PHOTO: AmaWaterways' AmaPrima ranked No. 1 in the new Berlitz river cruise guide. Pictured is the vessel's swim-up bar. (Courtesy of AmaWaterways)
Douglas Ward, the long-time author of "Berlitz: Cruising and Cruise Ships," considered by many to be the definitive cruise guide, has written his first book on river cruising.
The 256-page "Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe" guide, due out on July 1, ranks more than 280 river ships on hardware, accommodation, cuisine, service and miscellaneous.
AmaWaterways' AmaPrima took the No. 1 spot with an overall score of 422, followed by 10 fleet-mates, which all were rated 4-Star Plus, the highest level in the book.
Ward details in the guide how AmaWaterways "spends more on food, wine and food service training than almost any other river cruise company," adding "AmaWaterways knows how to do it right, and it shows."
The 164-passenger AmaPrima entered service in August and operates numerous itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers. It has staterooms that measure up to 350 square feet, a heated pool with swim-up bar, a choice of dining venues, a massage and beauty salon, a fitness studio, and complimentary in-room entertainment and Wi-Fi. AmaWaterways cruises include Chaîne des Rôtisseurs cuisine and unlimited wine and beer.
"AmaWaterways is honored to continually be recognized as the innovator we aim to be - a true leader - in river cruising," said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. "This incredible distinction reflects our mission to not only design the most trendsetting ships on the market, but also to offer travelers top-of-the-line luxuries and the most impeccable service while exploring the world's most desired European waterways."
The AmaPrima's score was followed closely by AmaVida, AmaVerde, AmaDante and AmaCerto.
Travel Pulse hasn't yet received a preview copy of the book, but an article in the Irish Independent newspaper said 18 Viking River Cruises' vessels were ranked 4-Star with 395 to 398 points. The 4-Star Amadeus Elegant, operated by Lueftner Cruises, scored a high 397 in the book.
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