Ensemble’s Libbie Rice Christens AmaMora
On the heels of christening the AmaMagna, AmaWaterways officially welcomed its third new ship for the 2019 season, the AmaMora.
Co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst joined Mayor Adalbert Dornbusch of Lahnstein, Germany and Godmother Libbie Rice, president of Ensemble Travel Group, for a day of festivities officially commemorating the new 156-passenger vessel.
“This has truly been a record-breaking year for us, and we are very proud to welcome AmaMora to our wonderful fleet of ships that are built to meet the needs of today’s travellers who crave a luxurious and personalized vacation experience,” said Schreiner. “With multiple dining venues, a well-equipped gym with a Wellness Host and heated swimming pool with swim-up bar, AmaMora’s design reflects her most recent sister ships, AmaLea and AmaKristina, but her fresh, rich colour scheme is uniquely her own.”
The garland trimmed ship arrived in Lahnstein where guests, media and travel partners were joined by local dignitaries and residents for a special “Rhine Romanticism” themed dockside ceremony. Each guest was presented with a hand-made wine leaf and flower pin to wear as the festivities began. Framed by the backdrop of Stolzenfels Castle, local entertainers gave guests a taste of Lahnstein’s rich heritage through a performance by a “shanty” choir – a men’s choir that sings traditional maritime songs – and an elegantly costumed dance group performing traditional dances from the early 19th century.
“AmaWaterways owes a huge part of its success to the support and loyalty of the travel advisor community, and we are pleased to honour that long-standing collaboration by having Libbie christen our newest ship,” said Karst. “Through her years of experience in the travel industry, she has gained a reputation as an astute, forward thinker and a role model for other young women taking on leadership roles in travel. We are thrilled to honour her and our invaluable relationship with Ensemble Travel Group by having her serve as Godmother to the beautiful AmaMora.”
Following the speeches, signing of the guestbook and a blessing of the ship, Godmother Rice officially named AmaMora with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull.
“I am so thrilled to be christening the beautiful AmaMora today. ‘Ama’ means love, and I can feel the love that has been put into this ship – from her breathtaking design and craftsmanship to her warm, thoughtful service, and of course, the meticulously planned itineraries she will sail through some of Europe’s most amazing destinations,” said Rice. “I know all who sail on AmaMora will feel the same sense of homecoming I did, the moment they step onboard.”
AmaMora’s inaugural season is on the Rhine river sailing seven-night cruises between Amsterdam and Basel. Guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows in the ship’s lounge area, the signature twin balcony staterooms and the spacious Sun Deck, all thoughtfully designed to provide breathtaking views of the passing scenery.
A highlight of the Rhine cruises is the scenic 40-mile voyage through the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge with its steep valley sides covered by terraced vineyards and more than 40 hilltop castles, some dating back to Roman times. Specific itineraries include the Enchanting Rhine, Captivating Rhine, and Christmas Markets on the Rhine. As part of the company’s first-ever Loyalty Appreciation Month, returning guests will be recognized with a special Christmas Markets on the Rhine sailing onboard AmaMora, departing Nov. 25.
In the photos:
Top: Miss Rhein-Lahn-Nixe; Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways; Godmother Libbie Rice; Kristin Karst, executive vice president and Co-founder AmaWaterways; Lahnstein Mayor Adalbert Dornbusch; Tom Botts and Captain Sjaak Van der Weide.
Middle: Karst and Schreiner with Libbie Rice, president of Ensemble Travel Group, and Godmother of the AmaMora.
