Ordinarily, it’s not becoming to describe a lady as double-wide, but in the case of AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna, it’s surely a compliment. After all, even my wonderful female cruise manager exclaimed, “Double the width, double the fun.” And that’s exactly what I experienced.
AmaMagna's Features and Capacity
Carrying a total of 196 guests with a hull and superstructure that are quite literally twice the size of the line’s next-largest 162-passenger riverboat, there is plenty of room to spread out — making this the ideal vessel for ocean cruisers looking to try an inland waterways voyage. Engine vibrations and any sense of lateral movement are also minimized due to the expanded footprint.
A stateroom onboard AmaMagna
Credit: 2023 AmaWaterways
Starting with private accommodations, the bulk of staterooms are at least 20% larger than AmaWaterways’ narrower counterparts. My 252-square-foot Outside Balcony cabin featured a full veranda, a larger bathroom with plenty of shower space and added room for a vanity that perfectly doubled as my office desk for the week. Suites then increase in size from there, up to a staggering 710 square feet.
Stateroom decor and the interior design of AmaMagna in general are a touch midcentury modern with lovely oak and walnut tones, craftsman wooden slats and welcoming, warm colors.
From the outside, the riverboat is more imposing, but still sleek enough. The larger sun deck provides room for a bigger heated pool and a whirlpool that are ideal for a nice refreshing dip.
A longer walking track and a sizable set of stored bicycles for guest use in port crown the ship’s expansive wellness program, which includes a wake-view Zen Wellness Studio with a fitness center, a relaxation area, two massage rooms and a nail salon. (Hosted programming extends to everything from post-lunch digestive walks to resistance classes.) Only the hair salon is located elsewhere, down a deck next to a handy self-service laundry room (not often found on a riverboat) and a dedicated gift shop. Advisors should be aware that the marina and its aquatic toys — which were once mentioned a lot in ship promotions — are not currently being utilized.
Dining and Entertainment
At the front of the riverboat is a main lounge and bar, but it only offers windows off to the side and not at the front. Forward vistas are reserved for two additional corner libraries, The Al Fresco Restaurant and the outdoor observation deck, all of which surround a central cinema. The latter is underutilized as a do-it-yourself, on-demand television and movie room with available remote controls (but movies are not specifically scheduled). Other entertainment comprises a house pianist and occasional guest entertainers.
One of the things I appreciated about the ship is that there seemed to be more nooks than on other riverboats for clients to escape to, while still affording social customers the room to gather as they wish. The main restaurant is a great example, offering a range of tables, from intimate two-tops for couples up to larger tables for traveling groups. And the food onboard is outstanding.
The Chef’s Table Restaurant has its own tasting menu.
Credit: 2023 AmaWaterwaysAmaWaterways is phasing out self-service buffets, apart from a few pastries and yogurts at breakfast, and I was initially disappointed to see the convenience factor go. But I was so impressed by the speed in which a la carte items were delivered, and with their much greater quality, that I quickly came to appreciate the new approach.
Gourmet cuisine in the main dining room is already top notch, but like the line’s other ships, The Chef’s Table Restaurant offers an alternative tasting menu that further elevates dinner. AmaMagna’s greater size even allows for two additional dining venues: Jimmy’s Restaurant, named after the line’s late co-founder, and The Al Fresco option.
The former serves mostly the same rotating courses found in the primary restaurant, but in multiples and on larger plates for a family-style meal to share with others. The Al Fresco presents a lighter Mediterranean meal that is mostly fixed with a choice of appetizer (the seabream with chimichurri was a flavor explosion) and entree (including perfectly prepared herb-crusted beef striploin). Best of all, every dining option is included, and only some of the spots require reservations.
AmaMagna in Passau, Germany
Credit: 2023 AmaWaterwaysThe only real downside of the riverboat can’t be helped: Because of its larger size, it is only able to navigate a certain portion of the Danube River and its lock system. Because of this, AmaMagna itineraries are limited to certain parts of Europe.
Still, I would gladly return to the same itinerary if it means I have the opportunity to sail onboard the magnificent AmaMagna once again.
