Fun on the Danube River | AmaWaterways River Cruise – June 2025

Our Group enjoying fine cuisine in the Chef’s Table Restaurant
A night to remember! We gathered for an elegant dinner at the Chef’s Table, celebrating two anniversaries and a milestone 50th birthday. The evening was filled with incredible food, fantastic company, and unforgettable memories aboard the beautiful AmaBella.

Sailing through history, culture, and unforgettable moments! Our group had a blast exploring the heart of Europe on this amazing AmaWaterways adventure.

Our recent cruise sailing through Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia—was truly unforgettable. Following is one travelers' comments when asked if they enjoyed their cruise, shore excursions, etc.:

"Loved all the shore excursions, from beautiful architecture and scenery as we travelled to the sites as well as amazing sites. All the local guides were fantastic, fun, knowledgeable and so proud of their countries. Each excursion was well organized, and I learned a lot about eastern European culture. 

Loved the ship and the crew on the AmaBella. The food was amazing. Amawaterways is an outstanding company that provides fantastic customer service and treats each guest so wonderfully."

Part of the “Istanbul 12” group arriving in Istanbul

Whether you’re drawn to the legendary 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond or simply wish to soak in the stunning architecture of this captivating city, this 3-night land package is sure to leave a lasting impression.
It was one of the highlights of our group’s 12-day, seven-country, two-continent journey!

After a full day touring, we ending up having a nightcap directly across from our stunning hotel.

Our home for three nights, the Sultanhan Hotel was decadent, and centrally located.

Tours offered through AmaWaterways included visits to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace—each stunningly beautiful and steeped in history, architecture, and culture.
Stepping into the Hagia Sophia was like walking through the pages of history. With its soaring domes, intricate mosaics, and rich blend of Christian and Islamic influences, this architectural marvel left us in awe. It’s no wonder it remains one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks

Our Hagia Sophia experience.

The crème de la crème of our Istanbul pre-cruise adventure was the food tour on the Asian side of the city. As one of only five cities in the world that spans two continents, Istanbul offers a truly unique cultural and culinary experience.

Our “best tour guide ever,” Riza, with Travel Refiner!
His knowledge, warmth, and sense of humor made every moment unforgettable. If you're headed to this part of the world, we highly recommend Riza and the amazing team at Travel Refiner!

All aboard AmaWaterways AmaBella cruise on the
Danube River!

Happy cruisers during AmaWaterways’ Sip ‘n Sail!

Our fun anniversary celebrations!

These two lovebirds won our "Longest-Married" prize! Still smiling, still adventuring—what an inspiration to us all. 💕🥂

These two lovebirds came in a close second for longevity!
Still going strong and making memories together. 💖✨

Drumroll please… Guess who turned 50 while cruising along the Danube?
Yes, it’s the free spirit on the right—peace, joy, and unforgettable memories!

Castle touring fun in beautiful Bulgaria!
Steeped in history, full of charm, and one of the many highlights of our Danube adventure!

Pool time, cheers!
Unwinding after a day of exploring—great views, warm sun, and even better company!

Larger than Life 

But now, two millennium later, King Decebalus heroically rises again. Over 130 feet tall and 82 feet wide, the sculpture took 10 years, 12 sculptors and over one million US dollars to bring this massive vision to reality upon its 2004 completion. It is over 26 feet taller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer and less than 20 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty.  

Captain’s Dinner

Dressing to the nines is optional—but appreciating the incredible crew is not! These are the amazingly capable people behind the scenes who keep everything running smoothly, making our river cruise experience unforgettable.

Onboard Entertainment

The entertainment aboard was truly impressive! From the talented singer and pianist to the vibrant Serbian dancers in traditional attire, each performance brought a unique cultural touch to our journey—memorable, lively, and thoroughly enjoyable.

The cuisine, oh my!
Every meal was a feast for the senses—beautifully presented, locally inspired, and absolutely delicious. From rich regional flavors to elegant fine dining, our taste buds traveled right along with us!

We clean up well!
Our lovely and handsome cruise family & friends looking their best for the evening.
(P.S. One special person was missed in this shot—but you’ll find them shining in the next photo below!)

There she is!
Even a bad photographer can’t keep our fabulous group down—everyone shines in the end!

Shore excursions

AmaWaterways offers a variety of shore excursions, including options for gentle walkers, active walkers, and biking enthusiasts. They partner with local experts who truly know the culture and history of each destination. I love the depth of knowledge you gain from these talented and passionate individuals—it makes each experience unforgettable.

Oh the architecture!

The architecture in Europe is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s hard to fathom not only how these impressive structures were built with the limited equipment of their time, but also how they have endured for centuries.

Private dining options

Gather your group for an intimate dining experience onboard. Most ships offer two such venues—while the AmaMagna features even more.

Is it time to reserve your group?

It’s about shared experiences, better value, and stress-free planning—all while exploring the world with people you enjoy. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or joining a like-minded group, you'll enjoy the camaraderie that comes with shared adventures.

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Missouri: A Blend of Culture, History & Quirky Charm