Patricia Schultz, author of the international bestseller books 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, was chosen to christen the Avalon Expression – one of two new “suite ships” being unveiled by Avalon Waterways in 2013. Schultz will christen the Avalon Expression in an international ceremony that will take place on May 6, 2013 in Cochem, Germany. After the christening ceremony, the 443-foot, 166-passenger Avalon Expression will welcome travelers aboard for itineraries such as The Legendary Danube, The Blue Danube Discovery and Magnificent Europe. These vacations are nearly sold-out for the 2013 cruise season.
In a similar announcement, AmaWaterways named Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel as the godmother of the line’s newest ship, the AmaPrima. Wilson will bless the ship at a traditional christening ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany on Aug. 6, 2013. The AmaPrima, a sister ship to the AmaCerto, is a 164-foot passenger vessel with Twin Balcony Staterooms and Suites. The AmaPrima will serve the Dutch and Belgium Waterways and the Danube and Rhine Rivers on 10 itineraries.
Lastly, Windstar Cruises completed Wind Spirit's dry dock on Dec. 22nd, concluding an $18-million fleet-wide renovation project. The project, which began in December of 2011, encompassed all three sailing yachts in a stem-to-stern renovation that enhanced public spaces, dining venues, staterooms and suites, as well as new sails. The 148-passenger Wind Spirit, the last of the fleet to undergo refurbishment, was updated with new furnishings, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments and floor coverings during the month-long renovation.