Spring is in the air, and as we have seen, March is prime-time for river cruise ship christenings. Entering service last week was AmaWaterways’ striking new AmaVida, which marks the popular river cruise line’s return to Portugal and the magnificent port wine-producing Douro River Valley.

Christened by actress, producer and philanthropist Sharon Stone on Friday, March 22 in Porto, Portugal, the new AmaVida carries just 106 guests and boasts an innovative design that features staterooms and suites as large as 323 square feet. AmaVida has been leased from Douro Azul, AmaWaterways’ partner in Portugal.

“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished and acclaimed person as Sharon Stone as the AmaVida’s godmother,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “We are so inspired by Sharon’s extensive humanitarian efforts over the years. Her beauty and grace make her the perfect match for the AmaVida, one of the loveliest and most technologically advanced river cruise ships in operation today.”

Exclusively sailing the gorgeous Douro River Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the AmaVida will feature free-flowing wines and beer with dinners and a choice of dining venues. Additional features include complimentary in-room internet access and a complete Video-On-Demand system. There’s also a heated pool, expansive sun deck and a massage, beauty salon and a fitness center.

AmaVida will operate several itineraries for AmaWaterways this year and next, including Port Wine & Flamenco; Enticing Douro; Impressions of France & Portugal; and the line’s Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas.

But there’s more news ahead for the popular California-based AmaWaterways: In August,  the line’s spectacular new AmaPrima will be christened in Vilshofen, Germany by Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel Inc.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have such a lovely and distinguished person as Valerie Wilson as the AmaPrima’s godmother,” said Karst. “She owns one the world’s most prestigious travel agencies and her many contributions to the travel profession are simply unparalleled. Valerie is the perfect match for the AmaPrima, one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced ships in service today.”

“Our clients and I love AmaWaterways for the unique and unforgettable experiences it offers around the globe,” said Valerie Wilson. “I couldn’t be more honored to be the godmother of such a magnificent ship as the AmaPrima.”

As a sister to the popular AmaCerto, AmaPrima will carry 164 guests along some of Europe’s most stunning waterways. In addition to featuring the line’s innovative Twin Balcony Staterooms and Suites that include both French and full step-out balconies within a single room, AmaPrima will also feature some spectacular culinary creations thanks to AmaWaterway’s partnership with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs — the only one of its kind on the waterways of Europe. The ship will even carry its own fleet of bicycles onboard to allow guests to go exploring in port at their leisure.

When she enters service this August, AmaPrima will sail 10 separate itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Black Sea Voyage; Magnificent Europe; Grand Danube Cruise; Christmas Time Cruise; and Great Capitals and Vintages of the Danube.

We’ll have full details on both AmaVida and AmaPrima coming shortly here on River Cruise Advsior. In the meantime, check out our full AmaWaterways company and fleet overview here on River Cruise Advisor.