AMAWATERWAYS has christened its sixth new ship in three years, the 148-passenger MS Amadolce. The ceremony comes six weeks after the christening of MS Amadolce’s sister ship, the MS Amalyra, in Vilshofen, Germany.
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AMAWATERWAYS President, Rudi Schreiner, (far right) and Chairman, Jimmy Murphy (second from left), at christening ceremonies for the MS Amadolce in Durnstein, Austria |
Durnstein, Austria, served as the backdrop for the MS Amadolce’s christening. Located on the Danube in the Wachau wine-growing region, Durnstein is one of the area’s most-visited tourist sites. It is also an extremely popular destination on several of AMAWATERWAYS’ Danube river itineraries, known for its iconic hilltop castle fortress dating back to the days of Richard the Lion-Hearted.
The festivities for MS Amadolce included regional touches, such as folk music from a local school group; a performance by the Dürnsteiner Bläsersextett brass instrumentalists and a choir and folk-dance performance. AMAWATERWAYS President Rudi Schreiner (a native of Vienna), presided over the ceremony, which also included a welcome by Durnstein Deputy Mayor Knoll Emmerich and a convocation by a local priest. AMAWATERWAYS Chairman Jimmy Murphy also attended the christening, along with key international travel partners and local dignitaries.
Geoff McGeary, owner of Australia Pacific Touring (which has chartered the vessel for the Australian market for most of 2009), delivered the keynote speech. After the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle against the ship’s hull by travel agents Karen Broadhurst and Joanne Morgan (serving as proxies for godmother Anne McGeary), the celebrations continued onboard the Amadolce.
MS Amadolce features complimentary Wi-Fi; 170-square foot standard cabins, with over 82 percent boasting French Balconies; plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; in-room “Infotainment system,” with complimentary stateroom Internet access; and marble-appointed bathrooms,with spa-quality bath amenities, terry robes and slippers.
Gourmet meals in the restaurant are accompanied by free-flowing complimentary local wines, and specialty coffees are always available in the main lounge or at meals (and always complimentary). AMAWATERWAYS vessels also feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. A professional cruise director accompanies passengers throughout their entire cruise and land experience. And expert local guides conduct complimentary city tours at every destination.
Visit www.amawaterways.com.