Exactly one month ago today, I embarked AmaWaterways’ stunning AmaLyra in the historic German port of Nuremberg.  Now that the Holiday season has passed and I’ve had more time to reflect, I find myself thinking more and more about my river cruise experience and the things that impressed me most about it.

There’s a lot.

Don’t worry – I won’t keep you glued to your computer for hours as I rattle off all the spectacular things about river cruising and AmaWaterways in particular.  Instead, I present to you Five Things that Impressed Me about my AmaWaterways Voyage:

1. Little Surprises

Little surprises, like these fresh berries, awaited guests every evening in their staterooms and suites. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

2. Onboard Scenic Cruising Commentary

During scenic cruising down the Danube, relevant commentary was broadcast in the ship's public areas. They even mentioned we'd be passing the AmaLegro, which allowed me to get this shot! Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

3. Culinary Variety

There was truly something for every taste aboard the AmaLyra. At breakfast, there were so many types of Marmelade alone that I couldn't fit them all in a single frame! Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

4. Elegant Design

The elegant yet relaxed design aboard the AmaLyra creates an atmosphere that is as soothing as it is European. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

5. On-the-fly Touring

Tours and excursions ashore were all able to be modified on the fly for the benefit of guests; here, we ducked into Stadt Nurnberg to escape a sudden downpour of rain, and ended up learning even more about the history of this famous German city. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

More information about AmaWaterways can be found by reading our Line and Fleet profiles here on River Cruise Advisor.  Did you miss live coverage of our voyage down the Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest?  Not to worry – read all eight days of coverage by clicking here!

In case you missed our first announcement, we’re excited to announce that next Saturday, December 10th, marks the beginning of eight days of live coverage here on River Cruise Advisor as we sail aboard AmaWaterways beautiful AmaLyra to some of the most fascinating Christmas Markets in Europe.

Salzburg, Austria is renowned for its Christmas Market, boasting plenty of local handmade crafts. Photo courtesy of christkindlmarkt.co.at,Salzburg

We’ll join the AmaLyra in historic Nuremberg, Germany on Sunday, December 11 and sail along the magnificent Danube River to Budapest, Hungary.  Along the way, we’ll make time to report on the splendours of a Europe under snow, as well as the amazing Christmas Markets and attractions in cities like Vienna, Melk, and perhaps even Salzburg, Austria.

The full itinerary, both onboard and here on River Cruise Advisor and our sister-site, From the Deck Chair:

Stay tuned – the fun begins in just under two weeks!

More information on AmaWaterways and the stunning AmaLyra can be found on our detailed AmaWaterways company and fleet overviews.  Check back here on Saturday, December 10 as we begin our live coverage en-route to Europe!

Lately, we’ve spent a lot of time covering various Christmas Markets itineraries, and for good reason: Not only do they provide travelers with an opportunity to experience the magic and traditions of a European winter wonderland, but they’re also one of the most popular seasonal river cruises. And in a few short weeks, we’ll provide you with a firsthand experience.

Christmas Treats abound! Photo courtesy of Ralph Grizzle.

We’re sailing aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaLyra from historic Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Austria, this December. Departing on 11 December, our voyage will take us along the magnificent Danube River to explore some of Europe’s most historic cities and storybook villages, hopefully under a soft blanket of crystal-white snow.

Along the way, we’ll find time to take you on a virtual journey through the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg and walk the snow-covered streets of beautiful Regensburg. We’ll transit the mechanical marvel of the Main-Danube Canal, with its locks that raise and lower ships to properly meet the Danube River. After that, it’s off on a Christmas walk through Passau, or maybe even an optional excursion to Salzburg, Austria – home to The Sound of Music – before re-joining the ship in the Austrian town of Linz.

Follow along with us as we explore the beautiful Christmas markets of Europe, like this one in Linz, Austria. Photo courtesy of the City of Linz.

We’ll guide you through the famous canary-yellow Benedictine Abbey that graces Melk, Austria and sip warm coffee in one of Vienna’s many cafes. Perhaps there will even be time to take in the optional Strauss and Mozart concert that evening, before touring this splendid city and its Christmas Markets the following day.

Finally, the cruise wraps up with a journey into the Hungarian capital of Budapest. With the gothic building of the Hungarian Parliament standing watch over the icy Danube, a day of exploration and a nighttime “Illuminations” cruise are the perfect way to end our journeys here.

Salzburg, Austria is renowned for its Christmas Market, boasting plenty of local handmade crafts. Photo courtesy of christkindlmarkt.co.at,Salzburg

Best of all, you can experience it all live, as we post daily from the ship here and on our sister-site, From the Deck Chair. Part of the Avid Cruiser family, From the Deck Chair normally covers the deep-ocean cruise industry, but is the ideal venue for our live (and avid!) voyage reports.

The full itinerary, both here and onboard:

Stay tuned – live coverage begins on Saturday, December 10 and continues until Sunday, December 18! And we’ll follow it up with plenty of original content right here on River Cruise Advisor, including a complete, deck-by-deck photo-tour of the AmaLyra and a special focus on each of our “winterized” ports.

For more information on AmaWaterways and the luxurious AmaLyra, be sure to read our complete line and ship profiles here on River Cruise Advisor, and watch for our Live Coverage beginning on December 10^th!