Danube River Cruise & Top 7 River Cruise Misconceptions
Hosts: Robin and Carey Stewart
Studio: CMV Studio, Winter Garden, Florida
Upcoming Trip: May 2026 Danube River Cruise
Episode Overview
Recent Experience
- March 2025: Attended River Cruise Expo (2+ weeks away)
- Budapest pre-trip: 3 nights with business partner Jen Lee and husband Randy
- Special reunion: At Marty's outdoor café where their partnership began in 2023
- Cruise ship: MS William Wordsworth (VIP 2-night cruise)
Connection to Previous Episode
- Episode 158: Featured Jen Lee as godmother of AmaCentro on Douro River
- Partnership origin: Conversation at Marty's café in Budapest, 2023
Why Choose the Danube River
Perfect for First-Time & Repeat Cruisers
- Variety: Mix of grand capitals and charming small towns/villages
- Multiple countries: 4 countries in 7 nights (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany)
- Excursion options: Range from super active to gentle activities
- Food & wine: Excellent culinary experiences and wine excursions
Seasonal Benefits
- Spring season: Different experience than fall
- Autumn: Ideal for active travelers (cooler weather, fall foliage, grape harvest)
- Special events: Oktoberfest, Christmas markets
- Avoid: March (off-season, 30°F temperatures in Linz)
Multi-Generational Appeal
- Family-friendly: Great for families and multi-generational travelers
- Diverse activities: Something for all ages and activity levels
Danube River Itinerary
Starting Point Options
Budapest, Hungary (can cruise north or south)
- North route: Featured itinerary (Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany)
- South route: To Bucharest, Romania ("Dracula country")
- Highlight: Cruise past Hungarian Parliament building
Key Destinations
Bratislava, Slovakia
- Activities: Hike to castle, Habsburg dynasty tours
- Must-do: "Taste of Slovakia" food and beer tour
- Description: "Phenomenal" charcuterie boards and beer tasting
Vienna, Austria
- Status: Capital city, hosts' "favorite city in the world" (tied with Florence)
- Recognition: One of Europe's most livable cities
- Attractions: Schönbrunn Palace, music lover's paradise
- Feature: Overnight stay for nightlife enjoyment
Wachau Valley
- Activities:
- Walking through Dürnstein vineyards
- Active hikes to town fortresses
- Local apricot wine tasting (with apricot chocolates and treats)
Melk, Austria
- Attraction: Melk Abbey
- Special feature: Monk beer made by real monks
Passau, Germany
- Features: Interesting churches and historical significance
- Sometimes included: Depends on specific itinerary
Salzburg, Austria
- Historical significance: Rich cultural heritage
Vilshofen, Germany
- Pronunciation: "Vilshofen" (not "Vilshoffen")
- Special event: Exclusive Oktoberfest event by AmaWaterways
- Description: Tent on dock with beer, dancing, music, and lederhosen
Optional Extension
Prague, Czech Republic
- Description: "City of Spires"
- Option: Add-on to main cruise itinerary
Featured Ship: AmaMagna
Ship Specifications
- Size: Nearly twice the width of traditional river cruise ships
- Capacity: 196 guests (despite larger size)
- Staterooms: Most are suites (355-710 square feet with full balconies)
- Comparison: Traditional river cruise cabins are 150-200 square feet
Unique Features
- Theater: Small theater with big-screen TV
- Multiple restaurants:
- Chef's Table (included private dining)
- Jimmy's Wine Bar (named after founder)
- Alfresco restaurant
- Main dining area
Wellness & Recreation
- Wellness studio: Large facility with fitness equipment, massage rooms, juice bar
- Pickleball court: Dedicated court (not hybrid/temporary)
- Water sports platform: Located at back of boat
- Rare amenities: Among very few river cruise ships with these features
Ship Heritage
- Curator: Rudi Schreiner (godfather of river cruising, AmaWaterways founder)
- Custom itineraries: Slightly different from standard routes
- Quality: "Best ship on this or any river in Europe" (hosts' opinion)
Pickleball Focus
Ship's Pickleball Court
- Unique feature: Dedicated court (not shared with basketball)
- Host experience: First time playing was on AmaMagna in 2023
- Pro tip: Play before having adult beverages
Industry Trend
- New CMV division: Luxury Pickleball Escapes
- Partnership: With former Disney Imagineer Hugh Darley
- Ocean cruise leader: Holland America (hybrid courts on all ships)
- Expansion: Yachting industry also adopting pickleball
Upcoming May 2026 Cruise Details
Itinerary
- Route: Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany
- Third time: Hosts' third Danube cruise
- Same route: As March 2025 trip, but warmer season
Pre-Cruise Plans
- Hotel: Parisi Udvar (unique Budapest hotel)
- Location: Few blocks from main square and Marty's café
- Duration: At least 2 nights before cruise
- Dining: Return to Marty's and newly discovered restaurants
Countries Visited
- Hungary
- Slovakia
- Austria
- Germany
Booking Information
Contact Details
- Company: Creating Magic Vacations
- Website: creatingmagicvacations.com
- Services: Travel advisors available for bookings worldwide
Viewing Options
- YouTube: Recommended for visual content
- Podcast: Available for audio listening
Host Background
Personal Connection
- Budapest affection: "Really, truly love the city of Budapest"
- Marty's tradition: Go-to restaurant for every Budapest visit
- Experience level: Multiple European river cruises completed
- Expertise: Extensive river cruise knowledge and industry connections
Future Plans
- Continued exploration: Committed to ongoing travel and cruise experiences
- Sharing knowledge: Regular podcast episodes about travel destinations
