AmaWaterways marks 10th anniversary with new ships & itineraries
Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways marks its tenth anniversary in 2012 with the introduction of the company’s twelfth ship, the m/s AmaCerto, with new culinary escorted tours in Europe, new wine route cruises on the Rhone and four cruises featuring the Floriade World Horticultural Expo in the Netherlands.
AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner, Kristin Karst, said “This is a year which promises to be our most successful on record in terms of new ships, itineraries and innovative onboard and on shore programmes.”
New programmes in Europe for 2012 include “Culinary Delights — Bites and Sights” shore excursions. These specially-crafted complimentary guided walking tours present an exciting option for passengers interested in the story of Europe through the ages, as told from a culinary perspective. The tours will include wine tastings, visits to local markets, tapas bars and other culinary-themed locations. An expanded programme of complimentary guided bike tours can help ward off any guilt from “overindulging” in local delights.
AmaWaterways will once again offer its “Jewish Heritage” tours on select sailings in 2012. The popular “In Celebration of Wine” theme cruises will expand to include select Rhone River cruises from Lyon to Arles. And the Floriade World Horticultural Expo, which takes place every ten years in the Netherlands, will be featured on four different AmaWaterways itineraries in 2012.
Having been the industry leader in Europe for the past decade, AmaWaterways will feature its most impressive fleet yet for 2012. The line’s intimate, custom-designed vessels include the “Sensational Six” on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhone: the MS AMADAGIO, MS AMALEGRO, MS AMADANTE, MS AMACELLO, MS AMALYRA and MS AMADOLCE. These luxurious ships accommodate 148-150 passengers, with French balcony staterooms ranging from 170-255 sq. ft.
The two newest AmaWaterways vessels, the 161-passenger MS AMABELLA (2010) and MS AMAVERDE (2011) have exclusive “Twin Balconies,” (ie. a step-out balcony and a French balcony) in the majority of staterooms; the largest average stateroom size (214 sq. ft.) in Europe, plus suites up to 350 sq. ft. in size. The ships also feature two main dining rooms, a casual wine bar and intimate Chef’s Table restaurant.
The 164-passenger MS AMACERTO, launching in the spring of 2012, will have additional distinctive features, such as a glass elevator and al fresco café. As with every AmaWaterways vessel in Europe, membership in the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs ensures a fine gastronomic experience, with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner.
All AmaWaterways vessels in Europe offer complimentary in-stateroom Internet and first-run Hollywood movies, ship-wide Wi-Fi, complimentary daily shore excursions and a fleet of bicycles for guests’ free use. In addition to spacious, comfortable lounges, the ships also include a fitness area, massage, hair and beauty salon, a whirlpool and walking track on the Sun Deck and heated swimming pool on the MS AMABELLA, MS AMAVERDE AND MS AMACERTO.
In Russia, guests can enjoy the “Russian Waterways” itinerary between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the newly-redesigned 212-passenger MS AMAKATARINA.
In Vietnam and Cambodia, the magnificent new 124-passenger MS AMALOTUS has joined MS LA MARGUERITE in offering unforgettable 7-night cruises on the Mekong River from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
For more information, visit amawaterways.co.uk.