AmaWaterways’ ‘double wide’ river ship the AmaMagna has impressed Kiwi cruise specialists that sailed along the Danube River last week.
While AmaMagna is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, there’s only 20% more guests, allowing for more space on board. The ship has a cinema, boutique, wellness studio, and juice bar, a spa/ salon, a sun deck with a heated pool, whirlpool and sky bar and a full-sized pickleball court. “I was blown away, it was phenomenal,” says GO Holidays boss Sarah Hunter. “The AmaMagna is twice the width of the other river ships, and is much more spacious and offers relaxed luxury. It’s really in a league of its own.” AmaWaterways md Australia and New Zealand Steve Richards, who hosted the Kiwi delegation, says he was thrilled with the response to its unique product. “We had some fantastic feedback and they had a great time experiencing the product, and the variety of options on board, as well as the included excursions.” Hunter says while the average age on board was 59 years, that it ‘felt younger’. “There were a number of multi-generation groups, which went their separate ways during the day and came back together at night; it’s a great product for families.”
. . . Cabin Size
While AmaMagna launched in 2019 Hunter says the ship still has a new feel, and with four restaurants on board she says it ‘completely elevates the river cruise experience’. Another selling point, she adds, is the cabin size, which rivals some ocean liner cabins. “Even the entry level cabins are a great size, and they are big bathrooms.” She also couldn’t fault the Ama guides and says she was impressed by the wide range of excursions on offer for different tastes and fitness levels. Meeting AmaWaterways co-founder Gary Murphy was another highlight for Hunter, who says the product surpassed her expectations. “Gary is so passionate, nothing’s a problem and they are really looking to be innovative and elevate the experience.” Hunter, now an Ama convert, says doing a Colombia cruise is now on her bucket list.
Pictured above (from left): Amawaterway’s Steve Richards, Jeff Leckey from House of Travel, GO Holidays’ Sarah Hunter, Amawaterways co-owner Gary Murphy and Chris Hunter from Helloworld.
