WASHINGTON -- AmaWaterways co-owner Kristin Karst announced Wednesday that travel television host Samantha Brown will be the godmother of the company's new megaship, the AmaMagna.
Karst made the announcement during the American Society of Travel Advisors Global Convention here, saying "there are so many rumors going around already -- who is it? Is it he? She? And it is actually a wonderful lady that always shares her own happiness and her love for so many people and places to be. The godmother of the AmaMagna will be our very own Samantha Brown."
Samantha Brown
Brown, who has hosted a number of shows for the Travel Channel over the past decade, moved to PBS this year to launch her newest show, "Samantha Brown Places to Love." She also emcees the ASTA Global Convention, which greeted the announcement with loud applause.
"I know personally, firsthand how committed AmaWaterways is in its support of and the sponsorship of the travel industry," Brown said, noting they are also a main sponsor for her PBS series.
Launching next May, the AmaMagna will be the largest river ship in Europe. The 194-passenger AmaMagna will be 72 feet wide, almost twice the width of AmaWaterways' existing river cruise ships.
More than half of the 98 staterooms will be designated as suites measuring between 355 and 710 square feet. The suites will feature full step-out balconies, open seating areas and bathrooms with double vanities. There will also be six grand suites at 474 square feet, and a 710-square-foot owner's suite.
The ship will also have four dining venues; a wellness studio with workout and spa services; a sun deck with a large heated pool, whirlpool and pop-up sky bar; and a water sports platform at the rear of the ship from which complimentary tours will be offered on a touring boat.