Amawaterways executives and key industry partners were on hand for a pre-inaugural blessing ceremony of the line’s new 162-passenger Amabella in Volendam, the Netherlands, on May 7 before her inaugural Magnificent Europe cruise on the Danube River sailing from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Budapest, Hungary.
The new Amabella, which is dedicated to the Australia/New Zealand market, can carry 162 passengers. Among its new features are: twin balconies in staterooms; exceptionally large suites; a swimming pool; a fireside library; and an intimate chef’s table restaurant that seats only 24 people, complete with private chef. The average size of the staterooms aboard the vessel is a spacious 214 square feet, with suites measuring at 350 square feet.
“The Amabella’s new design features will take the river cruise experience to a new level, and continue the long list of innovations that have made Amawaterways the great success that it is today,” said Amawaterways president Rudi Schreiner.
Amabella is the seventh custom-designed ship to join the Amawaterways fleet cruising the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers in Europe. The line’s next newbuild, the Amaverde, will debut in 2011.
Themed Cruise for Art Enthusiasts
Avalon Waterways is introducing a new Art & Impressionist cruise aboard the Avalon Creativity in November 2011. The eight-day sailing includes a visit to Paris’ Musee d’Orsay with a local expert to guide travelers through the collection of masterpieces. In addition, passengers will explore Claude Monet’s Giverny home, the Musee des Impressionnismes for a closer look at the artist’s work and Rouen’s extraordinary cathedral to discover what made this a favorite subject for Monet. Cruisers will also have the opportunity to visit the Musee des Beaux-Arts Andre Malraux in Le Havre and attend special onboard art lectures. Pricing for the cruise begins at $2,349 per person.
“Avalon’s inspired, 360-degree cruise experience affords travelers the chance to immerse themselves into a destination, culture and passion thanks to unparalleled land programs and world-class guides,” said J. Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Our cruise directors and special guest lectures also offer them a vast onboard education experience, giving cruisers the chance to soak in the history, culture and in this case, the art of a region as they drift from village to village.”
Amawaterways
www.amawaterways.com
Avalon Waterways
www.avalonwaterways.com
