Amadeus River Cruises to Debut New Ship, Amadeus Aurea, in 2026

Image: A rendering of the sun deck onboard the Amadeus Aurea (Photo Credit: Amadeus River Cruises)
Image: A rendering of the sun deck onboard the Amadeus Aurea (Photo Credit: Amadeus River Cruises)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:30 AM ET, Thu February 6, 2025

Amadeus River Cruises is adding a new ship to its fleet.

Called Amadeus Aurea, the vessel is scheduled to debut in May 2026. Measuring 442 feet long, the four-deck ship will be able to host up to 158 guests. Amadeus River Cruises plans to sail Amadeus Aurea on Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers.

Travelers will be able to choose from 12 balcony suites and 67 exterior cabins, most with drop-down panoramic windows. They’ll be able to relax in wind-protected lounge areas, an open “Café Vienna” gallery and on the sun deck, which will feature a heated pool and Lido Bar. The ship will also have a dedicated massage and fitness area.

Guests will be able to choose from 12 balcony suites and 67 exterior cabins, most with drop-down panoramic windows

Guests will be able to choose from 12 balcony suites and 67 exterior cabins, most with drop-down panoramic windows (Photo Credit: Amadeus River Cruises)

On a technical level, Amadeus Aurea will feature next-generation, eco-friendly technologies, like a high-performance battery, solar panels, a heat recovery system and an advanced hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. It will also feature special glass paneling designed to help minimize heat loss and keep the temperature steady and comfortable on the ship. 

Amadeus River Cruises pioneered these concepts on the Amadeus Nova, which debuted in the spring of 2024. The company will also welcome another new, eco-friendly ship, the Amadeus Amara, in July.

“No other cruise line offers such a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability,” says Marcus Leskovar, executive vice president of Amadeus River Cruises. “In 2026, we continue our tradition of innovative shipbuilding, further strengthening our commitment to eco-friendly cruising. The Amadeus Aurea embodies everything our fleet is known for while also showcasing cutting-edge technology that reflects our dedication to sustainable travel.” 


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Sarah Kuta

Sarah Kuta

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. Her work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, AFAR, Food&Wine, Smithsonian magazine, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Robb Report, the Toronto Star, the Denver Post and many other publications. Sarah has a degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She can be reached at [email protected]  You can follow her on social media https://www.instagram.com/kutasarah/ and https://twitter.com/SarahKuta

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