When people think of the legendary waterways of Europe, often the most famous one that springs to mind is the Danube. The second-longest river after Russia’s Volga, the Danube stretches from the Black Forest in Germany and continues until it reaches the Black Sea. Besides being an important trade and transportation route, the Danube has captured the imagination of citizens and travelers for centuries. It even boasts its own “theme song” composed by Austrian Johann Strauss, On the Beautiful Blue Danube, or more commonly just The Blue Danube.

Launched in August 2011, MS Treasures is the newest member of the Tauck fleet. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

If you’ve always wanted to explore this fascinating region of the world, Tauck offers a compelling reason to do so next year by combining a spectacular itinerary operated by it’s newest vessel, the elegant MS Treasures.

Christened just this past August, the MS Treasures carries just 118 fortunate guests aboard a ship that is as comfortable as it is attractive. A full 85 percent of all staterooms feature full floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies, and all cabins boast a new modular design for bedding that allows two single beds to be transformed seamlessly into a fully integrated king size bed. Four-hundred thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and luxurious Hungarian down-filled pillows help ensure that your time aboard will be as comfortable as it is adventurous..

Luxurious bedding and French balconies await you aboard MS Treasures. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

On board MS Treasures, Tauck has chosen amenities from the refreshing L’Occitane toiletries found in the staterooms. Weather also need not play a factor in your cruise enjoyment: MS Treasures has an attractive Lido Bar located at the stern of the vessel that features a remarkable 180-degree glass wall that opens to create an indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge when weather permits.

The sweeping atrium aboard the new MS Treasures. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

Guests looking for a little more space will obviously be delighted to learn there are 14 suites measuring 300-square feet and equipped with marble baths, flat-screen televisions, walk-in closets, and floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies.

Complementing the nautical beauty of the MS Treasures is the natural beauty of the legendary Danube and the historic sights of some of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Departing May 10, June 7, July 1, August 16, September 13, and September 27, 2012, this itinerary includes time to expore both Prague and Budapest in-depth. But it’s also noteworthy for combining port calls in cities like Vienna alongside smaller ports like Durnstein, which are sometimes passed over on other itineraries.

The beautiful town of Cesky Krumlov is almost storybook in appearance. Photo © 2011 Alicia Saunders

Be sure to take part in the journey to storybook-like Cesky Krumlov; it is an experience you won’t soon forget!

The full itinerary, offered aboard MS Treasures and the equally elegant MS Swiss Jewel:

Aboard Tauck, all gratuities are included in the price of the river cruise, along with all Tauck shore excursions and two nights in both Prague and Budapest. Three Tauck Exclusive experiences are also included on this itinerary: in Vienna, a private evening at an imperial palace features dinner and Viennese performers; while guests are treated to a private aperitif and dinner at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague. Guests are also treated to a private tour of Prague’s Baroque libraries and the Strahov Monastery.

The beautiful MS Treasures enjoys a European evening. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

Frankly, this is one itinerary that has us humming The Blue Danube and daydreaming a little. What about you?

For more information about Tauck, its fleet of four elegant river cruise ships and itineraries, be sure to read our Tauck River Cruises profile right here on River Cruise Advisor.

AMAWATERWAYS Amadagio

En Route To Prague, The Czech Republic (December 31, 2006) : Recapping events of our seven-day cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, Cordula Deeken, hotel manager on AMAWATERWAYS Amadagio, proudly proclaimed that we were close to breaking an all-time record: 279 bottles of wine consumed, only 23 bottles shy of a record set last summer. The audience applauded during the cocktail reception on the final night of our cruise. We were sure to surpass the standing record, because dinner and a New Years Eve “practice” party still were ahead of us, and on Amadagio corks go popping with great frequency thanks to the ships policy of “wine and beer included: with dinner.

Our cruise started in Budapest on Christmas Eve, sailed along the Danube River to the visit the Austrian cities of Vienna, Melk, Ybbs, Linz, called on Germanys Passau and Regensburg, transited the manmade Main-Danube Canal and crossed the Continental Divide (a feat that required locks to lift our ship approximately 1,400 feet above sea level) before ending in Nuremberg.

In each port of call, AMAWATERWAYS included well-organized city tours as well as nominally priced optional tours. At least one tour in each port is included, because the company strives to be as all-inclusive as possible. Also free of charge: the use of bicycles carried on board, bottled water in staterooms, “infotainment” systems in every stateroom equipped with a monitor and keyboard for internet access (wireless internet is available in the Verandah Lounge), TV, movies (approximately $5 per rental, with at least one feature movie free of charge each day), music playlists and a satellite phone with rates of about $1.25 per minute to call home.

Built in 2006, the 150-passenger Amadagio is AMAWATERWAYS newest vessel. A sister ship, Amalegro, will be delivered in the spring. Standard staterooms measure 170 square feet, and all but a few feature French balconies, with floor-to-ceiling glass spanning the entire exterior wall. Beds rival those of the finest hotels, with plush European-style down pillows and down duvets. Also in staterooms: terrycloth bathrobes. The ships also feature four Junior Suites, measuring 255 square feet, with bathrooms that feature a bathtub and shower.

Catering primarily to North Americans and Australians, Amadagio has a nonsmoking policy, except on the exterior Sun Deck; presentations and announcements are in English only. The ships open-seating dining arrangement has many tables for two. Though meals are tailored toward Americans, regional specialties (and regional wines) also are served.

With four interior public decks, Amadagio also features an elevator and one of the most attractive public rooms weve seen on a river cruiser, the Verandah Lounge, situated Aft, with glass doors all around and comfortable furniture for lounging as the banks of the river float past (during drydock, the lounge will be converted to a library). Additionally, Amadagio features a small spa, whirlpool, beauty salon and fitness facility.

Our near-full sailing took place around the Christmas holidays. AMAWATERWAYS, and a few other river cruisers, operate so-called “Christmas Markets” cruises from late November through December. These cruises visit the traditional Christmas Markets in Hungary, Austria and Germany.

Almost all cities and towns on the itineraries have some sort of Christmas activities as well as market stalls set up in a central area. Also available is traditional food (such as Lebkuchen — or Gingerbread) and drink (such as Gluehwein — or mulled warm red wine).

Nuremberg boasts the worlds largest Christmas market, with more than 100 red and white canvas-topped stalls offering an assortment of childrens toys, tinsel angels, dolls, Nutcrackers, dollhouses and more. Our cruise took place the week after Christmas, however, and some of the markets were closed.

One of the highlights of our cruise would take place not on the ship but during the included post-cruise program: two nights in Prague. We were looking forward to spending New Years Eve in the city that the German poet Goethe called “the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world.” It seemed to be a perfect and appropriate way not only to end the year and begin a new one but also to conclude what had been a wonderful week floating past some of Europes grandest cities.

With its young fleet, AMAWATERWAYS new ships will appeal to those who prefer familiar foods (but with opportunities to try regional wines and specialities), a familiar language and a near all-inclusive cruise experience.

We board AMAWATERWAYS’ Amadagio on Christmas Eve for a cruise from Budapest to Prague. Having never done a winter cruise in a cold-weather destination, we’re not quite sure what to expect, so tune in to this page for updates as we cruise along. Meantime, we’ve put together a short video preview.