Cruising The Danube On The Ama-zing AmaMagna

“Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit.”

The beer was flowing and the scent of fresh pretzels lingered as a group of local musicians started playing the popular German drinking song. But rather than Munich, we found ourselves in a shoreside party tent in the small town of Vilshofen – where guests on AmaWaterways itineraries on the Danube start or end their trips with a special Oktoberfest-like celebration.

This song in particular I’d heard – and sang along to – hundreds of times. While there’s no direct translation, Gemütlichkeit conveys a feeling of warmth, friendliness and general good cheer.

“It feels like home,” my mom exclaimed from across the picnic table, smiling as the band began.

How fitting, I thought, that our mother-daughter journey aboard the brand new AmaMagna started in her homeland of Germany as we joined into the chorus.

“Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi!”

If this was any indication, the next week was bound to be full of Gemütlichkeit.

For the full story, check out this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier.