When AmaWaterways has a christening, it’s a family affair with traditions that go back centuries. The whole town of Vilshofen, Germany seemed to have gathered on the banks of the Danube as AmaWaterways’ newest ship AmaLea eased into the dock.
It was the start of a day and night of celebrations to name a ship that’s the state of the art in European river cruising.
A parade band in dress uniforms lined the gangway to welcome guests from the ship and dignitaries from the shore. A traditional oom pah pah band took over as a team of townspeople dressed in traditional lederhosen and vests raised a towering Bavarian Maypole adorned with flags honoring the ship.
The festive event concluded a week-long celebration, during which guests onboard were joined by AmaWaterways’ President and co-owner Rudi Schreiner, Executive Vice-President and co-owner Kristin Karst and AmaLea Godmother Filomena Andre of AAA Travel.
Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams brought out the town’s historic “golden book” for the godmother and AmaWaterways’ two co-owners to sign. Then came the tradition that goes back 4,000 years—the godmother assisted by Captain Jan de Bruin broke a bottle of champagne on the hull to bless the ship and all who will sail aboard her.
And then it was time to toast and drink in earnest. Celebrations on the ship and on shore continued into the evening with a gala dinner that culminated with a dazzling surprise fireworks display.
The gala marked the eleventh AmaWaterways ship christened in Vilshofen in nine years and it won’t be the last. A new dock is being built in town for a very special ceremony in May, 2019 that will christen the unique AmaMagna, a ship that’s twice as wide as the standard river vessels that ply the Danube today.
Sister ship to the AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaKristina; AmaLea will sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and fall before concluding her first season with four Christmas Market Cruises.
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