Our Travel Consultant Sharn from Newell’s Truro dived into 3 action-packed nights at the CLIA River Conference 2025 in Budapest getting the inside scoop on the world of river cruising!
“Budapest set along the Danube River, was the perfect host city for the 2025 CLIA River Conference. Known for its elegant architecture and rich history, the city welcomed travel professionals from across the globe to explore the diverse world of river cruising.
Setting the Scene:
Budapest – A Stunning Backdrop for River Cruising
Known for its iconic bridges and historic charm, Budapest offers a vibrant setting where river cruising comes to life. With its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, it’s a city that perfectly complements the luxury and discovery of a river cruise journey. Over three days, Sharn experienced a variety of ships, from luxury suites and fine dining to all-inclusive options and traditional styles each with its charm. Spring is a wonderful time to visit, with pleasant weather and the river cruise season in full swing.
The Marriott Hotel: Comfort by the Danube
For the first night of the conference, Sharn and her colleague Olivia stayed at The Marriott Hotel, a beautiful 5-star property just a short 10-minute walk from the cruise docks. Overlooking the Danube, the hotel combines luxury with convenience, offering easy access to the heart of the river cruise action. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a sleek Mediterranean restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city’s glittering skyline. This makes The Marriott an ideal base for travellers preparing to embark on a river cruise or simply looking to explore Budapest’s many attractions.
Onboard Experiences: Cruise Line Highlights
AmaWaterways: Luxury and Personal Touches
Onboard the Ama Sonata, luxury and attention to detail stood out. Spacious cabins featured sit-out balconies and high-end amenities like Ama’s own toiletries and robes. The dining experience impressed with award-winning cuisine, personalized service, and careful accommodation of dietary needs making AmaWaterways a top recommendation from Sharn.
Viva Cruises: Modern Style with Mixed Reviews
Viva Cruises features a sleek, contemporary ship with spacious cabins and a variety of dining options. The modern atmosphere offers a relaxed and comfortable experience. While some meals stood out more than others, the overall hospitality was warm and welcoming, making Viva a good choice for travellers seeking a laid-back river cruise.
Riviera Cruises: Traditional Charm and Great Value
Riviera Cruises impressed with its classic, traditional ship design and some of the largest cabins in its price bracket. Offering excellent value for money, Riviera includes thoughtful extras like insulated water bottles for upgraded cabins. It’s a popular choice for travellers seeking comfort and quality without breaking the bank.
Scenic Cruises: Ultra-Luxury and Wellness at its Best
Scenic Cruises was Sharn’s favourite, combining elegant design with exceptional comfort. The ship’s suites range from generously sized balcony cabins to ultra-luxury owners’ suites. Guests enjoy multiple dining venues, wellness facilities like a salt therapy lounge and gym, and even a pool that converts into an open-air cinema offering a truly indulgent experience.
TUI River Cruises: All-Inclusive Fun and Quality Food
TUI’s all-inclusive river cruises stand out for their lively entertainment and inclusive drinks packages. From musical bingo to silent discos, the onboard vibe is relaxed and fun. Sharn was pleasantly surprised by the food quality, enjoying a variety of options in multiple restaurants making TUI a great choice for those wanting a less formal, more vibrant cruise experience.
Find the River Cruise That’s Right for You !
River cruising offers something for everyone. Whether you’re after five-star luxury, great value, or a fun, all-inclusive experience. Each cruise line I explored in Budapest brought its unique style, and it’s clear that no two river cruises are the same.
If you’re feeling inspired to set sail and explore Europe from the water, come and see one of our travel experts in store. They would love to help you find the perfect river cruise to match your travel style.”
Sharn Milnes, Travel Consultant
Newell’s Travel, Truro
