Starting from April 2027, river cruise brand AmaWaterways will be launching a new ship on the Danube. The AmaRudi is set to become Europe’s largest river cruise ship and will feature highlights including several restaurants, a wine bar, and a spa.
Travellers are increasingly being drawn to river cruises. According to a survey shared by TUI Group, Europe counted 1.5 million river cruise passengers in 2025, up 8% compared to 2024. As rivers are a popular option to escape the most intense summer heat, those numbers are likely to continue to increase over the next few years.
River cruise company AmaWaterways is anticipating a demand increase and will be launching a new ship in April 2027. The AmaRudi, as the vessel will be called, will be the sister ship of the already existing AmaMagna and will be the largest river cruise ship in Europe – measuring 443 feet (135 meters) in length with room for 196 passengers and 70 crew members.
The AmaRudi, which will be navigating the Danube River, was named after a man. More particularly, the vessel refers to AmaWaterways’ co-founder Rudi Schreiner, born and raised near Austria’s Danube River.
“AmaMagna changed what travellers believed was possible on a river cruise ship. We knew there would be a right time to revisit that concept, and with river cruising continuing to grow, that time is now. More travellers are making the transition from ocean cruising to rivers, and many are looking for a sense of space and choice. AmaMagna was one of the most rewarding projects of my career, so having this new ship carry my name makes it especially meaningful. I see it as part of the legacy we have built together over more than two decades of river cruising,” Schreiner said about the new vessel.
Onboard, travellers will have no difficulty staying entertained. Aside from the 98 staterooms, the AmaRudi will feature a pool, a pickleball court, a spa, a fitness room, a multimedia room, and cafes and restaurants. With Journey’s Restaurant, The Chef’s Table, Rudi’s Wine Bar, and the Deck Club barbecue, cruise goers will not go hungry or thirsty while navigating the Danube.
AmaRudi will mark the second ship launch by AmaWaterways since the company shared it was planning to expand its global fleet to more than 50 ships by 2032 in April 2026. The expansion should include 15 new ships in Europe and more than 60% capacity growth beyond the region, including new ships in Africa and Asia.
The first ship scheduled to join the fleet will be the AmaNubia, debuting in September 2026 on the Nile. After the AmaRudi in April 2027 should see the launch of two extra ships: the AmaMaya on the Mekong and the AmaFiora on the Rhine.
“Our expansion reflects strong demand across both our established and emerging markets. River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory, and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and our travel partners,” Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, said at the time.
AmaRudi’s inaugural cruise is set to depart on 11 April 2027 from Vilshofen in Germany and will set sail for Budapest.
