for next year. I see you went in September -- when did you book? Do you think I'm to late to book for Sept 2016? Did you use a TA? How about air arrangements -- any problems?

 

John

 

Found it interesting that you are from Sterling Heights. We are doing our first river cruise next September with 3 other couples. We are from Shelby Township and Macomb Township. We reserved our cruise on July 31, 2015 for Sept 25. We booked AMA Romantic Danube thru a travel agent and were lead to believe cabins for 4 couples were scarce. We had preferred to travel a little earlier in September. We are waiting to book our air until we can check pricing on our own.

[Rosethorn40]

Enjoyed your review very much. We went on a Danube cruise less than a year ago (Different line & time of year) and loved it. I agree with what you said about Melk Abbey, just breathtaking.

 

I especially liked hearing about your evening cruise in Budapest, seeing the city illuminated from the water, music playing, and some people dancing on the top deck. It must of been one of those magical moments that we long for, but don't always get when we travel. I had one on our most recent cruise; we were returning from a small group tour in Copenhagen, and as our driver drove up to our cruise ship she sang "Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen" in Danish. Besides seeing the ballet at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, that was my highlight.

[Valley Girl of VA]

Found it interesting that you are from Sterling Heights. We are doing our first river cruise next September with 3 other couples. We are from Shelby Township and Macomb Township. We reserved our cruise on July 31, 2015 for Sept 25. We booked AMA Romantic Danube thru a travel agent and were lead to believe cabins for 4 couples were scarce. We had preferred to travel a little earlier in September. We are waiting to book our air until we can check pricing on our own.

 

We are in Cheboygan County - at least for the summer. We just did the Romantic Danube in June. I wrote several blogs about our trip. Just follow the link after my name and then go to the drop down menu and look for river cruising. I have pictures of the various staterooms.

 

Jane

[John99]

Found it interesting that you are from Sterling Heights. We are doing our first river cruise next September with 3 other couples. We are from Shelby Township and Macomb Township. We reserved our cruise on July 31, 2015 for Sept 25. We booked AMA Romantic Danube thru a travel agent and were lead to believe cabins for 4 couples were scarce. We had preferred to travel a little earlier in September. We are waiting to book our air until we can check pricing on our own.

 

Hi to all,

 

Contacted my TA for possible AMA cruises during September 2016. All booked. Only had some openings in August (not preferred by us). Seems like a very poplar time of year. Plus, we're are looking a little late to book for next year. Now looking at October 4th on AMAstella cat C @ $5096pp.

 

Also, a possibility -- Melodies of the Danube but Munich does appeal to us. Prices all over the map. A Prague extension instead of Munich was $6196pp.. Quite high compared to the price stated above.

 

John

 

PS. mmsoko Yes from Sterling Hgts. Not far from Shelby Twp. Small world. I'm a retiree after many years working for one of the Big Three.

[mmsoko]

Hi to all,

 

PS. mmsoko Yes from Sterling Hgts. Not far from Shelby Twp. Small world. I'm a retiree after many years working for one of the Big Three.

 

We are doing the pre days in Prague. My grandparents immigrated from Czecholslovakia and really want to revisit there.

 

Hope you are able to get a cruise to your liking.

Marcia

[H2Otstr]

Hi to all,

 

Contacted my TA for possible AMA cruises during September 2016. All booked. Only had some openings in August (not preferred by us). Seems like a very poplar time of year. Plus, we're are looking a little late to book for next year. Now looking at October 4th on AMAstella cat C @ $5096pp.

 

Also, a possibility -- Melodies of the Danube but Munich does appeal to us. Prices all over the map. A Prague extension instead of Munich was $6196pp.. Quite high compared to the price stated above.

 

John

 

PS. mmsoko Yes from Sterling Hgts. Not far from Shelby Twp. Small world. I'm a retiree after many years working for one of the Big Three.

 

You can be put on a list for cancellations. We were just on the AMACerto and there were lots of empty rooms. I also heard some people say that they had only booked about a month before the trip.

[aldukenew]

You can be put on a list for cancellations. We were just on the AMACerto and there were lots of empty rooms. I also heard some people say that they had only booked about a month before the trip.

 

We were told by 4 people on this 9/6 cruise that they got the last cabin!!! It must have been crowded in there!d But, seriously, that may have meant that cabins opened up at the last minute.

 

Allyson

[John99]

We are doing the pre days in Prague. My grandparents immigrated from Czecholslovakia and really want to revisit there.

 

Hope you are able to get a cruise to your liking.

Marcia

 

Hi Marcia,

 

Grandparents from Czechoslovakia also. Bratislava area to be exact. The destination is certainly not as famous as Budapest, Vienna, etc. but it's on our bucket list. Still looking at September for next year. Hoping for cancellations. Our TA will keep in contact with AMA. October is a second choice but we worry about the cooler weather that time of year.

 

John