Cruise

A Sparkling Celebration

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AmaWaterways christened its two newest ships – AmaViola and AmaStella – in Vilshofen, Germany last week. On hand for the celebrations were the line’s co-founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, who were joined by the ships’ godmothers and local dignitaries.

The events included a signing of the ship’s guestbook, prayer by the abbot, live music and Bavarian cuisine. A special song was also written in honor of AmaViola by a local Vilshofen musician, and performed during the ceremony.

During the festivities, AmaWaterways welcomed Nexion president, Jackie Friedman as the ship’s godmother. Friedman – who joined the Nexion leadership team in 2004 and currently supports more than 3,300 independent leisure and corporate travel professionals – took part in a traditional champagne christening and blessing.

The christening was enjoyed by travellers from around the world, as well as representatives from a Nexion agency, who were onboard with their clients.

The day prior, AmaWaterways christened AmaViola’s sister ship, AmaStella, and held a similar ceremony marking the vessel’s arrival with Godmother Carole Smethurst, who owns a top Virtuoso agency in Perth, Australia.

Both christenings were enjoyed by guests onboard and local dignitaries, culminating with unforgettable evening fireworks.

“This is an exciting time for AmaWaterways and we are so thrilled to welcome the beautiful new AmaViola and AmaStella to our expanding worldwide fleet,” said Karst, continuing: “AmaWaterways takes great joy in preparing for our christening ceremonies and this year, we are honored to have Nexion’s Jackie Friedman and Virtuoso’s Carole Smethurst join an esteemed list of AmaWaterways godmothers.”

AmaViola and AmaStella join the AmaWaterways fleet alongside sister ships AmaSerena, AmaReina, AmaPrima, AmaCerto, AmaVenita and AmaSonata.

Both ships carry 158 passengers and feature AmaWaterways’ innovative new connecting staterooms and triple accommodations, which were designed to specifically target the multi-generational group and family travel markets.

Guests sailing aboard AmaViola and AmaStella will enjoy the comfort of AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies, which feature breathtaking panoramic river views, salon and spa services, multiple dining venues, including

The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, intimate wine rooms, fitness rooms and heated sun deck swimming pools with swim-up bars.

AmaViola began sailing in April and will also be offering 7-night Danube cruises in 2016 and 2017.
AmaStella – chartered in March to Australian Pacific Touring (APT) – begins sailing with AmaWaterways in late September, with 7-night Melodies of the Danube cruises.

For more, go to http://www.AmaWaterways.com .

Seen in the photo, from l to r, at the AmaViola christening celebration in Vilshofen, Germany, are Christian Eberle, director of the tourism office for the city of Vilshofen; Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, co-founders of AmaWaterways; Godmother Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion; and AmaWaterways captain Jan de Bruijn.