River cruise line · 14 ships · sailing 1 regions — Elegant, classically styled European river cruising from an Austrian family line.
The river brand of Austria's family-owned Luftner Cruises, positioned as an elegant, classic premium line known for refined interiors, spacious cabins and signature panoramic windows. It is a mainstay of the British, German and wider European markets, offering premium quality at solid value.
Best for discerning couples and mature travellers who value understated elegance, spacious panorama cabins and enrichment over big-ship buzz; particularly strong with British and German-speaking guests. Also a good fit for special-interest travellers thanks to golf and other themed sailings. Not aimed at families or those seeking lively nightlife.
A large fleet of premium riverboats (typically ~140-170 guests) sailing the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhone/Saone and Dutch-Belgian waterways. Recent ships - Amadeus Imperial (2020), Amadeus Cara (2022) and Amadeus Nova (2024) - headline a fleet that also includes the Silver series, Amadeus Provence, Queen, Star, Brilliant, Diamond and others. A defining feature across the newer ships is drop-down panoramic windows that convert cabins into built-in French balconies.
The standout vessels in the fleet — and the amenities that set them apart.
Newest ship; one of the few Amadeus vessels with a pool
Recent flagship-class ship (built 2021, inaugurated 2022)
Showcases the line's signature drop-down panoramic balconies
A single main restaurant serving locally inspired, regionally themed menus with a choice of dishes at each sitting, complemented by Cafe Vienna for coffees, cakes and pastries through the day.
Refined and low-key: destination lectures, cooking demonstrations and nightly music in the panorama lounge rather than large-scale shows; the line also runs themed voyages, notably golf cruises accompanied by a golf expert.
Geared to adults - there are no dedicated children's facilities or kids' clubs, and the atmosphere suits couples and mature travellers.
Fares include onboard meals, enrichment and complimentary bicycles plus wireless audio headsets for excursions; drinks packages and most shore excursions are generally additional, though inclusions vary by market and booking.
Regions in Noura's Cruise Navigator, most sailings first. Tap a region for its ports and season.
Amadeus Cara · from Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands → Cologne, Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Miltenberg, Germany → Würzburg, Germany → Bamberg, Germany → Nuremberg, Germany → Regensburg, Germany
Amadeus Elegant · from Trier
Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Cochem, Germany → Koblenz, Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Würzburg, Germany → Bamberg, Germany → Nuremberg, Germany
Amadeus Imperial · from Cologne
Cologne, Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Miltenberg, Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Würzburg, Germany → Bamberg, Germany → Nuremberg, Germany → Regensburg, Germany
Amadeus Provence · from Lyon
Lyon, France → Mâcon, France → Chalon-sur-Saône, France → Vienne, France → Tournon-sur-Rhône, France → Avignon, France → Arles, France → Viviers, France
Noura turns this intelligence into a real itinerary — flights, hotels with perks, and timing dialled in — at no planning cost to you.
Compare Amadeus River Cruises with other river lines — or read how the tiers differ.