Trading Beaches for the Danube: Our First Family River Cruise on the AmaMagna

We’d been flirting with the idea of a river cruise for a while, but one thought kept holding us back: we’re going to be the youngest people on board by at least three decades. And before you say, “But that’s not so bad,” let me clarify—we still like to claim we’re in our 30s. (If anyone asks, it’s not Botox, it’s “hydration.”)

Boarding Bliss

From the second we set foot on the AmaMagna in Budapest, I knew this wasn’t going to be the stiff, retiree-filled cruise I’d built up in my head. Boarding was so easy—no chaotic check-in lines, no standing around in a terminal like you’re waiting for jury duty. Instead, we were handed a drink, a warm welcome, and the uncanny sense that the crew had somehow memorized our names, drink orders, and life stories before we even stepped on board.

By day two, they had us completely pegged: they knew our favorite wines, which kid drinks “Diet Coke” vs. “Coke Zero,” and exactly how to make me feel like a VIP without ever being over the top.

The Food & Service: Michelin Star Energy, Zero Pretension

Let’s talk food—because wow. Every meal was a mic-drop moment: fresh, flavorful, plated beautifully without being pretentious. Think fine dining meets “I don’t have to wear heels if I don’t want to.” And the service? It was the kind that makes you feel like you’ve been a regular for years.

You know that feeling when you walk into your favorite coffee shop and they start making your order before you even speak? That—except on a luxury cruise ship, with wine.

The Pleasant Surprise: Not Just for the Over-65 Club

Here’s where I happily eat my words. Not only were we not the youngest passengers, there were families everywhere. Kids from five to eighteen were sprinkled across the ship, and Anna immediately clicked with a group of girls aged 11–17. They were inseparable. They still have a group chat going, which I suspect may survive longer than some of my high school friendships.

The Beverage Program—Not Quite “All Inclusive” (And That’s Okay)

Here’s the thing: beverages aren’t included 24/7. You get wine and beer with lunch and dinner, plus a complimentary cocktail hour before dinner. Outside of that, you’ll pay €7–10 per drink.

At first, I’ll admit I was slightly put off—until two things clicked:

1. When you book with me, you get an onboard credit that more than covers it.

2. If you still need more drinks than that? You might be the loud, “Wooo!” group I strategically avoided most of the week.

My only real gripe? €5 for a soda. I’ve given my feedback (politely…ish) that this should be included. Fingers crossed for change in the future.

Excursions: The “Snakes” vs. Our Wander-and-Wine Style

The included excursions are mostly walking tours—lots of following a guide with a colored lollipop sign, which I affectionately call The Snakes. They’re well-run, the guides are knowledgeable, and you’ll get your fair share of historic tidbits. But after a few, I realized… it’s just not my style.

Take Vienna, for example. We took the group bus to the old city, smiled and nodded for about 20 minutes while learning about the cathedral and Empress Sisi’s wardrobe choices, then slipped away. Instead, we wandered through the food market, grabbed an Uber to Schönbrunn Palace, and had lunch up at the Gloriette overlooking the gardens. Meanwhile, the rest of the group spent four more hours getting bussed around while we were back on deck playing pickleball and sipping wine before dinner. Zero regrets.

The Joy of Effortless Travel

This, for me, is the magic of river cruising: you unpack once, yet you wake up in a completely new city almost every morning. We went from Budapest to Vienna, floated past charming Austrian villages like Dürnstein, wandered through Passau’s old town, and ended in Vilshofen—all without touching a train, plane, or rental car.

No dragging suitcases down cobblestone streets, no “hurry up, our train leaves in five minutes” panic, no boarding passes. You step off the ship and—bam—you’re right in the center of the action.

Pre & Post Tours: Where the Personal Magic Happens

River cruises are perfect for pre- and post-extensions. Maybe you arrive in Budapest a few days early to soak up the café culture and thermal baths. Or you tack on a stay in Munich or Prague afterward to explore at your own pace. This is where I get to sprinkle in the personal touches—boutique hotels I love, private food tours, guides who know the back entrances and secret spots. That’s the part that turns a trip from “great” into “exceptionally yours.”

Tips & Tricks from the New River Cruise Convert

• Book your specialty dinners early. As soon as the reservation book opens, grab your preferred nights. We didn’t have trouble, but these spots do require reservations.

• Don’t panic if a tour looks “full” before you sail. We saw plenty of changes and last-minute swaps—spots often open up. We switched activities on the fly more than once.

• BYOB if you’re particular. Have a favorite wine, whiskey, or gin? Bring it on board. Nothing beats popping a late-night bottle from the city and sipping as you sail away.

• Connecting rooms? Book early. Ships have them, but they’re limited—and once another guest claims it, you’re out of luck. (Also, I would pay to watch the YouTube video of someone trying to talk another guest into moving.)

• Know the tipping guidelines. It’s easy to overlook, but the crew works incredibly hard—you’ll want to acknowledge that.

• Remember: these aren’t your forever neighbors. Unless you want to be BFFs with your fellow passengers (I did make a great friend I hope to keep forever), you’ll likely never see them again. So sing with your kids at karaoke, sunbathe guilt-free, and let go of the diet—because it starts “next week.”

Verdict: River Cruising Belongs on Your Bucket List

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Next on my wish list:

• Christmas Market cruises (think Thanksgiving Break magic).

• Spring Break through the tulips in Holland.

• Or maybe… Egypt?