By
Rebecca Gibson |
Valerie Wilson, founder, chairman and CEO of NYC-based Valerie Wilson Travel, christened AmaWaterways' newest ship in Vilshofen, Germany on 6 August.
Arriving at the port accompanied by the Triumphal March from Verdi’s Aida and ceremonial gun salutes, AmaPrima was blessed by the local pastor and Vilshofen’s mayor Georg Krenn, before Wilson broke a bottle of champagne against her hull.
The launch was marked by the city’s fire department, the release of doves and performances from local bands, folk groups, soprano Heidlinde Schmid and a traditional Bavarian whipcracker. Jan de Bruin, AmaPrima’s captain, was also presented with the Vilshofen flag before signing the town’s ceremonial Golden Book.
Various AmaWaterways senior executives attended the ceremony, including Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner, president and co-owner Rudi Schreiner and Wade Korzan, manager of European operations, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
“Almost everyone in Vilshofen played some kind of role in the AmaPrima’s christening ceremony today,” said Karst. “We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive or festive atmosphere, or for a warmer welcome for our godmother, Valerie Wilson.”
The 164 ft AmaPrima – sister ship of AmaCerto – features the line’s signature Twin Balconies, spacious, 350 sqft staterooms and a range of dining venues. The ship also has a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness studio, a fleet of bicycles for shorex opportunities and complimentary in-room internet, infotainment and wifi.
AmaPrima will offer ten itineraries on the Dutch and Belgium waterways, the Danube and the Rhine Rivers. These include Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Black Sea Voyage; Magnificent Europe; Grand Danube Cruise; Christmas Time Cruise; and Great Capitals and Vintages of the Danube.