AMA Waterways

Story

AmaWaterways proudly celebrates more than 23 years of cruising the world's most legendary rivers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Founded in 2002 by three families, AmaWaterways builds on a river cruising story that begins long before its official launch. In 1975, Vienna-born student Rudi Schreiner travels to South America for a journalism assignment on the Amazon, where he designs his first ship—a raft that fuels a lifelong passion for exploration. In 2002, Rudi joins co-founders Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to establish AmaWaterways. In 2006, the company introduces its first custom-built river cruise ship, AmaDagio, and adds complimentary bicycles on select ships to enhance your journey. In 2017, AmaWaterways launches its Wellness Program with dedicated Wellness Hosts leading onboard classes throughout the day. In 2019, the extraordinary AmaMagna, twice the width of traditional river cruise ships and featuring four unique dining venues, makes history with its debut on the Danube River. In 2025, AmaWaterways introduces a collection of new Specialty River Cruises and pioneers the first luxury cruises on Colombia's magnificent Magdalena River. The same year, Catherine Powell joins AmaWaterways as Chief Executive Officer. Today, every river cruise reflects a legacy of innovation, exploration, and personalized experiences designed to help you create unforgettable memories.

Mission

AmaWaterways' mission is to personally connect with you and create a positive impact on the world, so every mile of your river cruise becomes one of your most cherished memories. Every journey reflects a commitment to heartfelt service, meaningful connections, authentic local experiences, and continuous innovation that enhances every moment of your voyage.

Vision

AmaWaterways strives to shape the future of river cruising through exploration, innovation, and guest-focused experiences. You enjoy thoughtfully designed journeys, authentic cultural connections, exceptional service, and meaningful innovations that make every river cruise more personal, more flexible, and more memorable.
AmaWaterways Five Pillars

Every AmaWaterways journey is shaped by the values carried from the very beginning. Inspired by the founders and guided by what matters most to you, these five pillars reflect the care, curiosity, and connection that define AmaWaterways river cruises.

• Pioneers of the River - AmaWaterways is founded by industry experts with a deep love for the rivers, including Rudi Schreiner, who once builds and lives on a raft along the Amazon. That spirit of exploration continues to guide AmaWaterways as you discover new ships and itineraries around the world. AmaWaterways remains family-run and focuses solely on river cruising, launching custom-designed ships that honor the character of each river, from Europe’s legendary Danube to Colombia’s intriguing Magdalena.
• Thoughtful, Heartfelt Service - At AmaWaterways, service is never scripted. The crew takes the time to notice what matters to you, offering care that feels genuine and intuitive. With a high staff-to-guest ratio and dedicated expert guides throughout your journey, AmaWaterways creates continuity and connection. This attention to detail, and the warmth behind it, brings guests back year after year.
• Your Version of Local - AmaWaterways believes the most memorable moments happen when travel feels personal. That is why you enjoy a variety of daily onshore experiences, allowing you to choose how you explore, whether through guided insight, independent discovery, or a mix of both. Local guides share their stories with heart, and Cruise Managers tailor recommendations to your interests. No two journeys are the same, and that is exactly how it should be.
• Rivers Connect - The rivers do not just transport you from one destination to the next—they bring people together. Onboard, you connect over shared passions and moments of discovery, whether through a lively conversation in the lounge or a quiet moment watching the sunset. AmaWaterways ships foster a sense of community with a diverse crew and welcoming atmosphere, where friendships form naturally and often last long after the journey ends.
• Shaped by You - AmaWaterways evolves with you. Every innovation, from the wellness program to specialty dining experiences and itinerary-enhancing partnerships, reflects what travelers value most. AmaWaterways listens and adapts with purpose, not novelty. Whether you enjoy the first onboard internet café, partnerships with Disney and the Smithsonian, wellness classes, bicycles, pickleball courts, or the flagship AmaMagna, every detail is shaped by what guests value most.

AmaWaterways intentionally remains nimble, with a guest-first mindset that shapes everything from itineraries to onboard experiences.

AmaWaterways acts on real feedback, adapts quickly, and innovates with purpose—not for novelty, but to make every journey more meaningful, more flexible, and more personal.

AmaWaterways recognizes that sustainability is not limited to one month—it is an ongoing responsibility. As you cruise along some of the world's most cherished waterways, AmaWaterways remains committed to minimizing environmental impact and making thoughtful choices that support the environment year-round.

Eco-Friendly Ship Design

AmaWaterways thoughtfully designs its ships to reduce environmental impact while delivering an exceptional onboard experience. From energy-saving LED lighting and insulated windows to solar heating systems and shore power connections, every detail supports greater efficiency. Advanced water treatment systems recycle and purify water on board, while innovative engine configurations, such as those on the award-winning AmaMagna, reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These sustainable features reflect AmaWaterways' commitment to protecting the rivers and ecosystems you explore.

A Greener Experience On Board

AmaWaterways makes reducing waste across its ships an essential part of its sustainability efforts. You enjoy refillable glass water bottles in every stateroom and recyclable Tetra Pak containers during excursions, helping eliminate most single-use plastics. Throughout the European fleet, à la carte dining allows meals to be prepared to order with greater precision, reducing food waste. Select ships also feature solar panels that harness renewable energy and help reduce the environmental footprint. Combined with eco-conscious onboard amenities, these practices create a cleaner and more intentional river cruise experience.

Setting the Standard in Sustainable River Cruising

AmaWaterways' dedication to environmentally responsible travel continues to earn industry recognition. In early 2020, AmaKristina becomes the first river cruise ship in the industry to receive the prestigious Green Award for outstanding safety, quality, and environmental performance. Since then, 19 additional ships across the European fleet have earned the same recognition. Independent experts continue to verify that AmaWaterways river cruise ships meet some of the highest environmental standards in the industry, reflecting an ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership.

Looking Ahead

Sustainability is not a one-time initiative or a seasonal campaign—it is a core value that shapes how AmaWaterways cruises, designs its ships, and connects with local communities.