by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu January 31, 2019
Fresh off a clean sweep of Travvy Awards, AmaWaterways is poised for its biggest year ever. The line will introduce three new ships in Europe in 2019. And one of them is changing the face of river cruising.
Since its founding in 2002, the family-owned line has led the industry with its innovative ship design, onboard experience, cuisine and service. Those traditions continue this spring, with the launch of the new AmaDouro in Portugal. Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said will serve as the first British godmother for the line in a ceremony on April 12.
The 102-passenger AmaDouro features 51 staterooms, most with outside balconies. Amenities include a Panoramic Lounge, heated pool on the Sun Deck, a fitness room and massage room. After her debut, AmaDouro joins sister ship AmaVida on Portugal's historic and scenic Douro River. She'll sail seven-night roundtrip Enticing Douro cruises.
June 2019 will mark the debut of AmaMora on the Rhine River. The sister ship to 2018's AmaLea features 78 staterooms, almost all with signature twin balconies. Families traveling together will no doubt be interested in the ship's connecting rooms.
As for dining, AmaMora features the Main Restaurant plus specialty dining in the intimate Chef's Table Restaurant. Guests can also enjoy an all-day tapas menu, afternoon tea, complimentary daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour and a 24-hour coffee station on board.
Additional features aboard AmaMora include a heated Sun Deck pool with a swim-up bar, group fitness classes led by a Wellness Host, plus massage and hair salon services.
AmaMora's inaugural season begins in early June 2019. She'll sail seven-night Enchanting Rhine and Captivating Rhine itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel. She'll also offer all Christmas markets cruises on the Rhine between Nov. 25 and Dec. 23.
AmaDouro and AmaMora are in some notable company this year on the new ship front. AmaMagna debuts on the Danube in May 2019.
The much-anticipated new vessel is almost twice as wide as other river cruise ships. Yet, she'll accommodate only 20 percent more guests. The result is the most spacious ship on the rivers, with some unique experiences lined up.
More than half of AmaMagna's 98 staterooms measure at least 355 square feet in size. The ship's 53 suites range from 355-710 square feet and include full balconies. Addition amenities include a large heated pool on the Sun Deck, as well as a whirlpool and pop-up sky bar.
But perhaps the most talked-about feature of the ship is the aft Water Sports Platform. A Sundowner vessel will take guests on complimentary waterfront excursions to some of the Danube's lesser-explored spots.
On the dining front, the ship's four venues include the new Al Fresco Restaurant and Jimmy's Wine Bar Restaurant as well as The Chef's Table, serving specialty cuisine.
For wellness devotees, AmaMagna features an expansive Zen Wellness Studio with a large exercise area. A professional Wellness Host will offer group classes on stretching, cardio and core strengthening. There's also a juice bar, two massage rooms, plus a beauty salon.
AmaMagna's innovative programming isn't confined to the ship. Guests can take part in the exclusive new Concierge Golf Program, offering play at five top courses. The program includes luxury Mercedes transfers, a round of golf and lunch at top-level courses in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic and Germany.
Additionally, guests can also renew their marriage vows aboard AmaMagna. A "Renewal of Vows" package includes a symbolic ceremony, commemorative certificate, bottle of champagne, manicure or pedicure plus two one-hour massages.
AmaMagna will sail Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube and the new Christmas Markets on the Danube itineraries.
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