Award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways celebrated the christening of its newest ship, AmaSiena, with a joyous ceremony in Lahnstein, Germany, on Sunday, August 29. AmaWaterways co-founders President Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst joined godmother Debbie Fiorino, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Own Brands at World Travel Holdings, for a day of festivities officially marking the company's latest addition to its fleet of 26 industry-leading river cruise ships.
“The christening ceremony of AmaSiena celebrates our long-awaited return to the rivers, and it is particularly meaningful that esteemed travel industry leader Debbie Fiorino is serving as its proud godmother,” said Karst. “We continue to draw inspiration from the resilience, passion, and commitment of the travel agent community and are very proud to share this christening with the travel agents and guests who joined us for this special event, as well as with our dedicated crew members who create cherished holiday memories for our guests.”.
Following a long-standing tradition associated with ship christenings that dates back thousands of years, Captain Ronald Schuegard assisted godmother Fiorino in breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull of the AmaSiena, symbolizing good luck on future voyages. Against the spectacular backdrop of the beautiful town of Lahnstein, guests, media, and travel partners enjoyed the ceremony, which continued into the afternoon with a celebratory toast and luncheon.
“Being part of the travel industry has allowed me to discover much of the world, and AmaWaterways has taken me to many of these incredible places, traveling along iconic rivers, visiting spectacular cities, and discovering amazing towns like Lahnstein, where we celebrated AmaSiena’s christening,” said Fiorino. “It is an honor for me to act as her godmother as we celebrate a safe return to the rivers and the promise of a bright future.”.
As a sister ship to AmaLucia, AmaMora, AmaLea, and AmaKristina, AmaSiena features 78 spacious staterooms, most of which boast AmaWaterways' signature Twin Balconies, offering panoramic views from both a French balcony and an exterior balcony. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining onboard in the main restaurant and chef's table, as well as in a new outdoor area in the main lounge, perfect for casual dining with a bistro-style menu. Selected regional wines and beers are served with every meal, and guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily.
Wellness enthusiasts are invited to join the ship's dedicated wellness host for guided group fitness classes and hiking and cycling excursions, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy massages and hairdressing services. In addition, AmaSiena features a welcoming main lounge with ample seating areas and a heated pool and swim-up bar—perfect for taking in the stunning views along the river while soaking up the sun.
AmaSiena will sail a variety of seven-night Rhine River itineraries, including the Enchanting Rhine, the Captivating Rhine, and the festive Christmas markets on the Rhine. From 2022, it will also sail the Dutch and Belgian canals on the Best of Holland & Belgium itinerary.
