AmaWaterways Unveils "What's New" for 2013-2014

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Family-owned and operated river cruise line AmaWaterways today announced a robust list of new developments for its 2013 and 2014 seasons, including new pricing, itineraries, discounts, ships, amenities, land programs, theme cruises and marketing tools.

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New 2014 Pricing, Itineraries & Discounts: Prices and itineraries for 2014 cruises are now available online. Travel agents may also visit the AmaWaterways website to order copies of the 2014 Preview Brochure. Any 2014 river cruise booked by Sept. 30, 2013 is granted a five percent Early Booking Discount off the full cruise price. Full payment is not required. Guests who do pay in full at the time of booking receive an additional five percent Early Payment Discount.

New Ships: AmaWaterways will debut two new ships in Amsterdam and Portugal in 2013. The 164-passenger AmaPrima (sister ship to the AmaCerto) will make its maiden voyage on April 3, 2013 in Amsterdam, with a special christening celebration Aug. 6, 2013. The 106-passenger AmaVida will make its debut on March 26, 2013 in Porto, Portugal. The AmaPrima will service 10 itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise, Melodies of the Danube, The Romantic Danube, Blue Danube Discovery, The Legendary Danube, Magnificent Europe, Grand Danube Cruise, Black Sea Voyage, Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube, and Christmas Time Cruise. The AmaVida will service four itineraries on the Douro River: Port Wine & Flamenco, Enticing Douro, Impressions of France & Portugal and Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas.

The AmaSonata and AmaReina (sister ships to the AmaCerto) will debut in Europe in 2014. These deluxe 164-passenger ships will feature Twin Balcony Staterooms and Suites, Chaine des Rotisseurs culinary creations, complimentary fine wine and beer at lunch and dinner, multiple dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness center, free in-room Internet and Infotainment, and a fleet of bicycles for guests to borrow and enjoy. The AmaSonata will travel the Danube and Rhine Rivers on seven itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise, Melodies of the Danube, The Romantic Danube, Blue Danube Discovery, The Legendary Danube, Magnificent Europe and Christmas Time Cruise. The AmaReina will serve The Enchanting Rhine seven-night itinerary.

New Amenities: Starting in 2013, AmaWaterways offers complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and lunch on its European fleet (except for the AmaVida and AmaKatarina).

New Land Programs: Starting in 2014, AmaWaterways will offer a second optional land extension on its "Provence & Spain" itinerary – two nights in Marseille, France.

New Theme Cruises: AmaWaterways has expanded its theme cruise options for both 2013 & 2014.

• "In Celebration of Wine" Cruises: (21 departures in 2013)
• Harvest Wine Cruises on Portugal's Douro River (two departures in October 2013)
• Jewish Heritage Cruises on the Danube River (four departures in 2013)
• Tulips & Jazz Cruise aboard the AmaCerto on April 22, 2013 is produced by Jazzdagen Tours and features two complimentary onboard jazz performances every evening.
• Gourmet Cruise with celebrity chef Bob Blumer, who will bring his passion for food and cooking demonstrations to guests aboard the AmaVida in Portugal on October 22, 2013.
• Chocolate Connoisseurs Cruise (2014) on April 28, 2014 is a chocolate-themed "Romantic Danube" itinerary onboard the AmaCerto, featuring expert host Norman Love of Norman Love Confections, maker of artisanal, handcrafted gourmet chocolates.

New Marketing Tools: Travel professionals can access AmaWaterways' new Travel Agent Portal via the company website at www.amawaterways.com/agent.The portal allows travel agents to download brochures, apply for FAM opportunities, enroll in special sweepstakes, and access updated information on promotions, discounts, webinars and other resources. The portal also has a link to AmaWaterways' River Cruise Specialist Program, a free online course that provides a practical and comprehensive overview of the company.

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 AmaSonata (2014); AmaReina (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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mandev Khalsa / Nick Valente
310-395-5050
[email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE AmaWaterways