AmaWaterways

Last updated

AmaWaterways, LLC
Company type Private
Industry River cruise company, cruise line
Founded2002;23 years ago (2002)
Headquarters,
United States
Services River cruises
Website www.amawaterways.com

AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based luxury river cruise company founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy. AmaWaterways currently operates 29 ships that offer cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. AmaWaterways has a reputation for spacious vessels, wellness amenities, and fine dining. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

History

Founding and early years (2002-2010)

AmaWaterways (originally Amadeus Waterways) was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. [4] The company rebranded to AMA Waterways in 2008. [5] Its first fully owned ship, AmaDagio, debuted in 2006. [6]

Growth and fleet expansion (2011-2018)

From 2011 the line expanded its fleet and amenities. Amacerto (launched 2012) introduced 135-m vessels with "twin-balcony" staterooms and multiple dining venues. [7] [8] In Asia, the all-suite AmaDara entered Mekong service in 2015. [9] The Rhine-sailing AmaKristina debuted in 2017 with connecting and triple-occupancy cabins aimed at multigenerational travel. [10] [11] A pilot Wellness Program began in 2017 and was expanded across additional ships in 2018. [12] [13]

Innovations and partnerships (2015-present)

In 2015 Adventures by Disney began chartering AmaWaterways ships for family-focused Danube and Rhine itineraries, including sailings on AmaViola. [14] The company has been a member of the gastronomic society La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs since 2011. [15] The double-width AmaMagna entered service on the Danube in 2019, offering larger suites, four restaurants and efficiency measures that were projected to reduce fuel consumption by 20-25%. [16] In 2024 the company reported record sales; by early 2025 bookings for 2025 were tracking 31% higher year-over-year. [17] Recent and announced fleet moves include AmaMagdalena (launched on Colombia's Magdalena River in April 2025) and sister ship AmaMelodia (scheduled 2025), AmaSintra on Portugal's Douro (2025), a 2027 sister to AmaMagna (marketed as AmaRudi) and a new Mekong ship, AmaMaya, slated for 2026. [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]

Present day

The AmaPrima on the Danube AmaWaterways cruise ship AmaPrima -04.JPG
The AmaPrima on the Danube

AmaWaterways cruise ships ply a number of rivers in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, [3] Moselle, Main, [23] Garonne, [24] and Rhône. [25] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Magdalena [26] , Mekong, and Chobe rivers. [3]

Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. [27] AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. [1] [3]

Unusual for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships, [3] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. [27]

Activities and excursions

AmaWaterways offers multiple included shore excursions each day-typically city tours, guided hikes, exclusive guided bike tours and special-interest tastings-run in small groups and offered at three activity levels (gentle, regular, active). [28] [29] Complimentary bicycles are carried aboard for guided rides or independent exploration, and the line also offers a Concierge Golf Program on select itineraries. [30] [31]

On the 14-night Grand Danube Cruise, excursions include visits to multiple UNESCO sites and landmark venues: Austria's Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey; Salzburg's historic center; the medieval town of Český Krumlov; Bulgaria's Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo; plus scenic transits of the Iron Gates gorge and tours of Golubac and Belgrade (Kalemegdan) Fortresses. [32] [33] These options expand the line's traditional guided walking program and cater to cyclists, golfers and other active travelers. [34]

Special interest cruises

To attract multi-generational families, AmaWaterways partnered with Adventures by Disney to create Disney-themed cruises that feature the Christmas markets in cities on the Danube and Rhine rivers, among others. [35] [3] [36]

The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. [37]

Fleet

As of 2025, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 29 ships. [2] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. [3] Roughly twice as wide as other cruise ships on the Danube, [38] the AmaMagna is meant to offer passengers more roomy accommodations and more dining options than would be possible on a narrower river cruise ship. [3]

ShipEntered serviceLengthWidthStateroomsPassengersFlagRegister No.Photo
AmaBella 2010443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)80160 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 02332082
AmaCello 2008360 ft (110 m)38 ft (12 m)71140 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 02329809
AmaCerto 2012443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)81162 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 07001949
AmaDahlia 2021236 ft (72 m)42.6 ft (13 m)3672 Flag of Egypt.svg
AmaDante 2008360 ft (110 m)38 ft (12 m)71140 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 02329183
AmaDara 2015302 ft (92 m)46 ft (14 m)62124 Flag of Vietnam.svg
AmaDolce 2009360 ft (110 m)38 ft (12 m)71140 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 02331267
AmaDouro 2019260 ft (79 m)37 ft (11 m)51102 Flag of Portugal (official).svg
AmaKristina [37] 2017443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)76152 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaLea [37] 2018443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)78156 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaLilia 236 ft (72 m)47.6 ft (15 m)4182 Flag of Egypt.svg
AmaLucia [23] 2021 [23] 443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)78156 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 07002142
AmaLyra [37] 2009360 ft (110 m)38 ft (12 m)71140 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaMagdalena 223 ft (68 m)43 ft (13 m)3060 Flag of Colombia.svg
AmaMagna 2019443 ft (135 m)72 ft (22 m)98196 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaMelodia 223 ft (68 m)43 ft (13 m)3264 Flag of Colombia.svg
AmaMora [23] 2019443 ft (135 m)m38 ft (12 m)78156 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaPrima 2013443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)81162 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 07001958
AmaReina 2014443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)162 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 02335818
AmaSerena [23] 2015443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)81162 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 07002014
AmaSiena 2021443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)78156 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaSintra 260 ft (79 m)37 ft (11 m)51102 Flag of Portugal (official).svg
AmaSonata 2014443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)81162 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 07001981
AmaStella 2016443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)78156 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaVenita 2014443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)81162 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg ENI 07002005
AmaVerde 2011443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)80160 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
AmaVida 2013260 ft (79 m)37 ft (11 m)51102 Flag of Portugal (official).svg
AmaViola 2016443 ft (135 m)38 ft (12 m)78156 Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg
Zambezi Queen 2009150 ft (46 m)25.6 ft (8 m)1428 Flag of Namibia.svg

Awards and recognition

Sustainability

AmaWaterways has introduced a range of measures to reduce fuel use, waste and emissions. Its double-width AmaMagna employs a diesel-electric setup with ten smaller engines that can be engaged as needed, a configuration reported to cut fuel consumption by ~20-25%. [42] In 2023 the ship added solar panels on select balcony awnings to assist with heating/cooling loads. [43] [44] By 2024 the line said all ships could connect to shoreside electric power while in port. [45]

The company highlights single-use plastic reductions (paper straws, refillable glass water bottles, refillable bathroom dispensers), Tetra Pak water on excursions, recycled-material luggage tags and the MyAmaCruise app to cut paper. [46] Navigation and efficiency pilots have included a riverbed "Track Pilot" system on select ships. [47] In 2020, AmaKristina became the first river cruise ship to receive Green Award certification; additional European fleet vessels were recognized soon after. [48] [49] [50]

Leadership

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. [51] In February 2025, former Disney and Airbnb executive Catherine Powell joined as president; on 1 July 2025 she became CEO as Schreiner moved to chairman of the board. [52] [53] [54] Co-founder Karst transitioned from executive vice president to chief brand ambassador in 2025. [55]

References

  1. 1 2 Lewis Nunn (24 August 2024). "Meet The President Of AmaWaterways" . Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  2. 1 2 "AmaWaterways Ships and Fleet". Calabasas, CA: AmaWaterways. 7 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Jeannine Williamson. "AmaWaterways vs. Emerald Waterways". www.cruisecritic.com. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  4. "Cruise: Get ready for the river cruise boom". travelweekly.co.uk. 12 March 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  5. "Amadeus Waterways changes company name". www.travelweekly.com. 9 June 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  6. "The Big Adventure Continues". AmaWaterways.com. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  7. "Twin-balcony cabin design among Ama newbuild's innovations". www.travelweekly.com. 27 June 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  8. "AmaWaterways AmaCerto Ship Information". www.travelweekly.com. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  9. "AmaDara - River Cruise Ship". AmaWaterways.com. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  10. "New Cruise Ships Setting Sail in 2017". Cruiseline.com. 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  11. "AmaWaterways prepares for new AmaKristina debut in 2017". www.travelpulse.com. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  12. "AmaWaterways Expands Wellness Sailings for 2018". www.travelmarketreport.com. 1 November 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  13. "AmaWaterways' Vacation Wellness Commitment". www.travelpulse.com. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  14. "Morning News: Disney Enters the River Cruise Business". www.cntraveler.com. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  15. "AmaWaterways Press Kit (2021)" (PDF). AmaWaterways.com. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  16. "AmaMagna: Realizing An Improbable Dream In River Cruising". Forbes. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  17. "Rudi Schreiner Reflects on AmaWaterways' Record-Breaking 2024 and What Lies Ahead in 2025". TravelAgeWest. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  18. "AmaWaterways pushes back Colombia debut to early April". www.travelweekly.com. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  19. "AmaWaterways launches AmaSintra, its third luxury river cruise ship on the Douro River". TravelDailyNews. 18 April 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  20. "AmaWaterways building another AmaMagna". www.travelweekly.com. 10 June 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  21. "AmaRudi - River Cruise Ship". AmaWaterways.com. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  22. "Strong demand pushes AmaWaterways to open 2026 sales early". SeatradeCruiseNews. 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 Jeri Clausing (15 January 2020). "AmaWaterways to debut new ship, new itineraries in 2021". Travel Weekly.
  24. "Taste of Bordeaux". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  25. "Colors of Provence". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  26. "AmaWaterways Launches First River Cruise Ship on Colombia's Magdalena River". Cruise Industry News. 18 April 2025. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  27. 1 2 Kathy Armstrong (25 January 2020). "Down the Danube: What would a 20-something make of a river cruise?". Irish Independent. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  28. "Every Excursion Included". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  29. "The AmaWaterways Difference: All-Inclusive Excursions". TravelPulse. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  30. "Biking Excursions". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  31. "Concierge Golf Program". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  32. "Europe River Cruises 2025". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  33. "Grand Danube Cruise (14-night)". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  34. "Grand Danube Cruise (14-night)". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  35. Maryn Liles (7 February 2020). "Vacationing With Kids? Here Are 15 of the Best New Family-Friendly Cruises to Take in 2020". Parade.com. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  36. Orlando Sentinel (5 February 2020). "Disney amps up European river cruise options". Texarkana Gazette. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  37. 1 2 3 4 "AmaWaterways to Offer Solo Traveler Promotion". Luxury Travel Advisor. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  38. "Cruise New February: AmaMagna". The Business Travel News. 3 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  39. "AmaWaterways Receives Top Honors at TravelAge West Wave Awards". 19 June 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  40. Editorial Team (22 December 2024). "The Opulent World of Luxury Cruises That Redefine Adventure" . Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  41. Kimberly Inlander (6 June 2023). "Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2023 Leisure Lifestyle Awards" . Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  42. "AmaMagna: Realizing an Improbable Dream in River Cruising". Forbes. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  43. "AmaWaterways introduces new sustainability initiatives". Travel Weekly. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  44. "Connections: Meet Our Fleet". AmaWaterways. 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  45. "AmaWaterways Marks Earth Day with Plans for a More Sustainable Future". Insider Travel Report. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  46. "AmaWaterways Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability". Cruise Industry News. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  47. "AmaWaterways Explores New Ways to Enhance Sustainability". Hemsworth Communications. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  48. "AmaKristina Becomes First River Cruise Ship to Receive Green Award Certification". Travel Market Report. 4 February 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  49. "Sustainability & Global Impact". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  50. "18 AmaWaterways river cruise ships earn Green Award certification". CruiseMapper. 6 June 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  51. "Our Story". AmaWaterways. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  52. "AmaWaterways Announces New President". Travelweek. 12 February 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  53. "Catherine Powell will be promoted from president to CEO". TravelAge West. 9 June 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  54. "Rudi Schreiner is relinquishing the CEO role at AmaWaterways". Travel Weekly. 29 May 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  55. "Kristin Karst takes on new role at AmaWaterways". Travel Weekly. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.