AmaWaterways celebrated the official christening of its new ship , AmaSofia , at the ASTA River Cruise Expo 2026 , held in Amsterdam and which brought together 1,600 travel agents .
The ship 's godmother was Sarah Little , senior vice president of business development at the American Society of Travel Advisors ( ASTA) , who presided over the christening ceremony held at the dock in the Dutch capital .
During the event , AmaWaterways CEO Catherine Powell highlighted the importance of this launch for the company and emphasized that the AmaSofia is the first ship to be christened and launched under the brand 's new visual identity .
“ This is a very special day for a very special ship . Looking ahead , AmaSofia will be our first ship christened and launched with our beautiful new brand image , featuring colors that represent the warmth , elegance , and close hospitality that define AmaWaterways , ” said Powell .
For her part, Kristin Karst , Chief Brand Ambassador and co-owner of AmaWaterways, recalled the company 's historical link with Amsterdam, where 20 years ago , in 2006, the shipping company 's first ship , the AmaDagio , was christened .
“ This is a truly emotional moment . Twenty years ago , we christened our first ship here in Amsterdam . Today, it ’s a pleasure to have Sarah Little , representing travel agents , with us . We would n’t be here without them. Together we are stronger , and that ’s precisely what ASTA does: not only train , but unite us all,” Karst noted .
In her speech , Sarah Little thanked the AmaWaterways team , as well as her mentors , her team and her family , before closing with a message focused on the curiosity and spirit of discovery that inspires both the industry and the new ship .
“ Tonight , as we celebrate AmaSofia , I am reminded that rivers are powerful not because they rush, but because they keep flowing, curious to discover what lies beyond the next bend. I hope we all keep moving forward, keep our curiosity alive , and that AmaSofia carries that spirit of discovery for many years to come ,” Little said
The AmaSofia features 76 cabins and can accommodate 152 passengers . The ship will operate seven - night European river cruises on the Danube , becoming AmaWaterways ' tenth vessel on this river . Its itineraries include " Melodies of the Danube " and " Romantic Danube . "
Following the christening ceremony , the AmaSofia began its inaugural voyage on Sunday.
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