Award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways celebrated the christening of its newest ship, AmaLucia, with a celebratory ceremony in Rüdesheim, Germany on Sunday, 31 July. 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.”

Kristin Karst, Vice President – AmaWaterways

Inside AmaLucia’s impressive interiors

Rooms with a view

With just 156 passengers on board AmaLucia, guests can enjoy the luxury of personal space in larger staterooms. These range from 155-350 sq ft, allowing them to provide more amenities. AmaLucia offers 78 staterooms, most of which boast the cruise line’s signature twin balconies. They consist of a French balcony as well as a full outside balcony which guests can step onto. Together, these balconies provide a unique panoramic view of the many beautiful sights along the river.

On the inside, AmaLucia’s staterooms are warm, light, and spacious. Their designs are also flexible in nature, with the ship containing multiple connecting cabins that allow passengers to adjoin rooms. Some staterooms also provide triple occupancy to accommodate the needs of families. These larger twin balcony cabins feature sofa style armless chairs that fold out into an extra bed for children.

AmaWaterways made history as the first river cruise line to offer its signature view-enhancing “twin balconies” which can be enjoyed on board AmaLucia

For added luxury, The Suite Staterooms offer the most opulent accommodation on board. These staterooms feature an expansive ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower, a spacious living area and workspace, as well as a double bed fitted with luxurious linen bedsheets.

Enriching activities

At the top of the ship, guests can soak in the rays on the Sun Deck’s comfortable loungers, explore the ship’s walking track, or take a dip in AmaLucia’s heated pool. This also features a swim-up bar, an AmaWaterways staple. At the bow of the ship, AmaLucia boasts a mix of comfortable yet fit-for-purpose loungers, chairs and tables. Other amenities on top of the vessel include a giant chess board and a dedicated area for fitness classes.

At the centre of AmaLucia’s top deck is a heated pool with a swim-up bar

Throughout the ship, passengers can also work out in the fitness room or unwind at the massage and beauty salon. Here, guests can enjoy some much deserved pampering whilst admiring the salon’s light and airy nature-inspired interior featuring a standout butterfly printed wall.

A taste of local culture

On board AmaLucia, passengers will be able to enjoy award-winning menus across its various restaurants. These feature a blend of regionally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional, Western favourites. Among AmaLucia’s restaurants is The Chef’s Table, an intimate speciality restaurant. The restaurant boasts a light and open interior design, where simple glass panels separate the kitchen from the dining room. This allows guests to watch the chef prepare a lavish multi-course tasting menu from the comfort of their seats. This immersive culinary experience gives guests a unique opportunity to learn more about regional food and its preparation. Each dinner at The Chef’s Table is served with complimentary hand-selected local reds and whites from Europe’s renowned wine regions.

Passengers can watch their food being prepared at The Chef’s Table restaurant

A long-anticipated celebration

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. They 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 originated 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.

AmaLucia’s christening celebrations were concluded with a Sun Deck party

Following the christening celebration and dinner, attendees enjoyed a Sun Deck party with live music performed by David Onka, AmaWaterways’ Corporate Musician. Onka performed his original song, “Ama Means Love (Family)”, during the afternoon ceremony.

“Partnerships are very important to the success of AmaWaterways and we are honoured 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.”

Rudi Schreiner, President – AmaWaterways

About AmaWaterways

Family-owned and operated for almost 20 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences. Their 26 custom-designed ships sail 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. 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; wellness activities; and its award-winning, locally sourced cuisine with complimentary fine wine.


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