Cruise & Cruise Line

AmaWaterways Christens New River Ship

Theresa Norton
by Theresa Norton
Last updated: 4:54 PM ET, Tue August 4, 2015

PHOTO: AmaWaterways' Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, from left, join the ship godmother Michelle Fee and local dignitaries in Vilshofen, Germany. (Courtesy of AmaWaterways)

AmaWaterways christened its new 164-passenger AmaSerena in Vilshofen, Germany, with Cruise Planners CEO Michelle Fee serving as godmother.

"AmaWaterways takes great pride in selecting its godmothers and we are honored to have Michelle Fee join our family," said Kristin Karst, co-founder of the river cruise line. "She has been a fantastic partner of ours over the years, always supporting AmaWaterways and encouraging her network of franchise owners and travel professionals to do the same."

Also attending the celebration were AmaWaterways President Rudi Schreiner, Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams, and a local county commissioner, Rainmund Kneidinger.

"I am proud to have this opportunity to carry on a long tradition," Fee said. "Serving as godmother for AmaWaterways' AmaSerena is being a part of history and advancing the travel industry."

The festivities included live music, local entertainers and authentic Bavarian cuisine. Traditions included signing the ship's guestbook, a prayer by the abbot, the official christening, and a closing ceremony with fireworks.

AmaSerena joins sister ships AmaReina, AmaPrima, AmaCerto and AmaSonata. The ships also feature the line's first-ever connecting staterooms, signature twin balconies, multiple dining venues, and heated pools with swim-up bars.

AmaSerena's christening voyage embarked July 29 from Budapest. During the seven-night Danube cruise, the ship visited Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau. Future itineraries for AmaSerena include "The Enchanting Rhine," "Magnificent Europe" and "The Romantic Danube," visiting France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and more.


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