Is Double-Wide Too Big

Artist Rendering AmaMagna courtesy AmaWaterways

Double-Wide
River Cruise Ship

No, we haven't changed from writing about cruise ships to writing about motor homes. 

We've been cruising for over 30 years and the one thing that we've gotten used to is an industry built on innovation. We never thought we'd be writing an article about a double-wide river cruise ship. To date, all river cruise ships were the same width - some were longer.

Just one day after christening their latest river cruise ship in 2017, AmaWaterways announced plans for AmaMagna, which will be their biggest ship launched in 2019.  In a company press release,  the line indicated that ship would be twice the width of traditional European river ships, representing a "new concept designed to elevate the modern luxury market".

Despite its expanded width, plans call for AmaMagna to only accommodate an additional 34 guests, bringing the capacity to 194.  Highlights of the new river ship include multiple dining options, including a glass-enclosed restaurant, an open-water sports platform, complete with zodiac boats, canoes and recreational equipment, and the majority of cabins with more than 300 square feet.

Additional amenities include a large heated sundeck swimming pool with whirlpool and sky bar, a spacious spa area with new treatments, a fitness room large enough for small group classes and generous common areas designed to accommodate a variety of onboard events.

“As the luxury river cruise market continues to grow, we want to carry on as the leader in industry innovation. While this new double-width concept has been on the table for some time, we believe, given the unique demand that exists, that now is the perfect moment to introduce this style of ship,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. 

“AmaMagna will provide guests with generous personal space, the freedom of multiple dining choices and exceptional stateroom comfort. Combining this with our award-winning cuisine, noteworthy shore excursions and remarkable onboard service, we feel this ship is a game-changer.”

If you've never sailed on a river cruise ship in Europe, you might not be aware that ships need to traverse a series of locks during a typical journey. Most river cruise ships are designed in such a way not to waste any space and just fit into the locks, until now.  AmaMagna's width will limit where the ship can be deployed.  Initial deployment is planned for the Danube river.

As with any innovation, some people will love the idea while others will hate it - perhaps there is also room somewhere in between.  We applaud AmaWaterways for taking the chance to introduce something new to the industry.  We wish them success with this new adventure.   We'd love to hear your feedback.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

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We will be co-hosting a very special #FoodTravelChat for #ChooseCruise month

Is Double-Wide Too Big

Artist Rendering AmaMagna courtesy AmaWaterways

Double-Wide
River Cruise Ship

No, we haven't changed from writing about cruise ships to writing about motor homes. 

We've been cruising for over 30 years and the one thing that we've gotten used to is an industry built on innovation. We never thought we'd be writing an article about a double-wide river cruise ship. To date, all river cruise ships were the same width - some were longer.

Just one day after christening their latest river cruise ship, AmaWaterways announced plans for AmaMagna, which will be their biggest ship launched in 2019.  In a company press release,  the line indicated that ship would be twice the width of traditional European river ships, representing a "new concept designed to elevate the modern luxury market".

Despite its expanded width, plans call for AmaMagna to only accommodate an additional 34 guests, bringing the capacity to 194.  Highlights of the new river ship include multiple dining options, including a glass-enclosed restaurant, an open-water sports platform, complete with zodiac boats, canoes and recreational equipment, and the majority of cabins with more than 300 square feet.

Additional amenities include a large heated sundeck swimming pool with whirlpool and sky bar, a spacious spa area with new treatments, a fitness room large enough for small group classes and generous common areas designed to accommodate a variety of onboard events.

“As the luxury river cruise market continues to grow, we want to carry on as the leader in industry innovation. While this new double-width concept has been on the table for some time, we believe, given the unique demand that exists, that now is the perfect moment to introduce this style of ship,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. 

“AmaMagna will provide guests with generous personal space, the freedom of multiple dining choices and exceptional stateroom comfort. Combining this with our award-winning cuisine, noteworthy shore excursions and remarkable onboard service, we feel this ship is a game-changer.”

If you've never sailed on a river cruise ship in Europe, you might not be aware that ships need to traverse a series of locks during a typical journey. Most river cruise ships are designed in such a way not to waste any space and just fit into the locks, until now.  AmaMagna's width will limit where the ship can be deployed.  Initial deployment is planned for the Danube river.

As with any innovation, some people will love the idea while others will hate it - perhaps there is also room somewhere in between.  We applaud AmaWaterways for taking the chance to introduce something new to the industry.  We wish them success with this new adventure.   We'd love to hear your feedback.


Additional Reading:

Complete Press release (AmaWaterways)
List of Locks Along the Rivers
AmaMagna First Look - ship model & Deck Plans (CLIA)
Vahali Shipyards (ship builder for AmaMagna)

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Oceania Cruises Double Bonus Alaska 2011

 See Alaska by Small Ship

 Oceania Cruises inaugural season in Alaska is currently open for bookings.   To kick off the traditional start of the selling season, they have announced a Double Bonus Savings Offer.

“We are offering our best fares ever on our inaugural Alaska sailings as we kick-off the traditional Alaska selling season,” stated Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. “We have a long-standing tradition of offering the best fares and promotions up-front to reward our loyal guests and encourage them to book their preferred voyage and accommodations as early as possible.”

Travelers will discover Alaska aboard Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta – an intimate ship known for its gourmet cuisine, luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and attentive service. As a special highlight, Pacific Northwest specialties will be featured during lunch in the casual Terrace Café and in the ship’s elegant Grand Dining Room. Regional specialties will also be showcased in all four of the ship’s open-seating restaurants; all of which are available with no surcharge. 

 

ALASKA DOUBLE BONUS SAVINGS OFFER

Oceania Cruises has announced Double Bonus Savings on 10 exciting, new voyages for summer 2011. The limited-time promotion offers per stateroom savings of $1,000 off cruise fares plus a $1,000 shipboard credit on top of two-for-one prices and free airfare. In addition, third and fourth guests in a stateroom may travel for only $999 per person, cruise-only.

Depending on the cruise, scenic highlights encompass Hubbard Glacier, the Gulf of Alaska, Tracy Arm and College Fjord. With two-for-one cruise fares and Double Bonus Savings, a 10-day Alaska cruise starts at just $2,999 per person, based on double occupancy. This special offer expires Dec. 31, 2010.

A DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT ALASKAN EXPERIENCE

• Each of our cruises presents a complete Alaska experience
• One or Two Full Days of Glacier Cruising
• Unique, off the beaten path ports combined with Alaska's star destinations
• Intimate, mid-sized ships that are the perfect size for exploring Alaska
• The finest cuisine at sea, including unique Pacific Northwest specialties

Known for its award-winning itineraries to the world’s most alluring ports, Oceania Cruises inaugural Alaska cruises explore the Inside Passage in depth. Itinerary highlights include at least one full day exploring the Inside Passage and one or two complete days of glacier viewing on every cruise, as well as a mix of marquee as well as off-the-beaten-path ports. In addition to Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, itineraries feature quaint, less-visited outposts, such as Kodiak, Homer and Hoonah.

Choose From Four Intriguing Itineraries

• Majestic Alaska – 14 days roundtrip from San Francisco, a maiden port for Oceania Cruises, visiting Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; Sitka, Hoonah, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Astoria, Ore. Departures: May 12, Aug. 26.
• Alaskan Grandeur – 12 days between San Francisco and Vancouver. Ports include Astoria and Victoria, as well as Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka and Ketchikan. Departures: May 26, Aug. 14.
• Frontiers and Glaciers – 10 days roundtrip from Vancouver, calling at Sitka, Hoonah, Kodiak, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Departures: June 7, Aug. 4.
• Glacial Wilderness – 12 days between Vancouver and Anchorage, with visits to Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Seward and Homer. Departures: June 17 and 29, July 11 and 23.