You don’t really hear a lot about the Elbe River. It’s not as well-known as the Main, nor does it have a snappy waltz composed in its name like the Danube. But the banks of the Elbe are home to some of the most unique and impressive cities and towns in Germany and the Czech Republic, which is why Viking River Cruises‘ Elegant Elbe itinerary is our River Cruise of the Week.

Viking Fontane sails the magnificent Elbe river. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Departing between March and November 2012, guests will sail aboard the intimate Viking Fontane and Viking Schumann on an eight-day river cruise from Magdeburg, Germany to Melnik, Czech Republic. This particular itinerary also includes a full day’s worth of exploration in historic Berlin, with its iconic Brandenburg Gate and reconstructed Reichstag; and a visit post-cruise to medieval Prague.

A sight not commonly seen: Ships passing over other ships on the Magdeburg Water Bridge. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia / Creative Commons

When you join your ship in Magdeburg, you’ll likely be treated to a spectacular sight at sailaway: the Magdeburg Water Bridge. Opened in 2003, it’s the longest aqueduct in the world, allowing shipping traffic to pass over of the Elbe River. Get your cameras ready; it’s not every day you see ships pass over of your own ship!

After that stunning departure, it’s on to some of the premiere cities in Europe. The full itinerary:

Fully refurbished in 2010 and 2011, Viking Fontane and Viking Schumann carry just 112 guests in 56 staterooms, eight of which feature French balconies. These new French balcony staterooms come in at a very comfortable 200 square feet, and are located on the ships’ Upper Deck.

Standard staterooms aboard Viking Schumann feature dual picture windows. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

But even standard staterooms feature full outside views of the beautiful Elbe, and both ships feature a full sun deck and plenty of room to relax in the forward-facing observation lounge. Panoramic views, good drinks and great service are all on offer here, making this room the “must-be” spot aboard either ship.

One deck down, the ships’ comfortable dining room serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bottled water is replenished daily in staterooms, and Viking Fontane and Viking Schumann even feature free onboard wireless internet access that lets passengers tell friends and family about all the things they’ve experienced.

The Library aboard Viking Schumann is also connected to the main lounge. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

So if you’ve done the Danube and sailed the Main, or if you’re just looking to explore Europe for the very first time, look no further than Viking River Cruises’ Elegant Elbe.

For more information on Viking River Cruises and its Elegant Elbe itinerary, be sure to read our complete Viking River Cruises profile right here on River Cruise Advisor.

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!

In September, we featured AmaWaterways’ Christmas Time Cruise as our River Cruise of the Week.  Operated this year aboard AmaLegro, AmaLyra andAmaDolce, this classic weeklong voyage whisks guests on a magical cruise along the beautiful blue Danube River from Nuremberg to Budapest.

The Amacello sports a striking profile guaranteed to turn heads on the waterways of Europe. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

But that’s not the only holiday voyage AmaWaterways offers, which is why we’ve chosen the company’s Rhine Winter Voyage as our River Cruise of the Week.

Available with an optional two nights in Zurich and two nights in Lucerne, this weeklong voyage takes passengers on a storybook sailing along a snow-covered Rhine River.  Beginning in Basel, guests will sail aboard the elegant AmaCello as it calls on Breisach, Strasbourg, Speyer, Rudesheim, Koblenz and Cologne before arriving for an overnight stay in the final port of call, Amsterdam.

Departures are available between November 16 to December 10, 2011, and November 29 to December 27, 2012.

Enjoy a piping cup of Gluhwein, or hot mulled cider. Many markets have unique cups, like these in Koblenz. Photo courtesy of Weihnachtsmarkt Koblenz.

Along the way, the fortunate guests aboard AmaCello will have the pleasure of visiting and exploring some of the most popular Christmas Markets in all of Europe. With their historic roots firmly anchored in Germany, these markets continue a tradition that spans hundreds of years as places where people congregate to shop for original hand-crafted gifts while nursing an invigorating cup of mulled cider to ward off the chill. It’s the ultimate Christmas tradition, and one that will immediately capture your imagination and holiday spirit.

The elaborate and festive decorations that adorn the Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France. Photo courtesy of the City of Strasbourg.

There also opportunities to venture further afar. In Breisach, guests can participate in an optional overland excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest; while in Speyer they can choose to join in a tour of Heidelberg. If you’ve seen enough Christmas Markets, you can also elect to participate in a wine tasting in Breisach and Rudesheim.

The full itinerary:

Of course, all of this comes with AmaWaterways’ trademark service. Dedicated to providing an onboard experience that consistently exceeds guest expectations, every AmaWaterways ship in Europe boasts features like complimentary wines and beer with dinner; complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate served around the clock; complimentary internet access; and a variety of included shore excursions and guided tours, all of which are equipped with wireless headsets to ensure guides never have to yell, and guests never have to strain to hear them.

If you’ve never taken a river cruise, or have never explored Europe during the winter months, give this exciting itinerary a shot.  After all, sometimes the best Christmas traditions are the ones that have yet to be created.

For more information on AmaWaterways and the elegant AmaCello, be sure to read our complete line and ship profiles here on River Cruise Advisor.