AmaLea-Christening
AmaLea Christening 2018
Fanfare that included local music, food and spirits surrounded AmaLea’s joyful christening event.

Event Highlights

The AmaLea was christened in Vilshofen, Germany, known as the “Little Town of Three Rivers,” and visited frequently by AmaWaterways as an embarkation/disembarkation port on our Danube River itineraries. AmaWaterways’ close relationship with the town council and port authorities drew much fanfare to the event, as many townspeople consider river cruising a part of their modern heritage.

The afternoon began with costumed locals parading a traditional Bavarian maypole through the street in a grand procession accompanied by a lively brass band. A tradition typically reserved for May 1st and extremely rare for a ship’s christening, the maypole—adorned with AmaLea flags—was then raised amid much celebration.

There followed performances of German music by dirndl- and lederhosen-clad entertainers, as well as the serving of authentic regional delicacies (including local beer) and demonstrations by a skilled wood craftsman.

The official christening ceremony included speeches by Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams, Captain Jan de Bruijn, and AmaWaterways Co-owners Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, as well as a blessing from a local priest. AmaLea’s Godmother, Filomena Andre, concluded the ceremony by officially naming the ship and breaking a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.

Filomena Andre

VP Travel Products & Services, AAA Southern California

Godmother, AmaLea

A highly respected travel industry leader who currently oversees travel product management for the Auto Club organization, the largest AAA affiliate in the country, Filomena Andre is recognized as a strong advocate for retail travel. With her impressive credentials and lifelong passion for travel, she was a fitting choice to serve as the godmother of AmaLea.

“I am honored to serve as Godmother of this breathtaking ship,” said Ms. Andre. “I have long admired Rudi, Kristin, the Murphy family and the rest of the AmaWaterways team for their commitment to delivering excellence in so many aspects of the business. AmaLea is evidence of their dedication to providing guests with an exceptional river cruise experience, and I will forever have fond memories of this very special moment, helping to officially welcome her to the company’s incredible European fleet.”

A ship’s christening is a longstanding tradition within the cruise industry originating more than 4,000 years ago. The momentous ceremony features the blessing of the ship by an appointed Godmother and concludes with a more recent tradition of breaking a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull to wish her good luck in the journeys ahead.

We are delighted that Ms. Andre accepted this great honor. It was a proud moment for our river cruise line and Ms. Andre, like all of our esteemed Godmothers, will forever have a home among the AmaWaterways family.

AmaLea
AmaLea

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