AmaWaterways christened their latest and most luxurious river cruise ship in Vilshofen, Germany with the ships Godmother, CLIA President Christine Duffy, performed the Christening and Blessing in a traditional ceremony. Also on hand for the maiden voyage were AmaWaterways President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner and Executive VP and Co-Owner Kristin Karst.
The day's festivities began with a rendition of the "Triumphal March from Aida" while "stelzengehers" or stilt walkers welcomed the crowd as the AmaCerto sailed into view. Vilshofen Mayor Georg Krenn greeted the enthusiastic crowd of local dignitaries, river cruise executives and passengers, followed by remarks from AmaWaterways President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner & Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst, as well as Godmother Christine Duffy.
In preparation for the christening, local school children handed out celebratory balloons to the eager crowd. Amid a chorus of cheers, Duffy christened the AmaCerto by breaking a bottle of Champagne on the ship's hull. Simultaneously, the crowd released their balloons and a traditional 10-gun salute sounded from a brigade of Vilshofen soldiers dressed in traditional Bavarian garb.
Additional highlights of the christening ceremony included a special blessing of the ship and convocation by Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kirchmeyer; a performance by the children's dance group Trachtenverein D'Wolfachtaler; moving renditions of "Ave Maria" and "Hallelujah" by soprano Heidlinde Schmid and a signing of Vilshofen's traditional "Golden Book.
