Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

6 4 SHIP OF THE YEAR AWARDS AmaMagna American Harmony AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna began sailing in May 2019. At twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, AmaMagna gives passengers more space. Over half of her staterooms measure between 355 and 710 square feet and boast full balconies and walk-in showers. The vessel also features a ‘pop-up elevator’ designed by the line’s president Rudi Schreiner that gives guests direct access to the top sun deck from the lower decks – a first for the river cruise industry. Other onboard highlights include four restaurants, a juice bar, a cinema, a large boutique, an expansive Zen Wellness Studio with an exercise area for group classes, and a sun deck with a large heated pool, whirlpool and sky bar. The second in a series of five new modern riverboats from American Cruise Lines, American Harmony left Chesapeake Shipbuilding to enter service in August 2019. Larger than her sister ship American Song, the new 190-passenger vessel boasts an extra 10 deluxe suites on her upper deck. Meanwhile, her extendable and retractable gangway facilitates bow landings and has opened up new itinerary options. However, the highlight sits at the heart of the ship – a five-storey glass atrium with a domed skylight, glass walls, expansive windows and sliding glass doors. This helped American Cruise Lines to bring the outside world in and create a greater sense of openness. SHORTLISTED SHIPS: River Cruise AmaMagna RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED AmericanHarmony RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED AvalonEnvision RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED EmeraldHarmony RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED AmaMagna RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED AmericanHarmony RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED AvalonEnvision RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED EmeraldHarmony RIVER CRUISE SHORTLISTED