By
Alex Smith |
AmaWaterways has christened its newest river vessel, AmaSofia, during a ceremony on the Rhine attended by more than 1,200 travel advisors participating in the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam.
The event, held on 14 March 2026, was hosted across three AmaWaterways ships: AmaPrima, AmaVenita and AmaSofia. Sarah Little, senior vice president of business development at the American Society of Travel Advisors, served as godmother and officially christened the vessel. The ceremony concluded with a 300-drone light display over the Rhine.
“Ships come to life through people, from the crew who pour pride into every detail, the guests who celebrate life’s moments on board to the travel advisors who inspire those journeys in the first place,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We are especially honoured to have Sarah Little serve as godmother of AmaSofia. Her leadership and advocacy for travel advisors represent everything we value as a company, and it feels incredibly meaningful to have her guide AmaSofia into her future surrounded by so many members of the advisor community.”
AmaSofia is the first AmaWaterways vessel in Europe to feature the company’s refreshed branding. The ship accommodates up to 154 guests in 76 staterooms, including suites of up to 350 square feet, and incorporates the line’s twin-balcony design and ‘Chef’s Table’ dining concept.
“It is a tremendous honour to serve as godmother of AmaSofia,” said Little. “My very first river cruise was with AmaWaterways, which makes this moment especially meaningful. Christening AmaSofia here at the ASTA River Cruise Expo, surrounded by the advisor community that supports and shapes our industry every day, makes it even more special.”
AmaSofia began its 2026 season on the Rhine, operating itineraries including ‘Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps’. In June, the vessel will reposition to the Danube, with its first departure scheduled for 7 June. The ship will operate itineraries including ‘Romantic Danube’, ‘Melodies of the Danube’ and ‘Christmas Markets on the Danube’, primarily sailing between Budapest and Vilshofen.
“As we continue to grow, our commitment remains the same – to our guests and to our travel partners,” said Powell. “Today’s christening is not just about welcoming a beautiful new ship to the rivers of Europe, but also about celebrating the shared journey we are on together.”