AmaWaterways has unveiled the godmother for the upcoming AmaDouro, as Advantage Travel Partnership CEO, Julia Lo Bue-Said – the cruise line’s first-ever British godmother.

Bue-Said will bless the ship at a special ceremony on 12 April in Porto, ahead of the ship’s maiden voyage.

Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and Co-owner of AmaWaterways, said:

“We are so pleased that Julia has accepted our invitation to be Godmother to AmaDouro. A huge part of our success is due to our very important trade partners, and Advantage has been incredibly supportive of us as we continue to grow our brand in the UK. For that reason and others, Julia is a welcome addition to our family of Godmothers.”

Kristin Karst – Executive VP and Co-owners of AmaWaterways

It seems that the announcement is well-deserved as Bue-Said is a seasoned industry veteran, having worked for Advantage for more than 20 years. In 2012, she was also inducted into the Woman’s 1st Top 100 Club for Travel and Hospitality. Bue-Said commented:

“I am very excited to take on this role and truly humbled to be AmaWaterways’ first UK Godmother. This honor comes during a milestone year as Advantage celebrates our 40th anniversary. AmaWaterways commitment to the UK trade is testament of the opportunities developing partnerships create, and we fully support their commitment to drive more business through our members.”

Julia Lo Bue-Said – CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership

Naming their first-ever British godmother also comes just two years after AmaWaterways opened their UK office, which has already grown the cruise line’s brand awareness and leadership within the market.

Stuart Perl, Managing Director of AmaWaterways UK, advised that the opening of the UK office has assisted in a 30% increase in revenue from last year, and nearly 40% increase in forward bookings year-to-year. He added that ‘these achievements would not be possible without the incredible support we have received from our travel industry partners, and we are proud to have Julia as our first UK Godmother.’

AmaDouro will boast 51 staterooms which can accommodate up to 102 passengers. Most of the staterooms will have outside balconies, enabling guests to enjoy beautiful views along the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley and vineyards.

Additional features on the much-anticipated ship include a Panoramic Lounge for evening entertainment, a heated Sun Deck pool, massage room, and the cruise line’s renowned cuisine at the Main Restaurant.

AmaDouro will be based in Porto and offer seven-night round-trip cruises alongside sister-ship, AmaVida. She is the first of three ships to join the AmaWaterways’ fleet in 2019, with AmaMora and AmaMagna also joining later this year.

Would you like to know more about AmaWaterways? Or do you fancy a sailing aboard AmaDouro? Take a look at our latest AmaWaterways sailings by clicking the button below. For more information, or a chance to make a booking, call our Cruise Concierge team on 0800 197 0854 for expert advice on AmaWaterways and river cruising.

Have you sailed along the Douro River before? Would you like to sail aboard this brand new ship? Let us know in the comments below!