By
Rebecca Gibson |
AmaWaterways christened AmaStella and AmaViola in Vilshofen, Germany on 14 and 15 June, respectively.
On 14 June, AmaStella was named by Carole Smethurst, owner of Virtuoso agency in Perth, Australia. The following day, AmaViola was christened by Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion, which supports more than 3,300 independent leisure and corporate travel professionals.
AmaWaterways’ co-founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, joined the godmothers and local dignitaries for both ceremonies, which included a traditional blessing, champagne-breaking and fireworks display.
Other highlights included a speech from Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams, live music and the chance to taste Bavarian delicacies. A song written in honour of AmaViola was performed during her christening by a Vilshofen musician.
“This is an exciting time for AmaWaterways and we are so thrilled to welcome the beautiful new AmaViola and AmaStella to our expanding worldwide fleet,” said Karst. “AmaWaterways takes great joy in preparing for our christening ceremonies and this year, we are honored to have Nexion’s Jackie Friedman and Virtuoso’s Carole Smethurst join an esteemed list of AmaWaterways godmothers.”
Built at Vahali Shipyard in Zasavica, Serbia, both AmaViola and AmaStella carry 158 passengers and offer AmaWaterways’ new connecting staterooms, which were designed for multi-generational groups and families. Guest accommodation also features the line’s signature twin balconies, salon and spa services, multiple dining venues, wine rooms, fitness rooms and heated pools with swim-up bars on the sun deck.
AmaViola began sailing in April and will offer seven-night Danube cruises in 2016 and 2017. Selected family-themed departures developed in partnership with Adventures by Disney will take guests to eight destinations in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Onboard activities include family karaoke, movie nights for younger passengers, a magic show, cooking classes, games, piano music and more.
Meanwhile, AmaStella, which was chartered to Australian Pacific Touring in March, will begin sailing for AmaWaterways in late September with seven-night ‘Melodies of the Danube’ cruises. The vessel will operate ‘Romantic Danube’, wine-themed ‘Melodies of the Danube’ and Christmas Markets itineraries in both 2016 and 2017.
AmaViola and AmaStella join sister ships AmaSerena, AmaReina, AmaPrima, AmaCerto, AmaVenita and AmaSonata.