AMADEUS Magazine_Issue 09

Introducing the AMADEUS Riva – Toasting our newest luxury ship

ind me a River

Curate Your Own Travel Legacy with the AMADEUS Fleet

Amadeus Nova: A new travel attitude

A journey through time on the Danube Following in the footsteps of Empress Sisi and Richard the Lionheart

River Talk Interview with Bar Manager Ishal Bundhun

ISSUE 09 | 2023

CRU ISER CLU B M AGA ZINE

madeus Riva

ELEGANCE, SUSTAINA AND WELLBEING 2

read more on

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The Lueftner family at the Christening Ceremony of AMADEUS Riva

Dear AMADEUS Guests, Planning a holiday is always great fun. Picturing yourself casting off and meandering your way down Europe’s great rivers, anticipating the adventures to come. Now there are even more reasons to look forward your river cruise holiday, one of which is the AMADEUS Nova – read on to find out more about how our latest flagship vessel, with hybrid propulsion, is also part of our grand plan for river cruising’s green future. This is something you shouldn’t miss!

On one of our river cruises, there’s also nothing to stop you keeping fit. Whether it’s yoga, gym workouts or sporting excursions, so many opportunities for exercising and staying active await you, both on board and on shore.

This brings us perfectly back to planning … which river are you looking forward to experiencing? It’s hard to choose just one! We’ve put together a few tips to help you decide. Plus, as our river cruises can also be seen as exciting journeys through time, read on to learn about two famous historical figures from the history of the Danube.

Sit back, dive into our on-board magazine and start creating some new holiday memories you’ll treasure forever. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

ABILITY Suite Dreams: Awaken to the world at your feet in a luxurious bed on board the AMADEUS Riva

Your AMADEUS team

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Enjoy the famous Great Loop of the Saar River from the sun deck.

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Content 06

Introducing the AMADEUS Riva Toasting our newest luxury ship

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Amadeus Nova A new travel attitude

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A journey through time on the Danube Following in the footsteps of Empress Sisi and Richard the Lionheart

Find me a River Curate Your Own Travel Legacy with the AMADEUS Fleet

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Exciting activities on board and on dry land Full steam ahead for the most memorable holiday

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River Talk Interview with Bar Manager Ishal Bundhun

Publisher: LÜFTNER CRUISES, Amraser-See-Straße 56, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria, www.lueftner-cruises.com This magazine is protected by copyright. Lüftner Cruises accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information contained herein. All prices quoted are nonbinding.

Layout & Design: LOFT by Laudert (www.laudert.com) Editorial office: Markus Möller, Rostock Photo credits/Copyrights: Tom Jasny; moving picture; Jörg Bertram; Stefan Weiß; Studio L bv; Martin Skopal; Franz Zwickl; Irinel Cirlanaru; Shutterstock.com: rphstock, Tomas Marek, Sergey Fedoskin, TTstudio, Feel good studio, Sabina Leopa, Stephan Dinges, Uhryn Larysa, ecstk22; AdobeStock: wabeno, andreykr, dbrnjhrj, larauhryn, baibaz, Ekaterina Belova, Fabio Lotti, Tomas Marek, Alexey Fedorenko, soleg – stock.adobe.com

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Introducing the AMADEUS Riva TOASTING OUR NEWEST

Luxury hip The Godmother of AMADEUS Riva officially christened the new luxury river cruise vessel by breaking the Champagne bottle against the ship’s hull.

Bright sunshine, atmospheric live music and the view of Cologne, Germany: what better way to celebrate this special event?

In May 2023, the newest addition to the AMADEUS family made its debut in Cologne, Germany. At the Christening Ceremony of the AMADEUS Riva, we were thrilled to celebrate this milestone together with our valued partners, employees and GOLD members of the AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB. The luxury vessel features our signature, award-winning Suites, walk-out balconies, luxury bathrooms, spacious public areas as well as the latest technology for sustainable travel for unforgettable experiences on the majestic waterways of Europe. Step aboard the AMADEUS Riva and explore the most captivating cities and landscapes along the Rhine and Danube while embracing a cleaner future.

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On her maiden cruise, the AMADEUS Riva was accompanied by her sister ships.

Amadeus Nova: The Nova Way to Starting in 2024, we will embark on a new chapter in luxury river cruising: Our newest vessel AMADEUS Nova combines luxurious amenities, state-of-the-art design and ground breaking technical innovations.

Our eco-friendly 5-star ship features hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, a powerful battery and solar panels for clean energy.

cruise

Experience the NOVA way of river cruising and let us take you to the most beautiful destinations along the rivers of Europe in the comfort you deserve.

Discover new horizons and luxurious amenities in the suite of AMADEUS Nova.

A new way of luxury river cruising: A heated swimming pool on the sundeck offers even more freedom to personally design your day.

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A journey through time

on the anube

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FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF EMPRESS SISI AND RICHARD THE LIONHEART A cruise on the Danube truly is a journey back in time packed with mysterious stories that come to life on its banks, on mountains and in castles, in palaces and in monuments.

Everywhere you go, you’ll find traces of our forebears, of people who wrote our history. There’s Richard the Lionheart, for example, one of the greatest and most feared English kings of all time or, of course, Sisi, the beloved Empress of Austria.

Cruise between rocks, historic villages and castles through the fabulous Wachau region.

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isi

caught BETWEEN the burden of the crown and a desire for freedom 10

The 19th-century Austrian Empress Elisabeth, affectionately know as "Sisi", has had her story retold countless times on screen.

Beautiful, tragic, powerful – it is easy to understand why the tale of this ill-fated royal beauty has captured the imagination. She enjoyed travelling and horse riding, relaxing in the peace and quiet in the Royal Palace of Gödöllő and the untamed power of the wind and the waves. She even had an anchor tattooed on her shoulder in homage to the latter.

At the age of 16, Sisi’s mother took her from Linz up the Danube to Vienna, where she was to marry Emperor Franz Joseph. He was head over heels in love with her … she, on the other hand, felt as if she were being sold. To the outside world, the two are a dream couple. Privately, though, Sisi was suffering under the burden of the crown. She felt trapped in the strict etiquette imposed at Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg in Vienna. Soon, though, as we say nowadays, life got in the way.

Schönbrunn Palace with its magnificent park is an impressive historical estate in Vienna, famous for its baroque architecture as well as for its lush gardens.

A lung disease, of all things, granted Sisi her freedom. When her doctor advised her to travel the Mediterranean and breathe in sea air, she jumped at the chance to leave Austria. When she returned to Vienna years later, the shy girl had become a self-confident woman who had meanwhile climbed mountains and become one of the best equestrians in the world.

given the Royal Palace of Gödöllő as a gift. She loved this little paradise at the gates of Budapest and it became her refuge away from the royal ceremonies. Indeed, she spent over 2,000 days there, preferably in spring and autumn, when life begins to blossoms … and then fades again. She died on a beach promenade in Geneva, stabbed in the heart by an anarchist.

Sisi also made her mark as a queen and empress.

When Austria’s unification with Hungary was finalised through the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, creating the Austro-Hungarian Empire, she was crowned queen in Budapest and

Her memory lives on, though … on the Danube, Sisi is palpable in many places. In Budapest, for instance, in the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, in St. Matthias Church or on the Elisabeth Bridge, as well as in Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace.

TOUR SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE AND DISCOVER WHERE EMPRESS ELISABETH LIVED, LOVED, AND SUFFERED.

Elisabeth Amalie Eugenie von Wittelsbach (December 24, 1837 September 10, 1898) She became Empress of Austria in 1854 through her marriage to her cousin, Franz Joseph I, and was crowned Queen of Hungary in 1867.

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Richard the Lionheart the Prisoner of Dürnstein

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The ruins of Dürnstein Castle rise majestically above the town and offer a fascinating insight into the medieval history of the region.

Richard the Lionheart (September 8, 1157 - April 6, 1199).

He was King of England from 1189 until his death.

Another historical figure you’ll encounter on the Danube is the English King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, who was held captive in Dürnstein Castle in 1192. The battlehardened general had been crusading in the Holy Lands, where Austrian Duke Leopold V was also present and keen to demonstrate his power.

When Leopold conquered a town and raised his own standard, Richard angrily it tore down. The Duke demanded retribution and soon got his chance to take it.

When Richard was attempting to return to London from the Crusades, his ship was wrecked off the Italian coast, so he had to change his route – instead of travelling by sea, he had to make the treacherous journey overland via Vienna. Remembering the flag incident and Duke Leopold’s anger, he decided to travel through Austria in disguise. He and his men therefore posed as pilgrims and, one foggy December night, crept along the banks of the Danube – but they were betrayed and their disguises blown, allowing the Duke to strike and take his revenge.

Leopold had Richard arrested and brought to Dürnstein Castle. He held the King there for a quarter of a year before striking an accord with German Emperor Henry VI – they planned to ransom Richard and share the bounty. The two demanded 150,000 silver marks (100,000 pounds of silver) from the English for the release of their King. This was more than twice England’s annual income at the time. Their plan worked. The ransom was paid and Richard the Lionheart was freed, yet England fell into abject poverty as a result. Germany and Austria, on the other hand, were suddenly filthy rich …

Even today you can see how the money was spent.

Leopold used it to found what would later become Wiener Neustadt, for example, and to expand Dürnstein Castle. As it happens, legend has it that a minstrel tried to track Richard down while he was in captivity – Blondel de Nesle travelled from castle to castle with his lute, performing a particular song that only he and the King knew.

Of course, when he reached Dürnstein, he was successful. De Nesle sang his song and Richard replied by singing the second verse, confirming that this was where he was being held … when you go ashore at Dürnstein, listen very, very closely.

Who knows? Maybe you can still hear de Nesle’s song echoing between the walls.

Dürnstein Abbey is a baroque jewel and became the landmark of the Wachau region with its striking blue and white colors.

Gentle vineyards, historic sites and sunny vibes: The UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

„WE, HOWEVER, PLACE THE LOVE OF GOD AND HIS HONOUR ABOVE OUR OWN AND ABOVE THE ACQUISITION OF MANY REGIONS“ Richard the Lionheart 13

River

Find me a

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Glide along the gentle waters of the Danube into the heart of Hungary: The river divides Budapest into the rather flat Pest and the hilly Buda side.

We believe the greatest luxury is freedom – the freedom to wake up to a world of possibilities, the freedom to personally design your days of discovery and the freedom to pursue your passions at your desired pace. Discover the European continent on its legendary rivers from the North Sea to the Black Sea or from the French countryside to the waterways of Holland. Each day aboard our luxury river ships, distilled moments shape your travel preferences and aspirations. Pause in silence or choose unbridled adventure – onboard or offshore, alone or in a crowd, in nature or in a city.

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he anube

Meandering between the Black Forest and the Black Sea

Viennese music, wonderful waltzes and three cosmopolitan cities along the way From Passau on the German/Austrian border to the Puszta grasslands in Hungary – and, if you like, on towards the Black Sea. A journey on the beautiful blue Danube truly is a wonderful symphony of experiences that’s never the same twice.

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The “allegro” upper section of the river features such highlights as the famous meander at Schlögen, known as the Donauschlinge, the abbey at Melk or the Wachau landscape, which is part of a UNSECO World Heritage Site. As we push on along the water, cheerful waltzes and the “andante” excitement of the three bustling historic Danube metropolises – Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest – await you.

A different tune as we venture south Tones traditional to the Puszta accompany us in the third section of our journey. Wonder at the vastness of the horizon and the fiery horsemanship of the locals. Later, the natural richness of the Balkans, artfully mixed with the sparkling life of Belgrade, is sure to encapsulate you. The grandiose finale comes to a crescendo as we pass through the Iron Gates gorge, along the borders of Serbia and Romania, and continues through Bulgaria, on to the branching Danube Delta with its unique flora and fauna.

1,000 thrilling experiences on 2,857 kilometres of river Sound like music to your ears? Join us on board the Amadeus fleet and let us whisk you away to some of the most melodious places on Europe’s second-longest river.

Fascinating Danube Step Back In Time on a Danube River Cruise

Devín Castle is located in the west of Bratislava and stands on a massive rock hill above the confluence of the Danube and Morava.

Cruise Highlights: Wachau vineyards, a stroll through Vienna, Budapest by night, the Iron Gates gorge and the wild nature of the Danube Delta.

Perfect for: History Buffs and Nature Lovers

The colourfully glazed tiles transform the roof of the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna into a true work of art.

Lose yourself in the charm of the Danube Delta when you experience a river cruise all the way to Romania.

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The charming town of Bacharach on the banks of the Rhine, captivates with its well-preserved medieval buildings and romantic vineyards.

he Rhine and the Moselle

Two fairytale classics Magic among medieval castles and modern cities

Castles, Vineyards, Winegrowing Villages Discover A New View of the Old World on the Rhine

Mystical castles crowning mountain slopes; half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets; vineyards rising majestically skywards … spectacular views aplenty on a Rhine cruise. Especially seen from the sun deck, where your desire to step ashore and enjoy the next excursion is sure to be awakened.

Our excursions take you to the magnificent cathedrals in Cologne and Strasbourg, for example, or perhaps you’ll explore the romantic old town of Heidelberg or even embark on a journey through time ducking between Amsterdam’s historic canals and revelling in its cosmopolitan splendour.

During a cruise on one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, nature unfolds wondrously before you as you marvel at the Upper Middle Rhine Valley’s picture-book landscape. Mountains, castles and fortress ruins that harbour untold ancient secrets surround you and, when we glide past the worldfamous Loreley Rock, we’re sure you’ll experience a moment of happiness you’ll treasure forever.

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Cruise Highlights: Cruising past the Loreley Rock in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, exploring fascinating metropolises such as Amsterdam, Cologne and Strasbourg, and wine tasting in the Moselle town of Cochem.

Perfect for: Architecture Enthusiasts and Wine-connoisseurs

Vibrant vineyards and winegrowing villages in action The wonderful Moselle is another highlight to your river cruise with us. Thanks to its proximity to France and Luxembourg, this region is known for its popular wines, such as the unmistakeable Riesling, so raise a toast to this enchanting stretch of water, winding dreamily westwards.

There’s enough wine to do so!

The small town of Cochem is also hugely appealing. Once you’ve enjoyed a stroll through the enchanting medieval alleyways, you may not actually want to leave. Unless, of course, leaving means reboarding our ship, which will take you onwards to the next unforgettable experience on your river holiday.

Amsterdam, the lively capital of the Netherlands, is always worth a visit: charming canals, a rich history and a unique, cosmopolitan flair makes it the place to be for architecture enthusiasts.

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The St. Benezet Bridge in Avignon was built in the 12th century and once connected the two banks of the Rhône river.

he Rhône and the aône Succumbing to the charm of the south of France World-famous wine-growing regions; vibrant, lively and bustling cities; Mediterranean landscapes and gourmet cuisine both on board and ashore – on our Rhône and Saône cruises, we celebrate the quintessence of French savoir-vivre.

Raise you glass to the magic of the Saône On the Saône, we drift leisurely northwards to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. So much

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Avignon is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town and the impressive Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic palace in the world.

enjoyment and stunning natural countryside that you simply won’t be able to get enough of await you along the way. Indeed, Burgundy boasts one of the most diverse landscapes in France. What’s more, this is the perfect way to experience true joie de vivre and comfort – something that goes without saying on board our ships, too.

Lyonnais highlights Lyon is famous for being the city in which the Saône and the Rhône meet. But, did you know that Lyonnais cuisine is world-renowned and the locals love to serve one delicacy after the other?

Cruise Highlights: The white horses and pink flamingos of the Camargue region, the gourmet metropolis of Lyon, truffle and wine tastings, and an atmospheric Provençal evening on the sun deck.

Perfect for: Foodies and Explorers

French delights in blue and lilac You can experience all this and more for yourself on our cruise. Care to join us in the “Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse”? A great opportunity to indulge in wine tastings and delicious cheese and pastry samplings.

Dreams on the Rhône Now we head south together, to Provence. The people here have so much sun in their hearts, and with good reason! The lilac landscape is beguilingly beautiful, spilling out in vast fields of lavender towards the Mediterranean. The local exquisite wines are truly delightful. Plus, cities such

as Avignon and Arles have a magical magnetism, their winding alleys, bustling markets and Roman architectural masterpieces will surely draw you in. It’s also so very easy to fall in love with the sheer endless expanse of the Camargue or to leave your everyday life behind in the deep gorges of the Ardèche.

The most beautiful place on our ships to take in these stunning surroundings might just be the sun deck – the sun does shine for around 300 days a year in this part of France, after all. À vos santés!

Rhône and Saône Embark on a voyage through the soul of France

The Camargue: famous for its white horses and pink flamingos.

Provence's iconic lavender fields are best to see during the flowering season that spans from mid-June to mid-August.

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Cruise Highlights: Camembert, cidre and calvados, Monet’s garden in Giverny and the alabaster cliffs at Étretat.

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The Seine meanders majestically through Paris, passing some of the most famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Perfect for: Art Lovers and Culture Vultures

he eine

France’s north, caught between the rough and the romantic A rendezvous with the magic of Paris Can there be a more fitting location than Paris for your love of river travel? Just about everything from the indulgent food to the exquisite architecture is enough to make you fall in love with the city. You’ll discover more than enough of it on our excursions among the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Montmartre. Plus, if you want to have that feeling of floating above the Seine, simply stroll across one of the city’s 37 wonderful bridges.

Right into the heart of Normandy Speaking of bridges … on your journey along the Seine, you’ll cross many a bridge between tragic history, beautiful countryside and traditional cuisine. This is especially true in Normandy, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe.

Here, rugged chalk cliffs meet charming coastal towns. An excursion to the alabaster coastline, a walk on the paths along the bizarre chalk cliffs of Étretat and then a stroll through this charming seaside resort make for a truly unforgettable day out. What’s more, almost nowhere else but in Normandy can you enjoy such delicious seafood.

Picture perfect While cruising along the Seine, you’ll also explore the favourite haunts of some of the world’s most famous painters. You can follow in their creative footsteps as you visit the artists’ village of Auverssur-Oise. Rouen is also picturesque, and it’s here where another work of art awaits you – “Le Gros Horloge”, the 14th century astronomical clock. All this can always be accompanied by a glass of Calvados, if you like … which also tastes wonderful enjoyed on our sun deck as we glide through the stunning countryside of northern France.

From the terraces of the castle of Auvers-sur-Oise overlooking the formal gardens, a unique point of view emerges over the unspoiled landscape of the Oise valley.

Serenity on the Seine Charming villages and breathtaking scenery await on your very own tour de France

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Winter cruises

a magical holiday with celebrations galore Simply throw the Christmas stress overboard Each and every year, Advent and the festive period are a particularly wonderful time. The run-up to Christmas is often particularly stressful, though, and the desire for some time off is greater than ever. One of the most relaxing ways to escape from the festive preparations is a river cruise in December, at Christmas or at New Year.

Experience a blissful voyage down the Rhine or the Danube, browse world-famous Christmas markets and embark on a journey through time as you explore some of Europe’s prettiest medieval towns – simply wonderful! Back on board, you can look forward to quality food and drink in our lovingly decorated restaurant, ideal for enjoying both festive gala dinners and quiet moments.

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Festive delights and glittering riverbanks As the festive season approaches and we glide silently through wintry-white river landscapes, your anticipation is sure to grow with every kilometre we take. What’s more, when the bells ring out for Christmas mass, those who wish to can join us in Germany’s Speyer Cathedral, on the Rhine, or Austria’s Abbey Church in Dürnstein, on the Danube. On our New Year’s Eve cruises, we welcome in the New Year in Hungary, against the backdrop of Budapest’s Castle Hill, or in Switzerland on the banks of the Rhine in Basel.

An exceedingly sparkling time awaits you on our New Year’s Eve cruises. Celebrating together and enjoying a glass of champagne against the backdrop of Budapest’s Castle Hill or on the banks of the Rhine in Basel – aren’t these the perfect settings for seeing in the New Year?

From the traditional Christmas markets to the city lights to special festive events, Strasbourg earns its name as France's capital of Christmas.

See the Rhine and Danube differently We promise one thing … if you’ve only ever experienced our river cruises in the summer, we’re sure you’ll be swept away by the very special charm and family atmosphere of winter on the water! At this time of year, the landscapes are enveloped in crystal-clear silence, the glow of the lights exuding cosiness, and time seemingly having slowed down. This is especially lovely because, after all, it’s your time away to enjoy.

Advent, Christmas & New Year's Eve Cruise Cruise Highlights: Cruising through the wintry Wachau region, visiting the Strasbourg Christmas market, and and enjoying the magic that is on board our elegantly decorated ships during this enchanting time of the year.

Your winter fairy tale by the river

Perfect for: New Traditions & Festive Holiday Celebrations

Ring in the year in style onboard the luxury AMADEUS ships. Enjoy a memorable year-end celebration with special highlights on board, sophisticated menus, fine wines and genuine hospitality.

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Full steam ahead for the most memorable holiday

xciting activities

on board and on dry land

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The free onboard bike rental program allows you to set your own pace and track down many secret gems away from the beaten path.

Relaxing on the sun deck, reading a good book and basking in the natural beauty all around – on our cruises, plenty of opportunities to switch off and unwind await you. A slightly higher tempo can be just as enjoyable as well, though! On holiday with us, whether on board one of our ships or on an exciting excursion on land, there are so many different ways for you to get involved and make the most of your time with us.

Dive into an unforgettable adventure as the AMADEUS Provence sails through France.

Our sporting offers to get your blood pumping As the first rays of sun peek through your window in the morning, you can return their greeting during a yoga session on the sun deck, allowing you to start the day the right way, taking in one meaningful breath after the other. Or perhaps you’re more of a late riser? Join us in our gym and work out using the latest fitness equipment – there’s one on each of our ships and you can access them around the clock. The AMADEUS QUEEN, the AMADEUS PROVENCE and, from spring 2024, the AMADEUS NOVA each have their own pools, allowing you to relax, cool off and recharge your batteries.

Loving life – join us for a game Battle it out in spirited competition on the sun deck. Our pick? Shuffleboard! This timeless classic, played with cue and disc, is great fun for young and old. What’s more (or maybe we should say “Fore!”), almost all our ships have golf putting greens – perfect for chewing the fat while sinking a few putts. Or, if you like it even slower, how about a game of chess surrounded by majestic views of nature?

Our excursions are sure to pique your interest Exploring new cities and landscapes is always a wonderful experience, and there are multiple opportunities for you to do this. Choose your personal favourites from our excursion options and tailor your activity schedule to suit your own needs and requirements. Travel on comfortable coaches and experience places you’ve always dreamed of seeing accompanied by expert local guides. Or join us on active discovery tours to winding vineyards, picturesque villages and our own insider tips for fabulous new adventures off the beaten path. What’s more, if you’d prefer to strike out on your own, you’re most welcome to borrow our (e-)bikes free of charge and plan your own excursions. Always at your own pace and just the way you like it.

Delectable delights Exploring the local landscape is indeed enough to help you build up an appetite, but that doesn’t mean you have to make your healthy eating habits abandon ship! With us, you can enjoy all-round healthy cuisine, of course with delicious vegetarian and vegan alternatives available for you if you wish. Our ingredients are locally sourced, always in season and as fresh as a morning on the river.

Bon appétit!

Enjoy a friendly, yet fierce match of shuffleboard with new friends on the sundeck.

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River Whispers A sumptuous cocktail, a freshly poured beer, a good glass of wine, or perhaps a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage? Ishal Bundhun and his team never fail to spoil the passengers on board the AMADEUS Cara with exquisite drinks morning, noon and night, and always do so with beaming smiles on their faces. We met up with the friendly manager of the Panorama Bar in Vienna – not only did we have a chat about his work, we were also let in on the secret of AMADEUS’ legendary signature cocktail …

tinued my education as time has passed. AMADEUS offers its staff many opportunities in this respect … I’m very grateful for that.

So, being the bar manager on the AMADEUS Cara is your dream job, then?

Absolutely! When I come into the Panorama Bar in the morning, with the impressive river landscapes slowly slipping by outside, and I’m greeted by the beaming and friendly faces of the both passengers and colleagues alike, I often catch myself thinking You’ve lucked out here, Ishal, and landed yourself the best job in the world!

Meet Ishal Bundhun, head of the Panorama Bar at the AMADEUS Cara.

Ishal, you’ve been part of the extended AMADEUS family for many years. Tell us when and how it all began …

I signed on with the AMADEUS Royal in 2017, after I had finished my studies at hospitality and catering college. Why did I choose working on a European luxury river cruise ship over a job at a hotel on my home island of Mauritius? Quite simply because I love travelling on the water; I treasure the unique and special atmosphere on board very much. As you’re all travelling together for a week or sometimes longer, when you’re on a ship, the contact with the passengers is both super intense and super relaxed at the same time. I started out as a waiter, by the way, but I’ve completed numerous additional training courses and con28

Tell us what a typical day on board looks like for you …

I usually start the set-up for the light lunch in the salon at around 11am. Then I do the stock take and reorders. Afterwards, I help my colleagues prepare and serve lunch before the afternoon continues with speciality coffees and homemade cakes in Café Vienna. Then, or course, there’s the welcome drinks in the lobby for passengers returning from their excursions. After a break, which I like to use for sightseeing or just to relax, the cocktail hour, very popular with the passengers, gets underway. It’s after dinner when we in the bar team are on top form – whether there’s evening entertainment in the Panorama Bar, usually in the form of live music, or a show is taking place or the guests are simply sitting together and

Toast an exhilarating afternoon and kick-off a lively evening in the Panorama-Bar.

enjoying a few quiet drinks. I won’t lie to you, it can sometimes get a bit late! But that’s not a problem, I’m happy if the passengers are happy. If I can contribute to making their holiday a memorable one, all the better.

Rumour has it that the wine tastings you offer on every trip have already found quite a cult following … (laughs) That’s a bit of an exaggeration! What is true, though, is that I enjoy the tastings very much and they’re usually very well attended. We taste three reds and three whites from each region. It’s always fascinating to me how differently the individual grape varieties present themselves on the nose and on the palate. Plus, I love explaining the origins or each wine and how they’re pressed. If I can convey this well to the passengers, then I’m happy!

On board, you must meet passengers from all over the world. Do they really have very different drinking habits and preferences?

There are some differences or nuances, actually – German guests really appreciate a freshly poured, draught beer. The French, on the other hand, prefer a glass of wine, and our American passengers tend to like a good whiskey or an ice-cold vodka.

What they all have in common, though, is their appreciation for our first-class cocktails.

Which is a great segue to the legendary AMADEUS Signature Cocktail …

This is definitely our absolute bestseller – it’s my favourite, too! An experienced mixologist created the AMADEUS Signature Cocktail especially for the AMADEUS fleet, but you can also mix it easily yourself. You need 4 cl each of gin and pineapple juice, as well as 2 cl each of elderflower syrup and lime jus. Put all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes and shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds. Then pour the drink through a bar strainer directly into a well-chilled glass. The consistency should be slightly creamy and frothy. Last but not least, decorate the whole thing with two slices of lime and a few mint leaves. The result is a wonderful and very refreshing cocktail that will awaken memories of your last holiday with us or fuel your excitement for your next AMADEUS cruise.

From “proscht” to “prost” and “santé” to “egészségedre” nothing says “cheers” like our AMADEUS Signature Cocktail.

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Welcome

to the AMADEUS family Hundreds of destinations, thousands of river kilometers and endless possibilities: if, after your cruise, you develop a taste for these things and can’t get enough of our relaxed river cruises, then the AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB is the perfect option for you! If you travel with us regularly, you will be rewarded with manifold advantages as from your second cruise.

The club membership level is determined by the number of cruises taken with us.

Club membership costs nothing except a few minutes of your time for registration.

Your AMADEUS CLUB advantages at a glance Welcome Bonus*

Annual Bonus**

Invitation to the exclusive ACC-Cocktail

Free cabin upgrade to the next category ***

Invitation to the Captain’s Table during the Captain‘s Gala Dinner

Free spa treatment (1 hour)

Invitation to exclusive AMADEUS events

AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB: after 1st cruise Cruise 2

€ 30,-

Cruise 3

€ 30,-

•

€ 30,-

•

AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB-STAR Status: after 3rd cruise Cruise 4

€ 50,-

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Cruise 5

€ 50,-

€ 50,-

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Cruise 6

€ 50,-

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Cruise 7

€ 50,-

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AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB-GOLD Status: after 7 th cruise Cruise 8 Cruise 9 and more

€ 100,-

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€ 100,-

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Welcome Bonus: can only be used as credit on board; valid for 5 years from date of issue A nnual bonus: can only be used as credit on board; is sent annually and valid for the respective cruise season *** Subject to availability at commencement of journey *

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€ 100,-

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And it's that simple: Fill in the attached card and return it • by post to Lueftner Cruises, Amraser See Straße 56, A-6020 Innsbruck • by fax to +43 512 365 78 16 or • simply hand it on board your AMADEUS vessel.

You can also register conveniently via our online form at www.lueftner-cruises.com/club

As soon as you receive your membership card, you will be able to enjoy the full benefits of our club. If for some reason you can‘t find the postcard, then ask for one on board, call +43 512 36 57 81 or email club@lueftner-cruises.com

Add something special to our next edition Have you spent relaxing but exhilarating days on board an AMADEUS vessel, with lots of exciting discoveries and inspiring experiences? If so, why not inform us about your last cruise and help us with our next AMADEUS MAGAZINE. Inform us which excursion you liked the best, tell us about somewhere special you discovered that you would would recommend or supply the best snapshot of your journey – we are looking forward to receiving your contribution.

Please mail us at magazin@lueftner-cruises.com

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Lüftner Cruises GmbH Menardi Center | Amraser-See-Straße 56 | 6020 Innsbruck | Austria Phone: +43 512 365781 | Fax: +43 512 365781-6 lueftner@lueftner-cruises.com | www.lueftner-cruises.com