CHATSWORTH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways proudly announces that Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) President Christine Duffy is to be the godmother of its newest ship, the AmaCerto. Duffy is entrusted to guide the AmaCerto and will bless it at the christening ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany on May 16, 2012.
“We knew the AmaCerto needed a godmother befitting to the modern elegance of the beautiful ship,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “Christine Duffy’s long history in the industry and her love for cruising makes her the perfect fit. We are so pleased to know our beloved AmaCerto is under great guidance.”
Prior to joining CLIA, Duffy was the President and CEO of Maritz Travel, one of the largest meeting, event and incentive travel management companies in the world. She has been recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the “25 Most Influential Business Women,” Corporate Meetings and Incentives chose her as a “Top Women Leaders in the Meeting Industry” and Meeting News Magazine named her as one of the “25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry” four times.
"I am honored to serve as the godmother to the AmaCerto,” said Duffy. “Over the last five years, we have seen 10 percent annual passenger growth in this segment of the industry, as river cruises are among the most innovative and popular ways to discover a destination.”
The christening tradition dates back to over 4,000 years ago. A well-known figure is selected as the godmother and is entrusted with the guidance of the ship to all destinations by blessing the ship at the christening ceremony. The blessing is for the safety of its passengers and crew and is traditionally celebrated with champagne broken against the ship’s hull.
AmaWaterways’ new AmaCerto is a deluxe 164-passenger vessel that incorporates the most advanced river cruise ship design including Twin Balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 350 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing local wine at the multiple fine dining venues available onboard. The AmaCerto also features a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system in all staterooms plus Wi-Fi. For passengers wanting to explore the serene paths along the rivers, the AmaCerto offers a fleet of bicycles onboard (capacity controlled).
The AmaCerto will serve the Dutch and Belgium Waterways and the Danube and Rhine Rivers on nine itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Magnificent Europe; Christmas Time Cruise; Legendary Danube Jewish Heritage; and Christmas on the Rhine.
For more information on AmaWaterways, please visit www.amawaterways.com. To book, please contact a local travel agent or visit www.amawaterways.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About AmaWaterways
Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal the line’s award-winning fleets compliment a variety of travel plans.
The Europe fleet includes the AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). In the spring of 2012, AmaWaterways will introduce the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements.
In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct AmaVoyages to Vietnam and Cambodia via the AmaLotus (2011) and the La Marguerite (2009); Russia via the AmaKatarina (2011); Portugal via the AmaVida (2013); and Africa via the Zambezi Queen (2009).
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research, and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information about CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages.
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