Hello, my friends! I am so happy to have you along for this journey through the Netherlands and Belgium with Amadeus. After a busy River Cruise conference in Amsterdam, stepping onto the Amadeus Diamond felt like a breath of fresh air.
Amadeus is a bit of a “hidden gem” in the river cruising world, and that is largely because many travel advisors book up their rooms for groups because their river cruises are a great value. For over 30 years, the Austrian Lüftner family has been at the helm, and you can truly feel that level of personal pride the moment you step onto the deck. Unlike the massive corporate lines, Amadeus operates with a boutique hotel mindset, ensuring every ship feels like a sophisticated floating boutique hotel.
What makes this company so unique is their deep-rooted European heritage. Because they are based in Innsbruck, Austria, they bring an authentic, refined elegance to the river. Last year at the river conference everyone kept talking about how good the Amadeus food was. I heard it over and over again. I think what was so surprising was that people were saying they had the best food of all the ships but they are not at a luxury price point. I needed to try the ship and food out for myself so I could find out if these people were telling the truth.
Beyond the family history, the engineering of an Amadeus ship is something to marvel at. They have a signature “space and light” design philosophy that makes the entire ship feel airy and open. They’ve led the way in sustainable travel on the rivers, ensuring that our beautiful surroundings stay pristine for generations to come.
One thing that really stands out is their commitment to providing a high-end experience at an incredible value. You aren’t just another passenger on a boat; you’re a guest in a space that feels curated for travelers who appreciate the finer things, like local wines and sustainably sourced regional cuisine at a great value.
I also love that their excursions are flexible. You can be as busy or not busy as you want. They provide packages or you can reserve the excursions you want individually. It allows you time to explore on your own if you want or have afternoons relaxing and reading a book at the ship. Even with the highest excursion package added their pricing was about $1,400 less than other river cruise lines per person for a french balcony stateroom.
The ship itself is designed to bring the outside in. Amadeus has been a pioneer in river ship design, focusing on “space and light.” From the panoramic windows in the lounge to the clever layout of the staterooms, the goal is to make sure you never lose sight of the beautiful river banks. It’s this thoughtful, family-owned approach that makes them a top choice for a truly authentic European trip style.
Now, to share my personal experience with Amadeus, I will lay out all the details in this blog series from the moment I first stepped onto their ship until our departure. Our embarkation was incredibly smooth, the crew had everything running like clockwork. Our rooms were ready right at 3:00 p.m., which gave us the perfect window to settle in and explore before the evening festivities began. Before heading to my cabin, I spent a little time relaxing in the lounge, and I could already tell this was going to be a special trip style.
When I finally walked into my room, I was honestly surprised by how spacious it felt. If you’ve cruised before, you know that space can sometimes be a premium, but Amadeus has done a beautiful job here. It’s modern, bright, and my favorite part, it features a walk-in closet with plenty of storage. No living out of a suitcase here.
The bathroom is also quite impressive for a river ship, with a large sink and a shower that doesn’t feel cramped. I’m staying in a French balcony room, which features a panoramic window that drops down halfway with the touch of a button. It’s such a smart design; you get all the fresh air and the view without losing any interior floor space.
Since it was our first night, we gathered for a Welcome Cocktail to kick off the festivities. There’s something so sophisticated about sipping champagne in a beautiful lounge while meeting your fellow travelers. The lounge itself is a masterpiece, stunningly elegant yet remarkably cozy. It’s the kind of space where you can actually hear your seatmate talk, which I know we all appreciate. I’ll be sure to share more photos of the decor soon because the attention to detail is just second to none.
Dinner was a delicious four-course affair, and I have to say, the quality was simply outstanding. While I was chatting with other travel advisors, I kept hearing the same thing: Amadeus is easily ranked in the top two for the best food out of all 11 major river cruise lines. It is truly impressive that a company offering such incredible affordable rates can also deliver this level of high-quality, gourmet dining. Whether you are a foodie or just someone who appreciates a well-cooked meal with fresh ingredients, they really hit the mark.
I enjoyed the music immensely, my toes were tapping and I was swaying in my chair the whole time. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this job. Bringing local musicians on board makes the culture come alive right in front of you. I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to experience different cultures while floating in a boutique hotel.
I’m headed to bed now to rest up for our first full day of exploration. I’ll be sure to let you know how the bed was in the next blog!
Looking ahead, I am so excited to host group trips with Amadeus in 2027. Because I believe in this family-owned brand and the quality they provide, I am working with them on several groups trips coming up. If you appreciate amazing food and wine and flexibility with your excursions, you are going to love what we have in store for you with them next year!
If you have been curious about the trips we have with Amadeus, you should check our Paris to Normandy route. Sailing along with Amadeus is the perfect way to see the Seine river. From the cliffs of Étretat to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, the Amadeus Diamond makes the journey just as beautiful as the destinations. I want you to feel completely comfortable and confident that this ship offers the quality and space you deserve.
I also have a little secret to share. I’m so impressed with this experience that I’ve already gone ahead and held some space for a 2027 Christmas Markets trip on this very same ship. These festive sailings are so beloved that they tend to disappear quickly, and I wanted to make sure my favorite travelers had a “placeholder” ready.
Whether you are ready to join us in Normandy or want to experience the magic of the holidays in 2027, I am here to make sure every detail is handled perfectly. It’s all about creating memories without the stress of the “what-ifs.”
I can’t wait to see which of these wonderful paths we might cross on the river.
Have you ever walked into a ship and immediately felt your shoulders drop? That was my exact experience when I stepped aboard the Amadeus Riva recently. I often hear from my group members that they want a modern but beautiful ship. This ship delivers exactly that with its airy design and calming jewel tones. It feels like a boutique hotel that just happens to float.
I finally discovered why everyone is buzzing about Amadeus recently. The real magic happens right in the local kitchen on board. We need a little sit-down about why this food tastes so special. Many travelers often overlook this boutique line for the larger corporate names.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a wine expert, I certainly am not, understanding a few local favorites will make your time in Portugal feel so much more meaningful.