AmaWaterways introduces two new ships and four new itineraries

Award winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways is introducing four new itineraries in France and Portugal for 2013, cruising the Seine for the first time and returning to the Douro after an absence of nearly two years. The line offers a total of 25 cruise itineraries across Europe, Africa, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and is increasing its fleet to fifteen luxury river cruisers with the debut of the brand new AmaPrima in April 2013 on the Danube and the Rhine and the AmaVida which debuts on the Douro in March 2013.

The new 164-guest, luxury river cruiser AmaPrima is a sister ship to the innovative new ship AmaCerto (which debuted in April 2012) and incorporates the most advanced river cruise ship design with spacious staterooms, most featuring exclusive twin balconies, a heated swimming pool, multiple fine dining venues, a complimentary Internet and Infotainment system with 42” flat screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and free use of on board bicycles. (Pictured, the twin balconied staterooms of the AmaCerto)

The new 108-guest luxury AmaVida will cruise Europe’s Douro River Valley and features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 323 sq. feet. Guests will enjoy fine gourmet dining with free-flowing local wines, in addition to a casual al fresco dining option. The AmaVida also features a sun deck swimming pool; fitness centre and spa; complimentary in-stateroom Internet access on a 42” flat-screen and ship-wide Wi-Fi.

“The overall quality of river cruising is changing,” said AmaWaterways Founder Rudi Schreiner. “AmaWaterways continues to lead the industry by adding two new ships that feature spacious cabins, gourmet fine dining and unforgettable tour excursions that immerse travellers in the local culture and history.”

New cruises in PortugalThe new AmaVida will cruise two new itineraries on the Douro in 2013, from March through to November:

`The Enticing Douro’: AmaWaterways returns to Portugal with the most luxurious and innovative river cruiser on the Douro River Valley, the new AmaVida, cruising from March to November 2013. The cruise is offered as 7 nights, cruise only, or as a 10 night land-cruise holiday. Guests taking the 10 night `Enticing Douro’ land & cruise itinerary will spend three nights discovering Lisbon with 5* hotel accommodation (b&b), and cruise to Porto, Régua, Barc d’Alva, Vega Terrón, Pinhão and Bitetos. The itinerary will include complimentary excursions to the countryside of the Trás-os-Montes Region; Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a Castelo Rodrigo tour; Palacio de Mateus palace tours and the 14^th century Alpendurada Monastery.

The week long cruise costs from £1466 per person, including all meals, free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, complimentary wi-fi and the ten night land-cruise stay from £1945pp.

`Port Wine & Flamenco’ – This 7 night luxury cruise on board the new AmaVida meanders along the Douro between the Spanish border town of Vega Terrón and the northern capital of Portugal, Porto and operates from April to October 2013. Guests will visit the small town of Pinhão, known as the wine lovers Mecca, then venture to the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes; the former Roman village of Bitetos and its 11th-century Alpendurade Monastery and the northern capital of Portugal, Porto.

The week long cruise costs from £1831 per person, including all meals, free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, complimentary wi-fi.

New cruises on the Seine

AmaWaterways will introduce Seine cruises for the first time in 2013, commencing in March 2013, with two new itineraries, a 7 night cruise of the Seine, and a combined 14 night cruise of the Seine and th e Rhone, as follows:

`Paris & Normandy’ AmaWaterways’ new seven-night Seine River cruise aboard the AmaLegro visits the enchanting riverside towns and cities of Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before arriving in France’s capital, Paris. Excursions include the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for 43 years; tours of the artists’ haven of Honfleur; a stroll through Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy and an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches.

The week long cruise costs from £1654 per person, including all meals, free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, complimentary wi-fi and free use of on board bicycles.

`Jewels of France’ – This new cruise combines two itineraries, AmaWaterways’ seven-night Rhone River cruise and the seven-night Seine River cruise, showcasing some of France’s most charming cities. Embarking in Arles, guests will board the AmaDagio to cruise the through France’s legendary wine regions. Excursions include wine tastings; exploring Roman ruins at Pont du Gard & Uzes and visits to the Renaissance palace in Grignan. Disembarking in Lyon, France, passengers will travel to Paris aboard the high-speed TGV train to join a seven-night Seine River cruise aboard the AmaLegro through historic northern France. Passengers will visit charming villages, harbours, the Normandy Beaches and the impressive Château Gaillard before returning to Paris.

The two week long cruise costs from £3370 per person, including all meals, free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, complimentary wi-fi and free use of on board bicycles.

The AmaLegro and AmaDagio feature luxurious cruise accommodations with spacious staterooms, most with French balconies. Other amenities include a massage and beauty salon; complimentary Internet and Infotainment System with music library and Hollywood movies.

Special highlights include lectures, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances. For guests wishing to explore the serene paths along the rivers, AmaWaterways offers a fleet of bicycles onboard.

For more information about AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruises contact AmaWaterways on freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk