By
Rebecca Gibson |
AmaWaterways has officially welcomed AmaLea to its European river cruise fleet with a traditional christening ceremony led by renowned travel industry expert and ship godmother Filomena Andre.
In time-honoured maritime tradition, Andre named AmaLea and broke a bottle of champagne against her hull to bring her good luck during the ceremony, which took place in Vilshofen, Germany.
“I am honoured to serve as godmother of this breath-taking ship,” said Andre. “I have long admired Rudi, Kristin, the Murphy family and the rest of the AmaWaterways team for their commitment to delivering excellence in so many aspects of the business. AmaLea is evidence of their dedication to providing guests with an exceptional river cruise experience, and I will forever have fond memories of this very special moment, helping to officially welcome her to the company’s incredible European fleet.”
More than 200 international and local guests joined the afternoon celebrations, which included the raising of a traditional Bavarian maypole, a dockside cocktail reception, a religious blessing, local entertainment and welcome by Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams. This was followed by a gala dinner and a fireworks display.
The festivities concluded a weeklong celebration, during which the ship’s guests were joined by AmaWaterways’ president and co-owner Rudi Schreiner, executive vice president and co-owner Kristin Karst and Andre.
“We are thrilled to have our industry friends and business partners here with us in Vilshofen, 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.”
Designed as a sister ship to AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaKristina, AmaLea accommodates 154 guests in four suites, interconnecting staterooms and triple occupancy staterooms designed for multi-generation families. Most of the guest accommodation has AmaWaterway’s signature twin balcony. Other onboard highlights include gourmet dining venues, The Chef’s Table, a heated swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a fitness centre and spa, complimentary wi-fi 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 sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest, Hungary throughout summer and autumn 2018. These voyages will include optional three-night pre- or post-cruise land programmes in Munich, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic. The ship will then offer four Christmas Market Cruises.