AmaWaterways' 2015 Europe newbuilds sport connecting cabins

AmaSerena and AmaVista respond to the rising demand for new ship design and offerings in the region, according to AmaWaterways' Kristin Karst, evp and co-owner.

The 164-passenger AmaSerena and AmaVista offer spacious, luxurious accommodations, most with AmaWaterways' twin balconies. New are the connecting cabins, convenient for families and groups traveling together. Accommodations will also have a new entertainment-on-demand system, with free access to the Internet, the latest Hollywood movies, a music library and more.

Other AmaSerena and AmaVista amenities are salon and massage services, fitness rooms, sun decks and heated swimming pools with swim-up bars. Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and complimentary bottled water is provided daily in all cabins.

AmaSerena's 2015 itineraries include 'The Enchanting Rhine,' a seven-night journey beginning in Amsterdam with stops at Germany's Cologne with its huge Gothic cathedral, the university town of Heidelberg and medieval Strasbourg. The scenic cruise concludes in Basel, Switzerland. An optional land extension is available for sightseeing in Zurich and Lucerne.

'The Enchanting Rhine' cruise aboard AmaSerena will also feature two themed sailings: a wine cruise hosted by Christopher Silva of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, and a Jewish heritage cruise with the opportunity to visit synagogues, museums and other significant sites in Jewish history and culture with excursions to the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, Vienna's Jewish Museum and more.

AmaVista will operate seven- and 14-night programs including the 'Tulip Time Cruise' along the Dutch and Belgian waterways in the spring when the countryside is full bloom. This seven-night sailing includes the great medieval cities of Antwerp and Ghent and opportunities to explore Dutch and Flemish culture.

The 14-night 'Magnificent Europe' program between Amsterdam and Budapest includes three rivers and five countries. AmaVista passengers will travel on the Rhine to the Cologne and along the historic Main-Danube canal. Stops include the grand capitals of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.