AmaWaterways Announces New Ships & Itineraries for 2013

AmaWaterways Announces New Ships & Itineraries for 2013
With new itineraries in France, Spain and Portugal, AmaWaterways has expanded to 15 ships and 25 itineraries to provide unforgettable experiences across the globe to its guests.

The AmaPrima will debut on the European sailings in April of 2013. This deluxe 164-passenger vessel joins the AmaCerto 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; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system with 42" flat screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi; and other exciting interior details new to the great rivers of Europe.

As part of AmaVoyages’ new Portugal itineraries, the AmaVida will debut in 2013. This newly built, 108-passenger vessel will cruise Europe’s enticing Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring vineyards and charming native farms. The AmaVida features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 323 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy fine gourmet dining with free-flowing local wines, plus a casual al fresco dining option. The AmaVida also features a sun deck swimming pool; fitness center and spa; complimentary in-stateroom Internet access on a 42” flat-screen and ship-wide Wi-Fi.

AmaVoyages’ Portugal cruises include the 10-night Enticing Douro and the 13-night Port Wine & Flamenco. The tours bring the picturesque cities to life featuring lush vineyards, charming fishing villages and historic landmarks. AmaWaterways’ new 2013 Portugal itineraries and dates are as follows:

ENTICING DOURO –The 10-night itinerary will start with three nights in Lisbon and will cruise along the Douro River Valley aboard the AmaVida. Passengers will visit Lisbon, Porto, Régua, Barc d’Alva, Vega Terrón, Pinhão and Bitetos. The itinerary will include 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 14th century Alpendurada Monastery. North American travelers can book voyages from Mar. 23 - Nov. 2, 2013.

PORT WINE & FLAMENCO – The 13-night itinerary starts in Madrid, Spain. Passengers will travel to the Spanish border of Vega Terrón to embark on the Douro River Valley onboard the AmaVida. Passengers will visit the small town of Pinhão, known as the wine lovers Mecca, then venture to the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes. Passengers will explore the former Roman village of Bitetos and its 11th-century Alpendurade Monastery before visiting the northern capital of Portugal, Porto. The journey ends in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon. North American travelers can book voyages from April 20 – Oct. 12, 2013.

AmaWaterways will also debut two additional itineraries, with a French twist, in March 2013. The 19-night Jewels of France and 9-night Paris & Normandy itineraries feature tours of Europe’s most charming cities. Passengers will visit Paris, arguably the world’s most romantic city, and explore lesser seen but equally as beautiful areas like Pont du Gard, Grignan, and Vernon. AmaWaterways’ new 2013 European itineraries and dates are as follows:

PARIS & NORMANDY – Aboard the AmaLegro, the seven-night Seine River cruise will travel through Europe’s enchanting cities of Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before returning to Paris. Excursions include visits to the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for 43 years and tours of Honfleur, a charming French harbor town made famous from artist’s paintings. Passengers will say “Oui” to a stroll through Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, followed by an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches. Visit the charming town of Les Andelys, home of the impressive Château Gaillard. The trip bodes “au revoir” in the magical city of Paris, where guests will spend two nights. North American travelers can book voyages from March 29 - Nov. 8, 2013.

JEWELS OF FRANCE – The seven-night Rhone River cruise and the seven-night Seine River cruise showcase Europe’s most charming cities. Starting with 3-nights in Barcelona, passengers will explore Spain’s second largest city. In Arles, France passengers 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 embark on a seven-night Seine River cruise aboard the AmaLegro through historic northern France. Passengers will visit charming villages, the French harbors made famous by many artists, the infamous Normandy Beaches and the impressive Château Gaillard before returning to Paris. North America travelers can book voyages from
March 26 – Nov. 5, 2013.

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 passengers wanting to explore the serene paths along the rivers, AmaWaterways offers a fleet of bicycles onboard (capacity controlled).

To book, please contact a local travel agent or visit www.amawaterways.com.

Pictured: Zambezi Queen, Africa