AmaWaterways christened its newest river cruise ship, AmaLea, over the weekend, at a ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany. The event capped a weeklong cruise, during which guests onboard were joined by AmaWaterways’ President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst, AmaLea Godmother Filomena Andre of AAA Travel, along with travel industry executives and international media.
Presiding over his eleventh AmaWaterways christening ceremony, Captain Jan de Bruijn assisted Godmother Andre with the traditional ship christening by champagne while over 200 international and local guests joined in the afternoon event, which included the raising of a traditional Bavarian maypole, a dockside cocktail reception, religious blessing, local entertainment and welcome by Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams. Celebrations continued into the evening with a gala dinner and culminated with a fireworks display.
The 154-guest AmaLea sails with AmaWaterways’ twin balcony design, which offers guests panoramic views from both a French and outside balcony. The ship also has four suites (350 sq. ft.), connecting staterooms and triple occupancy staterooms designed for multi-generational families. Onboard dining includes wines at multiple venues, such as The Chef’s Table. Other amenities range from a heated sun deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar to a fitness center and spa; complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; and in-room, on-demand entertainment. In addition, a fleet of bicycles is carried onboard for guests to enjoy free of charge, either on their own or as part of guided tours.
A sibling ship to AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaKristina, AmaLea will sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and fall before concluding its first season with four Christmas market cruises.
Related Stories
On Site Report: What’s New on the Carnival Horizon
Who’s Where in Travel: New at Travel Leaders, Flight Centre