Celebrations continued into the evening with a gala dinner and culminated with a surprise fireworks display.
Godmother Filomena Andre of AAA Travel
The festivities concluded a weeklong celebration, with passengers joined by AmaWaterways president and co-owner Rudi Schreiner, EVP and co-owner Kristin Karst, AmaLea godmother Filomena Andre of AAA Travel, travel industry friends and international media.
Presiding over his 11th AmaWaterways christening ceremony, Capt. Jan de Bruijn assisted Andre with the traditional ship christening by Champagne. More than 200 international and local guests joined in the afternoon event.
'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,' Schreiner said. 'We look forward to welcoming many guests on board 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.'
'I am honored to serve as godmother of this breathtaking ship,' Andre said. '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,' she added, 'and I will forever have fond memories of this very special moment, helping to officially welcome her to the company’s incredible European fleet.'
Twin balconies, suites, connecting staterooms
The 154-passenger AmaLea features AmaWaterways’ twin balconies that offer panoramic views from both a French and an outside balcony. The vessel has four suites of 350 square feet each, connecting staterooms and triple occupancy rooms designed for multigenerational families. Free-flowing wines are served at multiple dining venues including The Chef’s Table.
AmaLea also has 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. In addition, a fleet of bicycles is carried for passengers to use at no charge, charting their own path or participating in guided tours.
Sister to AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaKristina, AmaLea will sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and fall before concluding the season with four Christmas market cruises.
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