AmaWaterways has officially taken delivery and named its newest river cruise ship, the AmaSofia in Amsterdam, only to enter problems straight away.
The ceremony took place on the Rhine River during the 2026 ASTA River Cruise Expo. Shortly after its naming cermony, the AmaSofia encountered a mechanical issue on its inaugural journey, losing two of its three engines on the Rhine. The vessel was towed to Koblenz, Germany, for repairs on March 18, 2026, leading to a temporary disembarkation of passengers.
Around 4 a.m. on March 18, the nautical team was alerted that the port-side engine lost power, followed by the starboard engine (both are at the stern of the ship). The details were communicated around 9 a.m. in an update by Captain Profirel Mosa. The ship anchored for a few hours just west of Urmitz-Bahnhof, Germany before the tow began.
Godmother for the ceremony was Sarah Little, Senior Vice President of Business Development at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Most of the guests on board were travel agents form the USA.
The event featured a 300-drone light display over the river and was attended by over 1,200 travel agents. This was the first ship launch under the leadership of the new CEO, Catherine Powell.
The AmaSofia is designed for intimacy and luxury, accommodating approximately 152 to 161 guests., accommodated in 76 staterooms, including signature twin-balcony designs (a French balcony plus a step-out balcony) and suites up to 350 square feet with multiple venues including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, and afternoon tea.
It offers a sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar, a fitness room, a walking track, and complimentary bicycles for shore exploration and is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and “Entertainment-On-Demand” in staterooms.
The ship is scheduled to operate across two of Europe’s major waterways: and is the first in Europe to feature the company’s refreshed brand identity and livery.
Spring (April–May): Sailing the Rhine River on itineraries such as Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps.
Summer (Beginning June 7): Repositioning to the Danube River for itineraries including Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube, and later Christmas Markets on the Danube.
A rainbow appeared during the ceremony.
