AmaWaterways christened its newest river cruise ship, AmaDouro, with a ceremony in Porto, Portugal. The christening event, hosted by AmaWaterways co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, is the river cruise ship's final course before its inaugural sailing. Honorary guest, Advantage Travel Partnership CEO and AmaDouro Godmother, Julia Lo Bue-Said was joined by travel industry partners, international media and other guests for the celebration.
Following a long-standing tradition associated with ship christenings, a priest blessed the ship and crew, and captain Pedro Sardo assisted as Godmother Lo Bue-Said broke a champagne bottle against AmaDouro’s hull, signifying good luck on the journeys ahead.
During the celebration, Schreiner and Karst surprised their first British godmother, by flying in her eldest son for the ceremony. The festivities included speeches by Schreiner, Karst and Lo Bue-Said, local entertainment, such as folk dancers and fado singers, regionally inspired cocktails, and a gala dinner.
AmaDouro offers 51 staterooms, most with outside balconies to enjoy views of hills and vineyards along the Douro River Valley. Additional amenities include a panoramic lounge for nightly entertainment, a heated sun deck swimming pool, fitness room, massage room and the company’s cuisine at the main restaurant, serving regionally inspired dishes and wines.
Joining sister ship AmaVida which sails between Porto and Vega Terron, AmaDouro will be based in Porto and offer seven-night roundtrip. The rive cruise ship is the first of three new ships that will be added to AmaWaterways’ innovative fleet this year. Other new ships making their debut include AmaMora, sister ship to AmaLea and AmaKristina, sailing on the Rhine, and the AmaMagna on the Danube.
This article originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.
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