In celebration of Global Wellness Day, AmaWaterways today announced it has launched a wellness program onboard AmaLyra Paris & Normandy sailings. The program – led by “Sports Scientist” Selina Wank (pictured right) – features four to six classes daily, including morning stretches, jogging, yoga, cardio and core strengthening and circuit training. Activities will be complemented by discussion groups with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation techniques.
“Being active and healthy while traveling is something that is personally, so important to me, and as a company, AmaWaterways has been embracing active travel for more than a decade. We believe guests are looking to take steps to ensure that their vacation time is an extension of their wellness-oriented lifestyle, and we are so happy to continue introducing new ways for travelers to remain healthy while on board our ships,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “It’s important for us to continue to be innovative in this space and give our guests exactly what they’re looking for during their time on board. Our wellness program has been a huge success, and is something we are very excited about continuing!”
The first river cruise line to embrace the active travel trend, AmaWaterways began focusing on the segment in 2006, becoming first to add 25 bicycles onboard each European ship. The leader in river cruising innovation has also expanded its award-winning biking and hiking shore excursions and offers each excursion at a variation of paces to give guests options that suit their needs. Additionally, the company increased its relationship with Backroads – the leader in active travel – in 2017 and now offers more than 50 active departures in the world’s most renowned river cruise destinations.
In addition to a plethora of wellness activities offered on board and on shore, AmaWaterways incorporates healthy eating and locally-sourced ingredients into its culinary offerings. Gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian options are available and the company features a Hydration Station with infused detox and gemstone water.
“Wellness has now become more of a lifestyle, than just a single activity and we know the importance of sticking to a healthy regiment when on board,” said Karst. “Cuisine is such a major part of river cruising and sacrificing a few calories doesn’t need to mean sacrificing taste. We will always look at ways to connect the pleasures of travel and cuisine and to accommodate our health-conscious guests.”
AmaWaterways expects to introduce its wellness program onboard additional ships in 2018. The company will take active travel one step further in 2019 with the debut of AmaMagna. AmaWaterways’ newest ship – twice the width of traditional European vessels – AmaMagna will feature a first in river cruising retractable water sports platform and expanded fitness and spa facilities.
A family-owned company celebrating 15 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 20 ships that sail Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch and Belgian Waterways and Douro rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong and Africa’s Chobe River. The company is renowned for its innovative stateroom design featuring unique “twin balconies”; its wide choice of included shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options for the active traveler; and its award-winning dining – including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant as well as complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, each ship carries less than 164 guests and features onboard amenities such as hair and massage salons and a fitness room and many have heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry with a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, offering group or chartered sailings geared towards active travelers and families.
For more information on AmaWaterways’ wellness offerings or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, please contact a travel professional, visit www.AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626-0126.
