Award-winning European river cruise operator AmaWaterways continues to lead the way in river cruising in 2009, with new ships, new itineraries and new accolades for its innovative product.

AmaWaterways has redefined European river cruising since its founding in 2002 (as Amadeus Waterways) by river cruise industry pioneer, Rudi Schreiner, cruise industry executive Kristin Karst, and former owner of Brendan Worldwide Vacations, Jimmy Murphy. The line boasts the fastest-growing and newest fleet on the historic Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers. Two brand-new vessels, MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce, debuted this year, joining the luxurious MS Amacello and MS Amadante (2008), MS Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006).

The luxurious "AMA" ships feature the most spacious staterooms on Europe's rivers, with 82 percent boasting French Balconies. Guests enjoy premium, hotel-style bedding with plush, down duvets; luxurious terry bathrobes and slippers, as well as bottled water replenished daily. Marble-appointed baths feature luxurious, spa-quality toiletries and a sleek, multi-jet shower system. Flat panel stateroom TVs offer a unique Infotainment system featuring Internet access, an array of satellite channels and movies. The vessels also feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and bicycles for passengers to explore quaint towns and villages on their own.

The "AmaWaterways Difference" extends to a myriad of complimentary amenities that passengers enjoy on a daily basis. All-inclusive features distinguishing the line from its competition include: complimentary Wi-Fi in the public lounges; complimentary, free-flowing local wines at dinner, and a specialty coffee and tea station. Each cruise is accompanied by a professional cruise director. And, accomplished tour guides lead complimentary shore excursions in every destination.

In addition to its core fleet of "AMA" ships on Europe's legendary rivers, AmaWaterways offers destination cruises to the breathtaking Porto River Valley in Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a Provencal sojourn on the romantic Rhone river in France, and an exhilarating journey through the legendary waterways of Russia. Beginning in September 2009, AmaWaterways will venture into South East Asia, with its new "Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong" program. And, 2010 cruises available now for booking include exciting new itineraries on the Rhine river, plus new land programs in Lucerne, Zurich, Basel, Dresden and Berlin.