Two AMAWATERWAYS river cruise ships to debut in 2011

River cruise operator AmaWaterways, known for its innovative ships and itineraries, is launching two state-of-the-art river cruisers in 2011.

In September 2011, the brand-new MS AmaLotus will join AmaWaterways’ first Mekong vessel, MS La Marguerite, to sail the ‘Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong’ itinerary. 

The décor of AmaLotus will combine colonial elegance with local artefacts and regional Mekong touches. The ship features all-outside accommodations and deluxe 226 sq. ft. staterooms with all the amenities of a fine hotel. Some 90 percent of staterooms have a private outside balcony, while suites, at 624 sq. ft., provide the ultimate in onboard pampering.

AmaLotus features a restaurant serving Asian and Western specialties as well as an authentic Vietnamese ‘Lau’ (Hot Pot) dining facility. In addition, there is a beautiful lounge, gift shop, spa, fitness room and sauna. The expansive Sun Deck is a haven for relaxation, where passengers can mingle and observe the unforgettable Mekong scenery from comfortable lounge chairs; take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a cool drink from the Sun Deck bar. 

AmaLotus makes its debut on September 5, 2011 and will sail seven-night Mekong river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Prices start from £1,224 per person, including all meals on the ship, port charges, all shore excursions as detailed in the itinerary, free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, bottled water in every stateroom and a rich programme of entertainment, from local dancing and music performances to themed dinner and cultural lectures. Flights are extra and a 15 night land-cruise itinerary can also be booked with AmaWaterways from £2442 per person, including two nights in Hanoi, an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, 3 nights in Siem Reap, the seven night Mekong cruise and a two night stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Contact AmaWaterways on 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

The completely redesigned MS AmaKatarina will be inaugurated on May 10, 2011, debuting as the most luxurious vessel on the Volga-Baltic Waterway travelling from St. Petersburg to Moscow.  The AmaKatarina is being rebuilt starting from the hull and designed to meet AmaWaterways’ demanding specifications. The ship is unequalled in terms of spaciousness, accommodations and enticing public areas. The only luxury vessel in Russia featuring outside balconies in over 70 percent of its staterooms, AmaKatarina’s four suite categories range in size from 280 to 432 sq. ft.  All 76 staterooms feature a sitting area, a refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, TV and phone (onboard communications only) and bottled water is replenished daily.   

Stunning public areas aboard AmaKatarina include two dining rooms offering complimentary wine and soft drinks at dinner; a beautiful Panorama Lounge; bar/nightclub; conference hall and solarium. The ship also features an elevator, gift shop, infirmary and Internet access. 

Prices start from £2,249 per person for 11 nights, including full board on the voyage; free-flowing wine and fruit juice during dinner; bottled water in every cabin; detailed excursion programme; a ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre in St Petersburg; cultural entertainment and musical performances on board; lectures; Russian language classes; and port charges. Flights are extra.

AmaWaterways produces a dedicated brochure for the UK, with sterling pricing. Visit  www.amawaterways.co.uk, or The Cruise Line

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