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 MS AmaBella offers the ultimate in custom-designed luxury. This 161-passenger vessel features a combination of amenities and design details never before seen on the great waterways of Europe. Featuring…

AmaCello
Decorated in a vibrant palette of gold and orange, the AmaCello debuted in 2008. Most staterooms feature French balconies and range in size from 170-255 sq. ft. Enjoy all the…

AmaCerto
Inspired by classic ocean yachts, the AmaCerto provides the most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as…

AmaDahlia
When it’s time to embark for your Nile River cruise, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard a beautiful river cruise ship where luxury always means love with AmaWaterways. The stunning AmaDahlia…

AmaDante
The custom-designed AmaDante was introduced in 2008 and features spacious staterooms ranging in size from 170-255 sq. ft. most with French balconies. All staterooms include plush down bedding, complimentary bottled…

AmaDara
The brand-new 124-passenger AmaDara (2015) features Luxury Suites (452 sq. ft.), Suites (334 sq. ft.) and spacious standard staterooms (226 sq. ft.), all of which have private Twin Balconies (French…

AmaDolce
The AmaDolce made its debut in 2009. It features luxurious staterooms, most with French balconies, and includes spacious marble-appointed bathrooms, showers and multi-jet shower heads; plus complimentary Internet access and…

AmaDouro
The popularity of Portugal and Spain’s Douro Valley cannot be ignored—that’s why we are pleased to debut our newest Douro River ship, the spectacular AmaDouro, in 2019. Like our other…

AmaKristina
The AmaKristina – set to debut in 2017 – is a sister ship to the AmaViola and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation.…

AmaLea
The AmaLea – set to debut in 2018 – is a sister ship to the AmaKristina and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation.…

AmaLucia
Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaLucia will be a warm, inviting ship offering plenty of space for guests to unwind when she debuts in…

AmaLyra
Introduced in 2009, the AmaLyra quickly earned a "Best New River Cruise Ship" distinction. Striking contemporary artwork is a hallmark of this luxurious vessel. Marvel at ever-changing scenery from a…

AmaMagna
As imagined by AmaWaterways co-owner and president, Rudi Schreiner, the “godfather of river cruising,” the AmaMagna is nearly twice the width of traditional European river ships and offers more choices…

AmaMora
Sister ship to the AmaLea, the AmaMora is an incredible twin-balcony ship launching in 2019 with generous personal space, multiple dining choices and exceptional stateroom comfort. On board, you’ll find…

AmaPrima
Inspired by classic ocean yachts, the AmaPrima provides the most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as…

AmaReina
This 164-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive Twin Balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, in-room Internet access and more.The AmaReina is a…

AmaSerena
The AmaSerena is a sister ship to the AmaPrima and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in…

AmaSiena
Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaSiena will be a warm, inviting ship offering plenty of space for guests to unwind when she debuts in…

AmaSonata
This 164-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive Twin Balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, in-room Internet access and more.The AmaSonata is a…

AmaStella
The AmaStella – is a sister ship to the AmaSerena and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available…

AmaVenita
The AmaVenita, which debuted in 2015, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin…

AmaVerde
AmaVerde made her debut on the Danube in 2011, the 161-passenger AmaVerde is our second "Twin Balcony" vessel in Europe. Sharing the distinction of having the largest average stateroom size…

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
The AmaViola – set to debut in 2016 – is a sister ship to the AmaSerena and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation.…
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