Group specialists in the U.S. office of this highly experienced Austrian company are ready to custom-design a memorable European vacation for your travelers.
When it comes to river cruising in Europe, travel planners in the U.S. have many choices. One company that has been rising rapidly in favor among group organizers is Amadeus River Cruises, an Austria-based line with more than 40 years of offering a quality product and excellent service in its own backyard. It actually was the first river cruise operator in Europe.
Amadeus, now with a fleet of 17 state-of-the-art river ships, has been a staple in the industry for decades and devotes much of its attention to groups. Its U.S. office in the Chicagoland area is staffed by group specialists ready to help with inquiries, bookings and custom arrangements.
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Whether they are new to river cruising or looking for a fresh alternative, group travel planners should give Amadeus a serious look.
Marcus Leskovar, executive vice president of Amadeus River Cruises, says, “The majority of our business is charter and group business, and we are a specialist that works mainly with group leaders and tour operators.”
On Amadeus ships plying the rivers of Europe, guests enjoy fine dining in the Panorama Restaurant
Amadeus River Cruises Caters to Groups
Public areas on Amadeus ships can be transformed into a meeting space to fit a group’s requirements. The Amadeus Club, a comfortable setting with marvelous views, makes a great venue for small, intimate meetings. Coffee service and light refreshments can be added.
Amadeus can enhance the group experience by arranging the following:
- Custom receptions & dinner packages
- Upgraded excursions with local guides
- Entertainment options
- Pre- or post-program hotel, excursions and transportation
- Airport ground transportation
Shore Excursions
Groups can choose to include shore excursions in the cruise price or make their own on-shore arrangements.
“That means that passengers don’t have to pay for excursions they are not interested in,” Leskovar said, “and group operators have the opportunity to customize their program and book/create their own excursions if they desire to do so.”
For guests on the Amadeus Star, the River Terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by
How to Book Group Space on a Cruise
There are two different ways to book group space on an Amadeus ship. First, a 90-day agreement will guarantee cabins for the first three months of the promotional period. A deposit (10% of the cabin price) is only required for the confirmed passengers as they sign up, so there is no up-front money required on the part of the tour organizer. And there is no limit to how many empty cabins can be returned, with no penalty.
“The second type of group agreement we offer is our standard group agreement that will secure the cabins in the group block up to 120 days prior to arrival with only a 10% deposit (based on the whole group block) and final payment at 120 days prior,” Leskovar said. “With this option, up to 50% of the cabins can be returned without penalty (up to 120 days prior to departure).”
The all-inclusive pricing includes port taxes, gratuities and other fees.
Amadeus passengers enjoy the passing scenery through their drop-down window
The Amadeus Fleet
Amadeus has one of the youngest fleets on the rivers of Europe and has introduced a new ship every year since 2016. The 2024 entry is the 158-passenger Amadeus Nova, which represents the company’s next-generation vessels.
As Leskovar likes to say, Amadeus appeals to group planners because the product is “easy to learn, easy to sell.” As he explains, “All our vessels follow the same layout, design and features. – if you know and understand one vessel you can confidently sell all of them.”
On every Amadeus ship, travelers can expect generously proportioned outside cabins, most with a panoramic drop-down window across the entire outer side. Suites have a walk-out balcony. A breakfast buffet and multi-course lunch and dinner menus feature regional specialties and fresh ingredients from the areas traveled. Menus reflect the flavors of the season and take advantage of the best available market offerings. Wine from the best wine regions is served with every dinner.
Americans comprise about half of the guests on a typical sailing, and the onboard language is English.
Budapest, Hungary is a popular port of call for Amadeus ships on the Danube River.
Where Amadeus Cruise Ships Go
Amadeus River Cruises in 2024 will offer 19 itineraries in 13 countries. Cruises range from 5 to 16 days. Destinations include:
- Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers
- Saar and Moselle Rivers (tributaries of the Moselle and Rhine, respectively)
- Danube River
- French Rivers (Rhone, Saone, Seine)
- Dutch and Belgian Waterways
Special sailings on the Rhine and Danube are themed around Christmas, New Year’s and golf.
Group travel organizers wishing more information on Amadeus River Cruises may call the company’s U.S. office in suburban Chicago toll-free at 844-462-6727, email the sales team at sales@amadeus-rivercruises.com or visit www.amadeus-rivercruises.com.
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