AmaWaterways Launches AmaSintra, its Third Luxury River Cruise Ship on the Douro River

AmaSintra to Welcome Guests from March to December Annually

22 April, 2025

Sydney, Australia – AmaWaterways has christened its newest luxury river cruise ship, AmaSintra, which has officially embarked on its inaugural voyage along the picturesque Douro River in Portugal. The launch of this new ship further strengthens AmaWaterways' presence in Europe, offering guests an elevated experience on one of the most iconic rivers in the world.

“We are thrilled to introduce another beautiful ship to the Douro River, providing our guests with even more opportunities to explore this enchanting region,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador of AmaWaterways. “Portugal continues to grow in popularity as a river cruising destination, and AmaSintra will offer an unforgettable experience to all who sail aboard. With departures running through late December, travellers looking to discover this remarkable part of the world will easily find a home on board AmaSintra.”

AmaSintra, carrying just 102 guests, showcases the best of the Douro region. The ship features 51 staterooms, most with an outside balcony and large floor-to-ceiling window, allowing guests to take in breathtaking views of the river from both their staterooms and private balconies. Onboard, guests will enjoy spacious public areas, including a Sun Deck pool, a fitness room, and a main restaurant offering regionally inspired cuisine along with international favourites.

In a special ceremony held in Porto on April 17, 2025, AmaSintra was officially christened by Jenn Lee, president of Vacation Planners, who serves as the ship's godmother. AmaWaterways' co-founder and CEO Rudi Schreiner, and co-founder and chief brand ambassador Kristin Karst, were also present.

“Jenn is an inspiring role model for women in the travel industry and an outstanding leader whose influence continues to shape the future of our profession,” said Karst. “Her dedication, expertise and commitment to elevating the travel experience aligns perfectly with AmaWaterways' core values, and we are proud to have her as the godmother of our beautiful new ship on the Douro. We hope AmaSintra sails with the same strength and heart that her godmother brings to everything she does.”

“Being part of this milestone for AmaWaterways is such an honour,” said Lee. “The attention to detail on AmaSintra speaks to the heart of what makes river cruising so special - intimate experiences, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to explore the world in comfort and style.”

AmaSintra will operate an immersive itinerary along the Douro River, the Enticing Douro. This seven-night journey explores some of the most scenic and culturally rich regions of Portugal and Spain, offering unique opportunities for guests to visit vineyards, enjoy regional wine tastings, and experience the charming cities of Porto, Régua, and Salamanca, with an optional three-night pre-cruise land program in Lisbon.

Joining sister ship AmaDouro and other Douro ship AmaVida, which sails the Flavours of Portugal & Spain itinerary between Porto and Vega Terrón, AmaSintra expands AmaWaterways' presence on the Douro and offers new opportunities to discover its rich cultural heritage.

AmaWaterways' Managing Director AU/NZ, Steve Richards, added, “The growth of our fleet with AmaSintra on the Douro River is important for Aussies and Kiwis. Portugal is a hot destination for our market, and with the whole Douro River valley being UNESCO World Heritage listed, it's an incredible area to explore on a river cruise.”

For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, or contact AmaWaterways on 1800 867 126 (AU) or 0800 005 636 (NZ) or visit amawaterways.au or amawaterways.nz.

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Media Contact

Angela Smith
+61 402 011 980
angelasmith@amawaterways.com

About AmaWaterways

Family-owned and operated for more than 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 31 custom-designed ships sailing Europe's Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia's Mekong River; Africa's Chobe River; Egypt's Nile River and Colombia's Magdalena River. Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company was recently voted “Best River Cruise Line” by the world's leading cruise reviews site Cruise Critic, and is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options that also earned the line a “Best for Active Cruisers” distinction by Cruise Critic); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef's Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travellers and families, as well as group and charter options. In 2024, AmaWaterways elevated its commitment to the Australian and New Zealand travel trade by establishing a local presence in Sydney to serve the market's burgeoning interest in luxury river cruising.