Our Renewal Package was booked with Ama Waterways before we left home. Due to the fact we were married over 50 years ago in Germany we requested the service be held on the river in Germany. It has been over 48 years since we have been in Germany. The Danube River heading to Regensburg was selected for the service around 10:00 AM on the outside deck weather permitting. I want to thank the entire staff of the Ama Viola. A special thanks goes to the First Captain Imre Valantyik of the Ama Viola who preformed the service, the Hotel Manager Stefka Kurllakova and the Cruise Manager Raul Deitricks. Last but not least a special thanks to the Executive Chef who baked two wonderful cakes.
Our special day started out as we sailed in the early morning through the Bavarian Forest towards Regensburg. Stefka met us at the top of the stairs and handed me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. The area was decorated and very festive. The First Captain preformed the service as we sailed along on the river. All I can say is it was very romantic and we will remember every minute of it. After the service we opened a bottle of champagne and thanked everyone for attending. Many of the passengers as well as the staff were up on deck. We sat at our special table chatting with everyone and enjoying the beautiful day and the river.
When we got to our cabin to change clothes their was another bottle of Champagne. We had a German lunch with dark beer on the ship before heading into Regensburg for the afternoon.
We had our special dinner planned at the Chef’s Table.
We shared the cake with the guests at dinner that night as we sailed along watching the lights on the river towns. When we returned to our cabin this is what we found:
Note: 50 years ago we had no pictures taken of our wedding. So these pictures are all that exist. Thanks again to Raul for taking them. They mean the world to us. Also note my dress was purchased on our 25th Wedding Anniversary in Tahiti. I’m shocked I could still wear it!