We spent seven fantastic days aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaLyra sailing from Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary recently.

The 2009-built AmaLyra, docked in Melk, Austria. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Along the way, we stopped in some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and towns, exploring the historic Christmas Markets and partaking in the traditions of times gone by. The spicy aroma of hot mulled Gluhwein mingled with the fresh pine of trees and the scent of sizzling Bratwurst drifted across the historic town squares along the way.

Come step aboard AmaWaterways' AmaLyra with our complete, deck-by-deck Photo Tour! Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

But the real star of the trip was arguably the 2009-built AmaLyra. Featuring every conceivable comfort and staffed by a crew of 41 highly dedicated individuals, the AmaLyra proved herself to be one of the most comfortable ways to explore the historic waterways of Europe.

Now, you can tour her yourself – virtually – with our complete, deck-by-deck AmaLyra Photo Tour!

Also, be sure to check out our updated profiles of AmaLyra and her sister-ship, the elegant AmaDolce – now with brand-new photos! More information on AmaWaterways, their fleet and stellar itineraries can be found on our complete AmaWaterways Company Overview!

One of the premiere river cruise experiences along the waterways of Europe are without a doubt the spring “Tulip Time” cruises that explore the colorful floral landscapes of Belgium and the Netherlands.

A Tulip Time cruise is a fantastic way to see the best that Belgium and the Netherlands have to offer. Itinerary map courtesy of AmaWaterways

Beginning on March 28, 2012 and continuing on until the end of April, AmaWaterways returns to this beautiful region of Europe to offer its luxurious brand of river cruising on 7-night “Tulip Time” cruises. Even better, AmaWaterways is offering numerous departures aboard the line’s sleek, elegant AmaLyra, AmaVerde, AmaDante and AmaDolce.

The full itinerary:

If you’re looking for an added “WOW!” factor, why not be among the first to sail aboard AmaWaterways’ newest gem, the elegantly appointed AmaCerto.  She’ll debut in April of next year, operating this popular itinerary on April 12 and April 19, 2012.

A rendering of one of the elegant, modern staterooms featured aboard AmaWaterways' upcoming AmaCerto. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Besides the stellar river cruise experience, which allows you to explore numerous cities and sights while unpacking just once, your time ashore on these Tulip Time voyages is likely to be a memorable one; in fact, 2012 may be the perfect year to experience the spring season in Europe, thanks largely in part to the return of one of the most highly sought after festivals: the Floriade Exposition.

The Floriade Exposition is the one of the world’s largest horticultural shows, with more than 100 exhibitors from across the globe. Often referred to as the “Theatre of Nature,” the exposition revolves around five unique “worlds,” each offering its own décor and cultural programs that allow visitors to interact with the beauty and majesty of nature in an ever-changing fashion.

The Floriade Exposition is one of the largest horticultural exhibitions in the world. Photo courtesy of Floriade 2012.

Floriade only comes around once every decade, so your next chance to take part in this remarkable event won’t occur until – you guessed it – 2022. Next year, guests sailing with AmaWaterways can explore this once-in-a-decade feature during their port call in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

But it’s not just horticulture lovers that will find themselves entranced; the rich histories of Belgium and Holland run back centuries, and their idyllic combination of lush, rolling hills, iconic windmills, and historic cities are sure to impress even the most seasoned traveller.

While Amsterdam’s appeal is universal, AmaWaterways has also included off-the-beaten-path itinerary calls to places like Volendam and Edam. In Arnhem, guests have the opportunity to see the Arnhem Bridge which was featured in A Bridge Too Far.

Guests can even choose to explore the Belgian capital of Antwerp or take an optional tour from Antwerp to nearby Brussels to enhance their exploration for an additional € 45 per person.

The inviting bar aboard Amadante. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

Of course, travelling with AmaWaterways is a unique event unto itself. The line’s high standard of service, coupled with popular features like complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner; complimentary bottled water replaced daily in staterooms; complimentary first-run movies and WiFi internet access; and a variety of complimentary tours ashore geared to both active and casual travellers means enjoying yourself won’t be an issue onboard your river cruise ship or ashore.

Next year may truly be the best time to take a Tulip Time cruise with AmaWaterways, so don’t wait – these sailings are likely to fill up fast due to their continuing popularity!

For more information on AmaWaterways and their fleet, be sure to check out our AmaWaterways line and river cruise ship profiles here on The Avid Cruiser!

AMAWATERWAYS will offer special Jewish Heritage tours on two popular cruises this fall, the November 19th Blue Danube Discovery itinerary and November 20th Romantic Danube cruise.

The complimentary Jewish Heritage tours will include synagogue visits, Jewish districts, museums, monuments and other landmarks of significance to Jewish history. A dedicated guide will lead the tours, which are open to all interested passengers.

The Blue Danube Discovery program from November 19* to December 2, 2010 begins with two nights in Budapest followed by a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg aboard the MS AMALYRA. A three-night land program follows in Prague.

“Jewish Heritage” highlights include entrance to the second-largest synagogue in the world, the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest, along with the Jewish Museum, Temple of Heroes and cemetery at the Synagogue complex.

In Bratislava, the tour includes entrance to the Jewish Museum, as well as a special visit to the tomb of Chatam Sofer, the famous rabbi. Passengers will visit the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz and Old Synagogue, Sigmund Freud House (outside), Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Quarter in Vienna.

While in Regensburg, a specialist in Judaica will lead a tour that includes the site of the Regensburg Synagogue. In Nuremberg, the tour will include the Jewish cemetery, old Jewish ghetto and location where the Old Synagogue stood.

The Prague visit includes the Old Synagogue in the Jewish Ghetto, as well as the New Jewish Cemetery, final resting place of the novelist Franz Kafka.

The Romantic Danube cruise program from November 20 to December 1, 2010 features a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen on the MS AMADOLCE followed by three nights in Prague. Jewish Heritage tours will be offered in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Prague.

Guests aboard the 148-passenger AMALYRA and AMADOLCE will enjoy luxurious amenities. Both vessels feature French balconies in the majority of staterooms; plush down bedding, marble-appointed bathrooms, complimentary high-speed Internet and first-run Hollywood movies in staterooms; complimentary Wi-Fi; complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner; unlimited specialty coffees and bottled water; elevators, a fitness room and sauna, walking track and whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus a fleet of bicycles for passenger use.