AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima courtesy Vahali

AmaPrima Christening (17 photos)

AmaWaterways' AmaPrima River Ship Christened by Valerie Wilson

Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc.is the godmother of AmaWaterways newest ship, the AmaPrima. The traditional christening ceremony was held in Vilshofen, Germany.

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.

AmaPrima Details & Itineraries

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 sq. feet. Dutch shipbuilders,Vahali, completed this second order of the Swiss-American company AmaWaterways AG back in March.   The ship has been sailing Danube itineraries since April.
 
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 serves 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.

Consult our River Cruising Guide to learn more about AMA Waterways and the other river cruise companies.  River cruising is an up and coming alternative to large vessel cruising. It is possible to dock in the heart of your destination where you can be immersed in the culture and history.

Disney Fantasy Christened by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey Christens Disney Fantasy View Gallery

Disney Fantasy

Becomes a Reality

Christened in New York

The Disney Fantasy, the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, was christened March 1st during a star-studded christening celebration at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Stars Shine Bright Aboard Disney Fantasy

Godmother: Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, took center stage for the christening moment and led the audience in a countdown that triggered a 6-foot tall bottle of champagne in the Atrium Lobby to erupt and shower onlookers with confetti and streamers as a traditional bottle of champagne broke against the ship’s hull.

"I christen thee Disney Fantasy," the native New Yorker intoned. "May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” 

 Just over a year ago, we watched as the Disney Fantasy keel was laid in a ceremony that took place at the  Meyer Werft shipyard in  Papenburg, Germany. The laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event. 

Shipbuilding is filled with tradition.  Wine poured upon the deck before a long voyage represents a libation to the gods which will bring good luck. "Christening" a ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across her bow at the time of launching arose from this practice.  Read more about Nautical Superstitions & Legends.

When the Disney Fantasy begins sailing on March 31, 2012, it will continue the innovative approach Disney Cruise line brought to family cruise vacations with a collection of new guest experiences specifically developed for the ship’s seven-night itinerary.

• Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room with a new show called “Animation Magic.” 
• The Muppets are coming to the Disney Fantasy!
• Soaring above the upper decks of the Disney Fantasy, guests will find the AquaDuck a 765-foot long, twisting-and-turning water coaster  
• AquaLab — a water play area on the upper deck filled with a variety of water “experiments,” created by Donald Duck’s nephews, designed to drench, soak and saturate guests.
• Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort and is surrounded by ample deck space where adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.
• “Wishes” is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child. 
• “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” is a fast-paced musical comedy where Aladdin, the “street rat” of Agrabah, meets a Genie who grants him three wishes, battles the evil Jafar and falls in love with Princess Jasmine.
• Nightlife takes a European twist with Europa – an entertainment district of high-energy, sophisticated clubs and lounges inspired by the night spots of Italy, France, Ireland and London. 

The Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. on seven-night Caribbean itineraries that alternate eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). All itineraries will include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

View Disney Fantasy Cruise Itineraries