It’s been five years since I last sailed on AmaMagna. Back then, I was blown away by her size, as she sits at twice the width of traditional river cruise ships. But after half a decade of river cruising for the site and stepping aboard more river cruise ships than ever, I can confidently say that her size stood out even more this time around. And her size isn’t just a novelty. It makes life onboard much more comfortable and convenient than on traditional river cruise ships.
Spacious Staterooms That Make a Difference
First, let’s talk about our stateroom. Ralph and I shared a room this time around, which we usually aren’t too fond of, but the extra space made a big difference. We kept the room clean and organized, and at no point did it feel like we were stepping over each other. Most importantly, there was plenty of storage for both of our clothes – even with my tendency to overpack.
On my first AmaMagna sailing, I wrote a review that got denied by an editor because I mentioned a detail that, apparently, wasn’t “appropriate” – the fact that the toilet is in a separate room from the shower. Well, now I’m my own boss, and I’m bringing it up. Sure, bathroom talk isn’t the most glamorous, but it’s worth noting: Having a separate toilet means one person can shower and get ready while the other uses the restroom. It’s a thoughtful design feature that more ships should adopt.
Speaking of bathrooms, I also appreciated the double vanities and separate storage spaces. And in an unexpected but welcome touch, each room includes a curling iron. A small (and kind of weird) detail, but a useful one.
Thoughtful Touches Around The Ship
Since we’re already on the subject of bathrooms, one major improvement since my last sailing was the addition of four single-use restrooms in public areas, compared to the typical two or three found on most river ships. A small but important addition – especially during dinner service when guests don’t want to trek back to their rooms.
Plenty Of Space To Work, Lounge, And Unwind
One of the things I loved most about AmaMagna was the variety of spaces to tuck away and work, read, or simply relax. Mornings at Rudi’s Café with a coffee station (and some truly excellent cookies) made for a perfect workspace. The lounge offered another great hideaway – offering plenty of tucked-away corners to settle into. And for even more privacy, the library was the perfect spot to chat because it was next to the lounge, so you still felt like you were a part of the evening without disrupting the entertainment.
Though I didn’t use it often, the ship also houses a nice gym with a rowing machine, bikes, and treadmills, plus a variety of weights and some other equipment. I also saw people using the Theatre, but it seemed they were mostly sitting in there with laptops for a quiet place to respond to emails. I suggested that we post up in the Theatre to watch The Sound Of Music before we went to Salzburg, but the local entertainment that evening proved to be more engaging than the film.
Fun On Deck
Pickleball is growing in popularity, and yes – people actually played it onboard. Yet another feature AmaMagna is able to house due to her impressive size. There was even someone sitting out by the pool, soaking in the atmosphere. In February! I was judging a little bit, but still…It’s nice to see guests making the most of the ship’s outdoor spaces.
Dining Options To Suit Every Taste
Another standout feature of AmaMagna? The multiple dining venues. With a variety of options, from the tasting menu at the Chef’s Table to family-style dishes served up at Jimmy’s or the bright atmosphere of the Al Fresco restaurant, there was something for everyone; and the ability to switch things up from the already stellar dinners at the Main Dining Room each evening was a definite plus.
One more note on dining. Though I am probably one of the most social creatures on the planet, that means sometimes I get a little exhausted from making so many new friends. So Ralph and I also appreciated (and frequently dined at) the two-top tables in the Main Dining Room. This is something that isn’t offered on many other river cruise ships because there needs to be seating throughout one to two restaurants for all guests. The extra size of the Main Dining Room combined with the choice of dining venues each night made dinner times feel less crowded.
Final Thoughts
AmaMagna remains in a category of her own. After years of experiencing other river ships, her size and thoughtful design elements stand out even more. From the spacious staterooms and small added features in public spaces to the variety of dining and tucked-away spaces, the ship offers an elevated experience that’s both comfortable and functional. Whether you’re working remotely (and I really hope you aren’t), indulging in onboard activities, or just looking for a stress-free cruising experience, she delivers.
Five years later, and AmaMagna still impresses. And honestly? I think I appreciated her even more the second time around. And yes, I’m still talking about the bathrooms.
This article was originally published at River Cruise Advisor.
