Launched in 2010, Amadeus Elegant is the eighth vessel from Amadeus River Cruises, a family-owned Austrian company that has been gaining steam with North American and British passengers looking for good-value, English-speaking cruises. It accommodates just 150 passengers in 76 cabins and suites, and sails the Rhine and Danube rivers.
Rooms With a View: Cabins and suites are spacious and those on the upper two decks have floor-to-ceiling windows that open to let the fresh air in. There are two studio cabins for solo travelers and eight suites for those who like more space.
Little Extras: Your cruise fare includes Wi-Fi, complimentary bike hire, and unlimited red or white wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Tasteful Decor: In keeping with its name, the vessel is elegant, with a subdued color scheme that is easy on the eye.
Low Cost: While excursions, flights, transfers, and gratuities are all excluded, that's why your cruise fare is lower than other leading river lines. Note that a $9-$10 tip per person per day is recommended.
Independent-Minded Seniors: Passengers are mostly 55 years and older and comfortable visiting places on their own. Expect a mix of nationalities from British and North American to Japanese.
Tour Groupies: These tend to be an older set of folks – say 65 plus – who prefer to travel in groups with their own tour leader to ensure nothing goes amiss.
Expect Assigned Seating: Because tour groups want to sit together, the line sticks with traditional assigned seating in the dining room, not just for dinner but also breakfast and lunch. If you need a break from your table mates, a light lunch is served in the lounge each day.