Selling Travel

AmaMagna debuts

- BY JESSICA POOK

AMAWATERWA­YS will debut its newest ship, AmaMagna, in May 2019. The vessel will be the operator’s biggest to date.

The 196-passenger ship will be almost twice the width of traditiona­l river cruise vessels and will sail the new Danube itinerary that will be featured in AmaWaterwa­ys’ 2019 programme.

AmaMagna aims to increase the passenger-to-space ratio with some of the largest living spaces in river cruising, including 98 staterooms. It will also feature multiple dining options such as a glass-enclosed restaurant and more onboard activities, with a push on wellness.

News of the launch follows record bookings for the trade-only operator after an appearance in Channel 5’s Cruisingwi­th JaneMcDona­ld earlier this year lead to an influx in sales.

Its AmaDara ship was featured in the latest series, which saw McDonald sail along the Mekong River stopping in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Siem Reap along the way.

Jamie Loizou, Sales, Marketing and Digital Director for AmaWaterwa­ys commented: “We were so busy with bookings after that show that our phone lines crashed. This year we have experience­d a 58% year-on-year growth and a 45% repeat booking rate. Featuring on such a popular show definitely ensured we were at the forefront of people’s minds when booking a rivercruis­e. I think Jane McDonald has opened up the world of cruising.” amawaterwa­ys.co.uk

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