AmaSonata Canadian Godmother Brenda Kyllo
with Cruise Director Balazs Kiss
If you are a regular reader of my columns (every other Wednesday for the most part), you will have seen the one I wrote from Germany two weeks back about the christening of the AmaSonata by her Canadian Godmother, Brenda Kyllo. I could only join the cruise for a few days but was happy to do so as I had not sailed AmaWaterways for 4 years and it is one of my favourite river cruise brands. To be able to attend the christening and spend time with Brenda and also Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, 2 of the owners, was a bonus for me. I was able to do my brief, but immersive cruise thing and catch up on the changes at AMA and see how their newer ships are being designed. As we all know – this industry is moving at the speed of light and one has to keep up!
Typical Riva yacht
My last AMA cruise was on the Danube on the AmaCerto so this vessel, which is longer by 25 metres (the maximum length for the rivers) was somewhat different and it also has some new features which I thoroughly enjoyed. I tend to sail on about 2 or 3 river ships every year and I have been fortunate enough to cruise on most brands so I have a good feel for each one of them and can discern their personalities and their attributes.
As noted, the AmaSonata is as long as she can be – so the public rooms have been modified affording more expansive space for the guests and allowing the addition of a swimming pool on the top sun deck, which actually seems to stretch for a very long way when you look at it end to end.
AmaSonata river cruise ship
When I asked Rudi about the concept for this class of river ships he said they had been inspired and influenced by the Riva Yachts of Italy for their style and design. (Think of those fabulous boats zooming around the Venice lagoon and George Clooney stepping off one… you get it!) They are gorgeous, with a sleek and sexy design particularly in the bow area and AmaWaterways has taken aspects of the Riva look for the reception and other areas and also in the shape of both the bar and the buffet area in the Lounge. It works well and offers a spacious, streamlined feel.
The AmaSonata swimming pool
The biggest new feature for me was the Chef’s Table restaurant which is located on Deck 3 at the aft of the vessel. Usually a small lounge/reading area on many river ships, this has now been turned into a really terrific alternative restaurant for dining most nights during the cruise. It seats 28 guests and is available by reservation only – each stateroom can reserve 1 night during the week and then check for availability on other nights if the venue is not full. This way every guest has the opportunity to enjoy the glass-fronted kitchen, the small but tasty menu and the charming service. Ama’s older ships have now been retro-fitted to also include this winning concept.
Another nice offering is the Tapas menu in the main lounge. A chalkboard features the daily offerings (which do change) and guests may order from the selection of tapas at any time during the day. A great way to grab a small snack and even take it upstairs to the sun deck to enjoy the passing view.
AmaSonata Lounge with the "riva" styled bar and entertainment area
I was advised by Rudi and Kristin that they have 4 more ships coming with 2 in 2015 and then 2 more in 2016 and also that there are some new features debuting on the last of those 4 ships. When I asked for more info Rudi wasn’t too forthcoming but I do believe the lower deck may have some changes – I guess we will have to “stay tuned”!
In summary – this is a lovely ship, full of beautifully decorated rooms and furnishings with great colour and fabric choices. The indoor/outdoor balcony concept in the rooms works very well and I like it a lot – choice is everything. The staterooms are spacious and comfortable and the bathrooms are the same – and I like the window from the bathroom to the bedroom with the switch that can open up to a view or keep the room private. All the changes on this class of ship are great – the guests are happy - as are the crew and the food is very, very good. Well done AmaWaterways – you are at the top of your game!
