AmaWaterways' Newest Ship Suffers Technical Issue During Inaugural Voyage with Travel Advisors Onboard

Image: AmaWaterways new logo and color scheme (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Image: AmaWaterways new logo and color scheme (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:45 AM ET, Thu March 19, 2026

A brand new AmaWaterways ship experienced a technical issue during its inaugural voyage.

The AmaSofia was traveling on the Rhine River when it lost power to two of its three engines around 4 a.m. local time March 18. A cargo vessel towed the riverboat to Koblenz, Germany, reports Travel Weekly.

Most of the passengers on the ship are travel advisors and company executives, who had just wrapped up the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) River Cruise Expo. The vessel was christened by godmother Sarah Little, who is also onboard the ship, during the expo.

"Our experienced crew responded quickly, and arrangements are in place so we can resume cruising with minimal impact,” Alex Pinelo, chief sales officer for AmaWaterways, told Travel Weekly. "We're making arrangements to schedule shore excursions in Koblenz to make sure the guests are getting the most out of their stay. Once the repairs have been made, we can be on our way and [maintain] the daylight cruising through the Rhine Gorge tomorrow.”

Topics From This Article to Explore

Featured Video

Get To Know Us Better

Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!
Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!

Become A Travel Expert

Upcoming Webinar
Japan in Bloom: Sell Spring 2027 Cruises with Confidence with HankyuMonday, July 27, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Spring is one of the most sought-after times to visit Japan, making it the perfect opportunity to...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan in Bloom: Sell Spring 2027 Cruises with Confidence with HankyuMonday, July 27, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Spring is one of the most sought-after times to visit Japan, making it the perfect opportunity to...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...