Description: MS Amadeus Queen of Amadeus Fluss-Kreuzfahrten I Location: Cologne I Date: September 2023 I Copyright: SHIPS@SEA

Donnerstag, 26. Oktober 2023

Lesezeit: 3 minutes

MS Amadeus Queen from Amadeus Fluss-Kreuzfahrten in a ship portrait

You can find all pictures of the Amadeus Queen here under Views of Amadeus Queen.

Early autumn means well and the sun is shining over Cologne, casting its best light on MS Amadeus Queen as I step onto her at the base of the Hohenzollern Bridge. It is love at first sight: This is proven not only by the carnival cry „Alaaf“ visible from afar in oversized letters that greets the river cruiser in the cathedral city, but above all by the royal Queen herself from the house of Amadeus‘. Today there is plenty of time to explore the elegant river cruise ship and find places of enchantment on board. The ship is not „blue-blooded“, as the saying suggests, but it follows Europe’s most beautiful rivers, such as the much-sung „blue Danube“ or the fantastic Rhine Valley.

On a Royal tour aboard

The heart of any river cruise ship is the foyer with its reception. On the ship, which entered service in 2018, it is clear that the family-run, Austrian company attaches great importance to style and class. This is already evident in the entrance area, where there is plenty of light, high-quality materials and numerous genuine flower arrangements. The area extending over two decks with plenty of daylight makes the entrance area seem more spacious than it already is. Many ocean-going ships can take a leaf out of the book of such a stylish foyer with a dream view: This Queen, of course, also offers that.

In this weather – of course – I stay on the sun deck of the Queen for the time being. A good idea, as it turns out: Taking a seat on one of the numerous loungers, leaning back and relaxing with a view of Cologne, the metropolis on the Rhine, is pure enjoyment – especially the view of the imposing Cologne Cathedral never fails to impress.

If you don’t just want to look, you can actively move the pieces on the chessboard and place them correctly before it’s too soon „checkmate“. But even then, the passing landscape makes up for any potential defeat, and those who have worked up too much of a sweat during an exciting game can treat themselves to a cool drink at the small Lido bar on the sun deck.
One deck below, the partially covered River Terrace at the bow of the luxury liner awaits the guest’s visit. At any time of the year, it offers protection from the wind and weather while at the same time providing a magnificent view in the direction of travel.

The counterpart at the stern of the Queen is THE highlight of the ship: the Amadeus Club can be found on every ship in the fleet, but on board the Amadeus Queen it is something very special: of course, the cosy area is still ideal as a library or for lectures. But the real WOW character is its surprisingly large indoor pool with a fantastic panorama. When the weather conditions are favourable, the roof can be slid open and opens up completely new perceptions for travellers seeking relaxation. My tip: You should take a dip in the not-so-cool water at least once during your trip and enjoy the cruise – not many river cruisers offer such comforts.

On the same deck – the Mozart deck – are the 12 Amadeus suites: They score points with a generous 26 square metres and their own little balcony and seating area. All of the other 69 outside cabins are also larger than average at 17 square metres. In most of the cabins in this category, the window can be lowered at the touch of a button, so that you can dream away the next day to the sound of the river water. All cabins have an unobtrusive design in common, which is of very high quality throughout, as the furniture proves. Those who take up their holiday quarters here on board will have no choice but to feel at home – that’s a promise!

But enjoyment on the river is also a priority in the Panorama Restaurant on the Strauss Deck, as is immediately apparent: The table settings are just as appealing as the menu for today’s lunch. Variety in the menus is just as guaranteed as the exquisite selection of ingredients, the hotel manager assures us during our tour of MS Amadeus Queen. By the way: during meals on Amadeus, selected drinks are already included in the price of the cruise.

From the Restaurant it is only a few steps to the Panorama Lounge, which is certainly the most eclectic place on board. Designed in muted colours, this is where the welcome takes place at the start of the journey, as well as the evening entertainment. The countless seating areas invite you to talk to fellow passengers or „just“ to look out – the floor-to-ceiling windows make the panorama of the passing European river landscapes perfect.

The 5* ship Amadeus Queen is used on the major rivers such as the Rhine and Danube, but also on the idyllic Main and Moselle tributaries. Spoilt for choice – which area would the recreation-seeking traveller on board MS Amadeus Queen like to discover first?

Heading for sustainability

It is also good to know that Amadeus is taking the path to the future responsibly and sustainably: For example, the entire fleet has already been awarded the prestigious „Green Award“ in 2022. It certifies that sustainable travel is consistently implemented with the highest environmental standards. For MS Amadeus Queen, this means that heat recovery systems are used on board as well as the possibility of obtaining shore power in the port. The latest engine technology reduces fuel consumption and cuts emissions. In addition, a modern water treatment system ensures that all used water is completely purified. With these and other measures, the Queen protects the waters she travels. In this way, a journey on board Amadeus Queen becomes pure river pleasure with added value, today as well as tomorrow. No matter on which river the journey may begin.

SHIPS@SEA Résumé

One thing is clear: a half-day visit on board is no substitute for a complete voyage to really get to know a ship. But one thing became clear today in any case: Amadeus River Cruises focuses on an above-average quality product with a very promising travel experience. The obviously cordial and ever-present crew do the rest to make relaxed moments on board possible. And those who still need help with relaxation will find what they are looking for in the massage room: Here, experienced masseuses with their fingertip feeling take care of even more well-being, as Amadeus itself promises. A trip with MS Amadeus Queen can only be enjoyable – and next time I will also try out the indoor pool; I am already definite about that.

Ahoy: To the Queen of the blue streams – Alaaf!