AmaWaterways has unveiled the first details and renderings of AmaRudi, its second double-width river cruise ship, which will become Europe’s largest river cruise ship when it enters service on the Danube in spring 2027.
Building on the success of the award-winning AmaMagna, which redefined luxury river cruising when it launched in 2019, AmaRudi will offer the same innovative double-width design while introducing a range of new onboard experiences. Despite being the largest river cruise ship in Europe, the vessel will accommodate just 196 guests in 98 spacious staterooms and suites, preserving the intimate atmosphere associated with AmaWaterways.
Unlike conventional river cruise ships, the double-width design allows for significantly larger suites, multiple restaurants, expanded wellness facilities and generous public spaces without increasing passenger capacity. The interiors have been inspired by the landscapes, history and architecture of the cities and regions visited along the Danube.
AmaRudi also marks an important milestone for AmaWaterways. It is the first ship in the company’s history to be named after a man, honouring co-founder and president Rudi Schreiner, widely recognised as one of the pioneers of modern river cruising. Having grown up on the Austrian stretch of the Danube, Schreiner spent much of his childhood on the river where his name will now sail.
“AmaMagna changed travellers’ expectations of what a river cruise could be,” says Rudi Schreiner. “We always believed the time would come to build on that concept. As river cruising continues to attract more travellers, including many who previously sailed on ocean cruises, demand for larger accommodations and greater choice has grown significantly. AmaMagna remains one of the most rewarding projects of my career, and it is a tremendous honour to see this new ship carry my name.”
A Fresh Take on Luxury River Cruising
Designed with contemporary elegance and comfort in mind, AmaRudi introduces several new features while remaining true to the successful double-width concept pioneered by AmaMagna. Throughout the ship, the interiors feature subtle references to the history, culture and architecture of the destinations visited along the Danube.
Food and wine remain central to the onboard experience. Guests will be able to choose between several dining venues, including the main Journey’s Restaurant, the signature speciality restaurant The Chef’s Table, a selection of outdoor dining spaces and the new Rudi’s Wine Bar, inspired by Schreiner’s passion for European wines and relaxed continental living.
AmaWaterways is also expanding its culinary offering with a curated wine programme featuring more than 30 wines, alongside complimentary beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. The Chef’s Table will introduce Italian-inspired lunch dishes, while an integrated Deck Club barbecue on the Sun Deck adds another casual al fresco dining option.
Wellness and Entertainment
Wellness is another key focus aboard AmaRudi. The ship will feature a spacious wellness centre with massage treatment rooms, hair and nail salon services, a modern fitness studio and dedicated relaxation areas.
Under the guidance of AmaWaterways’ Wellness Hosts, guests can take part in fitness classes and wellness activities both on board and during selected shore excursions. Reflecting the growing popularity of the sport, the Sun Deck will also feature a full-size pickleball court.
Entertainment has also been reimagined for the new vessel. A new multi-purpose entertainment lounge will include a cinema, karaoke, billiards and a jukebox. Advanced soundproofing ensures these facilities can be enjoyed without disturbing the peaceful atmosphere throughout the rest of the ship.
Designed with Sustainability in Mind
Sustainability has been integrated into every aspect of AmaRudi‘s design. The vessel will feature Stage V engines, solar panels, shore power connectivity, lightweight construction materials and spud poles, technologies designed to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency while navigating Europe’s inland waterways.
“AmaRudi reflects our confidence in the future of river cruising and our ongoing commitment to innovation,” says Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “Since the launch of AmaMagna, both guests and travel advisors have consistently asked when a second ship of this scale would arrive. With AmaRudi, we are taking that concept even further while preserving the personalised service and intimate atmosphere that have defined AmaWaterways for more than two decades.”
Since entering service, AmaMagna has become one of the most talked-about ships in the river cruise industry, earning praise from both guests and travel professionals for its spacious accommodations, diverse dining options and pioneering design.
From spring 2027, AmaRudi will operate some of AmaWaterways’ most popular Danube itineraries, including Magna on the Danube and Gems of Southeast Europe, giving travellers the opportunity to experience Europe’s largest river cruise ship while exploring one of the continent’s most scenic waterways.
Pictures courtesy of AmaWaterways.
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