The best way to introduce a new ship is to find a big-name celebrity and for the fast-growing river line AmaWaterways, that person is none other than the 54-year old actress, producer and philanthropist, Sharon Stone.
In this "christening" she will serve as godmother of the 106-passenger AmaVida in a ceremony scheduled for March 22 in Portugal.
"We are thrilled to have such an accomplished and talented person (serve) as the AmaVida's godmother," AmaWaterways co-owner Kristin Karst tells USA Today. "Her beauty is clear to any generation."
In a way, it makes sense for AmaWaterways river line, a cruise whose clientele is mostly baby boomers, to snag Stone--an actress best known for her starring role in the erotic thriller "Basic Instinct," released in 1992, Martin Scorses's "Casino," in 1995 and "The Quick and the Dead," also released in 1995.
The AmaVida will sail on Portugal's Douro River, which is quickly becoming a hot spot for river cruising.
Competing with AmaWaterways is Viking River Cruises, who also have added trips on the Douro. According to USA Today, the two companies will join Douro River pioneer Uniworld, which has been offering sailings for the North American market on the river since the late 1990s.
As for the ship itself--the AmaVida features spacious suites that measure up to 323 square feet as well as 36 cabins with walk-out balconies.
According to the company website, Public areas on the ship include a sun deck; heated pool; massage and beauty salon; and fitness center. Amenities include complimentary Internet access and video on-demand in cabins, and wine and beer with dinner.
The AmaVida will sail several itineraries on the Douro including seven-night trips from Porto that include visits to the Portuguese towns of Bitetos, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d'Alva and Castelo Rodrigo. The sailing is combined with several days in hotels in Lisbon to create a 10-night trip.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
