AmaWaterways Serves Up a New Gourmet Cruise with Celebrity Chef Bob Blumer

CHATSWORTH, Calif., March 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning river cruise line, AmaWaterways is proud to announce Celebrity Chef Bob Blumer will host its Gourmet Cruise Oct. 22-29, 2013. The seven-night cruise will travel through Portugal and Spain along the Douro River and will feature onboard cooking demonstrations, excursions to historic towns, private wine tastings and regionally inspired cuisine.

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As a cookbook author and host of the Food Network's The Surreal Gourmet and Glutton for Punishment, Chef Blumer is one of today's most imaginative food personalities. Onboard the AmaVida, Chef Blumer will share his infectiously enthusiastic approach to cooking through complimentary cooking demonstrations for interested guests.

"Our guests are very passionate about good food and wine, and having Chef Blumer host our first Gourmet Cruise will be such a treat for them," said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' executive vice president and co-owner. "People have such limited free time these days, they are using their vacation time to pursue their hobbies. For travelers who love good food and wine, there's no better way to spend a vacation than on a Gourmet Cruise."

As the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world's most prestigious culinary organizations, AmaWaterways continues to lead the industry in innovative food and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore. The Gourmet Cruise promises to be an attractive travel option for culinary adventurers.

AmaWaterways' seven-night Enticing Douro cruise and land itinerary starts in Lisbon, Portugal, aboard the company's newest ship, the AmaVida. Guests will enjoy a port wine tasting at Quinto de Sexio; excursions to the Tras-os-Montes region; Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain; tours of Castelo Rodrigo and Palacio de Mateus, and a private dinner at the 14^th century Alpendurada Monastery.

The AmaVida will embark upon its maiden voyage on March 26, 2013 in Porto, Portugal. The 106-passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced river cruise ship design, including balconies in most of its spacious staterooms and suites, which measure up to 323 sq. feet. Guests will enjoy fine dining with complimentary free-flowing local wine and beer at dinner, a sun deck swimming pool, fitness center and spa, and complimentary in-room Internet and Wi-Fi access. 

For more information on AmaWaterways, please visit www.amawaterways.com. To book a cruise, please contact a travel professional or visit www.amawaterways.com. You may also Like Us on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter.

About AmaWaterways

Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneers Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe's Danube, Douro, Main, Mosel, Seine, Rhine and Rhone rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and impeccable service, family-owned and -operated AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With itineraries in Europe, Russia, Africa, and S.E. Asia, AmaWaterways offers an enticing variety of authentic, in-depth experiences for the most discriminating travelers.

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.

AmaWaterways' separate and distinct AmaVoyages division operates the AmaVida (2013) in Portugal, the AmaLotus (2011) and La Marguerite (2009) in Vietnam and Cambodia, the AmaKatarina (2011) in Russia, and the Zambezi Queen (2009) in Africa.

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SOURCE AmaWaterways