AmaWaterways announces Sharon Stone as the godmother of new ship

CHATSWORTH, Calif.- River cruise line AmaWaterways is proud to announce Actress, Producer and Philanthropist Sharon Stone as the godmother of the AmaVida. The new 106-passenger vessel is leased by AmaWaterways from Douro Azul, its Portuguese partner. Stone will bless the ship at a traditional christening ceremony in Porto, Portugal on March 22, 2013.

“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished and acclaimed person as Sharon Stone as the AmaVida’s godmother,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “We are so inspired by Sharon’s extensive humanitarian efforts over the years. Her beauty and grace make her the perfect match for the AmaVida, one of the loveliest and most technologically advanced river cruise ships in operation today.”

In addition to her starring roles in such acclaimed films as Basic Instinct and Casino, Stone is a passionate philanthropist who supports a number of charitable causes. Since 1995, she has helped raise over $300 million for AIDS research, including $1.1 million in a single night at an amfAR Foundation charity auction in 2012. Stone currently works with Drop in the Bucket, a nonprofit organization that builds wells and sanitation systems at schools in Africa.

The tradition of christening a ship originated more than 4,000 years ago. A respected and well-known woman is carefully selected to serve as the new ship’s godmother, entrusted with blessing the vessel at a special christening ceremony. The blessing for the safety of the ship’s passengers and crew typically concludes with the time-honored ritual of breaking a Champagne bottle against the ship’s hull.

The AmaVida is a deluxe 106-passenger vessel that incorporates many innovative design features and spacious staterooms and suites that measure up to 323 sq. feet. Guests will enjoy free-flowing fine wine and beer with every dinner and a choice of dining venues. The AmaVida also features a sun deck, heated pool, massage and beauty salon, fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet access and Video On-Demand.

The AmaVida will cruise exclusively in Portugal’s pristine Douro River Valley, designated one of the world’s top sustainable destinations by the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations. In an effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible, the AmaVida’s technically advanced design features photovoltaic solar panels on the Sun Deck to generate energy for the ship’s operating systems.

The AmaVida will serve the Douro River on several itineraries in 2013 and 2014: Portl Wine & Flamenco (2013 and 2014); Enticing Douro (2013 and 2014); Impressions of France & Portugal; and Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas.