AmaWaterways Welcomes AmaLea to European Fleet

A festive christening ceremony marked AmaLea’s official welcome to the AmaWaterways fleet last week. The event took place in Vilshofen, Germany, under auspicious circumstances.

“We had wonderful sunshine, and it seemed like the whole town was there for us. It was truly wonderful,” Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst tells TravelPulse.

The christening of the line’s newest European vessel capped off a week of festivities. Guests sailed aboard AmaLea with Karst as well as AmaWaterways’ President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner. The ship’s godmother, travel industry veteran Filomena Andre of AAA Travel was also on board.

Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams gave a warm welcome to the christening ceremony, presided over by Captain Jan de Bruijn, in his eleventh christening. More than 200 invited guests looked on as Andre performed the honors with the traditional champagne bottle.

“I am honored to serve as Godmother of this breathtaking ship,” said Andre. “I have long admired Rudi, Kristin, the Murphy family and the rest of the AmaWaterways team for their commitment to delivering excellence in so many aspects of the business. AmaLea is evidence of their dedication to providing guests with an exceptional river cruise experience, and I will forever have fond memories of this very special moment, helping to officially welcome her to the company’s incredible European fleet.”

Afternoon events included the raising of a traditional Bavarian maypole, a dockside cocktail reception, religious blessing and local entertainment. The celebrations continued into the evening with a gala dinner and a surprise fireworks display.

“We are thrilled to have our industry friends and business partners here with us in Vilshofen, celebrating the arrival of AmaLea, and marking an extraordinary time for us at AmaWaterways,” said Schreiner. “We look forward to welcoming many guests onboard this beautiful ship as she sails through the charming towns that sit along the banks of some of the most beautiful rivers in all of Europe.”

The 154-guest AmaLea features AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies. Family-friendly features include four suites (350 sq. ft.), connecting staterooms and triple occupancy staterooms. Guests enjoy free-flowing wines at multiple venues including The Chef’s Table; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; a fitness center and spa; complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; and in-room Entertainment-On-Demand. A fleet of onboard bicycles is available for guests to use independently or on guided tours.

AmaLea is a sister ship to the popular AmaViola, AmaStella, and AmaKristina. She’ll sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and fall before concluding her first season with four Christmas Market Cruises.