River cruising pioneer AmaWaterways recently christened its newest vessel AmaPrima in spectacular fashion, with godmother duties performed by travel expert Valerie Wilson, founder and Chief Executive Officer of New York-based Valerie Wilson travel Inc.
Held in Vilshofen, Germany on the banks of the Danube, the festivity-packed day featured a host of local performers, including dancers, singers, musicians and even stilt-walkers. The vessel cruised into port to the strains of the Triumphal March from Verdi’s Aida with gun salutes were delivered from the ship’s top deck before Wilson christened the vessel in classic style, breaking a bottle of champagne on the hull of the ship. To mark the moment, doves were released into the sky and members of Vilshofen’s fire department sprayed a plume of water over the Danube.
In attendance on the day, AMA Waterways’ Executive Vice President Kristin Karst said of the occasion: “Almost everyone in Vilshofen played some kind of role in the AmaPrima’s christening ceremony … we couldn’t have asked for a more supportive or festive atmosphere, or for a warmer welcome for our godmother, Valerie Wilson. It’s been a simply wonderful day for all involved.”
Other key guests who celebrated the occasion included AmaWaterways’ Manager of European Operations Wade Korzan, who greeted onlookers and guests in his role as Master of Ceremonies and the line’s co-owner and President Rudi Schreiner and Mayor of Vilshofen Georg Krenn, who both delivered speeches. Memorable performances during the day included a traditional Oom-pah music from a local band, a performance by soprano Heidlinde Schmid and traditional folkloric dances performed by children from a local club.
The AmaPrima is the sister vessel to the AmaCerto, one of AMA’s ships that made her debut last year and boasts such innovative features as twin balconies, 350 square foot staterooms and a heated pool with swim-up bar. The AmaPrima will operate itineraries on the Dutch and Belgian Waterways, The Rhine and the Danube on a total of 10 different itineraries.
By Simon Brotherton
Google
