Actress Sharon Stone Christens AmaWaterways AmaVida

Ship builder/owner DouroAzul hosted a star-studded christening ceremony in Portugal's capital city on Friday, March 22 that spotlighted the AmaVida's glamorous celebrity godmother, Actress and Philanthropist Sharon Stone. Guests of the christening ceremony were also treated to a special performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Michael Bolton.

“A beautiful ship deserves a beautiful godmother. We are so thrilled to have the lovely and gracious Sharon Stone here to bless the AmaVida on this very special day,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “The AmaVida is the most innovative and eco-friendly ship on the Douro River. We are extremely excited to be here with our partner DouroAzul to celebrate its christening.”

The black-tie festivities were sponsored by DouroAzul to mark the company's 20th anniversary. Local dignitaries and VIPs mingled and danced as singer Michael Bolton performed some of his classic hits. The evening also featured remarks from Sharon Stone, DouroAzul CEO Mario Ferreira and the Bishop of Porto.
The tradition of christening a ship originated more than 4,000 years ago. A respected and well-known woman is carefully selected to serve as the new ship's godmother, entrusted with blessing the vessel at a special christening ceremony. The blessing for the safety of the ship's passengers and crew typically concludes with the time-honored ritual of breaking a Champagne bottle against the ship's hull.

The new 106-passenger AmaVida incorporates many innovative design features, with spacious staterooms and suites that measure up to 323 sq. feet. Guests will enjoy free-flowing fine wine and beer with every dinner and a choice of dining venues. The AmaVida also features a Sun Deck, heated pool, massage and beauty salon, fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet access and Video On-Demand. AmaWaterways has a partnership agreement with DouroAzul to lease the ship on a long-term basis.

The AmaVida will cruise exclusively in Portugal's pristine Douro River Valley, designated one of the world's top sustainable destinations by the National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations. In an effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible, the AmaVida's technically advanced design features photovoltaic solar panels on the Sun Deck to generate energy for the ship's operating systems.

The AmaVida will serve four itineraries in 2013 and 2014: Port Wine & Flamenco; Enticing Douro; Impressions of France & Portugal; and Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas.
For more information on AmaWaterways, please visit www.amawaterways.com. To book a cruise, please contact a travel professional or visit www.amawaterways.com.