AmaWaterways to Christen the AmaVida Friday with Sharon Stone

AmaWaterways Christens AmaVida, their newest member of the fleet on Friday, March 22. Photo: Courtesy of AmaWaterways. Unauthorized use is prohibited. 

AmaWaterways welcomes their newest member of the fleet, the AmaVida, Friday, March 22, in Porto, Portugal, with godmother Sharon Stone presiding over the christening pomp and circumstance.

“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished and acclaimed person as Sharon Stone as the AmaVida’s godmother,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “We are so inspired by Sharon’s extensive humanitarian efforts over the years. Her beauty and grace make her the perfect match for the AmaVida, one of the loveliest and most technologically advanced river cruise ships in operation today.”

As you know, I am a big fan of European river cruising because of the wonderful introduction they provide to European cities along the way. From the intimate onboard settings and the convenience of docking at the front steps of European cities; to the immersive and distinctive excursions and the gourmet deliciousness of the fine dining selections onboard, river cruising is sublime holiday for all! And I just love cruising past the scenic splendor of Europe and reveling in every moment along the way of those unforgettable journeys through enchanting villages and landmark cities. With that, I am pleased to introduce to you to AmaVida, the newest member of the AmaWaterways fleet whose christening will take place this Friday in Porto, Portugal.

AmaWaterways' AmaVida cruises into Porto, Portugal! Photo: Courtesy of AmaWaterways. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Soon to be plying the Douro River in one of the world's top sustainable destinations, the 106-passenger AmaVida debuts with innovative designs including photovoltaic solar panels on the Sun Deck that generate electricity for the ship's systems. Staterooms range from 161 square feet for the 'Panoramic Window' rooms, to 215 square feet for the balcony rooms; and the luxurious suites topping out at 323 square feet. All feature premium amenities of course. As far as the rest of ship, you'll find a sun deck, heated pool, massage and beauty salon, fitness center, free Wi-Fi and Video-On-Demand; although I couldn't imagine watching TV while cruising through Europe. Unlike its sister ships with maximum capacity averaging 160 passengers, the AmaVida is more intimate with only 106 guests. And once onboard, guests will enjoy free-flowing wine and beer at every dinner plus a choice of dining in the main dining room or al fresco. How sublime would that be while cruising the rivers of Europe?!

Here's a short video of Sharon Stone Christening the AmaWaterways' AmaVida!

View over the River Douro in Portugal. Porto to the right and Vila Nova de Gaia on the left. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

As if the new ship isn't exciting enough, just wait until you read about the itineraries planned for this year and next aboard AmaVida:

Port Wine & Flamenco

The pastoral countryside of Pinhão beckons to wine lovers everywhere. Photo" Wikipedia.org.

After spending three days in Madrid, you'll travel to Vega Terrón where you'll board the AmaVida for a seven-night cruise through fantastic gorges, rolling hills of vineyards with a visit to Pinhão, a wine-lovers paradise. Your cruise continues through Tras-os-Montes and the village of Bitetos with its 11th-century monastery. Then, it's onto Porto before ending your journey with three glorious days in the beautiful coastal city of Lisbon.

Enticing Douro

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora in Lamego, Portugal, is one stop on the Port Wine & Flamenco river cruise itinerary. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

You begin with three nights in one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Lisbon, and then travel to nearby Porto to embark on your seven-day river cruise. First stop is the ancient city of Lamego where you'll tour a 12th-century castle and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Then, cross into Spain to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the Mateus palace. Indulge your palates with wine tasting in Régua and Pinhão before you discover the Alpendurada Monastery in Bitetos. On the last day of your 12-day holiday, you return to Porto for disembarkation.

Impressions of France & Portugal

Monet's Garden in Giverny, France. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

If you love Impressionism, this is the cruise for you! You embark in the City of Light after spending two romantic days in Paris, and then embark on a seven-day cruise to Giverny to see the Monet's Garden; onto Honfleur, a quaint French harbor town; Rouen and its cathedral immortalized by Monet in his 28-piece series; and then head to Omaha Beach and the site of the WWII Allied Force landings. After visiting Andelys and Conflans, you return to Paris for disembarkation. Read more about Normandy. Once you disembark in Paris, you'll catch the next flight to Porto, Portugal, where you'll embark once again on another seven-night cruise down the Douro River to Lamego, Salamanca, Bitetos and more! In total, this is one glorious 22-day vacation on the rivers of Europe!

Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas.

The 12th-century castle in Lamego, Portugal. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

After three fantastic nights in the coastal city of Lisbon, you embark in nearby Porto for a seven-day wine-themed cruise to the historical city of Lamego where you'll tour the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and a 12th-century castle. From there, it's Salamanca, Spain, in the heart of the Castilla y León region; onto the scenic countryside of Trás-os-Montes to visit the palace and gardens of Mateus. Once you arrive in Bitetos, you'll have the opportunity to explore the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery before concluding your wine-themed cruise holiday in historic Porto.

After Amavida

Later this year, the celebrations continue when AmaWaterways introduces the AmaPrima, the 164-passenger cruise vessel to be christened in Germany August 6. Like all of AmaWaterways' newest ships, the AmaPrima will feature the fabulous Twin Balcony Staterooms (French and outside balconies in one cabin), a choice of five dining venues, complimentary Wi-Fi and Infotainment, a heated swimming pool with swim-up bar, first-run Hollywood movies and a fleet of bicycles. This extraordinary 21st-century cruise vessel will ply the Dutch and Belgium Waterways, plus the Danube and Rhine Rivers on 10 distinctive itineraries including Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Black Sea Voyage; Magnificent Europe; Grand Danube Cruise; Christmas Time Cruise; and Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube. I am ready to sail right now! How about you?

As you can see, it's going to be an exciting event-filled year for AmaWaterways with two new ships entering service; cruising the rivers of Europe through enchanting lands, scenic vistas and exploring new worlds. The excitement begins this Friday!