Exploring the Danube River with AmaWaterways (Part 2)

All Things Travel Podcast

In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie continue their discussion of Ryan's recent river cruise experience with AmaWaterways on the Romantic Danube itinerary. After covering the pre-cruise stay and initial impressions in the previous episode, they dive deeper into the dining experience, daily excursions, and how the cruise line handles unexpected situations.

Dining Experience on AmaWaterways

• Breakfast: Combination of menu items (omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes) and buffet options including English breakfast and pastries
• Lunch: Menu-based with regionally-inspired options, including sandwiches, soups, and hot main dishes
• Dinner: Full menu service with regionally-based cuisine reflecting the sailing locations
• Chef's Table: Complimentary specialty dining experience in a separate venue with a chef preparing meals in front of guests
• Unlimited beer and wine included with lunch and dinner
• Late night snacks available in the lounge around 10 PM
• Flexible dining options for various preferences, with "always available" menu items like steak, chicken, and salmon

Itinerary and Port Highlights

• Technical issues required modifications to the schedule, with AmaWaterways providing bus transportation to destinations
• Wachau Valley: Though initially missed due to ship issues, the cruise was rerouted to allow passengers to sail through this beautiful Austrian valley
• Dürnstein, Austria: Known for apricots, offering tastings of various apricot products
• Melk Abbey: A gorgeous architectural complex with monks still in residence
• Vienna, Austria: Ryan toured the vibrant city on Palm Sunday
• Bratislava, Slovakia: Surprisingly Ryan's favorite stop, offering the perfect blend of small village charm and modern city amenities
  • Walking tour through the old town
  • Beer garden with Slovakian beer tastings
  • Local pastries and ice cream (including fig flavor)
  • Shopping opportunities at both traditional shops and modern malls
• Budapest, Hungary: Sailing into Budapest and seeing the Parliament building along the Danube
  • Tours of both Buda (old town, castle area) and Pest sides
  • Visit to the Jewish memorial shoes along the Danube
  • Easter market with food, music, decorations, and gifts

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional level of service throughout the cruise
• Variety of experiences available even with similar excursion types
• River cruising allows

Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)!
Check out the details: https://forms.gle/Jpikq82XPQS63v5N8
Visit our website, allthingstravelpodcast.com, for freebies and more podcast info!
Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!