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This wasn't the only time I heard this sentiment, and indeed one my wife and I made ourselves (and which was reciprocated) to the American couple we befriended during this amazing and luxurious cruise down the beautiful Danube.

River cruising is so different from that of its ocean counterpart. While spacious enough, the AmaViola - one of AmaWaterways' 26-strong fleet of five-star luxury ships - is inevitably more intimate, with the strong likelihood of seeing fellow travellers each and every day.

As such, friendships for life are often created - and what a backdrop for this to happen in.

The AmaViola oozes opulence, with your eyes assailed by gleaming chrome, varnished and polished wood and bespoke fixtures, fittings and soft furnishings wherever your deck pumps take you.

Our double room was suitably spacious and comfortable, with large flatscreen Apple TV, complete with keyboard to access the internet, with UK and US news channels and movies/TV series on demand.

There is a good-sized walk-in shower in the bathroom, with sumptuous monogrammed AmaWaterways bathrobes awaiting your pleasure.Complimentary daily bottled water, fridge, hairdryer, ice bucket (with ice machine just down the corridor), umbrellas, illuminated wardrobes, and safe add to the room's inventory, as is a bespoke AmaWaterways-embossed shoehorn! - a small but important detail indicating this is serious indulgence.

And be prepared for a free gift here and there, as we were delighted to return to our stateroom one day to find a shawl for the ladies and an Ama baseball cap for the gents.

A bijou balcony affords room for two chairs, ample space to watch the amazing scenery through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary go gently by on our 'Romantic Danube' itinerary. I might add here that river cruising is a great option for those who might suffer from motion sickness as movement is, at least for me, virtually undetectable.

So what's included on an AmaWaterways river cruise? Firstly, your flights, transfers in official AmaWaterways coaches, accommodation, free wifi, and of course, fantastic food. Actually, rewind. I meant to say unbelievable food.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner (and evening snacks) are all part of the fare, including delicious and elegantly-presented regional dishes using locally-sourced produce. Dishes usually reflect the port or region you're in, but there are options always available, such as steak, chicken, salmon, and vegan/vegetarian meals.

Travellers are also invited to experience on one night The Chef's Table, a separate dining venue in which to sample an exquisite nine-course tasting banquet served up by the AmaViola's executive head chef. Simply amazing.

Sparkling wines at breakfast and local wines and beers are also included for lunch and dinner, with staff having a third eye to not let your glass reach the bottom!

While not all-inclusive, it certainly feels that way on board the AmaViola, with a gratis 'sip and sail' cocktail hour also thrown into the mix every day. Prices for drinks are extremely reasonable for a five-star venue too, with a bottle of pinot grigio costing me just £17.30.

A tea and coffee machine is located next to the lounge for unlimited lattes, hot chocolate, mochas and other drinks throughout your stay.What I found so special about AmaWaterways is that all the excursions are included in the price (sometimes a one-off trip incurs an extra cost) so that you can relax in the fact the vast majority of your onshore holiday is in the expert hands of local tour guides.

Excursions

'Romantic Danube' river cruise sees friendships for life made on board the luxurious AmaViola