AmaWaterways marks 14 years at Vilshofen as new dock inaugurated

It is called Donauwelle (Danube Wave).

As the first river cruise line to stop in this small Bavarian town in 2008, AmaWaterways has cultivated a strong partnership with the community over the past 14 years, hosting nine vessel christenings there, starting with AmaLyra in 2009, and forging special relationships with residents.

More than 200 Ama calls this year

With more than 200 calls planned this year, AmaWaterways collaborated with the community to celebrate the realization of the new dock, which will provide a more comfortable setting for passengers for years to come.

Featuring overhead protection and a larger deck, capable of fitting the double-wide AmaMagna, the new dock is ideally suited to accommodate the Oktoberfest celebration put on for each AmaWaterways sailing, along with other festivals including Danube in Flames and the town’s Christmas market.

'Providing support to the local communities we visit has been so important to AmaWaterways since starting the company almost 20 years ago,' said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways. 'It was an honor for us to celebrate the new dock with the town dignitaries, represented by both current and past mayors, as they have been such an integral part of AmaWaterways’ story over the years.'

The inauguration took place during a call by AmaMagna as part of the ASTA President's Cruise

ASTA President's Cruise

The inauguration — which took place during a call by AmaMagna as it hosted the American Society of Travel Advisors President’s Cruise — featured speeches by Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams and former mayors Hans Gschwendtner and Georg Krenn. Priest Lothar Zehrer delivered a blessing.

Schreiner and AmaWaterways Co-Owner/EVP Kristin Karst were invited to the podium and ASTA President Zane Kerby spoke about the important role a community plays in successful tourism development and the excitement of travel resuming in 2022. Local guests, joined by the ASTA travel advisors on AmaMagna, were greeted by festive entertainment on the new dock by the Iglbacher Musicians who perform at AmaWaterways' exclusive Oktoberfest celebrations.

'A special place in my heart'

'Being from Germany, Vilshofen holds such a special place in my heart and we were so pleased to be able to share this celebration with our valued travel partners participating in ASTA’s President’s Cruise,' Karst said. 'We truly value the relationship that we have built with the community over the years and look forward to the exceptionally warm welcome our guests receive from the local guides, shopowners and residents every time we visit.'

AmaWaterways has helped put the town on Europe's river cruising map, working with local business leaders to encourage development of interesting sites and shops for vistors. In its first year of docking, the line began working with the mayor and community to provide exclusive Oktoberfest celebrations for its passengers.

Over the years the tradition has grown, with AmaWaterways now hosting over 200 Oktoberfest celebrations this year complete with local German beers, pretzels, Bavarian folk music and dancing.

Overnights in Vilshofen

AmaWaterways has developed several different Danube itineraries, all with overnight stays in Vilshofen, including AmaMagna on the 'Danube,' 'Romantic Danube' and 'Melodies of the Danube.'

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