An advanced new `Infotainment’ system, which even gives passengers free access to a Google map tracing the route of the ship, has been installed by award winning river cruise line AMAWATERWAYS. The new system offers guests free, high speed internet, free WiFi and access to a state-of-the-art video on demand system, with the hottest releases and classic films at no charge, all accessible from their cabins.

The company claims this is the cruise industry’s most advanced guestroom entertainment and is being offered on board AMA ships sailing the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers.

Fast internet connectivity is the result of a newly-installed 3G high speed internet service across the AMA fleet. In addition, there are computing options that allow guests to post blogs, send and receive emails, track their online account, create documents, follow the ship’s progress via a Google Maps programme and even print boarding cards for their flight home.

Highlights of the Infotainment System include:

New state-of-the-art video on demand system featuring Hollywood’s hottest current releases from top studios including Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount and Sony available on a complimentary basis in staterooms. A regularly changing selection of classic films will also be available for passengers’ enjoyment, as will informative television programmes covering news, sport, current affairs and special interest.

A large selection of music in different styles and genres

Improved internet connectivity fleet-wide via a 3G signal including convenient Wi-Fi access throughout the ship for guests who bring their own laptops

‘Virtual Computer Desktop’; using a specially-designed remote control, passengers can switch the television screen into a ‘computer screen’ allowing them to surf the internet via Microsoft Internet Explorer; send emails; post blogs; and create documents using word processing or spreadsheet programmes. Online check in for return flights is simple, with a printer in the aft lounge dedicated to guests’ use.

The new system will also feature a Google map tracing the route of the ship, and a live billing system so that guests can view their stateroom account – although practically everything is already included in an AMAWATERWAYS cruise.

“Today’s travellers expect a full array of internet and entertainment options and do not want to pay extra for them,” says AMAWATERWAYS president, Rudi Schreiner. “Our new, enhanced complimentary Infotainment System is the best offering in cruising today and adds value to the guest’s experience on AMAWATERWAYS. Exciting no-charge features such as the latest hit movies and high-speed internet access in each stateroom, plus Wi-Fi throughout all areas of the ship continue to set AMAWATERWAYS apart as the true innovator in the world of river cruising.”