A first look at Europe's largest ever river cruise ship
Plush interiors, expansive wellness amenities, and numerous dining venues are just a few of the premium perks awaiting guests on Europe's largest river cruiser.
Scheduled to begin sailing along the Danube River on April 11, 2027, the AmaRudi will set a new gold standard for river cruising.
Carrying just 196 guests across 98 staterooms, the ship maximises personal space while offering enhanced entertainment and a highly intimate experience.
As AmaWaterways' second double-width river ship, the vessel honours Co-founder Rudi Schreiner, who launched the company's first double-width cruiser, the AmaMagna, in 2019. It is the first ship in the fleet to be named after a man.
Born and raised near Austria's Danube River, Schreiner spent his childhood exploring the very river that will become AmaRudi's home.
Schreiner commented: 'More travellers are making the transition from ocean cruising to rivers, and many are looking for a sense of space and choice.
On Europe's largest river cruiser, AmaRudi, scheduled to debut in 2027, guests are treated to plush interiors and enhanced amenities
Onboard guests will experience modern elegance and exceptional comfort
The ship is designed to carry just 196 guests across 98 staterooms (pictured)
'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.'
Onboard the AmaRudi, guests can sample an array of amenities, including a cinema, a state-of-the-art fitness suite with panoramic views and even a pickleball court on the Sun Deck. For those wishing to stay active, there are also numerous fitness classes and health programmes.
For those wanting to properly unwind while sailing past breathtaking landscapes, the ship's Zen Wellness Centre features private massage rooms, a hair and nail salon and dedicated relaxation spaces.
Dining will take centre stage aboard AmaRudi. The ship offers a range of diverse venues for guests to choose from, such as the main dining room, Journey's Restaurant, the more exclusive Chef's Table - which offers authentic Italian lunch menus - and the aptly named open-air offering, Al Fresco Restaurant.
Guests can also gather at Rudi's Wine Bar, an intimate space inspired by Schreiner's love for European wine culture.
As for the ship's design, guests will experience modern elegance and exceptional comfort, with subtle nods to cities and cultures found along the Danube River - Europe's second-longest, stretching 2,850 km from Germany to the Black Sea.
AmaRudi will offer multiple dining venues, including the main Journey's Restaurant (pictured) and the exclusive Chef's Table
Guests can participate in diverse fitness classes and health programming both onboard and ashore
Guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art gym inside the ship's modern fitness centre
The vessel honours Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, celebrating the legacy he builtwith the launch of AmaMagna, a 'revolutionary' river cruise ship twice the width of standard European offerings
The upcoming AmaRudi is set to debut an exclusive, first-of-its-kind entertainment hub as the ship's primary gathering space.
This multi-functional venue combines a private cinema, karaoke, billiards and jukebox experiences - all fully soundproofed to protect the peace and quiet elsewhere onboard.
Beyond guest comfort, the innovative vessel utilises advanced Stage V engines, solar panels, shore-power connectivity and spud poles to reduce its footprint across European waterways.
Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, said: 'AmaRudi reflects our confidence in the future of river cruising and our continued commitment to innovation.
'From the moment AmaMagna launched, travellers and travel advisors have been asking if we would ever build another ship like her. With AmaRudi we're taking that concept even further.
'There is tremendous opportunity to continue pushing the boundaries of what a river cruise ship can be while preserving the exceptional service and intimate experience that have defined our company for more than two decades.'
While passengers gear up for the launch of the AmaRudi, those seeking a permanent lifestyle at sea can explore residences aboard the world's first 'floating city'.
The £12 billion Freedom Ship is a new development that will have space for up to 80,000 residents on board.
Longer than the Burj Khalifa, Eiffel Tower and even the Titanic, it is an impressive new project - and aims to circle the globe every two or three years.
The vessel will be around 1.8km long and 228m wide, and the ship, from Freedom Cruise Line International, will have designated spaces for housing, work, education and healthcare.
First proposed in the 1990s, this ship will be able to house 50,000 permanent residents with space for another 10,000 cruisers and day visitors, all served by 20,000 crew.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
