AmaWaterways Welcomes New Ship To Fleet

The AmaCerto was christened in Germany earlier this week – and Premier Custom Travel’s staff (including this author) has had the opportunity to meet and chat with the ship’s Godmother, CLIA President Christine Duffy. Here’s the full story:

AmaWaterways is extremely proud of its newest ship, the AmaCerto, christened on May 16, 2012 in the scenic German town of Vilshofen. Select staff, VIP guests, townspeople and local dignitaries gathered along the banks of the Danube for a special blessing and christening ceremony, with the ship’s godmother, Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) President Christine Duffy, doing the honors. In keeping with maritime tradition, Ms. Duffy smashed a bottle of Champagne against the AmaCerto’s bow, prompting enthusiastic cheers and applause from onlookers.

“Christine Duffy is a prestigious godmother and we are thrilled to have our AmaCerto under her guidance,” said AmaWaterways President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner. “The AmaCerto was designed with the passenger in mind. AmaCerto is the most innovative ship available and we enjoyed celebrating its christening with the Vilshofen locals.”

The festivities began with the “Triumphal March from Aida” as stilt walkers entertained the crowd, school children handed out colorful balloons, and the AmaCerto gloriously sailed into view. Vilshofen Mayor Georg Krenn extended a warm welcome to guests, followed by remarks from Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst, and Christine Duffy. There was a special blessing of the ship; a performance by a children’s dance group; moving renditions of “Ave Maria” and “Hallelujah” by soprano Heidlinde Schmid, and an opportunity for guests to sign the town’s commemorative Golden Book.

As Ms. Duffy christened the ship in an explosive froth of Champagne, delighted onlookers released their balloons and a 10-gun salute sounded from a brigade of Vilshofen soldiers dressed in traditional Bavarian garb.

AmaWaterways’ new AmaCerto is a deluxe 164-passenger vessel that incorporates the most advanced river cruise ship design including Twin Balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 350 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing local wine at the multiple fine dining venues available on board. The AmaCerto also features a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system in all staterooms plus Wi-Fi. For passengers wanting to explore the serene paths along the rivers, the AmaCerto offers a fleet of bicycles on board.

For more information on AmaWaterways or to book your cruise, please call Premier Custom Travel at (800) 304-6879.