Guildford, UK - (Jun. 5, 2018) -
AmaWaterways has christened its newest river cruise ship, AmaLea,, with a ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany. The festive event concluded a week long celebration, during which guests were joined by AmaWaterways’ President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner along with Executive Vice President and Co-Owner, Kristin Karst.
More than 200 international and local guests joined in the special afternoon event, which featured the raising of a traditional Bavarian maypole, a dockside cocktail reception, religious blessing, local entertainment and warm welcome by Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams. Celebrations continued into the evening with a gala dinner and culminated with a surprise fireworks display.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the arrival of AmaLea, and marking an extraordinary time for us at AmaWaterways,” said Schreiner. “We look forward to welcoming many guests onboard this beautiful ship as she sails through the charming towns that sit along the banks of some of the most beautiful rivers in all of Europe.”
The 154-guest AmaLea features AmaWaterways’ exclusive twin balconies– offering panoramic views from both a French and outside balcony. She also has four suites (350 sq. ft.), connecting staterooms and triple occupancy staterooms designed for multi-generational families. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining onboard, with free-flowing wines at multiple venues including The Chef’s Table; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; a fitness centre and spa; complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; and in-room Entertainment-On-Demand. In addition, a fleet of bicycles is carried onboard for guests to enjoy free of charge, charting their own path or participating in guided tours.
Sister ship to AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaKristina, the latest addition to the fleet will sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and autumn before concluding her first season with four Iconic Christmas Market Cruises.
A ship’s christening is a long-standing tradition within the cruise industry originating more than 4,000 years ago. The momentous ceremony features the blessing of the ship by an appointed Godmother and concludes with a more recent tradition of breaking a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull to wish her good luck in the journeys ahead.