Highlights of Budapest: Amawaterways & Kimpton BEM

I started my journey at Kimpton BEM Budapest, a beautiful luxury hotel near the river featuring historic architecture, plush rooms, and thoughtful design. I especially enjoyed their amenities: a restorative spa, rooftop bar, delicious morning pastries, and a genuinely welcoming staff. The vibe was stylish but laid-back, making it easy to recharge, explore nearby sights, and connect with the city before embarking.

Boarding AmaReina was just as smooth. The ship’s atmosphere was social yet peaceful, with elegant staterooms and great panoramic views. AmaWaterways made it easy to experience the best of each destination through a thoughtfully designed menu of excursions for every guest. Each day, there was always a choice—active hikes and countryside biking for high-energy travelers, as well as slower-paced, cultural walks and comprehensive guided tours for those wanting a deeper dive or a more relaxed pace.

Two standout experiences were the tranquil abbey visit near Melk and the communist history tour in Bratislava. In Melk, I opted for the guided tour of a historic abbey set in beautiful countryside: a contemplative, enriching excursion where we learned about living traditions, art, and the region’s spiritual past. Others in our group chose to hike or bike, highlighting Ama’s flexibility for all activity levels. In Bratislava, Ama offered several ways to explore, and I joined the fascinating city tour led by knowledgeable local guides. Their warmth, expertise, and ability to share personal stories made the city’s history and culture come alive. They answered questions, pointed out hidden gems, and truly welcomed us into their city, making the overall cruise experience even more special.

One of the biggest conveniences of sailing on AmaReina was docking right in the heart of each city. This meant no lengthy transfers or complicated logistics—just stepping off the ship and straight into the vibrant streets, cultural sites, and cafes. Whether in Budapest, Melk, Vienna, or Bratislava, being docked centrally made daily excursions and independent exploring incredibly easy and time-effective. It truly enhanced the overall flow of the trip, allowing more authentic immersion and less travel hassle.

Evenings were for relaxing dinners, social moments in the lounge, and quiet time soaking up Danube views. The trip struck a wonderful balance between high-energy exploration and unhurried discovery, always supported by expert guides and attentive staff.

Kimpton BEM was the ideal pre-cruise choice for travelers who appreciate modern comfort with a touch of local flair. And AmaWaterways delivered an effortless Danube journey where every detail—from shore excursions to onboard dining—was handled with care.

• Kimpton BEM Budapest features a spa, sauna, rooftop bar, and complimentary morning pastries—perfect for unwinding before your cruise.

• Rooms are quiet, comfortable, and pet-friendly; staff can help with restaurant and sightseeing recommendations.

• Trams and public transport make it easy to access cruise embarkation and explore key city sights.

• AmaReina provides bikes and a mix of included excursions for all activity levels, from leisurely cultural walks to active hikes and cycling.

• Budapest weather in late May is variable—bring layers and comfortable shoes for walking tours and cycling.

• Crew and staff on both Kimpton BEM and AmaReina are proactive with dietary needs and solo requests—don’t hesitate to ask.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.