A Journey Through Time on the Rhine In the Footsteps of Clemens Brentano and Empress Augustina
Paired Perfection – the Rhône and Saône See Southern France Aboard the AMADEUS Provence
Issue 12 | 2026
CRUISER CLUB M AGA ZINE
Treasures to Take Home Six Souvenirs, Countless Danube Memories 1
Welcome on Board
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Cruising the Rhône and Saône – from page 12.
The Danube’s most beautiful souvenirs – from page 30.
Dear AMADEUS Guests, Few feelings compare to the anticipation of setting out – toward new shores, different worlds, and the fascinating stories of the past. Every voyage with AMADEUS is many journeys in one. You’ll discover Europe’s most beautiful rivers, explore new culinary horizons, travel through centuries of history in legendary cities, and follow your own compass toward moments of perfect relaxation. With our new onboard magazine, we invite you to continue that journey from page to page. Our travel feature, beginning on page 12, takes you aboard the AMADEUS Provence and along the Rhône and Saône into a world of luminous landscapes, exceptional cuisine, and irresistible joie de vivre. Then, turn to page 28 to put your knowledge to the test with our river cruise crossword puzzle. More than 200 years ago, poet Clemens Brentano found the words that brought the Loreley to life. In our journey through time, beginning on page 6, you’ll meet this literary rebel of Rhine Romanticism, along with Augusta, Germany’s first empress, whose love of the Rhine landscape inspired one of Europe’s most beautiful riverside promenades in Koblenz. And what will you bring home for your loved ones after your AMADEUS escape? Beginning on page 30, our selection of memorable souvenirs from the Danube offers more than a few inspired ideas. Of course, the finest souvenirs of all are the memories you carry home. Until then, savor the anticipation of setting out on your next AMADEUS journey.
We hope you enjoy every page.
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What’s on Our Horizons Discover the World of AMADEUS
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A Journey Through Time on the Rhine In the Footsteps of Clemens Brentano and Empress Augustina
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Paired Perfection – The Rhône and Saône See Southern France Aboard the AMADEUS Provence
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Through Our Guest's Eyes What Our Guests Say On Board
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River Talk With Cruise Director Andreea Hall
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Test Your River Knowledge Our Cruiseword Puzzle
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Treasures to Take Home Six Souvenirs, Countless Danube Memories
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Welcome to the AMADEUS Family AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB Membership
Publisher: LÜFTNER CRUISES, Amraser-See-Straße 56, A-6020 Innsbruck, www.lueftner-cruises.com The magazine is copyright protected. Lüftner Cruises assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information in this magazine. All prices are subject to change Layout & design: Creation by Laudert (www.laudert.com) Editorial: Markus Möller, Rostock
& the Team from AMADEUS
Picture credits/copyrights: Volker Vornehm, Blend41, AL DRONE, Eugen Oprina, Nicole Zaddach, Anthony Litaudon, Koblenz-Touristik, Johannes Bruchhof, www.tristandeschamps.com, Gunold | Dreamstime.com, Shutterstock: Chris Lawrence Images, Majonit, Alice-D, Fabian Junge, PIXEL to the PEOPLE, tichr, Mazur Travel, Roen, Tomas Marek, Ventura, Julia Faerber Summer 23, DeymosHR, AdobeStock: New Africa, Ekaterina, by studio
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What’s on Our Horizons DISCOVER THE WORLD OF AMADEUS
THE CHRIS TENING OF A M A DEUS AURE A
Spacious and impressive: 4 decks, 12 suites, 67 outside cabins, and an expansive sun deck with a heated pool.
Champagne flowed in Amsterdam on May 12, 2026 with the christening of the AMADEUS Aurea. Kristie Keller, ship's godmother and lifelong AMADEUS friend, broke the bottle over the bow to officially welcome AMADEUS Aurea into the family.
Destined to cruise along the Rhine and Danube, she sets sail on a future filled with innovation. From hybrid propulsion and heat recovery to the latest solar panels, AMADEUS Aurea combines sustainability and technology. Following the christening and blessing, guests enjoyed an exclusive inaugural cruise through Amsterdam’s harbor.
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A M A DEUS AC TI V E: MOV E AT YOUR OWN PACE Choose two feet or two wheels and join one of our popular AMADEUS ACTIVE programs, a personal guided adventure focused on nature and health. Experience Amsterdam or Cologne or discover the Wachau Valley and Neuburg Abbey from the saddle of an e-bike. Prefer a slower pace? Follow Heidelberg’s Philosophers’ Walk, hike to Côte Sainte-Catherine above the Seine, or explore Bulgaria’s Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Discover all our excursions at lueftner-cruises.com.
NEW DIMENSIONS, NEW HORIZONS Anticipation is part of every planned journey, and we’re excited to announce our newest AMADEUS ships. This new generation boasts impressive innovations including four decks, 12 suites, 67 river-view staterooms, and an expansive sun deck with a heated pool. AMADEUS Mira In 2027, AMADEUS Aurea’s new sister ship, AMADEUS Mira, will set sail. She will bring 5-star travel to the Rhine, Main, and Danube. AMADEUS Douro The following year, in 2028, we turn toward the golden landscapes of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Aboard our newest hybrid ship, AMADEUS Douro, guests will discover sun-drenched quintas, celebrated Port wines, and the unmistakable warmth of Portuguese life. Look for a formal introduction and new itinerary in our next magazine. 5
A Journey Through Time
on the Rhine
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IN THE FOOT S TEP S OF CLEMENS BRENTANO AN D EMPRE SS AUGUS TA There are rivers you travel – and rivers that carry you through time. The Rhine belongs firmly to the latter. As your ship glides past vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and towns gathered along the water’s edge, history never feels very far away. It lingers in ruined fortresses high above the river, in gardens planted generations ago, and in legends that have traveled far beyond these shores. Two remarkable figures left very different marks on this landscape. One turned a dangerous rock into one of the Rhine’s most enduring legends. The other transformed a neglected riverbank into a garden for an entire city. Their names were Clemens Brentano and Empress Augusta – and their stories are still very much part of the Rhine today. 7
Clemens Brentano
AND THE ROMANCE OF THE RHINE There is a moment on the Rhine when conversations tend to quiet. The river narrows. The hills rise more steeply from the water. And then, some 430 feet above the river, the Loreley appears. Today, the legendary rock is one of the great landmarks of the Middle Rhine. For centuries, however, this stretch of river was anything but romantic. Strong currents, hidden reefs, and the dramatic echo created by the surrounding cliffs made it notoriously treacherous for boatmen. Yet danger has a way of inspiring stories. And few stories have become as inseparable from the Rhine as that of the Loreley: the mysterious beauty high above the river whose irresistible allure spells disaster for the sailors below. Most German readers know the version immortalized by Heinrich Heine, in which a beautiful maiden sits above the Rhine, combing her golden hair and singing an enchanting song. But before Heine gave the Loreley her most famous voice, another poet had already given her a story. His name was Clemens Brentano. Born in 1778, Brentano seemed destined for a life far removed from poetry. His father wanted him to become a merchant, but young Clemens had other ideas. Where there should have been numbers in his account books, knights, castles, and verses began to appear instead. You might say his imagination simply refused to balance the books. Literature, after all, ran in the family. His grandmother was Sophie von La Roche, one of the most celebrated female writers of her time. Brentano often sought refuge with her from the considerable commotion of his large family. His mother, Maximiliane, had literary connections of her own: as a young woman, she had been admired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and is believed to have influenced one of the female characters in his famous novel The Sorrows of Young Werther. Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that Brentano was drawn to unforgettable women. In 1801, in his novel Godwi, he introduced a
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mysterious figure named Lore Lay in the ballad "Zu Bacharach am Rheine" ("At Bacharach on the Rhine"). She was not yet the golden-haired siren of later imagination. Brentano’s Lore Lay was a woman whose beauty was so irresistible that men lost all reason in her presence – and whose unwanted power ultimately became her own tragedy.
A BEAUTY THAT CAPTIVATED EVERY MAN – AND BECAME HER CURSE. Tormented by the suffering her beauty caused, Lore Lay asks to withdraw from the world. But before she can reach the convent where she is to spend the rest of her life, she climbs a rock above the Rhine. There, overwhelmed by emotion, she plunges into the river below. A legend had found its leading lady. Brentano himself kept returning to the Rhine. Together with his friend and fellow Romantic poet Achim von Arnim, he traveled from village to village and inn to inn, gathering traditional German songs and verses. The result was Des Knaben Wunderhorn – literally “The Boy’s Magic Horn” – a landmark collection of German folk poetry that would later inspire composers, including Gustav Mahler. Brentano’s own story proved considerably less romantic. After the death of his wife and a series of turbulent relationships, his life became increasingly marked by spiritual searching and melancholy. He died in Aschaffenburg in 1842. By then, however, the Loreley had already escaped the pages of his work. Heinrich Heine transformed her into the mysterious maiden we recognize today, while composer Friedrich Silcher gave Heine’s poem a melody that generations of Germans would grow up singing.
The Loreley Rock on the Rhine is a striking landmark of the region.
Empress Augusta WHERE AN EMPRESS MADE THE RHINE BLOOM
Koblenz is a city of two rivers –and two very different royal personalities. Walk toward the Deutsches Eck, or “German Corner,” the famous headland where the Rhine and Moselle meet, and it is almost impossible to miss Kaiser Wilhelm I. Mounted high above the water on horseback, Germany’s first emperor looks every inch the stern Prussian monarch. Continue along the Rhine, however, and the mood begins to soften. Trees shade the promenade. Flower beds brighten the riverbank. Paths meander beside the water. And here, surrounded by greenery, you encounter another royal figure: Wilhelm’s wife, Empress Augusta. The contrast could hardly be greater. Neither, in many ways, could the couple themselves. Augusta was born a princess in Weimar in 1811, into a court shaped by art, philosophy, and literature. Goethe was
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a familiar presence and encouraged the young princess’s intellectual development. Curiosity was cultivated. Conversation mattered. Ideas were meant to be explored. Then came Berlin. In 1829, at just 17 years old, Augusta married Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, fourteen years her senior. The marriage took her from Weimar’s cultured, comparatively liberal atmosphere into the disciplined world of the Prussian court. It was not an easy fit. Augusta was intelligent, politically interested, socially conscious, and more liberal in outlook than many around her. Berlin’s rigid court etiquette and military culture left her yearning for a different kind of life. In 1850, after Wilhelm had been appointed military governor of the Rhine Province and Westphalia, Koblenz became the couple’s principal residence. For Augusta, the move opened a new chapter.
The Electoral Palace-the historic residence of the prince-electors-became known for cultured gatherings and lively conversation. Artists, intellectuals, politicians, and other guests passed through its rooms. Augusta created the kind of atmosphere she had known in Weimar: curious, cosmopolitan, and open to ideas. Augusta fell in love with the Rhine, but there was just one problem: the neglected riverbank was hardly worthy of the magnificent view. Parts were muddy, neglected, and decidedly unroyal. Where others saw an unattractive shoreline, Augusta saw possibility. She imagined an elegant green promenade stretching along the Rhine – a place not simply for the court, but for the people of Koblenz. To turn that idea into reality, she enlisted renowned Prussian landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné. Under his influence, the riverbank was transformed with graceful paths, gardens, and trees. Morning after morning, Augusta walked along the riverfront, sometimes in sunshine, sometimes beneath gray Rhine skies. Accounts of her years in Koblenz describe an empress unusually connected to everyday life in the city – stopping to speak with residents and enjoying the promenade she had helped create.
Following in the footsteps of Empress Augusta in Koblenz and along the Rhine.
SHE DIDN’T SIMPLY LEAVE HER MARK ON KOBLENZ. SHE LEFT IT IN BLOOM. History, however, eventually called Augusta back to Berlin. In 1871, following German unification, Wilhelm became the first German Emperor and Augusta became Empress. She increasingly devoted her energy to charitable and humanitarian causes, particularly nursing and medical care, and was closely associated with the development of the German Red Cross movement. Yet Koblenz never quite loosened its hold on her. Even as her health declined, Augusta continued to return to the Rhine whenever circumstances allowed. After her death in 1890, her connection to the city endured – not only in monuments and memories, but in the landscape itself. Beneath mature trees, past flower beds and views of passing ships, the promenade remains what she wanted it to be: beautiful, welcoming, and open to everyone.
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Paired Perfection
the Rhône and Saône
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SEE SOUTHERN FRANCE ABOARD THE AMADEUS PROVENCE Some places stay with you long after you’ve left them behind. Southern France is such a place, etching deep memories into the soul, from the Provençal light to the air thick with lavender scents. Centuries-old vineyards, languid rivers, and signature French cuisine blend together to whisper ancient tales about the true art of living well.
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Set t ing sa i l in
Lyon
With ancient Roman roots and magnificent European architecture, Lyon charms with what you can see–and what is hidden. Before boarding, enjoy plenty of time to explore the Renaissance façades, cloistered courtyards, and legendary cuisine. Follow hidden pedestrian passageways – traboules – used used by past silk merchants to move efficiently through the city. As you wander, listen to soft chatter floating from bakeries, restaurants, and cafés while the aroma of fresh bread or a café au lait awakens your senses. View of Lyon from the Rhône.
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As you step aboard, our AMADEUS crew awaits your arrival with a warm handshake and a smile. By the time you reach your appointed stateroom, you’ll wonder … have I been here before? Every step feels pleasurable, every face familiar. Stand on deck or at your panoramic suite window as we leave port. Bid farewell to Lyon, the first jewel along the river.
BEGU ILING BURGUN DY Moving north, the landscape gracefully shifts as quaint villages and vineyard-cloaked hills appear on the horizon. Welcome to the Burgundy region, a quiet beauty waiting to be discovered.
BURGUNDY DOESN’T TRY TO IMPRESS – IT EXUDES AN EASY SENSE OF CALM.
The vineyards of Burgundy line the riverbanks.
In Mâcon, start your day with a serene walk along the Saône under tree-lined allées. Steps away, the Maison de Bois, Saint Vincent Church, and the former Benedictine Abbey of Cluny promise a glimpse into rich histories. At one time the largest church in the world, the abbey was once Europe’s monastic center. Today, its monumental ruins and ancient walls still captivate. Burgundy’s viticulture and wine is world renowned. Rows of vines have produced some of the most celebrated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. Vineyards dot every riverbank and hillside, reminding us that this region has inspired wine lovers and epicureans for centuries. The walled town of Beaune is the center of Burgundy’s wine culture. A maze of cobblestone streets leads to the Hôtel-Dieu, the most recognizable structure with its colorful glazed roof tiles. Stroll inside where each room boasts historic sculptures and masterpieces such as “The Last Judgment.” The former Benedictine abbey church of Cluny was once considered the largest church in the world.
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Château de Cormatin represents the true expression of French heritage. Sumptuous salons, elegant gardens, and reflecting pools tell the story of life on a grand estate. In the nearby medieval village of Brancion, quaint lanes, stone houses, and the majestic Grosne Valley landscape invite you to slow down and savor each detail.
THE ALLURE OF RIVER CRUISING? FASCINATING, MAGICAL PLACES COMBINED WITH THE PURE PLEASURE OF DRIFTING ALONG ON BOARD. 16
Cormatin Castle – a magnificent Renaissance château in southern Burgundy, surrounded by extensive gardens and moats.
TR AV EL W ITH R EGION A L TA S TE S Once experienced, the cuisine of Southern France challenges every idea you may hold about food. Unique, curated tastes symbolize the essence of French cuisine. At Lyon’s Les Halls de Lyon Paul Bocuse, visitors indulge in a gastronomic gathering with the region’s most respected producers, chefs, and food lovers. Pyramids of French artisan cheeses, iced oysters, delicate cured meats, and colorful pastries prove France’s exceptional talent for making the ordinary table perfectly extraordinary. As we leave Lyon on the horizon, the Saône and Rhône rivers merge into one and the landscape unfolds like a colorful Impressionist painting.
PER FEC TLY PROFOU N D PROV ENCE
L A C A M A RGUE: THE W IL D WON DER L A N D
Provence moves the soul like few places. Wild, arid, and aromatic, Provence paints the landscape with its unique soft, warm palette. Avignon reigns as an important religious and cultural epicenter. The Palace of the Popes rises above city walls where Catholicism held strong during the 14th century. Avignon today lives very much in the present with picturesque squares, shaded lanes, and sidewalk cafés. From the famous Pont Saint Bénézet, watch the Rhône flow and refresh your soul.
Due south, Provence touches La Camargue, a vast captivating landscape where open plains, lagoons, and reed beds stretch to the distant Mediterranean horizon. Known for its native wildlife, this area is home to white Camargue horses, black bulls that graze the fields, and great flocks of pink flamingos.
Near Avignon, the Pont du Gard spans the Gardon River and represents one of the most extraordinary Roman engineering feats. Nearly two thousand years old, the aqueduct's, massive stones still stand as solid as the creator’s original vision. Ever wonder how the Dukes lived? A day in Uzès with Renaissance façades, medieval towers, and small boutiques will promise a glimpse into past royalty. At the lively Place aux Herbes, cafés and artisan stalls create the quintessential Provençal afternoon where leisure is the only thing on the menu.
The ancient town of Arles represents authentic Provence, where cultures and art blend seamlessly through the centuries. Here, artist Vincent van Gogh found inspiration for some of his most celebrated paintings. The Roman Arles Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, still welcomes visitors where 20,000 Romans once gathered. Historic yet vibrant, Arles' past is reflected in the present. The LUMA Tower features 11,000 hammered stainless-steel panels with endless twisted facades that capture the shifting pink and gold Provençal tones. As the sun moves across the sky, the façades transition from silvery highlights to warm tones of gold and pink, paying homage to Van Gogh’s endless fascination with light.
The Camargue is one of Europe’s largest delta regions (the Rhône Delta), with lagoons, marshes, and salt flats. It provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
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Fascinating views from the deck of the AMADEUS Provence.
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DELIGHTFUL MOMENT S BE T W EEN DE S TIN ATIONS Move like the river, enjoying a continuous feeling of relaxation and exploration. No two days arrive the same aboard AMADEUS Provence. Guided excursions offer more time to explore – whether that means aboard or ashore.
THE PERFECT RHYTHM OF ADVENTURE AND RELAXATION. Choose time. Time to simply enjoy the river views, a steaming cup of hot coffee at sunrise, or laughter with new friends. In the spirit of Provençal living, embrace the natural world and settle into
your own rhythm. Or, kick up the excitement in the Panorama Bar with live piano music or trivia hosted by Andreea, our Cruise Director. More than 20 years with AMADEUS, Andreea instinctively knows our guests, meeting each request with style.
À SA NTÉ, AU R E VOIR UNTIL OUR NE X T VOYAGE The French say au revoir which literally means “until we see each other again.” As the last day arrives, our guests learn that a river cruise never really ends. Memories live on and new friends dream of gathering together on another cruise. With more European rivers to follow, more legendary landscapes to see, and more journeys to experience, know your journeys with AMADEUS have just begun.
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THROUGH OUR GUEST'S
Eyes
My front-row seat on the Seine.
Found a new favorite spot.
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A Memory That Stays with You
Moments to Remember
Half-timbered charm & ice cream delights in Strasbourg.
In awe of Ètretat's cliffs.
Sightseeing in Hungary’s capital. 21
ck. n the sun de o r u o h n e Gold
A relaxing start to the day.
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WE LOVED THE TULIP SERENADE CRUISE IN SPRING. Relaxing on th e
sun deck.
“We had a fantastic time and met so many wonderful people on board! The staff went above and beyond every day, and everything was exceptionally well organized and efficient. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the food was superb. We thoroughly enjoyed the daily excursions as well as the activities on board, from quizzes and games to live music.”
JIAN
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MY DANUBE RIVER CRUISE ABOARD AMADEUS NOVA. “From start to finish, this cruise exceeded our expectations. The crew was outstanding, all of them were fun, patient with our special requests, accommodating, friendly, and always a smile on their faces. The cruise director was very entertaining and made the whole week not only fun but also educational as he knew all sorts of history and fun facts about this route.”
MARIA
ndscapes. la r e iv r l u Beautif
Cycling along
the riverbank .
Discovering Dürnstein Abbey. 23
R I V E R TA L K
WITH CRU ISE D I REC TO R ANDREEA HALL
I have been with AMADEUS for about 20 years. I started in 2005, working at the front desk. It was only supposed to be a summer job – but it turned into a truly wonderful life on the rivers.
WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL IS THE SENSE OF FAMILY WE VALUE SO DEEPLY.
What makes working here so special?
How did this route become such an important part of your life?
How long have you been part of the AMADEUS crew?
What makes working aboard this ship so special is also what makes AMADEUS special: the sense of family we all value so deeply. The entire crew works together as one harmonious team – and our guests can feel that.
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I spent many years sailing the Danube and Rhine, which are both beautiful rivers. Then I was asked to fill in on the Southern France itinerary. I thought, “Why not give it two weeks?” During that time, I fell in love with the beauty of Provence and simply did not want to leave.
Which places in Southern France do you love most? Arles is my absolute favorite. I love its southern charm, its architecture, and its warmth. To me, it is where you feel the soul of Provence most deeply. But there are so many other wonderful places along this route. I honestly cannot think of one I do not enjoy. You experience everything that makes France so special, from Avignon and the Camargue to Burgundy. I am especially fond of Chalon-sur-Saône, with its enchanting medieval character. We dock right in the heart of town, so guests can explore everything easily on foot.
The Arena of Arles.
It is hard to imagine Andreea Hall without the AMADEUS Provence – or the ship without her. Part organizer, part entertainer, and part wish-granter, Andreea is dedicated to making every guest’s journey exceptional, with a smile at the heart of everything she does. In our interview, she reveals why she fell in love with Southern France, where she spends her own vacations, and how a summer job became the adventure of a lifetime. Among the Traboules of Southern France.
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The Palais des Papes in Avignon – the seat of the popes during the Avignon Papacy.
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What do guests enjoy most during their journey? Guests quickly feel at home aboard an AMADEUS ship. The ships are beautiful, the staterooms are spacious and comfortable, and the cuisine is outstanding. But what often brings guests the greatest joy is the crew. Sometimes, a warm smile or a thoughtful gesture is all it takes to make someone’s day. On board, it is all about genuine hospitality. Ashore, our knowledgeable guides inspire a wonderful sense of discovery.
Spacious cabins with breathtaking views – our ships offer the utmost comfort and turn every river cruise into a truly relaxing experience.
THE ROUTE IS A CELEBRATION OF EVERYTHING DISTINCTLY FRENCH. How do you manage to fulfill so many guest wishes? I am not sure I succeed every single time, but I always try to put myself in each guest’s place and see the journey through their eyes. That helps me understand what they want, what they need, and how I can make the experience feel truly personal. Of course, thoughtful planning and organization are also essential to creating an unforgettable cruise.
When do you feel most relaxed during the day? I can only truly relax when our guests return from an excursion smiling and happy. Seeing their excitement is such a special moment – I cannot help but share in their joy.
Where do you like to vacation? Believe it or not, I have spent my vacations in Southern France for the past several years. It is simply too beautiful to stay away. I have five days off coming up, and I am heading back to Provence. During lavender season, it is pure paradise. I cannot wait! Enjoying drinks on the sun deck.
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est Your River Knowledge
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OUR CRUISEWORD PUZZLE 14
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7 31. Composer after whom one of our decks is named 32. Chocolate specialty from Belgium 33. Wine region along the Main river 28 34. Former Roman name of Lyon 35. European river where we set sail starting in 2028 10 36. Popular grilled minced meat rolls from Balkan cuisine 33 37. Highest mountain in Provence 38. Roman emperor who had a road carved into the rock at the Iron Gates 39. Official term for checking in on board 40. Pasta specialty as a classic side dish in Baden cuisine 41. Famous wine town in 3 Burgundy 11 42. Traditional 30 profession of 31 wine 2producers 3
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1. Lake fed and drained by the Rhine (2 words) 2. Austrian city famous for its historic Baroque architecture and Mozart 3. Name of the AMADEUS ship we will christen in 2027 9 4. City home to the world’s oldest cake recipe 15 5. Bird species native to the Camargue 6. Former capital of Hungary 7. Name of the city our onboard cafés are named after 8. Famous fish stew from Provence 9. Currency of Romania 10. City on the Rhône that once 3served as the papal seat40 11. Game that provides royal excitement on our Sun Decks 12. Apple-based alcoholic beverage from the orchards 30 of Normandy 13. Grand Duchy bordering the German Moselle 16 37 14. Former residence of the Sun King, Louis XIV 11 15. River where39AMADEUS passes through the most locks 16. World-famous spice from Hungary 17. Baroque Benedictine abbey in Austria 18. River god who gave the Rhine its name 14 19. Guard rail / barrier on 41 a ship 20. Famous round cheese named after a Dutch city 21. French city where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet 22. Famous poet born in Frankfurt am Main 20 23. Name of the bar on an AMADEUS ship 24. White wine from northern Burgundy 25. Waterways in Amsterdam 26. World-famous painter who once lived in Antwerp 27. Official currency on board 28. Famous fruit grown in Austria's picturesque 6 Wachau Valley 29. Famous art museum in Paris 30. City that granted Hildegard of Bingen permission to build her first monastery
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Sharpen your pencil and put your knowledge to the test with our cruise crossword. Tackle intriguing questions about the world of AMADEUS and 2 the geographical, historical, and culinary highlights found along Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Can you uncover the final answer? Submit your entry for a chance to win an exclusive prize.
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We are giving away a Rituals® bath set with a cozy AMADEUS bathrobe to one lucky winner. Simply scan the QR code and enter the correct solution in the online form. Best of luck!
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Treasures to take Home from the Danube
Some journeys stay with you long after you unpack your suitcase. Along the Danube, memories have a way of attaching themselves to flavors, fragrances, colors, and textures: the smoky sweetness of Hungarian paprika, the perfume of Bulgarian roses, the hand-painted flourish on a Slovak ceramic bowl. They are little pieces of place—and wonderful ways to bring the journey home. From Vienna to Budapest and beyond, we went in search of six keepsakes that tell their own story of the Danube. 30
PA P R I K A FRO M BU DA PE S T Few ingredients capture the flavor—and the color—of Hungary quite like paprika. Its story leads to Kalocsa, a historic center of paprika cultivation on Hungary’s Great Plain, where long hours of summer sunshine help turn ripening peppers a brilliant shade of red. Dried and ground, they become the spice that gives some of Hungary’s best-known dishes their distinctive character. Hungarian paprika ranges from mild and delicately sweet to decidedly fiery, making it an easy—and wonderfully packable—souvenir. Look for the traditional red cloth pouches filled with paprika from Kalocsa and bring home the ingredient that gives Hungarian cooking much of its signature warmth. One sprinkle, and dinner is back on the Danube.
ROSE OIL FROM THE ROSE VA L L E Y Sometimes a destination stays with you through a photograph. Bulgaria may stay with you through its perfume. The country is celebrated for its Damask roses, cultivated in the famous Rose Valley in central Bulgaria and prized by perfumers around the world. Harvesting traditionally takes place early in the morning, when the blossoms are at their most fragrant, before the petals are distilled into precious rose oil. It takes an extraordinary quantity of rose petals to produce even a small amount of pure essential oil, which explains why genuine Bulgarian rose oil is sold in tiny bottles—and treated almost like liquid gold. .
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TRADITIONAL AUS T R I A N DRESS FROM VIENNA There are souvenirs you display. And then there are souvenirs you wear. Austria’s traditional dress – known collectively as Trach – has long since stepped beyond folklore festivals and Alpine celebrations. Today, a beautifully tailored Dirndl or traditional jacket can be as much a fashion statement as a connection to regional heritage. In Vienna, specialist boutiques offer everything from timeless designs to contemporary interpretations. For women, the classic Dirndl combines a fitted bodice and full skirt with a blouse and apron. For men, Lederhosen – literally “leather trousers” – are perhaps the best-known piece of traditional Alpine clothing, often paired with a shirt, vest, or Loden jacket. The details make the difference: horn buttons, embroidered fabrics, fine wool, linen, leather, and beautifully tied aprons.
H A N D - PA I N TE D CER AMICS FROM B R AT I S L AVA Bratislava has a way of charming you quickly. Perhaps it is the pastel-colored facades. Perhaps the cobbled lanes. Or perhaps it is what you discover when you wander into one of the Old Town’s craft boutiques. Among the loveliest finds are ceramics from Modra, a small town at the foot of the Little Carpathians northeast of Bratislava with a centuries-old pottery tradition. Its distinctive ceramics are decorated by hand, often with intricate floral motifs in blue, green, yellow, and other vivid colors. No two hand-painted pieces are exactly alike—which is precisely the point. Cups, bowls, plates, pitchers, and vases turn an everyday object into a small piece of Slovak folk art.
Memories O F TH E DA N U BE WINE FROM ILOK
Some souvenirs are meant to sit on a shelf. This one is meant to be opened. At the eastern edge of Croatia, near the Danube, the historic town of Ilok has been producing wine for centuries. Its vineyards rise gently above the river, benefiting from sunny slopes and a winemaking tradition that has become part of the region’s identity. One grape in particular has become synonymous with Ilok: Traminac. Aromatic, expressive, and unmistakably floral, it is one of the signature wines of the region. The historic cellars of Ilok are an atmospheric place to discover it, with centuries of winemaking history hidden beneath the town. Živjeli! – or, as we would say, cheers!
APRICOT CANDIES FROM THE WAC H AU Summer in Austria’s Wachau Valley has a particular fragrance. Apricots. Known locally as Wachauer Marillen, the valley’s prized apricots thrive among vineyard-covered hills and picturesque villages along the Danube. When they ripen in summer, they appear everywhere—from jams and cakes to dumplings, liqueurs, and schnapps. And then there are the candies. In shops around Dürnstein, Melk, and other Wachau towns, look for traditional apricot sweets made with fruit from the region. Small enough to slip into your luggage, they capture the bright, sweet-tart flavor of a Wachau summer.
From wine to apricot candies: Along the Danube, you’ll find souvenirs filled with indulgence, tradition, and regional charm.
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Welcome
TO THE AMA DEUS FAMILY Life’s finest experiences are often worth enjoying more than once – and if you ask our guests, an AMADEUS cruise is certainly one of them. Many begin planning their next journey soon after returning from their first. If that sounds familiar, we invite you to join the AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB.
JOINING IS EASY Simply complete our online registration form at: www.lueftner-cruises.com/club. Once you receive your personal membership card, you can begin enjoying all the benefits of the club For assistance, please contact: club@lueftnercruises.com
As a member of the AMADEUS family, you’ll enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits beginning with your second cruise. Your membership level is based on the number of AMADEUS journeys you have completed, with GOLD representing our highest status.
BE PART OF OUR NEXT MAGAZINE When you return from an AMADEUS journey, your friends may ask which moments you treasured most. We would love to hear about them, too. Would you like to help shape the next edition of the AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB MAGAZINE? Tell us about your favorite destination, share an insider tip other travelers should not miss, or send us the best photo from your journey.
In addition to welcome and annual bonuses, GOLD members enjoy an exclusive ACC cocktail reception, a stateroom upgrade and a complimentary onboard spa treatment. They also receive invitations to special AMADEUS events, including naming ceremonies for new ships. Membership in the AMADEUS CRUISER CLUB is complimentary – it takes only a few minutes to enroll.
We look forward to your contributions at: magazin@lueftner-cruises.com
YOUR AMADEUS CLUB ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE WELCOME BONUS*
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INVITATION TO EXCLUSIVE AMADEUS EVENTS
A M A D E U S C R U I S E R C L U B : A F T E R 1 ST C R U I S E 2nd Cruise
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A Taste of Life Aboard
F O R YO U R K I TCH EN AT H O M E PAN-SEARED COD WITH CLAMS OVER WHITE BEAN RAGOUT & HERB OIL
PREPARATION Purée the fresh herbs and neutral oil in a highspeed blender until smooth. Strain through a finemesh strainer into a small bowl and set aside. Finely chop the shallots and sauté them in melted butter over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add the white beans and broth and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 4 For the Fish & Clams • 4 cod fillets (approx. 5.3 oz / 150 g each) • 14 oz (400 g) fresh Manila or Littleneck clams • 2 garlic cloves • ½ cup (100 ml) dry white wine • 2 tbsp olive oil For the White Bean Ragout • 14 oz (400 g) cooked white beans (such as Cannellini) • 2 small shallots • 2 tbsp butter • ½ cup (100 ml) fish or vegetable stock • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste For the Herb Oil • 2 bunches flat-leaf parsley or fresh basil • ¾ cup (200 ml) neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola)
Rinse the clams thoroughly under cold running water. Mince the garlic and sauté briefly in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the clams, pour in the white wine, and cover immediately. Steam for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shells open. Discard any clams that remain closed. Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the cod presentationside down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily. To serve, spoon the warm white bean ragout into the center of four shallow bowls. Nestle a cod fillet on top, arrange the steamed clams around the fish, and finish with a drizzle of vibrant green herb oil.
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