By Joely Charlotte Garland,
Head of Marketing, Travelpack
I’ll admit it: my perception of river cruising was, perhaps, a little… traditional.
I pictured a leisurely pace, quiet evenings, and sedate sight-seeing (based solely on the adverts I saw between episodes of Midsomer Murders and Murder She Wrote).
My first FAM with AmaWaterways on the Romantic Danube (Vilshofen to Vienna – full itinerary to Budapest) didn’t just meet expectations—it spectacularly surpassed them.
This wasn’t just a holiday; it was a five-day masterclass in selling the modern, active, high-value river cruise. As someone who enjoys a solo holiday, I was thrilled by the level of freedom and genuine engagement offered.
Day 1: Seamless Starts and Surprise Celebrations
My journey began with a flight into Munich Airport, and the hand-holding started immediately. Meeting the AmaWaterways representative at the airport cafe before the scenic coach transfer to Vilshofen set a perfect, relaxed tone—a crucial selling point for clients who dread complicated arrival logistics.
As cabins were not available for check in until 3pm, guests had free time to relax onboard in the lounge or explore off board. Only a few metres from the ship, Vilshofen, was like the set of a Hallmark movie. Christmas trees and colourful houses lined the cobbled streets, with an ornate clock tower looming overhead.
Check in time
After being whisked to my stateroom (where my luggage had magically beaten me), I found a beautifully presented silk scarf awaiting my arrival. Amawaterways branded and luxuriously packaged, with an elegant design featuring the Vincent Van Gogh Almond Blossom print. These small, thoughtful gestures are the luxurious touch points that reinforce value for your discerning clients.
That evening, the ship came alive. After a delightful Sip and Sail cocktail hour (available each evening with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), the real fun started: our Exclusive Oktoberfest Celebration! Joining local musicians, and dancers for pretzels and beer was an incredible, immersive start.
As we headed to the celebrations (taking place in a gazebo next to the ship), we were each handed a red rose. A simple but effective touch to elevate the guests experience.
Guests were invited to partake in a Stein Holding competition….I forwent this option (along with the chance to have to drink the beer…sorry but I am more of a Chablis Girl!)…but made sure to get my picture holding one!
After dinner we enjoyed music from the talented onboard musician, Zsolt…before he then let guests take over the sound system. Though my personal request of Depeche Mode may not have been the ultimate party starter, it certainly sparked the interest of our fellow passengers- all eagerly approaching Zsolt to request their favourites (and perhaps change my song choice quickly!).
The eclectic playlist which ensued was accompanied by a serving of savoury late-night snacks (available each night) – gladly received by those who had built up an appetite after time on the dance floor.
Day 2 & 3: From Fast Walks to Flawless Service
If any client tells you river cruising is just for relaxing, tell them about the AmaWaterways Wellness Host! Our Sunday started with an optional active, uphill, 3-mile walk through Vilshofen and the misty Christmas tree farms.
I was genuinely impressed by the pace—it was a proper workout that firmly dispels the “stroll-only” stereotype and validates the product for younger, more active clientele.
Following our walk, guests of the FAM trip had the option to visit the AmaMagna, which was docked alongside our ship, the AmaRosa. The Magna is a double-width phenomenon that feels like a boutique ocean liner—it’s the perfect upgrade pitch for clients who want space, more dining venues, and a truly grander feel — with the intimacy of a river cruise.
Something to note for your clients – the itinerary expertly balanced regional culture with western comforts. Lunch in Passau was a magnificent Bavarian feast (Pork Knuckle and Spätzle, no less), but the availability of “Always On” options like Rib-Eye Steak, Salmon and Pizza in the main dining room should be a comfort sell for less adventurous palates. Both clients seeking the fully “immersive experience” and those wanting to simply “do” Europe, are catered for.
My activity level was put to the test again in Linz. While there were brilliant excursions like the Full-Day Salzburg Excursion or the picturesque, passport-requiring Česky Krumlov trip, I opted for the local Linz walking tour. I then made the mistake of ignoring the guide’s warning and walking up to the Pöstlingberg Basilica—a 300-meter climb that proved the Danube definitely has hills! (The view of Linz was worth the sweat…though my legs are yet to recover.)
Our return to the ship was marked by a magical moment. The ships slick interiors were transformed with the warm glow of festive decadence- wreaths, baubles, fairy lights and Santa’s marked every inch.
A surprise for all guests, this magical transformation added an element of excitement and anticipation to our trip.
The Decadent Differentiator: The Chef’s Table
The culinary highlight, however, was dinner at The Chef’s Table—an intimate, open-windowed restaurant offering an exquisite seven-course tasting menu with perfect wine pairings. My stand out course was the delicate Shrimp Tartare and lemongrass soup – a truly unique, fragrant and complex dish.
This is a major sales differentiator; it’s a high-end, speciality experience included in the fare, positioning AmaWaterways well above competitors.
My evening concluded with a perfectly heated dip in the top deck pool as we set sail—a truly magical experience… though getting out of the heated pool into the sub zero surroundings was decidedly less graceful and enjoyable than getting in!
The Power of Choice
Our final full day saw us glide through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, famous for its vineyards, apricot orchards, and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle. Our voyage through history was accompanied by an Austrian-speciality tasting onboard with Kaiserspritzer and homemade Onion Tart.
In the afternoon, I planned to join the Wachau Valley Bike Tour. However, after a quick and rather clumsy attempt to mount the bike (I must say that there is something devastatingly embarrassing about having to put on a bike helmet … plus the sudden flashback to the last time I got on a bike – when my boyfriend forced me to do a bike ride around Victoria Park, London) I decided this was not the tour for me.
This minor drama actually cemented the biggest selling point: complete freedom of choice. Guests can explore solo, join an active excursion or opt for a gentle tour.
Or speaking from my own experience – guests can enjoy the chance to set the temperature control in their cabin to 10 degrees, raid the moreish selection of snacks in the lounge bar and indulge in a pre-dinner nap.
Sailing Thoughts…
For clients who, like me, enjoy the freedom of solo city breaks, AmaWaterways’ “Choose Your Adventure” model and seamless logistics mean they can have that independent city-break feel, without ever having to lift their luggage or worry about transfers. It’s the ultimate hassle-free, flexible holiday.
An additional note to consider, I had the pleasure of meeting a number of clients who were “solo” travelling with their siblings. The ability to design a group holiday which catered to each individual meant that some of those onboard travelling with others, could still have that feeling of solo/freedom without the need for a solo supplement – something to consider when selling to families/groups.
This cruise wasn’t just a five-star experience; it was a demonstration of a product tailored for the modern traveller. Arm yourself with these USPs—the active options, the Chef’s Table, and the effortless logistics—and you will be set to win those high-value bookings.
#AmaWaterways #RiverCruise #FAMTrip #AgentDiaries #RomanticDanube #B2BTravel
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