AmaWaterways names Christine Duffy, President of CLIA, to be godmother of their new ship

AmaWaterways, the premier luxury river cruise line, has announced that Christine Duffy, President of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) is chosen to be the godmother of their newest ship, the AmaCerto. The celebratory christening ceremony will take place in Vilshofen, Germany on May 16, 2012.

“We knew the AmaCerto needed a godmother befitting to the modern elegance of the beautiful ship,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “Christine Duffy’s long history in the industry and her love for cruising makes her the perfect fit. We are so pleased to know our beloved AmaCerto is under great guidance.”

Prior to joining CLIA, Duffy was the President and CEO of Maritz Travel, one of the largest meeting, event and incentive travel management companies in the world. She has been recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the “25 Most Influential Business Women,” Corporate Meetings and Incentives chose her as a “Top Women Leaders in the Meeting Industry” and Meeting News Magazine named her as one of the “25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry” four times.

“I am honored to serve as the godmother to the AmaCerto,” said Duffy. “Over the last five years, we have seen 10 percent annual passenger growth in this segment of the industry, as river cruises are among the most innovative and popular ways to discover a destination.”

The christening tradition dates back to over 4,000 years ago. A well-known figure is selected as the godmother and is entrusted with the guidance of the ship to all destinations by blessing the ship at the christening ceremony. The blessing is for the safety of its passengers and crew and is traditionally celebrated with champagne broken against the ship’s hull.

AmaWaterways’ new AmaCerto is a deluxe 164-passenger vessel that incorporates the most advanced river cruise ship design including Twin Balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 350 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing local wine at the multiple fine dining venues available onboard. The AmaCerto also features a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system in all staterooms plus Wi-Fi. For passengers wanting to explore the serene paths along the rivers, the AmaCerto offers a fleet of bicycles onboard (capacity controlled).

The AmaCerto will serve the Dutch and Belgium Waterways and the Danube and Rhine Rivers on nine itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Magnificent Europe; Christmas Time Cruise; Legendary Danube Jewish Heritage; and Christmas on the Rhine.

Source: AmaWaterways
Photo credit: Sherry Laskin, CLIA