The river cruise company creating genuinely unique experiences

From wildlife safaris to colourful European Christmas markets, and ancient temples to wine and golfing holidays, AmaWaterways takes guests on river cruises with a heartfelt difference.

I first meet two of AmaWaterways’ co-founders – Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst – in a most unusual place. We’re onboard AmaDara, the ship that will sail us and about 100 guests down the Mekong River from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City.

See how the locals live on the Mekong River.

After having time to settle into our cabins, we all head to the Saigon Lounge, a shared indoor space that we’ll come to know well over the course of the next week, where the couple introduces themselves.

“I’ll be on the ship with you for the whole week,” Rudi told us, “Anytime you have any questions, just come up to me. And I’ll meet you slowly, one by one, throughout the cruise”.

“Thanks again for being here,” reiterates Kristin, “I know we will have plenty of time to meet in the next seven days”.

It was a promise kept by both of them, with enthusiasm. Over the next week they were joining dinner tables, grabbing a drink, stretching through yoga and exploring on shore excursions with each and every guest. And I think it’s this action (and the fact they make sure to do this as often as possible for all their cruises) more than anything else, that really describes what AmaWaterways is about.

Take in unforgettable views from your elegant suite.

About AmaWaterways

This cruise line may be the first joint venture the couple embarked upon, but their passion for cruising as a way of exploring the world started long before.

While Rudi had moved to the U.S.A. from his home in Austria in 1978 (moving to L.A. in 1982) and Kristin hails from Dresden, Germany, it was America that brought the two together.

“I opened up Viking River Cruises in 2000,” Rudi told us, “And Kristin joined Viking in 2000. We met in Los Angeles at Viking River Cruises, then we started our own company in 2002”.

The two were joined by their third co-founder, Jimmy Murphy of travel agent company Brendan Vacations, and the rest is history. It’s easy to see why a mutual approach to river cruising created a partnership made in heaven: their genuine passion for the type of travel which fosters connections.

Co-founders of AmaWaterways, Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner.

Activities that create connections

Connections to the land and people of the country you’re exploring, connection to other guests going on that journey with you and connections between guests and AmaWaterways staff who will bring the journey to life.

It’s clear as soon as you’re on board and every staff member knows your name. It’s clear in the ship activities designed to educate, like the Vietnamese tea ceremony and local Cambodian high school dance group we experienced. And in those designed to create fun, like karaoke nights and dancing off the ship to every excursion.

Meet the locals, both on land and onboard.

The global impact of AmaWaterways

It’s also in the clear focus on giving back to and interacting with the communities they visit.

“It’s part of it when you’re in a destination,” says Kristin. “It’s the involvement in the community, it makes us feel more like we are partners. We all belong, and locals are more welcoming to our guests as well.”

An example of this in Cambodia is AmaWaterways’s sponsorship of the ODA Free Village English School in Siem Reap. In a country where school attendance is low, underfunded and often unattainable, this funding sets local kids up with skills that open up future employment opportunities.

“When we started, the elementary class had 70 kids … now they have about 150 kids there. And it’s almost like a local community centre,” shared Rudi.

In Africa, the company sponsors a local youth program that provides academic tutoring, athletic opportunities and arts programs to help children get out of the poverty cycle. And at home in America, the company works with and sponsors several organisations that give back to their communities.

This mutual exchange is clear in shore excursions led by local guides that don’t just have you gawking at another culture, but participating in it and interacting with the locals, creating genuine travel moments that stay with you for a lifetime.

Participate in the local culture.

AmaWaterways itineraries

AmaWaterways provides land and river cruises across Europe and Africa, as well as to Vietnam, Cambodia and Egypt. Even when you narrow it down to a country, picking an itinerary is still a hard choice. Wine, golf and Christmas Market cruises and tours are all on offer.

“In general, I would say, a lot of [guests] start in Europe and then they want to explore more destinations,” shared Rudi. “They choose one river cruise and then they fall in love.”

When asked if she had a personal favourite, Kristin could only answer: “Always the one I’m on”. When pushed, she narrows it down to a cruise through the Moselle River in Germany.

Enjoy the sights of Europe by river.

“The guests who come to us are like ‘here’s the Danube, here’s the Rhine’. And maybe Germany has never promoted the Moselle area because they want to keep it to themselves. But these itineraries are the best. We spend time in villages and castles that nobody knows. I [love] the fall colours in late October and early November, when the vineyards here are sparkling.”

She also recommends a land tour through Zambia.

“It’s all about the wildlife and the setting,” she explained. “You’re having breakfast and through your window, you see elephants swimming through the channel. The afternoon game drive is by boat, and when we go to the banks of the river all the animals are coming down to drink. It’s very special.”

Spot wildlife up close.

Start planning your next adventure at amawaterways.au.