The christening ceremony will take place in Vilshofen at the conclusion of the ship’s June 9 'Melodies of the Danube' sailing.
'Jackie is a well-respected travel industry leader and a wonderful friend of AmaWaterways. We are thrilled to welcome her as our newest godmother and look forward to celebrating with her next year,' said Kristin Karst, evp and co-owner of AmaWaterways.
Friedman has served as a leader within the travel industry for more than 20 years. In 2004, she joined Nexion as vp operations. Three years later she was promoted to president and general manager. Among her duties are membership growth, enhancing supplier relations and managing business development strategies and more. Under Friedman’s leadership, Nexion’s membership base has quadrupled, grossing more than $390m in annual sales in 2014.
Friedman also serves on the board of directors for the American Society of Travel Agents and the Professional Association of Travel Hosts, along with advisory and presidents boards for Cruise Lines International Association, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, among others.
The 158-passenger AmaViola will operate seven- and 14-night cruises along the Danube, Main, Rhine, Dutch and Belgian waterways. The ship has new features for groups and family travelers such as connecting staterooms and cabins designed with a third bed and suites with a sleeper sofa.
