AMAWATERWAYS Fleet Expands to 12 Luxurious Ships

Retraction from TravelMole:

On July 1st, TravelMole experienced some IT problems in our broadcast software.  We unintentionally broadcast a two year old press release from river cruise operator AMA Waterways, with an associated airfare of $99, dated 30 July, 2008.  That broadcast and its contents were not valid.  We recall the broadcast.  Below please read news about exciting developments at AMA Waterways, with the addition of the brand new 162 passenger MS AmaBella to their 12 ship strong fleet.

July 9, 2010

AMAWATERWAYS Fleet Expands to 12 Luxurious Ships

(Chatsworth, CA) Award-winning river cruise line AMAWATERWAYS has expanded its fleet of custom-designed vessels with the launch of the spectacular, 162-passenger MS AMABELLA (May 2010).  The line’s fleet available for booking now numbers 12 luxurious vessels. 

The newly-built AMABELLA’S features include staterooms averaging 214 square feet (larger than those on many ocean-going ships) and exclusive double balconies, continuing the line’s tradition of innovative luxury on Europe’s great waterways. 

In addition to these stunning staterooms, AMABELLA’S exclusive features include an intimate chef’s table restaurant that seats just 24 and has its own private chef; a library with fireplace; and a swimming pool.  The vessel also features AMAWATERWAYS’ newly-upgraded ‘Infotainment’ system, offering complimentary high-speed Internet access, complimentary first-run Hollywood movies, classic films and computing options for those maintaining email contact or even blogging during their holiday.  The entire vessel, as with all the AMAWATERWAYS vessels on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel, has complimentary Wi-Fi.   

AMABELLA joins AMADOLCE (2009), AMALYRA (2009), AMADANTE (2008), AMACELLO (2008), AMALEGRO (2007) and AMADAGIO (2006), ships that have already led the industry with pioneering concepts such as French balconies, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use.  New ships with state-of-the-art design are hallmarks of AMAWATERWAYS and part of an ongoing multimillion-dollar investment to provide the best river cruisers on the market.  In 2011 the line will launch MS AMAVERDE in Europe, a sister ship to MS AMABELLA.

“We are particularly proud of the AMABELLA and our entire custom-designed AMAWATERWAYS fleet,” said AMAWATERWAYS president, Rudi Schreiner.  Not only are we designing and building the most luxurious, comfortable and beautiful vessels in Europe, but our expansion includes new-builds in Vietnam and a completely renovated vessel in Russia.”

In Southeast Asia, the brand-new MS AMALOTUS will join the MS LA MARGUERITE, which debuted on the Mekong River in the autumn of 2009 as part of the new ‘Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong’ itinerary.  The decision to build a new Mekong river ship results from the tremendous success of the inaugural season of this program. 

The new, 124-passenger AMALOTUS will feature exquisitely decorated 226 square-foot deluxe staterooms with all the amenities of a fine hotel.  All suites and staterooms offer outside accommodations, with more than 82 percent featuring balconies.  Junior suites provide an extra spacious 290 square feet of space and suites, at 452 square feet, provide the ultimate in onboard pampering. 

Like LA MARGUERITE, AMALOTUS will sail seven-night Mekong river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

AMAWATERWAYS is also making news on the waterways of Russia.  The completely refurbished MS AMAKATARINA will launch in the spring of 2011, debuting as the most luxurious vessel on the Volga-Baltic Waterway.  Guests on the culture-rich cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg will have a choice of 10 different stateroom categories, including four different suite categories and accommodations up to 432 square feet.  A total of 76 staterooms aboard AMAKATARINA include balconies, and the lavishly appointed vessel will include an alternative restaurant, conference hall, sauna and solarium.  

AMAWATERWAYS also continues to offer its magnificent Provence & Spain program featuring a 7-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on the elegant MS Swiss Pearl. 

  “River cruising is growing at an unprecedented rate and we are in a very fortunate position because we offer superb accommodations plus excellent service,” said Schreiner. “Today’s travellers expect high quality and our ships are designed to deliver a premium experience every step of the way.  More than anything else, travellers want inclusive pricing, which is why our cruises include shore excursions, wine with gourmet dinners, free internet, no charge to see first- run Hollywood movies and even guided bicycle tours.  Our goal is to be the leader in river cruising and deliver the best river cruise vacation in the business.”

For more information about AMAWATERWAYS, visit www.amawaterways.com or call 800-626-0126.