For what is believed to be the first knitting themed cruise on Europe’s waterways award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways is offering a 7 night `knitting cruise’ hosted by one of the U.S.’s top knitting and textile experts and author, Barry Klein, who shares the accolade of being `one of the top 10 most influential men in the world of knitting’ with Charles Dickens and Edward VIII.

During the 7 night luxury river cruise, which embarks on 27th December 2014 at Vilshofen on board the luxury river cruiser AmaBella, Barry Klein will offer classes on stitch patterns and knitting techniques, forums on fashion trends and the latest in luxury yarns.

Kristin Karst (pictured), AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner said “The age-old handicraft of knitting is experiencing a renaissance as a younger generation rediscovers its social and creative appeal. We thought it would be a fun and creative outlet for our guests.

In today’s increasingly digital world, more and more people are embracing the do-it-yourself, handmade trend. This cruise will bring together a community of knitters and give them opportunities to learn new techniques, find inspiration for new projects, and show off their personal style and creativity.”

Karst continued “Younger knitters may be using the same techniques and equipment as previous generations, but their use of Facebook and Twitter to form online communities and share patterns is a distinctly modern twist. Think of this cruise as an onboard knitting get-together for people of all levels, from beginners to advanced. It will definitely be a unique way to ring in 2015.”

AmaWaterways’ knitting cruise embarks in Vilshofen, Germany, on 27th December 2014 from where guests will enjoy scenic cruising and guided tours of Vilshofen, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, as well as an in-depth tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. There will also be a festive onboard New Year’s Eve celebration, with music, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight.

The AmaBella is a 161-passenger vessel and features the most advanced ship design in the river cruise industry with luxurious cruise accommodations. Amenities include spacious staterooms and suites (most with French or Twin Balconies), multiple dining venues, a salon and spa, swimming pool and fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet, Infotainment (with Hollywood movies, satellite TV and music channels) and Wi-Fi. Special highlights include lectures, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances. 

The 7 night `knitting cruise’ can be booked from £1674 per person, including all meals, knitting forums and presentations, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily tours and excursions, free wi-fi and, free use of on board bicycles.

For more information about AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruises contact AmaWaterways on freephone 0808 223 5009,www.amawaterways.co.uk

END.

About Barry Klein:-  

Barry Klein is the owner of Trendsetter Yarns in Los Angeles. He is the past president of the National Needlework Association and has designed patterns for Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits and Knitters Magazine, among many others. A prolific author, his books include The Ultimate Knitted Tee, Knitting with Novelty Yarns and The Knitters Template, all co-authored with Laura Militzer Bryant.

About AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways’ European fleet includes the AmaReina (2014); AmaSonata (2014); AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The line’s newest ships feature Twin Balcony Staterooms, multiple dining venues, complimentary in-room Internet and Infotainment, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool, plus many more unique design elements. The company’s AmaVoyages division has a fleet of five ships that includes the AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal; the AmaLotus (2011) and La Marguerite (2009) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; the AmaKatarina (rebuilt 2011) on the Volga in Russia; and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.

For press information please contact:
Mary Stuart-Miller
Tel: +44 1403 738844
Email: mary.stuart-miller@virgin.net