Calabasas, CA – (Jun. 16, 2014) – AmaWaterways, the world’s leading river cruise line, has been recognized as the only river cruise company based in the U.S. to receive an overall 4-Star Plus rating – the highest level found in the book – in the first edition of the Berlitz: River Cruising In Europe travel guide. AmaWaterways’ European fleet secured the top eleven spots in the guide’s ranking of more than 280 river cruise ships, underscoring AmaWaterways’ position as an innovative industry pioneer and supplier of unparalleled river cruises.
“AmaWaterways is honored to continually be recognized as the innovator we aim to be – a true leader – in river cruising,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “This incredible distinction reflects our mission to not only design the most trend-setting ships on the market, but also to offer travelers top-of-the-line luxuries and the most impeccable service while exploring the world’s most desired European waterways.”
Written by Douglas Ward, author of the popular Berlitz: Cruising and Cruise Ships, the new Berlitz: River Cruise In Europe evaluates more than 280 river vessels based on all aspects of river cruising. The guide’s scoring system rates each ship in five principal areas, including hardware, accommodation, cuisine, service and miscellaneous, with a possible maximum score of 100.
AmaWaterways’ enviable European line-up rounded out the guide’s top eleven positions, all with 4-Star Plus ratings – the highest level found in the book. With an overall score of 422, the AmaPrima (pictured above) took the crown as Queen of all European river cruise vessels, followed closely by AmaVida, AmaVerde, AmaDante and AmaCerto. Praising AmaWaterways for its exceptional service and cuisine, Ward details in the guide how the line “spends more on food, wine and food service training than almost any other river cruise company.” He also comments, “AmaWaterways knows how to do it right and it shows.”