Danube River Cruise: August 2024

What to Know About a Danube River Cruise

When I invited my daughter on this press trip, her first response was, “Aren’t I too young?” She wasn’t wrong—the average age onboard ranged from 55 to 75. However, with her interest in art history, culture, and architecture, the cruise suited her personality.

Although neither of us is religious, we loved visiting the churches, cathedrals, and basilicas for their history, opulence, and status. For young adults curious about the world beyond social media, this is a great way to explore history and culture, though 9:00 AM excursions may be challenging for late sleepers!

My daughter soon adjusted to the rhythm and even opted for a relaxing morning onboard while I explored solo one day—a testament to the ship’s safety and comfort. As a Gen Z traveller, she appreciated the reliable Wi-Fi, which kept her connected for scrolling and sharing.

Packing Tips

August temperatures along the Danube averaged 30°C, so pack for the heat: lightweight natural fabrics, sun hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essentials. Comfortable walking shoes and sandals are a must for excursions, whether you’re exploring on foot, biking, or hiking.

The dress code onboard is casual to smart casual—no dinner jacket or gown was in sight! Even the captain’s dinner required only a slightly smarter outfit.

If you prefer cooler weather, consider spring or autumn, though it’s not necessarily quieter. I cruised the Rhine in November, and it still felt lively.

The Ship: AmaLea

The AmaLea is a boutique river cruise ship with 78 staterooms and a maximum capacity of 156 passengers. On our trip, there were approximately 120 guests, which created an intimate atmosphere. My daughter, who sometimes experiences social anxiety, appreciated the smaller ship size.

Our cabin was a Category AB, ranging from 210 to 235 square feet, which was perfectly spacious. Suitcases easily tucked under the beds kept the room tidy.

The ship offered complimentary beverages, snacks, and meals all days—ideal for a hungry teenager. She loved the independence of grabbing snacks or lounging in quiet zones while I explored.

Dining on the AmaLea

One of the highlights of the AmaLea experience was the food, which catered to all tastes and dietary needs. Breakfast featured a self-service buffet with fresh fruit, yoghurt, eggs, pastries, and granola. For a lighter start, the casual breakfast bar offered coffee, yoghurt, and croissants, perfect for late risers like us.

Lunch and dinner were table service, with an impressive menu of regional specialities, international dishes, and vegetarian options. My daughter appreciated the variety, while I enjoyed pairing meals with local wines thoughtfully included in the package.

Snacks and beverages were available throughout the day, ensuring no one went hungry (or thirsty!). While the dining experience wasn’t overly formal, the flavours and presentation elevated each meal.

Our Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Boarding at Vilshofen, Germany 🇩🇪
We boarded around 2:00 PM and were welcomed with afternoon tea. After exploring the ship and settling into our cabin, we relaxed on deck, soaking in the serene river views.

Day 2: Passau, Germany 🇩🇪
Inspired by a 76-year-old fellow passenger, my daughter joined me on the River Inn bike tour. She was thrilled she pushed herself, and we both agreed it was worth it. The tour offered stunning views and a unique way to explore Passau’s beauty.

After lunch, we joined an afternoon walking tour of Passau’s old town. For those seeking a challenge, there was also an option to hike to Veste Oberhaus Castle for panoramic views.

Day 3: Linz, Austria 🇦🇹 & Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
The morning took us to the fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov, known for its charming streets and three resident bears. While the castle was closed, the guided tour provided fascinating insights into the town’s history.

Returning to Linz in the afternoon, we enjoyed a stroll through Austria’s third-largest city before a relaxed evening onboard.

Day 4: Melk Abbey & Dürnstein, Austria 🇦🇹
This was one of our favourite days. After exploring the stunning Melk Abbey, we spent the afternoon in the picturesque village of Dürnstein, where the views were as memorable as the history.

Day 5: Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
My daughter had embraced cycling by now, and our bike tour of Vienna’s iconic Ringstrasse and Graben became a highlight. Exploring the city on two wheels allowed us to cover more ground while soaking in the grandeur of its architecture.

Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia 🇸🇰
This small yet captivating capital charmed us with its rich history and architecture. After a full day of exploration, we enjoyed live music and dinner onboard, followed by a peaceful evening with new friends.

Day 7: Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺
The cruise ended in Budapest, but we extended our two-night stay—an excellent decision! Budapest’s thermal baths, historic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere deserve extra time to explore fully.

What My Daughter Loved About the Cruise

1️⃣ The friendly, welcoming atmosphere onboard.
2️⃣ Unlimited snacks, drinks, and treats.
3️⃣ A wide range of excursions, with options for every interest.
4️⃣ Relaxing on deck with a book and enjoying the tranquil sound of the river.
5️⃣ A structured itinerary that encouraged exploration and limited screen time.
6️⃣ Immersion in history, culture, and architecture without the hassle of packing and unpacking.

Before and After the Cruise: Munich & Budapest

We started with two nights in Munich, a city rich in Bavarian culture, art, and history. A bike tour is a must and a fun way to see the city! AmaWaterways can arrange pre-cruise stays, but we booked independently.

We spent two extra nights in Budapest, exploring its vibrant streets. From thermal baths to the iconic Parliament building, it’s a city worth lingering in.

Final Thoughts

This journey was more than a vacation—a bridge between generations and a celebration of connection. While the cruise may not be ideal for families with young teenagers, older teens and young adults interested in culture will find it enriching. The cost felt good, with board, meals, and most excursions included.

Would I do it again? Absolutely! Whether travelling with family, friends, or solo, a Danube River cruise offers something special for everyone.

Day-by-Day Highlights on Instagram

For anyone who wants to see more of our Danuabe River cruise journey, I’ve saved day-by-day trip accounts on my Instagram @feronclarkstyle in my highlights. If you scroll back on my feed to August 2024 and on my highlights, you’ll find many videos that capture even more of the stunning scenery, activities, and experiences that photos can’t do justice to. These snapshots in the blog only show a tiny fraction of what we saw and did—it was a week full of unforgettable moments!