ABOARD THE AMADEUS SILVER II – Since we will be cruising this morning with no shore excursions planned, I thought I’d show you around the Silver II. The biggest and most popular areas, of course, are the Restaurant and the Panorama Bar. But there are several other places on this beautiful ship to discover.
I’ve walked from one end to the other, from top to bottom and here are some interesting spots. Some are quite visible. Some not so easily seen.
For example, on Strauss Deck 2 is a fitness room. Not every river cruiser has a room like this. Although we are walking quite a bit every day on shore excursions, many passengers like to slip in a quick workout when they have time as a way to manage weight gain from all that delicious ship cuisine.
I remember on one river cruise, a fellow traveler was very upset that there was no exercise equipment on the ship. Instead, she would quickly walk around and around the ship’s top deck angrily complaining to anyone who would listen. That problem could have been easily solved – research the ship and what it offers before booking a cruise.
Anyway, the Silver II does have an exercise room with a treadmill, exercise bike and some other devices, as well as exercise mats and a big mirrored wall to make sure you are doing it all correctly. Crewmember Oana also offers light morning exercises each day at 7:30 a.m.
After working out, treat yourself to a massage in the spa room or get a new hairdo in the hair saloon, both on Strauss Deck 2.
At the very front of the ship, Mozart Deck 3 has the River Terrace with comfortable seats and a wonderful view of the river. I’ve seen a few people sitting out there but mostly it has been too chilly. Even though we have been enjoying unusually balmy winter weather on this cruise – highs often in the 50s during the afternoon – it has been more comfortable to sit inside.
In the middle of Deck 3 is Café Vienna, a place to relax and enjoy a specialty coffee and read. The ship’s daily newspaper, printed in German and English, is placed here for passengers to keep up on worldwide news and sports. A plate of cookies is kept filled for snacks.
At the back end of Deck 3 is the Amadeus Club, another quiet spot to read or play games. Bookshelves on one side of the door contain puzzles and games. Shelves on the other side have a small library of books to borrow. A 24-hour station offers coffee, tea and hot chocolate. An ice machine is also located here.
The Sun Deck atop the ship is a great place for panoramic views of the river and scenery as the ship cruises. There are plenty of seats and tables and shade awnings, plus a Lido Bar, gigantic chess board and shuffleboard. The Sun Deck didn’t see much use on my two cruises but I imagine it is a quite popular place during warm weather.
That’s my goal now – to cruise with Amras Cruises on one of the beautiful Amadeus ships during summer, perhaps aboard the new Silver III when she is launched this spring. Check out www.AmrasCruises.com to see what cruise you might pick for your 2016 dream trip.
Photos and video by Jackie Sheckler Finch
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
