AMADEUS SILVER
Presidents Cruise
October 23rd – 26th 2013
Cologne – Amsterdam
The Amadeus Silver was launched for the 2013 sailing season; Luftner now have 10 ships (but of varying ages) available in Europe with one in Myanmar and one on the Mekong for 2015. The Silver is the first of the longer ships (135 metres as opposed to 110 metres) that Luftner owns, joining the new ships from Amawaterways ,Viking and other operators. Luftner have chosen to have step-out balconies just on the 12 Suites (259sqft); all the other cabins are 173sqft - the middle and upper deck cabins have full width windows that are split horizontally with the upper half dropping down on a motorized switch. As on all 3 deck river cruise ships, the lower deck cabins have fixed windows at shoulder height.
Overall, Luftner have chosen a middle path for the Silver of having standard sized cabins of 173sqft (whereas other operators now have cabins at 200sqft+) for around 176 pax (depending on final use of cabins) as opposed to 164 on an Ama ship – but 190+ on Viking ; Viking do not have a rear Lounge, Massage, Hairdressing or Gym facilities all of which Luftner have kept .
The Silver is a 5 star ship – excellent design and modern styling.
Plus points:
- Lounge is welcoming with ample seating in various clusters ; big Bar area for easy socializing
- Centrally located dance area
- A real Piano rather than a keyboard allowing a far higher quality of music; two onboard musicians (pianist and a singer) offered great entertainment.
- Sheltered area outside in front of the Lounge at the prow of the ship
- Two storey lobby is welcoming with a small “Viennese Cafe area”; Concierge desk on top deck and reception on middle
- Rear lounge “The Amadeus Club” offers seating for up to about 30; 24 hour tea and coffee facilities; internet corner; the rear lounge is ideal as a quieter retreat, meeting room and special occasion room.
- Good gym spread over two decks
- Ship wide free Wi-Fi
- Light and airy cabins
- Lift goes to all three accommodation decks (not all ships have a lift – and only a few go the lower cabin deck)
- Dining room is very spacious; variety of tables from four to ten. Big windows – quality fittings throughout;
- All crew from Bulgaria and Romania means the ship has a clear European feeling
- Even allowing for being a short cruise with the owners / key staff / key clients on board, the food was excellent; wine included with dinner was generously poured.
Other points
- The bathrooms are very tight; the door is also of the modern frosted/opaque glass type which means turning on the light during the night will wake the other person in the cabin.
- No upright chair in cabin to sit and write/ use laptop etc
- Big screen TV screen takes up much of the available flat surface; would be better up on the wall?
- Suites do not have bath tubs (which are getting hard to find)
- When the ship is full, dining room layout does not allow tables for two
The Luftner pricing
- Wine/beer and soft drinks included with dinner every night BUT NOT at lunchtimes; NOT all inclusive re; drinks – but bar prices are reasonable. No drinks package available
- Bottled water in the cabins; coffee machine in rear lounge is free of charge; but espresso and other coffee charged for in the dining room
- Excursions are NOT included but are available as one of three pre-purchased packages
- Gratis NOT included but are suggested at 7 Euros per person per day – but entirely at discretion.
