- (Aug. 2, 2022) -
Pictured Left to Right: Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways; Jackie Friedman, president, Nexion and godmother of AmaViola ; Gerrie van Tiem, TeamCo Shipyard B.V; Marcel Zweers, TeamCo Shipyard B.V.; Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways; Will Farmer, co-godparent of AmaLucia; Colin Farmer, senior managing director of Certares; Riley Farmer, co-godparent of AmaLucia; Captain Arjan; Patty Farmer, grandmother of Will and Riley Farmer; Wine Princess Franciska; Mayor Klaus Zapp; Wine Princess Mazi; Wine Princess Isabel
CALABASAS, CA – (August 2, 2022) – Award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways celebrated the christening of its newest ship, AmaLucia, with a festive ceremony in Rüdesheim, Germany on Sunday, July 31. AmaWaterways’ Co-Founders, President Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst, joined Godparents Will and Riley Farmer, children of AmaWaterways’ business partner Colin Farmer, to commemorate the cruise line’s newest edition to its fleet of 26 industry-leading river cruise ships.
“We are always looking to the future and it’s only fitting that this newest ship was christened by Will and Riley Farmer, two wonderful representatives of the future generation of river cruisers,” said Karst. “Their love of travel, openness to change and respect of cultural diversity really personifies the values of AmaWaterways. We proudly welcome them to the AmaFamily and can’t wait to see what exciting adventures await them and AmaWaterways in the years ahead.”
The multigenerational festivities began as AmaLucia’s Godparents arrived by vineyard tractor. Guests enjoyed live music, along with special appearances by Rüdesheim’s Wine Princesses and the grandchildren of the founder of Rüdesheim’s famed Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Cabinet who shared some of the fascinating musical machines collected, restored and put on display by their grandfather. Following a long-standing tradition associated with ship christenings that originates more than 4,000 years ago, Captain Arjan assisted as Godparents Will and Riley Farmer broke a champagne bottle against AmaLucia’s hull, signifying good luck on the journeys ahead.
Following the christening celebration and dinner, attendees enjoyed a Sun Deck party with live music performed by David Onka, AmaWaterways’ Corporate Musician who also performed his original song “Ama Means Love (Family)” during the afternoon ceremony.
“Partnerships are very important to the success of AmaWaterways and we are honored to share AmaLucia’s festive christening with representatives from the travel industry, our shipbuilders, the local Rüdesheim community and, of course, our valued guests that have cruised with us this week along the Rhine River,” said Schreiner. “We are proud that AmaLucia has joined 19 other ships in our European fleet to earn a Green Award certification and we are committed to looking for innovative ways to keep moving forward on the path of even greater sustainability as we lead the way in new destinations like Colombia for 2024.”
AmaLucia offers 78 luxurious staterooms, the majority of which boast twin balconies, so guests can enjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air during their journeys. Additional amenities include a Sun Deck walking track, pool with a swim-up bar, fitness room, complimentary fleet of bikes, professionally trained onboard Wellness Host, massage and beauty salon, and of course, exquisite cuisine served in the Main Restaurant and specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, boasting regionally inspired dishes and complimentary hand-selected wines.
Sister ship to award-winning vessels such as AmaSiena, AmaLea and AmaKristina, AmaLucia sails between Amsterdam and Basel on seven-night itineraries on the Rhine River including Enchanting Rhine, Captivating Rhine and Christmas Markets on the Rhine with various pre- and post-cruise two-night land packages. Starting in 2023, AmaLucia will also sail the Dutch and Belgium Waterways on the Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium itineraries.
To get an inside look at AmaLucia’s christening, view the online video on AmaWaterways’ YouTube channel HERE.
For full details, to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit
AmaWaterways.com. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways, Twitter @AmaWaterways, and and YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways.
MEDIA NOTE: Hi-res versions of the images in this release can be found HERE.
About AmaWaterways
Family-owned and operated for almost 20 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 26 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2024).Co-founded and led by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, the company is renowned for its extraordinarily warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; its wellness activities including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options; and its award-winning, locally sourced cuisine with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, a Sun Deck walking track with heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation highlighted with the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna, and the introduction of the history-making Seven River Journey itineraries. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families as well as group and charter options.
With the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the third edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe & the USA, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Award for “Best River Cruise Line” and Departures’ 2020 Legend Award for “Best Luxury Cruising Experiences This Year.” In addition, 20 ships in AmaWaterways’ European fleet have received the prestigious Green Award certification for industry-leading safety, quality and environmental performance.
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