Fresh off their Best River Cruise Line win at Virtuoso, AMA Waterways' co-owners Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst stopped by our offices to give us an update on what’s new for the river cruise line.
AMA is set to welcome several new ships to their fleet in 2014 and 2015. The AmaPura will be next off the bat, with the ship due to make its maiden voyage November 24th. Expect twin balconies and a rooftop sundeck on the 56 passenger all-suite ship, which will set sail on the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar. The ship will also be the new home to AMA’s new Myanmar Itineraries. Programs include the 10-day Golden Treasures of Myanmar cruise (as well as a reverse version option) and a 14-day Hidden Wonders of Myanmar cruise. Guests can take up an optional post-cruise land extension on Yangon & Inle Lake or a pre/post cruise Bangkok extension.
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The AmaDara is set to make its debut with an inaugural sailing on August 17, 2015. The new ship will be added to the line’s Vietnam, Cambodia and Riches to the Mekong program in 2015. Guests will be able to enjoy a selection of luxury suites, suites and staterooms on this 124-passenger ship as they take part in a 16-day river cruise of the Mekong River.
2014 and 2015 will also see some new additions to the line’s European fleet. The 164-passenger AmaSerena and AmaVista, which are anticipated to start Danube, Main and Rhine sailings beginning spring 2015, whilst the AmaSonata and AmaReina made their inaugural journeys earlier this year.
AMA is also set to add on to their range of themed cruises. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the AmaLegro’s Art Illumination Cruise through France’s Normandy region. Cruise-goers can partake in complementary art painting classes led by onboard instructors. The journey concludes with a 2-night stay in Paris with a sightseeing tour and visit to the Musee d’Orsay. The 7-day journey will depart August 13, 2015.
2015 will also see the addition of a new beer-themed cruise. Guests will have two opportunities to sail next year, including March 31, 2015 aboard AmaLyra and December 14, 2015 aboard AmaPrima. Beer buffs will be able to partake in brewery excursions with guided tours and tastings. A beer pairing dinner will also be available on both ships, presented by beer expert and writer Don Russell, also known as ‘Joe Sixpack’. The wine-themed additions will continue in 2016 with the addition of a Bordeaux Wine region route.