- Largest ever river cruise ship for Europe revealed.
- AmaRudi joins sister ship AmaMagna.
- Due to sail on the Danube early 2027.
AmaWaterways has revealed the first images and details of the largest river cruise ship for European waters, AmaRudi. The ship joins sister ship AmaMagna as the second double-width river ship for the fleet, building and expanding on the original AmaMagna design. AmaRudi is scheduled to debut on the Danube River early next year.
AmaMagna was groundbreaking in design when she launched in 2019 and proved such a success for the luxury river cruise line that plans for AmaRudi were launched. The designs redefined expectations around maximising space, while accommodating under 200 guests across 98 staterooms and suites.
The new AmaRudi is described as boasting an extraordinary amount of personal space, multiple dining venues, expansive wellness amenities and mindfully designed public spaces inspired by the destinations along the Danube River.
In a unique twist, AmaRudi is the first vessel in the company’s history to be named after a man, honouring co-founder Rudi Schreiner, whose pioneering vision helped shape the modern river cruise industry. Born and raised near Austria’s Danube River, Schreiner spent his childhood exploring the very river that will be the home port for AmaRudi.
The ship design
The term “double-width” refers to a design that deliberately challenged the traditional European river cruise formula. Most river ships on the Danube are around 11.4 metres wide because of lock dimensions and river infrastructure. AmaMagna was built at approximately 22 metres wide, almost double the beam of a conventional river vessel, while remaining the standard river-cruise length of about 135 metres.
While building on the spacious double-width design first introduced with AmaMagna, the new AmaRudi ship will have these elements also, while debuting several more new features and guest experiences, thus making her the next new “biggest ever river cruise ship in Europe”, eclipsing her sister the AmaMagna.
The design concept for AmaRudi blends contemporary elegance, exceptional comfort and subtle historical references inspired by the cities and cultures found along the Danube River. Schreiner believed river cruising had reached a point where many ships were beginning to feel increasingly similar, with little distinction in the size of cabins and public spaces. Rather than using a larger vessel to simply accommodate more passengers, he saw an opportunity to completely rethink the onboard experience. The additional width of AmaMagna allowed for significantly larger suites, wider corridors, more expansive public areas, multiple dining venues, an enlarged wellness centre, additional lounges and libraries, a cinema, and even a watersports platform at the stern.
Most notably, the extra space is not used to increase passenger capacity. Despite being almost twice the width of a traditional European river ship, AmaMagna carries just 196 guests a figure comparable to many standard river vessels. The result is a dramatically higher space-to-guest ratio, creating a more relaxed and luxurious onboard atmosphere.
The accommodation is where the difference is most apparent. While cabins on many European river cruises typically range between 150 and 250 square feet, AmaMagna‘s suites measure from approximately 355 to 710 square feet, with many featuring full balconies. Some are comparable in size to suites found on premium ocean-going cruise ships, offering a level of comfort rarely associated with river cruising.
The ship’s design has also enabled a range of amenities more commonly found in boutique hotels than on river vessels. Guests can choose from four restaurants and five bars, enjoy extensive fitness and wellness facilities, relax in a sun-deck pool or whirlpool, visit the onboard hair and nail salon, or take advantage of a dedicated excursion boat. Multiple fireside libraries and intimate lounge spaces further enhance the feeling of being in a luxury resort rather than on a traditional river ship. These are the kinds of features that would not be possible on a conventional river vessel, where space is at a premium.
Who is Rudi?
Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and Chairman of AmaWaterways says “AmaMagna changed what travellers believed was possible on a river cruise ship.” Schreiner adds “We knew there would be a right time to revisit that concept, and with river cruising continuing to grow, that time is now. More travellers are making the transition from ocean cruising to rivers, and many are looking for a sense of space and choice.
“AmaMagna was one of the most rewarding projects of my career, so having this new ship carry my name makes it especially meaningful. I see it as part of the legacy we have built together over more than two decades of river cruising.”
Culinary Experiences
Dining will be at the heart of the AmaRudi experience, with multiple venues ranging from the Journey’s Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant to al fresco dining experiences and the intimate Rudi’s Wine Bar, a welcoming gathering place inspired by Schreiner’s passion for wine and European culture.
In addition to these venues is AmaWaterways’ enhanced dining experience, including complimentary beer, soft drinks and a curated selection of more than 30 wines available during lunch and dinner, as well as new Italian lunch menus served in The Chef’s Table raestaurant. A built-in Deck Club barbecue on the Sun Deck will further expand the ship’s dining options.
Wellness & Recreation
Guests will have access to an expansive wellness area featuring massage treatment rooms, hair and nail services, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and dedicated spaces for relaxation. Guided by AmaWaterways’ dedicated Wellness Hosts, guests can enjoy a variety of fitness classes and wellness programming both onboard and ashore. The Sun Deck will also feature a full-sized pickleball court, providing even more opportunities to stay active while enjoying the scenery along the Danube.
Entertainment
AmaRudi will introduce an entirely new entertainment concept created exclusively for the ship. Designed as a vibrant social hub, the versatile venue will feature a cinema, karaoke, billiards and a jukebox, while thoughtful soundproofing ensures guest comfort throughout the vessel.
Sustainability
As with all new AmaWaterways vessels, sustainability will play an important role in AmaRudi’s design and operation. The ship will feature advanced Stage V engines, solar panels, shore power connectivity, spud poles and lightweight construction materials designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact while navigating Europe’s waterways.
“AmaRudi reflects our confidence in the future of river cruising and our continued commitment to innovation,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “From the moment AmaMagna launched, travellers and travel advisors have been asking if we would ever build another ship like her. With AmaRudi, we’re taking that concept even further. There is tremendous opportunity to continue pushing the boundaries of what a river cruise ship can be while preserving the exceptional service and intimate experience that have defined our company for more than two decades.”
Since its debut, AmaMagna has remained one of the most talked-about ships in the industry, earning praise for its spacious accommodations, expanded dining options and innovative design.
AmaRudi will begin sailing the Danube River early 2027 operating some of AmaWaterways’ most popular Danube itineraries. For more information, click here.
AmaRudi’s itinerary
AmaRudi will sail AmaWaterways’ signature Danube itinerary, a seven-night journey between Vilshofen in Germany and Budapest in Hungary that showcases some of the river’s most celebrated destinations. Along the way, guests will explore the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the charming old town of Bratislava, the picturesque Wachau Valley wine region and the historic riverside town of Dürnstein, while also visiting Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers”, and Linz, the gateway to Salzburg and Austria’s stunning lake district. The itinerary combines cultural immersion, scenic cruising and centuries of European history, with the ship’s innovative design allowing guests to enjoy the journey in unprecedented comfort and space as they travel through the heart of Central Europe.
AmaWaterways is also offering longer combinations, including a 14-night Grand Danube voyage that continues beyond Budapest through Belgrade, the Iron Gates Gorge, Vidin and Giurgiu, giving guests the opportunity to sail much deeper into Eastern Europe
