AmaWaterways Launches a Knitting New Year's Cruise for 2014

Innovative river cruise line showcases latest do-it-yourself trend for hands-on fashionistas

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Jun 18, 2013, 02:40 ET

CALABASAS, Calif., June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways will ring in 2015 with a new theme cruise, one that embraces what is fast becoming a hip and trendy hobby – a Knitting New Year's Cruise on the Danube River from Dec. 27, 2014 – Jan. 2, 2015.

The age-old handicraft of knitting is experiencing a renaissance of cool as a younger generation rediscovers its social and creative appeal. In today's increasingly digital world, more and more people are embracing the do-it-yourself, handmade trend.

"Given the fast learning curve, cross-gender appeal, the social aspect and the impact of the Internet, it's little wonder that knitting is such a growing trend," said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. "Knitting appeals to a younger generation these days, and we thought it would be a fun and creative outlet for our guests. This cruise will bring together a community of knitters and give them opportunities to learn new techniques, find inspiration for new projects, and show off their personal style and creativity."

AmaWaterways' inaugural Knitting New Year's Cruise will feature the latest in luxury yarns, forums on fashion trends and classes on new stitch patterns and techniques. It will be hosted by acclaimed textile expert Barry Klein, owner of Trendsetter Yarns in Los Angeles. Recognized as one of the top 10 most influential men in the world of knitting (a distinction he shares with Charles Dickens and Edward VIII, England's stylish Duke of Windsor), Klein is the past president of the National Needlework Association and has designed patterns for Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits and Knitters Magazine, among many others. A prolific author, his books include The Ultimate Knitted Tee, Knitting with Novelty Yarns and The Knitters Template, all co-authored with Laura Militzer Bryant.

AmaWaterways' Knitting New Year's cruise and land itinerary starts in Vilshofen, Germany aboard the AmaBella. Guests will enjoy scenic cruising and guided tours of Vilshofen, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, as well as an in-depth tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. There will also be a festive onboard New Year's Eve celebration, with music, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight.

The AmaBella is a 161-passenger vessel and features the most advanced ship design in the river cruise industry with luxurious cruise accommodations. Amenities include spacious staterooms and suites (most with French or Twin Balconies), multiple dining venues, a salon and spa, swimming pool and fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet, Infotainment (with Hollywood movies, satellite TV and music channels) and Wi-Fi. Special highlights include lectures, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances.

"Younger knitters may be using the same techniques and equipment as previous generations, but their use of Facebook and Twitter to form online communities and share patterns is a distinctly modern twist," added Karst. "Think of this cruise as an onboard knitting meetup for people of all levels, from beginners to advanced. It will definitely be a unique and fashion-forward way to ring in 2015."

About AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways' European fleet includes the AmaReina (2014); AmaSonata (2014); AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The line's newest ships feature Twin Balcony Staterooms, multiple dining venues, complimentary in-room Internet and Infotainment, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool, plus many more unique design elements. The company's AmaVoyages division has a fleet of five ships that includes the AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal; the AmaLotus (2011) and La Marguerite (2009) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; the AmaKatarina (rebuilt 2011) on the Volga in Russia; and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.