Our Story
Since 1997, the name "Lüftner Cruises" has been synonymous with the exclusive cruises offered by its ever-growing AMADEUS fleet. There are now 16 AMADEUS ships travelling Europe's most important and fascinating rivers.
This Austrian family business was founded by the husband and wife team of Dr Wolfgang Lüftner and Martina Lüftner. Dr Lüftner discovered his love of river cruises more than 40 years ago when working as a cruise director. This makes him one of the few true pioneers of this very special form of travel, which enables passengers to explore foreign countries and cities in comfort and pleasant company. The expertise he gained and his enthusiasm for cruising on Europe's most beautiful rivers laid the foundations for his subsequent career. Together with Martina Lüftner, he has built an extremely successful business group that attracts customers from all around the world.
Pioneers of river cruises
Committed to the highest level of quality, with an extremely personal touch and innovative routes, the AMADEUS ships quickly set new standards - first on the Danube and later on the Rhine, the Moselle, Dutch and Belgian waterways, and France's key rivers, the Seine, Rhône and Saône.
Today, the name "Lüftner Cruises" and the AMADEUS fleet guarantee luxury cruises paired with a passion and love for even the tiniest detail - a fact that is appreciated both by our countless regular guests and our many long-standing tourism partners. Together with our dedicated crew members and office employees both at home and abroad, they are all part of the Lüftner family.
The journey continues
Offering maximum enjoyment and outstanding service - in the spacious and elegant public areas, the comfortable cabins with comprehensive amenities and beautiful river views, the first-class on-board restaurants serving specially selected regional dishes and wines, and on excursions with excellent guides who provide deep insights into other countries and cultures - Lüftner Cruises has become a paragon and pioneer in luxury river cruises.
From the outset, we aimed to create river cruises that we would enjoy ourselves. This is our philosophy, a philosophy we will continue to cultivate in the decades to come, along with a desire to redefine river luxury over and over again.
As a traditional family owned and operated company, it is our utmost priority that you, our dear guests, feel like you are part of OUR family from the moment you step on board an AMADEUS vessel.
DR. WOLFGANG LÜFTNER & MARTINA LÜFTNER
River Cruise Destinations to Dream About
On our cruises, Europe's most beautiful cities and landscapes glide by gracefully, while gently lapping waves and calling seagulls greet us in every harbour. As a guest on board an AMADEUS vessel, you are free to do as much or as little as you like, while you remain perfectly at home in the heart of Europe.