By
Rebecca Gibson |
AmaVida, the newest ship from AmaWaterways and its Portuguese partner DouroAzul, was christened by actress, producer and philanthropist Sharon Stone during a traditional ceremony in Portugal on 21 March 2013.
The event, which was held in country’s second-largest city, Porto, also marked DouroAzul’s twentieth anniversary and featured speeches from Sharon Stone, DouroAzul CEO Mario Ferreira and the Bishop of Porto, as well as entertainment from Grammy award-winning singer Michael Bolton.
“We are so thrilled to have the lovely and gracious Sharon Stone here to bless the AmaVida on this very special day,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner. “The AmaVida is the most innovative and eco-friendly ship on the Douro River. We are extremely excited to be here with our partner DouroAzul to celebrate its christening.”
The 106-passenger vessel features 323 sq ft staterooms and suites with complimentary internet access, a heated pool, a massage and beauty salon, a fitness centre and Video On-Demand services, while photovoltaic solar panels on the ship’s Sun Deck generate energy for the ship’s operating systems.
AmaVida will sail exclusively in Portugal’s pristine Douro River Valley and operate four itineraries in 2013 and 2014 including the Port Wine and Flamenco, Enticing Douro, Impressions of France and Portugal and the Classic Port Wines and Charming Quintas cruises.