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.

 

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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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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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Oasis' Third Sister is Named

Harmony of the Seas^℠

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas^℠ is the next addition to the Oasis class. Keeping with the tradition of innovation, she will have Royal Caribbean's first water slides at sea. This artist rendering shows the water slides, which will span three decks with exhilarating twists and turns.

Additional Announced Features

• Harmony of the Seas also will feature a new Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade.
• Guests onboard Harmony of the Seas will enjoy RFID technology with Royal WOWBands.
• Suite guests also will have exclusive new areas to enjoy like Coastal Kitchen and a Suite Sun Zone sun deck.
• Dynamic Dining will come to Harmony of the Seas. Those preferring a more traditional cruise dining style may select the “Classic”option which will offer two set seating times. Dynamic Dining’s “Classic”option allows guests to rotate through each of the main complimentary restaurants at an early- or a late-seating time throughout their cruise with their dining group and the same assigned waiter each evening.
• New specialty restaurant concepts including Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant and Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.

This ship, currently under construction at STX France, will be the third ship in the Oasis class which includes Allure of the Seas the largest ship at sea.   It is scheduled to debut in April, 2016.   A fourth unnamed ship is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

What Would You Like to See on Third Oasis-Class Ship

Submit Your Ideas On our Facebook Page

As Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas begin the first signs of visible construction, Two Sisters Under Construction, it would be easy to overlook a third new build that is about to start. Construction of the third Oasis-class ship will begin in September 2013 at the STX France shipyards. The ship is expected to be delivered to Royal Caribbean sometime in 2016.

It is too early for details to be released, but amongst the reader's comments on the blog article Building New Cruise Ships: Unique & Unusual Stories, written by Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, he asked readers what they would like to see on the new ship.  You'll have to see that article for some of the examples posted so far.

What Would You Like To See On New Oasis Ship?

As you know, Royal Caribbean has taken the best features from Oasis and Allure and, via the Royal Advantage program, are introducing them fleet wide.  Our assumption is that the new Oasis-class ship will preserve the features of her sister ships, but there's always room for new innovation as well.

We thought it would be fun to build our own list of things we'd like to see on the new ship.  There is so much to do on the current Oasis-class ships, and so many innovations already in existence today... but what is missing?   If you were part of the planning committee, what ideas would you bring to the table?

Submit Your Ideas - Click the Image above to Enter Them via our Facebook Fan Page

We'll Gather Them and Bring them with us to our National Conference next month and share them with the Royal Caribbean Executive Team.