AmaLea

AmaLea at a Glance

AmaLea launched in 2018 and sails for AmaWaterways on the Danube. Her 78 cabins accommodate up to 156 guests, served by a crew of 51 — a ratio that keeps service personal and unhurried. At 135 metres in length she is built to navigate the Danube’s river towns and lock systems that larger vessels simply cannot reach. Two restaurants, a lively main lounge, a heated pool and a complimentary bicycle fleet sit within that compact footprint.

Dining on AmaLea

AmaLea offers two distinct dining experiences, both included in your cruise fare. The Main Restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship: open seating times, regional cuisine and river views make it the natural gathering point for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For something more theatrical, The Chef’s Table seats guests in an intimate setting while a dedicated chef crafts a multi-course tasting menu right in front of you — no supplement, no reservation fee.

Between meals, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station is self-service and complimentary, ideal for a morning espresso before a port excursion or a quiet afternoon tea in the library.

On-Deck Spaces and Leisure

The Sun Deck runs the full open upper deck and is the best vantage point on the ship for watching the Danube’s towns, vineyards and castles slide by. Alongside it, the Heated Sun-Deck Pool has an integrated swim-up bar, so you can take a dip and order a drink without leaving the water. A Walking Track on the same deck lets you keep up a morning routine while the river scenery does the hard work.

Below deck, the Fitness Center carries modern cardio and strength-training equipment, available to all guests at no charge. The Massage & Hair Salon is open for treatments and hairdressing — the salon itself is free to enter; individual services carry a charge. The Library provides a quieter retreat with books and games, and the Gift Shop stocks regional souvenirs and essentials.

For exploring ashore, AmaLea carries a Complimentary Bicycle Fleet — every guest can borrow a bike and explore each port at their own pace, independently of any guided excursion.

Cabins on AmaLea

AmaLea’s 78 cabins span three main grades. Full cabin layouts and deck-by-deck plans are shown on the AmaLea cabins and deck plans page.

• Suite SS (32.5 m²) — the flagship category, with two distinct outdoor spaces: a sheltered French balcony and a full private balcony. The combination gives genuine flexibility between a protected river outlook and fully open-air viewing, sleeping two guests.
• Balcony Stateroom AA (21.8 m²) — among the most spacious balcony staterooms on board, sleeping two, with direct balcony access and a clear river outlook.
• Outside Stateroom D (14.9 m²) — fixed river-view windows bring natural light and a constant connection to the passing scenery, sleeping two, without the balcony premium.

Where AmaLea Sails

Every sailing currently on sale is a Danube river cruise, departing from autumn 2026. Itineraries of up to 14 nights depart most frequently from Budapest, with further embarkation options from Vilshofen, Nuremberg and Amsterdam. Each port requires a flight from the UK — which is exactly where Cruise1st’s packaging service earns its place.

Why Book AmaLea with Cruise1st

Cruise1st is one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, which means our knowledge of AmaWaterways goes well beyond what a general travel agent can offer. Call us before you book and you’ll speak to real cruise experts who know these itineraries, the cabin grades and the fare inclusions in detail — helping you match the right cabin and the right package to your trip.

Because every AmaLea departure requires a flight — to Budapest, Vilshofen, Nuremberg or Amsterdam — the cruise sits in the middle of a longer trip. Under our Cruise1st Packages service we book the flights, the hotel either side and the transfers alongside the cruise, all on one booking, so nothing falls through the gaps.

Sailings from £1,853pp* are available now. Browse all eleven departures on our Danube river cruises page, or explore the full AmaWaterways fleet and itineraries.

Other AmaWaterways Ships to Consider

If you are weighing up which AmaWaterways ship to sail on, the fleet includes several others available through Cruise1st: AmaMagna, Zambezi Queen, AmaVerde, AmaVenita, AmaDahlia and AmaLucia.

Common Questions About AmaLea

Is Dining Included in the Fare on AmaLea?

Yes. Both the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table are included in your cruise fare, as is the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station. The Main Lounge bar charges for drinks separately unless you have a beverage package, and spa treatments at the Massage & Hair Salon carry an individual charge.

Can I Explore Ports Independently on AmaLea?

Yes. AmaLea carries a complimentary bicycle fleet available to all guests, so you can leave the ship at each port and explore at your own pace without joining a guided excursion or paying an extra fee.

Which Cabin Grade Should I Book on AmaLea?

It depends on how much outdoor space matters to you. The Suite SS at 32.5 m² is the only category with both a French balcony and a full private balcony — ideal if you want the option of sheltered or open-air river views. The Balcony Stateroom AA at 21.8 m² is a strong mid-range option with direct balcony access. If you prefer to keep costs down without giving up natural light and river views, the Outside Stateroom D at 14.9 m² offers fixed windows and a comfortable outlook. Our cruise experts can walk you through the differences before you commit.

Do I Need to Arrange Flights Separately?

No — Cruise1st can handle everything. All current AmaLea departures embark in Europe (Budapest, Vilshofen, Nuremberg or Amsterdam), so UK guests will need to fly. Through our Cruise1st Packages service we book the flights, any hotel nights either side and the transfers alongside the cruise, combining everything into one holiday on one booking.

How Long Are the AmaLea Itineraries?

Current sailings range up to 14 nights on the Danube, departing from autumn 2026. The majority depart from Budapest, with a smaller number starting from Vilshofen, Nuremberg or Amsterdam. You can browse all available departures on the Danube river cruises page.