Renowned travel industry expert will officially christen the vessels in Vilshofen in May 2018
By
Rebecca Gibson |
AmaWaterways has named renowned travel industry expert Filomena Andre as godmother of its newest European river ship, AmaLea.
Andre will join AmaWaterways’ executive team to bless the 154-passenger ship during her christening ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany in May 2018.
“We choose the godmothers for our ships very carefully; it is essential to us that they share our passion for growing the river cruise industry and our commitment to providing the most memorable vacations for our guests,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner. “Filomena is such a well-respected travel industry leader and we are thrilled to welcome her as godmother of the stunning AmaLea. We can’t wait to celebrate onboard with her next year.”
Andre has served as a travel industry leader for more than three decades, beginning her career as a travel agent and quickly moving into management positions. She spent a long time as an executive at Signature Travel Network and in 2010 became vice president for AAA Travel Products and Services at Automobile Club of Southern California. Today, Andre oversees travel product management, strategy and performance for the Auto Club organisation, the largest AAA affiliate in the country. Andre is also a member of several industry advisory boards.
“It is such an unexpected honour to be selected as godmother of AmaLea,” said Andre. “Rudi, Kristin, Gary and the entire AmaWaterways family have the innovative mindset and passion needed to push the river cruising industry forward. That, together with their exemplary customer service, is what I’ve admired most about their teams in the office and onboard their ships.”
AmaLea is a sister ship to AmaKristina, which was christened in Vilshofen this May.
The vessel will feature four suites, interconnecting staterooms and triple occupancy staterooms designed for multi-generation families, most of which will have the line’s signature Twin Balconies. Other onboard highlights will include gourmet dining venues, The Chef’s Table, a heated sun deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a fitness centre and spa, complimentary wi-fi, in-room internet and entertainment on demand. The ship is also equipped with a fleet of complimentary bicycles, which can be used during guided, or individual, cycle trips onshore.
AmaLea will start her inaugural season with a series of six Tulip Time cruises from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, before hosting seven-night cruises on the Danube River between Vilshofen and Budapest, Hungary. These itineraries will include optional three-night pre- or post-cruise land programmes in Munich, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic. Topping off the 2018 sailing season will be four Christmas market cruises on the Danube.