In April, Disney Corporation and AmaWaterways announced their partnership to offer family-oriented river cruises on the Danube in 2016. Today AmaWaterways unveils further details of the two ships that will be deployed for this enterprise. Alan Lam reports.
The 158-passenger sister ships AmaViola and AmaStella, set to make their official debut in 2016, will have innovative features to accommodate a new category of river cruise travellers, according to the company.
The ships will join AmaWaterways’ European fleet as the third and fourth vessels of their class. Both will be equipped with connecting cabins that offer added convenience for groups and families travelling together. Room configurations include:
– 12 staterooms that can accommodate up to three family members each
– Six sets of adjoining cabins that can be connected via an internal doorway, accommodating families of up to five
– Four suites with convertible sofa-beds that can accommodate families of up to four
Recognizing the growing demand for more cabins with twin or French balconies, as well as suites, AmaWaterways is introducing another design change. The fitness room and salon on these ships will be moved to the lower deck, allowing for the addition of balconied staterooms and suites with panoramic views.
Both vessels’ destination-inspired décor will complement the new layout and state-of-the-art amenities, including marble-appointed bathrooms, multi-jet showerheads, plush linens, luxurious salon and massage services, fitness rooms, refreshing sun decks and heated pools with swim-up bars.
Staterooms will also be equipped with AmaWaterways’ signature Entertainment on Demand system, which affords travellers complimentary access to Internet, the latest Hollywood movies, and a music library, etc.
“At AmaWaterways,” said Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of AmaWaterways, “we take great pride in the fact that we build new ships at a careful pace, taking our time to ensure we incorporate the most innovative features possible for our guests. These new ships have been developed in a way that will bring added comfort to groups and families seeking the beauty, history and culture of a European river vacation. They were designed in part with feedback from our new partners at Adventures by Disney, and we are confident that the final result will broaden the appeal of our product to new types of travellers.”
AmaStella’s maiden voyage will set sail 6 April, followed by AmaViola’s on 20 April.
