AmaWaterways: 23 Years on the World’s Rivers, Still Family-Run
AmaWaterways has been sailing since 2002, founded by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy. Schreiner’s connection to rivers goes back even further: back in 1975, as a student, he built a raft and lived on the Amazon for seven months. He’s still with the company today, and that same hands-on approach to river travel runs through it. AmaWaterways has never branched into ocean cruising, choosing to stay focused on rivers alone.
The fleet covers more than 100 itineraries across 32 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, including Colombia’s Magdalena River, where AmaWaterways launched the first luxury river cruises in 2025. A new ship, AmaRudi, named for the co-founder, joins the fleet this year.
A Smaller Ship Changes the Whole Trip
AmaWaterways ships average just 156 guests. Staterooms lean toward suites with full balconies, so you get a real view instead of a sliver of one. The flagship AmaMagna takes it even further: nearly twice the width of a standard river ship, with four separate dining venues instead of one and a pickleball court up on the Sun Deck.
Onshore, you’ll have as many as six different excursions to pick from most days, guided walks, bike rides, culinary tastings, all in small groups with local guides. Some days call for structure. Some days call for grabbing a bike and finding your own way into town. AmaWaterways builds room for both into every itinerary.
Food That Actually Tastes Like Where You Are
The menus shift with the region, because AmaWaterways works directly with local producers along the rivers it sails. Every itinerary includes at least one specialty dining experience built around that region’s own food traditions. Onboard, a rotating list of more than 30 wines pours with meals, and a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour brings out complimentary cocktails, wine, beer, and mocktails, all included in the fare.
Solo, or the Whole Family
Solo travelers get a reduced single supplement on select sailings, plus the option of a single-occupancy stateroom with its own French balcony on select ships. There’s also a dedicated welcome and ship tour just for solo guests on embarkation day.
Flexible stateroom configurations, including connecting rooms on select ships, make it possible for grandparents, parents, and kids to all book the same sailing. The Christmas season sailings are especially good for this: Christmas markets on shore, gingerbread decorating and caroling on board, with plenty for every age to enjoy.
Sailings Shaped by Interest, Not Just Itinerary
AmaWaterways builds entire itineraries around specific interests. You can sail throughEurope’s vineyard regions with wine tastings built into the stops, or catch a Celebration of Music sailing on the Danube with live performances and lectures worked into the days. Some itineraries center on centuries-old castles and riverside fortresses, others pair the cruise with expert-led context through Smithsonian Journeys. There are also cruises built around beer, sailings centered on Black history and culture, and slower-paced City Escapes for travelers who’d rather spend a full day in one place than rush through five
Wellness, Bikes, and Easier Logistics
The Wellness Program has run since 2017, with a dedicated host leading exercise classes daily, and every ship carries a complimentary bicycle fleet so you can explore towns on your own schedule. The myAmaCruise app keeps live cruise tracking and travel documents in one place, AmaAir handles flights alongside the cruise, and Luggage Forward means your bags can beat you to the ship instead of riding along through the airport.
Why We Keep Recommending AmaWaterways
Twenty-three years of doing only one thing gives AmaWaterways an edge: smaller ships, food that’s actually from the places you’re visiting, and enough thoughtful planning that you can relax into the trip instead of managing it. If you’re thinking about Europe, Colombia, or Asia by river, book a call with your advisor and let’s talk through which sailing fits.
Are you ready to explore the world’s rivers with AmaWaterways?
Your Key to the World Travel advisor is standing by to handle all the details of planning your perfect river cruise vacation. Whether it’s a multi generational family trip, romantic getaway for two, or a special themed adventure you have in mind, Click the button to get started by requesting a no obligation quote.
