AmaWaterways christened its newest river cruise ship, the AmaDouro, with a festive ceremony in Porto, Portugal. The christening event hosted by AmaWaterways co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, is the river cruise ship's final event before its inaugural sailing. Advantage Travel Partnership Chief Executive Officer Julia Lo Bue-Said served as the new ship's godmother. She was joined by travel industry partners, international media and other guests for the celebration.
Following a long-standing tradition associated with ship christenings, a priest blessed the ship and crew, and Captain Pedro Sardo assisted as Lo Bue-Said broke a champagne bottle against AmaDouro’s hull, signifying good luck on the journeys ahead.
During the celebration, Schreiner and Karst surprised their first British godmother by flying in her eldest son for the ceremony. The festivities included speeches by Schreiner, Karst and Lo Bue-Said, local entertainment such as folk dancers and fado singers, regionally inspired cocktails, and a gala dinner.
AmaDouro has 51 staterooms, most with outside balconies to enjoy views of the hills and vineyards along the Douro River Valley. Additional amenities include a panoramic lounge hosting nightly entertainment, a heated sun deck swimming pool, a fitness room, a massage room and regionally inspired dishes and wines served in the main restaurant.
Joining sister ship AmaVida, which sails between Porto and Vega Terron, AmaDouro will be based in Porto and will sail seven-night roundtrip itineraries. The river cruise ship is the first of three new ships that will be added to AmaWaterways’ fleet this year. Other new ships making their debut include AmaMora, sister ship to AmaLea and AmaKristina, sailing on the Rhine, and the AmaMagna on the Danube.
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