AmaWaterways Christens AmaMagna in Austria
AmaWaterways christened its new ship, AmaMagna, in Grein, Austria last week in a ceremony with co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst along with Godmother Samantha Brown, travel expert and Emmy Award-winning television host. AmaMagna is the 23rd ship in the fleet.
“With AmaMagna’s double width design allowing for more personal space, amenities and dining venues, I have had this unique ship on my mind for years and today we are thrilled to officially welcome her to the AmaWaterways family,” said Schreiner. “We are grateful to have so many of our friends and travel partners here with us as we celebrate this exciting time for our company.”
Honouring the long-standing tradition associated with ship christenings that originated more than 4,000 years ago, a priest blessed the ship and crew while Godmother Brown broke a champagne bottle against AmaMagna’s hull, signifying good luck on the journeys ahead.
“Through the years, we have celebrated each new ship the Ama way – with lots of love. Samantha shares many values with our company – most notable through her PBS series “Places to Love,” where she discovers the emotional heart of travel through the people who are changing, challenging and strengthening a destination,” said Karst. “She is a perfect fit as Godmother for this very special ship that is also challenging ideas of what river cruising can offer people in search of personalized travel experiences.”
AmaMagna is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, yet welcomes only 20% more guests – with more than half of the 98 staterooms designated as suites measuring between 355 sq. ft. and 710 sq. ft. All staterooms and suites are appointed with stylish décor and natural wood accents. The suites feature full outside balconies, open seating areas and luxurious bathrooms, complete with double sinks and walk-in showers. Six Grand Suites (474 sq. ft.) and an Owner’s Suite (710 sq. ft.) provide even more amenities with separate seating areas and sizable bathrooms complete with spa-like bathtubs.
“I am proud to be Godmother to this incredibly innovative ship,” said Brown. “I have always been impressed by the warmth and attentive care that the crew have shown to me and my family during our previous AmaWaterways cruise, but while travelling on board AmaMagna this week, the ship and the service have exceeded all my expectations of what a cruise experience can be.”
With four restaurants to choose from, the ship delivers award-winning cuisine and service along with enhanced guest amenities such as an onboard cinema; a large boutique; an expansive Zen Wellness Studio, complete with a large exercise area offering group classes in stretching, cardio and core strengthening and spin classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host. A juice bar and two massage rooms, along with manicure, pedicure and hair services; and a sun deck with a large heated pool, relaxing whirlpool and sky bar add to the enjoyment on board. All sun deck facilities are easily accessible via an innovative pop-up elevator serving all four decks.
Exclusive to AmaMagna, guests may take advantage of a Concierge Golf Program, providing the opportunity to experience four top-level golf courses in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany while enjoying the magic of river cruising. AmaMagna’s itineraries include: Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube and Christmas Markets on the Danube.
In the photo: special guests and partners join co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst as Godmother Samantha Brown (fourth from left) christens AmaMagna.
