AmaWaterways has christened its latest vessel at a ceremony in front of the line’s co-founders in Rüdesheim, Germany.

AmaLucia’s godparents Will and Riley Farmer, children of the line’s business partner Colin Farmer, arrived at the event on a vineyard tractor and joined president Rudi Schreiner and executive vice-president Kristin Karst.

The vessel has 78 staterooms with twin balconies and a sun deck walking track, pool with a swim-up bar, fitness room, complimentary fleet of bikes, massage and beauty salon and two restaurants.

The ship’s captain helped the godparents break a champagne bottle against AmaLucia’s hull, signifying “good luck on the journeys ahead”.

After the christening ceremony there was a party on the sun deck with live music.

AmaLucia currently sails between Amsterdam and Basel on seven-night itineraries, but starting in 2023 it will also sail the Dutch and Belgium Waterways on the Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium itineraries.

Schreiner said the line was “proud” AmaLucia, like 19 AmaWaterways’ European-based ships, had been given a Green Award certificate, meaning its eco-credentials surpassed industry regulations.

He said: “We are committed to looking for innovative ways to keep moving forward on the path of even greater sustainability as we lead the way in new destinations.”

The line plans to launch an all-suite ship on Colombia’s Magdalena river in 2024.

On AmaLucia’s christening, Karst said: “It’s only fitting that this newest ship was christened by Will and Riley Farmer, two wonderful representatives of the future generation of river cruisers.

“Their love of travel, openness to change and respect of cultural diversity really personifies the values of AmaWaterways.

“We proudly welcome them to the Ama family and can’t wait to see what exciting adventures await them and AmaWaterways in the years ahead.”