By
Rebecca Gibson |
River cruise operator AmaWaterways launched AmaReina, the first of its two newbuilds, during a ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany, on 4 April.
Godmother Princess Heide von Hohenzollern blessed the vessel and broke a bottle of champagne against the hull during the ceremony, which was followed by a traditional Bavarian picnic, musical entertainment, authentic folk dancing and speeches from local dignitaries.
AmaReina’s sister ship AmaSonata will be christened in Vilshofen on 22 July 2014 by godmother Brenda Kyllo, vice president of Travel for the Canadian Automobile Association.
“I am very excited about our two new ships this year,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner. “Both are absolutely beautiful. The christening of the AmaReina was a huge success and I look forward to the ceremony for the AmaSonata.”
Designed as a sister ships to AmaCerto and AmaPrima, both 164-passenger newbuilds feature 300 sq ft staterooms – most with French or twin balconies – open lounges, multiple dining venues, a heated pool on the Sun Deck, a fitness room, and onboard salon and massage services. Other highlights include complimentary bicycles, internet access and a comprehensive infotainment system, which features movies, news, music and popular TV shows.
In 2015, newbuilds AmaVista and AmaSerena will join AmaWaterways’ European fleet, while AmaDara will be launched to offer cruises on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.