AmaWaterways
Their Story Proudly celebrating more than 21 years on the river, family-owned and operated AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by three families; however, their river cruise story began well before that. Co-Founder and President Rudi Schreiner was born in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube. His love of design drew him to architecture, but his even greater love of travel drew him to places far and wide. In 1975, he travelled to South America for a journalism assignment on the Amazon. It was here he designed his first ship, using what he could find to build a raft that would take him up and down the river during the next 7 months. Soon thereafter, he started working in travel, creating unique tour experiences in Europe.
A Turning Point Rudi started the North American operations for many of today’s major river cruise companies, developing itineraries and ships that would become the templates for what we know river cruising to be today. After years of success as a driving force in the industry, Rudi decided to start his own venture — one that would provide guests with a higher standard of luxury travel by river. That’s when he teamed up with Co-Owners and Co-Founders Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to start AmaWaterways.
In 2016, Rudi was inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame and was honoured with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of devotion to the river cruising industry.
A Team of Pioneers Kristin was born in Germany and brings extensive experience in travel, river cruising and customer service to the company in her role as Executive Vice President. Jimmy Murphy was a brilliant travel entrepreneur, having built Brendan Vacations, one of the most successful tour operators in the U.S. Jimmy’s son, Gary, who also played a major part at Brendan, took on an executive sales role at AmaWaterways. Together with Rudi, a true team of pioneers emerged.
The Story Continues From the beginning, their goal was to create a river cruise company that they themselves would enjoy. To then, that meant the highest-quality, locally sourced food and wine; elegantly appointed ships with staterooms offering maximum views to enjoy the ever-changing countryside; and a crew who goes above and beyond, treating every guest like they are part of THEIR family.
With that in mind, for two wonderful decades, they have been building one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences ranging from our signature view-enhancing twin balconies to the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant to their award-winning AmaMagna – redefining the river cruise experience. They continue to lead the way in innovation, pioneering the first sailings on Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2025. As they look ahead to the future, they are more committed than ever to offering innovative and sustainable ways for their guests to experience the rich culture and history found along the banks of the world’s most iconic rivers.
AmaBella
The AmaBella offers the ultimate in custom-designed luxury. This 161-passenger vessel features a combination of amenities and design details.Ship Profile & StatsLength: 443 feetMaiden Voyage: 2010Passenger Capacity (dbl): 161Crew Nationality:…
AmaCello
This spectacular 144-passenger ship features spacious staterooms, most with French Balconies, whirlpool, Internet/WiFi access and more.Ship Profile & StatsLength: 360 feetMaiden Voyage: 2008Passenger Capacity (dbl): 146Crew Nationality: EuropeanOfficer Nationality: EuropeanDining…
AmaCerto
This 162-passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced design offering spacious staterooms featuring our exclusive twin balconies, multiple dining venues, heated pool, Internet/WiFi access and more.Ship Profile & StatsLength: 443 feetMaiden…
AmaDahlia
The newly designed AmaDahlia offers the ultimate in travel luxury. This 72-passenger ship features a combination of amenities and design details.Ship Profile & StatsLength: 236 ft.Maiden Voyage: 2021Passenger Capacity (dbl):…
AmaDante
The custom-designed AmaDante was introduced in 2008 and features spacious staterooms, most with French Balconies, Internet/WiFi access, walking track along our Sun-deck and guided bicycle tours at stops along the…
AmaDara
AmaDara features spacious staterooms and suites, all of which have private twin balconies. Public areas include two stylish restaurants, an inviting lounge, a fitness room, hair salon, three spas and…
AmaDolce
The custom-designed AmaDolce was introduced in 2009 and features spacious staterooms, most with French Balconies, Internet/WiFi access, walking track along our Sun-deck and guided bicycle tours at stops along the…
AmaDouro
The AmaDouro, sister ship to the AmaVida, brings AmaWaterways’ distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River in Portugal. This grand 102-passenger vessel features balconies in the majority of its…
AmaKristina
This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaLea
This 158-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaLucia
This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaLyra
The AmaLyra offers spacious 170-255 sq. ft. staterooms, most with French balconies, complimentary high-speed internet and WiFi, a walking track along our Sun-deck, and guided bicycle tours at stops along…
AmaMagdalena
This stunning newly designed river cruise ship accommodates just 60 guests and boasts twin balconies staterooms, multiple dining venues, a sun-deck pool, spacious fitness room and more.Ship Profile & StatsLength:…
AmaMagna
Set sail in ultimate luxury on board AmaWaterways’ state-of-the-art ship, AmaMagna, redefining the river cruise experience. Twice the width of traditional European river ships, the AmaMagna offers more than 50%…
AmaMelodia
Take in spectacular views from both the Sun Deck and your twin balconies stateroom on this newly designed vessel which features multiple dining venues, a pool and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaMora
This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaPrima
This 162-passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced design offering spacious staterooms featuring our exclusive twin balconies, multiple dining venues, heated pool, Internet/WiFi access and more.Ship Profile & StatsLength: 443 feetMaiden…
AmaReina
This 162-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaSerena
This 162-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaSiena
This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaSonata
This 162-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaStella
This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaVenita
This 162-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
AmaVerde
Providing the ultimate in custom-designed luxury, this 161-passenger vessel offers twin balcony staterooms, a heated swimming pool, fitness center, and much more.Ship Profile & StatsLength: 443 feetMaiden Voyage: 2011Passenger Capacity…
AmaVida
The AmaVida brings AmaWaterways’ distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River in Portugal. This grand 106-passenger vessel features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which…
AmaViola
This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.Ship Profile &…
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