Two major new river cruise ships made their debuts this week.
In Europe, AmaWaterways christened its third river cruise ship, the AmaMora, in a ceremony presided over by Libbie Rice, president of Ensemble Travel Group and the ship’s godmother. The 156-passenger vessel, which will operate seven-night Rhine River cruises between Amsterdam and Basel, has floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge, the line’s signature twin balcony staterooms and a sun deck. One itinerary highlight will be a 40-mile voyage through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. Specific itineraries include the Enchanting Rhine, Captivating Rhine, and Christmas Markets on the Rhine. As part of the company’s first Loyalty Appreciation Month, returning guests will be recognized with a special Christmas Markets on the Rhine sailing onboard AmaMora, departing November 25.
In the United States, American Cruise Lines’ new American Harmony arrived in New Orleans after departing the shipyard 23 days ahead of schedule. New Orleans will serve as the ship’s homeport, with its first Mississippi River cruise set for August 17. The second of five in the cruise line’s modern riverboat series, the American Harmony is slightly larger than the series flagship, American Song, although it has the same design and technical features, the cruise line said. These features include the line’s patent-pending opening bow and retractable gangway that is unique to all of its new modern riverboats, as well as a multi-story glass atrium in the center of the ship.
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