Cruising

AmaWaterways “Jazzes Up” AmaSonata Cruise With Award-Winning Musician, Rick Braun

AmaSonata Will Sail December 13 Christmas Markets Itinerary with Soothing, Soulful Backdrop

 

CALABASAS, CA – (March 20, 2019) – AmaWaterways today announced a special holiday cruise hosted by Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year, world renowned trumpeter and record producer Rick Braun (pictured left). On this one-of-a-kind Magical Christmas Markets cruise on board AmaSonata, Braun will enchant guests with holiday favorites, standards, and some of his award-winning jazz hits during four evening performances as they travel from Vienna to Nuremberg and visit Central Europe’s unforgettable Christmas Markets.

 

“The holidays are the most beautiful time of the year to visit Europe, with Christmas Markets, festive decorations, regional delicacies and memorable moments on board our ships and at every port of call,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “AmaSonata is the perfect venue to complement Rick Braun’s talent as a vocalist and master of the trumpet and flugelhorn. We’re thrilled to treat guests to a special melodic sailing through Europe’s festive Christmas Markets this holiday season!”

 

The special, seven-night cruise departing December 13, 2019 will whisk guests away to experience the timeless traditions of Europe’s Christmas markets with rhythm and blues as a special, festive backdrop. With colorful market stalls offering whimsical handicrafts, a cup of hot mulled wine in hand and twinkling lights overhead, AmaWaterways’ Magical Christmas Markets cruise will transport travelers to the heart of the holiday with the beauty and romance of Europe as an idyllic setting. On board, guests relax surrounded by festive décor, warm holiday atmosphere and award-winning cuisine that AmaWaterways is known for.

 

Nearly 20 years into his solo career with just as many No. 1 Smooth Jazz hits under his belt, Los Angeles-based Braun is renowned for his technical expertise and compositional prowess. His recordings reflect his versatility with instrumental recordings such as “Can You Feel It” and his latest CD “Around the Horn.” He showed his vocal talents in “Rick Braun Sings with Strings” and got into the swing of the holiday season with his first-ever Christmas album, “Swingin’ in the Snow.” Currently, Braun is working on a new solo recording which guests may hear a sneak peek of, during their unforgettable river cruise.

 

“Music moves people and can evoke a sense of joy, much like a river cruise vacation,” said Braun. “It’s always a pleasure to play music for other people, and I look forward to doing what I love and sharing the experience with my fellow AmaWaterways guests!”

 

The 162-passenger AmaSonata (pictured right) features spacious staterooms and suites with AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies offering a breathtaking view of the ever-changing scenery. Additional onboard amenities include a heated pool with a swim-up bar, a walking track, a fitness room, on board massage and salon services, and wellness classes like stretching, core strengthening and resistance band sessions lead by a dedicated Wellness Host.

 

For more information click here, or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise for a client, call 1 (888) 626-1399 or visit the Travel Advisor Portal at AmaWaterways.com. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways and Twitter @AmaWaterways.

 


About AmaWaterways

 

A family-owned company celebrating 17 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 23 ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, 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 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 in innovation including the upcoming launch of AmaMagna, who at twice the width of traditional river ships, will offer a new dimension in luxury river cruising.  The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families as well as group and charter options.

 

With the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the third edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe & the USA, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick Award for “Best for Active Cruisers” and 2018 AFAR Reader’s Choice Award for “Best River Cruise Line.”

Santiago Alvarado

Recent Posts

AmaWaterways Introduces “Cooking with Mamie,” a New Immersive Culinary Experience in France

Guests to connect with French culture through the people who keep its traditions alive  …

15 hours ago

The Travel Institute Launches Knowledge Bridge LMS Integration

Signature Travel Network is first to adopt seamless, cost-efficient integration technology   The Travel Institute…

18 hours ago

AmaWaterways Appoints Toni Stoeckl as Chief Creative and Marketing Officer

Industry-leading brand builder to lead the line’s creative and marketing vision in the next phase…

21 hours ago

Travel Leaders Network Adds 90 Agencies So Far in 2026, Representing $130 Million in Sales

New members span boutique agencies, hosts and large sellers as advisors seek stronger technology, supplier…

2 days ago

The Cruise Globe Set to Launch New Cruise Agency Within Global Travel Collection

The world's fastest-growing cruise app - co-founded by leading cruise content creator Emma Cruises -…

2 days ago

Free Download – Reels for Travel Advisors: Happy Travel Advisor Month 2026!

Travel Advisor Month is May!   In an effort to support Travel Advisors, just like…

2 days ago