 |
| AmaViola christening celebration in Vilshofen, Germany with Christian Eberle, director of the tourism office for the city of Vilshofen; Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, co-founders of AmaWaterways; Godmother Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion; AmaWaterways Captain Jan de Bruijn (left to right). |
AmaWaterways has christened its two newest ships, AmaViola and AmaStella. The line’s co-founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, were joined by the ships’ godmothers and local dignitaries, for ceremonies in Vilshofen, Germany.
On June 15, AmaWaterways marked the official arrival of AmaViola with a day of festivities in Vilshofen. The morning began with the decorating of the dock and continued with comments by AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner and Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams. The events included a signing of the ship’s guestbook, prayer by the abbot, live music and Bavarian cuisine. A special song was also written in honor of AmaViola by a local Vilshofen musician, and performed during the ceremony.
During the festivities, AmaWaterways welcomed Nexion President Jackie Friedman as the ship’s godmother. Friedman – who joined the Nexion leadership team in 2004 and currently supports more than 3,300 independent leisure and corporate travel professionals – took part in a traditional champagne christening and blessing. The christening was enjoyed by travelers from around the world, as well as representatives from a Nexion agency, who were onboard with their clients.
The day prior, AmaWaterways christened AmaViola’s sibling ship, AmaStella, and held a similar ceremony marking the vessel’s arrival with Godmother Carole Smethurst, who owns a top Virtuoso agency in Perth, Australia. Both christenings were enjoyed by guests onboard and local dignitaries, culminating with unforgettable evening fireworks.
 |
| AmaStella christening celebration in Vilshofen, Germany with Robert McGeary, director of Australian Pacific Touring (APT); Susan Murphy, AmaWaterways; Godmother Carole Smethurst, owner of a top Virtuoso Agency in Perth, Australia; Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, co-founders of AmaWaterways (left to right). |
AmaViola and AmaStella join the AmaWaterways fleet alongside sibling ships AmaSerena, AmaReina, AmaPrima, AmaCerto, AmaVenita and AmaSonata. Both ships carry 158 passengers and have AmaWaterways’ new connecting staterooms and triple accommodations, which were designed to specifically target the multi-generational group and family travel markets. Guests sailing aboard AmaViola and AmaStella will enjoy twin balconies with panoramic river views, salon and spa services, multiple dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, wine rooms, fitness rooms and heated sun deck swimming pools with swim-up bars.
AmaViola began sailing in April and will also be offering seven-night Danube cruises in 2016 and 2017. Selected departures – in partnership with Adventures by Disney – will feature a family theme, including experiences in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Pre- and post-cruise land extensions are also available. Onboard activities include family karaoke, movie nights for Junior Adventurers, a magic show, cooking classes, games, piano music and other exciting entertainment geared towards guests of all ages.
AmaStella – chartered in March to Australian Pacific Touring (APT) – begins sailing with AmaWaterways in late September, with seven-night Melodies of the Danube cruises. Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube (wine-themed) and Christmas Markets itineraries are also available in 2016, as well as in 2017.
Visit www.AmaWaterways.com