Cruise & Travel Lifestyles

AmaWaterways Christens AmaMagna: “She's a Beauty!”

AmaWaterways Christens AmaMagna: “She's a Beauty!”

I was fortunate to have just sailed on the christening cruise of the really impressive AmaMagna, the first-ever double-wide ship to sail on the rivers of Europe. More than five years in concept and then more years in building, and all from the creative vision of AmaWaterways co-founder Rudi Schreiner, this river ship certainly lives up to her advance billing. Her Godmother is the really charming and engaging Samantha Brown who has her own show on PBS titled ‘Places to Love’ of which AmaWaterways has been a sponsor from the beginning.

Godmother Samantha Brown (left) after a successful christening.

To say I was impressed with this really lovely ship would be insufficient; to say I love the AmaMagna would be correct but it is so much more than that. This is an innovative ship with marvellous and attractive public rooms and expansive spaces throughout. There is luxury and charm, warmth and personality and most of all this is a ship of which every crew and staff member is proud. A remarkable achievement.

All decked out for her christening with the champagne bottle at the ready (far left).

Many of the rooms are suites at a delightful 355 sq. ft. plus balcony and they are super comfortable and indeed, somewhat luxurious – as is the rest of the ship. I stayed in one and it has all you might require including a fabulous shower and 2 basins in the bathroom and loads of storage space.

The Lounge – the main gathering spot for the 180 guests onboard.

There are four restaurants – my favourite was the Al Fresco casual spot all the way forward – a spa, a watersports platform, a cinema (I watched Wimbledon on the big screen), a small swimming pool, and a sexy sundowner yacht – upon which I briefly motored about the Danube, courtesy of the Captain who was behind the wheel and loving every moment of it… so, colour me impressed.

The Al Fresco casual restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner with a set menu for dinner that is delicious. It seats 24 by reservation only.

This ship really is a game-changer in river cruising and one which I applaud and it has changed this segment of the industry forever and in a good way. Well done to all at AmaWaterways and especially to Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, Gary Murphy and all the members of the AmaWaterways family – your hospitality and warmth and the enthusiasm you bring to your brand is infectious, much admired and loved.

A very happy Kristin Karst, co-founder and EVP at AmaWaterways, after the successful christening.

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