Slideshow: AmaPrima, A Christening, Bavarian-Style

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima was christened today in Vilshofen, Germany. The mercury touched 90F+ (33C) as guests sat under cover or stood in the shade while beer, wine, soda and water poured freely. With AmaPrima docked along the banks of the Danube River and a bottle of Veuve-Clicquot dangling from the top deck, the christening was performed in true Bavarian-style. Kids and women wore colorful costumes and men were dressed in traditional lederhosen. Several Bavarian-style ceremonies preceded and followed the christening.

As is tradition, AmaPrima Godmother Valerie Wilson, of Valerie Wilson Travel Inc., sent the bottle of Veuve toward the ship’s hull, only to have the bottle bounce back. You have to admire someone who resists breaking a bottle of good champagne. On the second attempt, the bottle broke with an audible pop.

Following that, glasses of bubbly (yes, Veuve-Clicquot) were poured for everyone to celebrate the christening of AmaWaterways’ newest vessel.

The AmaPrima, a sister ship to the AmaCerto, is a deluxe 164-feet passenger vessel that incorporates many innovative design features, including Twin Balcony Staterooms and Suites, which measure up to 350 square feet. Guests will enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations with free-flowing fine wine and beer at a choice of dining venues. The AmaPrima also features a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet access and ship-wide Wi-Fi. The AmaPrima even carries a fleet of bicycles onboard so guests can enjoy Europe’s many miles of scenic riverside bike paths on their own.

The AmaPrima will serve the Dutch and Belgium Waterways and the Danube and Rhine Rivers on 10 itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Black Sea Voyage; Magnificent Europe; Grand Danube Cruise; Christmas Time Cruise; and Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube.

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. The traditional gun is known as a Böller, which is fired by the Böllerschützen dressed in traditional Bavarian lederhosen. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. The traditional gun is known as a Böller, which is fired by the Böllerschützen dressed in traditional Bavarian lederhosen. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. AmaWaterways' co-owners Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst present a gift to Godmother Valerie Wilson. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima is christened in Vilshofen, Germany. AmaWaterways' co-owners Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst present a gift to Godmother Valerie Wilson. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle