Introducing MS AmaCerto

As a continuation of its investment in custom-designed, state-of-the-art, luxury river cruisers, award-winning AmaWaterways has announced the newest addition to its fleet: MS AmaCerto. The twin-hulled ship will debut in Europe in April, 2012, with exciting features that are not only new to Ama's fleet, but to river cruising generally.

This deluxe, 164-passenger ves­sel incorporates the most advanced design, offering spa­cious staterooms featuring two balconies; a heated swimming pool; and multiple fine dining venues.

Most staterooms will have an innovative ‘twin balcony’ - Ama's hallmark of French balconies, as well as a step-out balcony where guests can sit and watch the river scenery drift slowly by. The most deluxe category, the 350sq ft Suite, features a separate sitting area, large bathroom with separate bathtub, as well as two balconies.

Every stateroom aboard AmaCerto will also feature Ama's exclusive Infotainment system, which includes complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel.

Public areas include a spacious Main Lounge and Observation Lounge at the forward section of the vessel, as well as an elevator, 24-hour speciality coffee and tea, lounge, fitness centre and sauna, and a massage, hair and beauty salon. Like the other custom-built ‘Ama’ ships, the new vessel will carry a fleet of bicycles for guests to use in port.

One of the most innovative features is the amount of deck space. There are teak loungers on the Sun Deck, as well as a giant chess board, heated pool, whirlpools and a walking track. But this ship also has a Lower Sun Deck and a teak Front Deck, each offering a different vantage point for enjoying the glorious scenery along the Rhine and Danube.

AmaCerto will also offer more dining options than any other ship in Europe. As well as the main dining room, guests can try the Erlebnis Chef’s Table Restaurant, where a private chef will prepare a special tasting menu. Light lunches will be served in the lounge as an alternative to the dining room, while the Wine Room, another unique feature, will seat up to 12 guests for a private dinner. On fine days, lunch will be served on the Sun Deck.

AmaCerto will sail on the Mosel, Rhine, Main and Danube in 2012. A seven-night cruise on 1April 12 costs from £1,591, including full board, all excursions, internet access, wine with dinner, evening entertainment, use of the ship’s fleet of bicycles in port and port charges. Flights are extra.

For more info, visit www.amawaterways.co.uk or the cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

eWaterways Rhine Cruise ‘Taster’

eWaterways, the niche river cruise experts, have launched a 3-day ‘taster’ cruise along the magical Rhine with five-star river yacht Royal Crown. Ideal for those new to cruising or short on free time, the cruise comprises a round trip from historic Cologne to Koblenz for a concentrated mix of German culture, sightseeing and leisure along one of the world’s most beautiful rivers.

It is the first taster cruise to be offered on Royal Crown and represents excellent value for money. At just £229 per person on a full board basis, guests will enjoy a truly luxurious cruise experience on a vessel often described as “the Orient Express on water” and renowned for its bespoke client service.

In addition, there will be no single supplements for the cruise, which takes place on July 26 and 28, with a 4-day option on July 23 that takes in wine-making town Rudesheim in addition to Cologne and Koblenz and costs £339 per person.

Starting in Cologne, the famous cathedral city crammed with museums and art galleries, guests are able to explore the sights and sounds before boarding Royal Crown in the late afternoon and setting sail for Koblenz in the evening.

This lesser known destination is a beautiful Roman town situated on the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the Rhine and the Mosel rivers meet. It is a tourist’s dream with numerous castles, palaces and monuments to explore. En route to Koblenz, Royal Crown will sail through the glorious Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before mooring below its ancient fortress walls.

In Koblenz, guests can enjoy the picturesque public gardens, discover the town centre, which is made up of narrow lanes and romantic squares or visit the stunning Federal Horticultural Show, an annual event in July with more than 48 hectares of flowers arrangements.

At full capacity, Royal Crown caters for just 88 guests in 44 luxuriously appointed cabins with flatscreen TVs and fully-stocked mini-bars to promise an all-inclusive and sophisticated cruise holiday. The river yacht’s design exudes 1930s glamour and the 52-strong team caters to individual needs, with every comfort onboard considered, from the choice of pillow to a favourite tipple.

The traditional ambiance and décor is propelled into the 21st century with modern facilities, including a spa, golf putting area, well-equipped fitness room and 24-hour multimedia business lounge. Those new to cruising or cruise lovers in need of a quick battery recharge can relax and enjoy a luxurious mini break inclusive of exquisite fine dining, entertainment and the Rhine’s stunning vistas.

For more info, vist www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

AMA's Great River-Cruise Savings

AmaWaterways is offering savings of £175pp and complimentary flights and transfers up to £250 per person on selected luxury Rhine river cruises this summer, a total saving of £425 on a flight-inclusive river cruise package, with prices now from £1588 per person, based on a 7-night sailing from Remich (Luxembourg) to Nuremberg on May 6.

All of the sailings also include complimentary entry to Germany’s famous horticultural festival, The Bundesgartenschau (`BUGA’), which this year takes place in Koblenz, turning the half timbered town into a floral paradise.

Departing on June 24, AMA also has a saving of £425pp off a flight-inclusive seven-night luxury river cruise, taking in some of Europe’s most fascinating cities along the scenic Mosel and Rhine from Amsterdam through the Rhine Gorge to Mainz, before returning to Koblenz, and on to the Mosel River Valley to Cochem and Bernkastel. Now £1588 per person (was £2013), including return UK flights to the value of £250pp, and 7 nights cruising, including champagne breakfasts, lunch and gourmet dinners with wine, daily complimentary shore excursions and entry to the BUGA horticultural festival, free wi-fi and free use of bicycles.

Contact AMAWaterways at www.amawaterways.co.uk river-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

A 'Royal' European River Cruiser

eWaterways, the niche and river cruise experts, continue to expand their luxury cruise portfolio with the addition of five-star river yacht Royal Crown. The luxury cruiser renowned for its private members’ club feel and bespoke client service will begin a new sailing programme with eWaterways this April, offering an authentic exploration of some of Europe’s most iconic cities via historic rivers and lesser known waterways. To promote the launch, there will be NO single supplement for solo travellers throughout 2011.

Royal Crown will launch 10 thoughtfully assembled itineraries across 12 European countries for a rediscovery of popular destinations such as Prague, Vienna and Budapest from a more intimate, relaxing perspective. Taking in the myriad sights along the enchanting Rhine; encountering the less familiar but infinitely beautiful Mosel as it winds through the Black Forest or enjoying the magnificent Danube as it traverses fairytale landscape on its way to the Black Sea, each cruise ensures that every stage of the journey is an awe-inspiring and integral part of the travelling experience.

On the Dutch Golden Age Journey, guests will see up close the charming canals and gabled town houses of 17th century Amsterdam onboard the Royal Crown II, the river yacht’s private sloop, before setting sail on the Ijsselmeer for the picturesque port towns Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Volendam. Those opting for a longer cruise holiday, such as the two-week Grand Europe Journey. will follow in the steps of the Romans as they voyage to celebrated cities including Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and the Bavarian region.

At full capacity, Royal Crown caters for just 88 guests in a total of 44 luxuriously appointed cabins with flatscreen TVs and fully-stocked mini-bars to promise an all-inclusive and sophisticated cruise holiday. Often described as an 'Orient Express on Water', the river yacht exudes 1930s glamour and style with Art Deco design and bespoke butler service.

The 52-strong team caters to each individual’s needs with every comfort onboard considered, from the choice of pillow to a favourite drink, everything is taken care of. The traditional ambiance and décor is propelled into the 21st century with modern facilities, including a deluxe spa, golf putting area, well-equipped fitness room and 24-hour multimedia business lounge. On each cruise, guests - and particularly solo travellers - will enjoy a luxurious offering: exquisite fine dining, classical music concerts and, of course, Europe’s most stunning vistas, all at great value.

For more info, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.