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!

In April, AmaWaterways will take delivery of their newest vessel: the elegantly appointed AmaCerto. While she may look similar to her sleek sisters at first glance, there’s no shortage of reasons to sail aboard her next spring.

Some staterooms aboard AmaCerto will feature a unique "twin balcony" concept. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Capable of holding just 164 guests, the AmaCerto is based largely upon the successful AmaBella and AmaVerde, which joined the AmaWaterways fleet in 2010 and 2011, respectively. At 443 feet in length, the AmaCerto offers up all the fantastic features and amenities that made her predecessors such a hit with passengers.

Take the line’s Twin Balcony concept. Aboard AmaCerto, guests in Category AA, AB, BB and Suites are treated to staterooms that feature both French and full walk-out balconies, all within the same room. These rooms measure a very generous 210 to 235 square feet, while Suites come in at 350 square feet – an almost unheard of size among river cruise vessels.

Popular lounges, like the aft lounge aboard AmaDolce, return aboard the new AmaCerto. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

AmaCerto also offers staterooms equipped with a single French balcony. These Category C staterooms come in at a roomy 170 square feet – the same size as most staterooms on the lines’ other vessels. Down on the Piano Deck, accommodations featuring fixed windows replicate the feel of Oceanview staterooms found on deep-ocean cruise ships and represent an excellent choice for the budget-conscious.

Most other AmaWaterways vessels in Europe are 360 feet long, and with her expanded length, AmaCerto is able to offer her passengers a little more of, well, everything. In addition to an outdoor sun deck high atop the ship, one deck down on Violin Deck passengers can utilize the Massage and Hair Salon, the fitness room, or the cozy aft lounge. All the way forward, the main Lounge has been expanded to offer more seating and boasts stunning 180-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

One deck down, the Restaurant has also been expanded. Guests sailing aboard any AmaWaterways ship are treated to complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with dinner, meaning you don’t have to worry about the cost of that glass of wine. You can simply enjoy the excellent food and the magnificent views.

Be the first to sail down the Danube aboard AmaCerto next year. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Other included niceties aboard AmaWaterways include complimentary internet access, a 24-hour specialty coffee and tea station, a heated swimming pool, an in-stateroom Infotainment centre offering first-run Hollywood movies, and even a passenger elevator, the presence of which can be rare among many river cruise ships.

So where is AmaCerto spending her maiden season in operation? Next year, you can experience this magnificent ship firsthand on the following itineraries:

For more information on AmaWaterways and the forthcoming AmaCerto, be sure to view our complete AmaWaterways fleet overview right here on River Cruise Advisor!