The best river ships at the CLIA RiverView Conference

Agents were invited to tour nine river ships at the event in Budapest last month. Janine Kelso sums up the highlights of each ship

AmaWaterways’ AmaVerde

This luxury river ship’s key selling point is its 81 lavish staterooms, most of which boast twin balconies, and its heated swimming pool with a swim-up bar. There’s also a fleet of bicycles on board which passengers can use to explore Europe independently or enjoy as part of a guided bike tour. The ship’s wellness hosts run classes including pilates and yoga, with the most popular option being champagne yoga.

We loved: The fabulous seven-course Chef’s Table menu where regional dishes are paired with hand-selected wines. “We have a galley within that restaurant where you can see the chefs preparing each course. Not only do have delicious dining but you have the theatre of being able to see the chefs preparing each course,” says AmaWaterways managing director Jamie Loizou.

One of the dishes from the Chef’s Table menu onboard AmaWaterways river ships. Image credit: Janine Kelso

Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice

The S.S. Beatrice oozes elegance with its dazzling blue and white colour scheme, and its spruced-up lobby with marble floors, grand staircase and Murano chandelier. The ship’s four dining options include the main restaurant Mozart’s; Wolfgang’s bar and lounge; immersive culinary experience Max’s restaurant, which offers cooking classes; and intimate 18-seat café, Schubert’s.

We loved: The incredible artwork onboard which includes original pieces from Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder and Pino Signoretto.

S.S. Beatrice. Image credit: Janine Kelso.

Amadeus River Cruises’ Amadeus Silver III

With contemporary European décor, Amadeus Silver III offers 12 plush suites with walk-out balconies. All cabins have walk-in wardrobes, and most have lowerable panorama windows to enable passengers to soak up the scenery. Plus cabins can be connected, a welcome addition for families. Standout public areas include the River Terrace, an open-air lounge in the bow that’s shielded by glass to provide protection from the elements.

We loved: The Viennese-style coffee house Café Vienna, where passengers can feast on Sachertorte (Austrian chocolate cake) washed down with an Austrian coffee.

Travelmarvel’s Vega

Travelmarvel’s Vega is the first of three new ships to be unveiled by Travelmarvel, the four-star sister brand to luxury river cruise line APT. Shown for the first time at the RiverView Conference, there was a lot of buzz about this stylish adults-only ship that boasts an al fresco lounge, an open-air Sky Deck Terrace and Bar, and plush premium cabins with electric windows that lower to create French-style balconies.

We loved: McGeary’s Bar, the first-ever Irish pub on the river, where passengers can tuck into hearty food, sip a Guinness and watch sport on the big screen.

A-Rosa’s A-Rosa Donna

Revamped in 2019, A-Rosa Donna is a family-friendly ship (kids cruise for free up to the age of 15) with a relaxed vibe and 100 outside cabins. Popular with families, there are cabins with inter-connecting doors and suites with extra beds provided, as well as a free kids’ club.

We loved: The attractive outdoor seating space at the back of the ship is a real suntrap and is pretty as a picture with its canary-yellow umbrellas. A great spot to sip a cocktail or a relax with a book.

A-Rosa Donna. Image credit: Janine Kelso

Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Sun

Built in 2015, the sumptuous Emerald Sun has 91 cabins for 180 guests. Guests can enjoy a five-course a la carte meal in the Reflections Restaurant or dining with a view on The Terrace.

We loved: The heated pool with a retractable roof which, in the evenings, transforms into a cinema showing a mix of classic and contemporary films. What a showstopper!

Scenic’s Scenic Amber

Billed as a “five-star floating hotel”, Scenic Amber has five dining options, from degustation in Table La Rive to light bites in the River Café. Well-heeled guests can choose from seven suite types, from the standard suite to the 520sqft Royal Owner’s Suite.

We loved: The cave-like Salt Therapy Lounge in the wellness area, the first of its kind on a river ship.

Tui River Cruises’ Tui Skyla

The adults-only Tui Skyla has an identical layout to its sister ships, Tui Maya and Tui Isla. There are 79 cabins accommodating 155 passengers, two bars and two restaurants, as well as a wellness area with a sauna and hot tub.

We loved: The Insta-worthy casual dining restaurant Bistro with its pastel-coloured chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Pure eye candy.

Tui Skyla spa. Image credit: Tui River Cruises

Avalon’s Avalon Envision

Describing itself as “relaxed luxury”, passengers can expect a “luxury experience in a relaxed way” according to Avalon chief executive Pamela Hoffey. The line has been lauded for its excursion programme that features hiking, cycling, cooking classes and winery tours.

We loved: The fact that all beds have been turned to face the view in 80 per cent of staterooms, a key selling point for Avalon’s river ships.