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AmaWaterways will celebrate the newest addition to its fleet, Amalyra, with an Easter Sunday christening along the Danube River. The Amalyra will sail its inaugural cruise on the newly introduced seven-night “Romantic Danube” itinerary, departing April 6 from Budapest, Hungary. Christening ceremonies will take place on April 12 in Vilshofen, Germany, and will include local dignitaries and entertainment. Michelle Morgan, president of Signature Travel Network, will serve as the ship’s godmother. Morgan heads the retail travel cooperative that generates close to $4 billion dollars in annual sales. In addition to Morgan and members of the Signature board, guests onboard the sailing will include AmaWaterways Chairman Jimmy Murphy.

The 148-passenger Amalyra will join the Amacello and Amadante (2008), Amalegro (2007) and Amadagio (2006). An additional new vessel, the Amadolce, will debut in May. Two new vessels are under construction for delivery in 2010. Like its sister ships, Amalyra will boast a sleek design and décor, high-tech amenities, such as complimentary Wi-Fi. The AmaWaterways vessels feature 170-square-foot standard cabins, with over 80 percent with French balconies; plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; in-room infotainment system with complimentary Internet access; and marble-appointed bathrooms, spa-quality bath amenities, terry robes and slippers. Meals in the restaurant are accompanied by complimentary local wines and specialty coffees. The vessels also feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. A cruise director accompanies passengers, and local guides conduct complimentary city tours at each location.