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Hefty 2019 growth for AmaWaterways with trio of new vessels

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AmaMagna - Twice the width of traditional European river vessels but carries just 194 passengers
AmaWaterways has been growing at a measured pace of two new vessels a year for some time. In 2019, the company will add three, including the double-wide AmaMagna.

AmaMagna will begin sailing the Danube in May. Twice the width of traditional European river vessels, AmaMagna will carry just 194 passengers.

AmaDouro on the Douro and AmaMora on the Rhine

Expanding AmaWaterways' presence in Portugal, the new AmaDouro, carrying 102 passengers, has been specially sized to showcase the UNESCO-designated Douro River Valley where sister ship AmaVida already operates.

The third addition to the fleet is the 156-passenger AmaMora, sister of AmaLea and AmaKristina, to operate on the Rhine.

AmaMagna offers generous space, expansive suites—most more than 355 square feet—and additional amenities. Enhanced dining options include the Al Fresco Restaurant, Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant (named in honor of the late Jimmy Murphy, one of AmaWaterways' co-founders) and The Chef’s Table Restaurant.

Zen Wellness Studio, Water Sports Platform, Concierge Golf Program

More activities will also be available, including an expansive Zen Wellness Studio, and a Water Sports Platform where complimentary tours will be offered on an intimate Sundowner vessel.

A new Concierge Golf Program, exclusive to AmaMagna, provides the opportunity to play five of Europe’s most prestigious courses in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Golfers will be transported from the vessel by a private, luxury Mercedes. The Concierge Golf Program is available on the 'Romantic Danube' and 'Melodies of the Danube' itineraries from May to mid-October.

More than 60 wine cruises

Other 2019 developments include more than 60 wine cruises that feature North American wine hosts, tastings and excursions, all at no extra cost, and the expansion of Ama's wellness program to all its European vessels (apart from the two on the Douro).

Led by professionally trained wellness hosts, passengers can join group exercise activities including morning stretches, core strengthening and resistance-band workouts, complemented by healthy eating options and relaxation techniques.

'We are so excited to introduce some incredible new ships, amenities and programs in 2019, providing even more opportunities for our guests to personalize their river cruise vacation,' said Kristin Karst, EVP and co-owner of AmaWaterways.

Enhanced land programs

New in 2019, enhanced land programs give an optional pre-cruise land extension with every cruise, with new ways to explore cities like Amsterdam, Budapest, Lucerne, Munich, Zurich and Reykjavik. New, included excursions range from tours in the historic cities of Prague and Paris to exploring the countryside of Romania.

In addition, AmaWaterways is adding new pre-cruise extensions in Bilbao and San Sebastian, Spain, prior to embarkation on its 'Taste of Bordeaux' itinerary, as well as a post-cruise option in Rwanda, Africa, which may be added to each of five Zambezi Queen itineraries on the Chobe River. The four-night Rwanda extension gives the rare opportunity to visit Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, home to silverback mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

More shore excursions will also be available as AmaWaterways adds to its already extensive menu of up to 20 complimentary options during a seven-night cruise.

The company's 2019 brochure is available to download at www.AmaWaterways.com.