AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways (AMAwaterways.eu) is a travel brand and a 2002-founded company established by three families led by former river cruise executives: Kristin Karst, Rudi Schreiner and Jimmy Murphy (died in 2014).

The company's current executive team includes Rudi Schreiner (Owner, President, CEO/Chief Executive Officer), Kristin Karst (Co-Owner, Executive VP, Chief Brand Ambassador), Jon Burrows (COO/Chief Operations Officer), Kevin Duffin (CFO/Chief Financial Officer), Brenda Kyllo (VP Strategic Alliances), Bronwyn McKindley (VP Reservations), Michal maguire (VP Marketing), Robert Kellerhals (Culinary Director), Joemar Dacanay (VP Information Technology).

AmaWaterways’ newest ships include AmaLea (2018), AmaMagna (2019), AmaMora (2019), AmaDouro, AmaSiena (2020), AmaLucia (2021), two Nile River ships in Egypt — AmaDahlia (2021) and AmaLilia (2024), and two vessels on Colombia’s Magdalena River — AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia (both 2024).

AMAwaterways - company history and changes

In March 2024, L Catterton—a multinational private equity firm (founded in 1989) with over USD 33 billion in assets under management (as of 2023)—announced it had agreed to acquire a major stake in AmaWaterways.

The company operates cruisetours across three continents (Europe, Asia, Africa), offering more than 30 itineraries. Most AMA cruises are in Western Europe, on rivers such as the Moselle, Rhine, Main, Danube, and Rhone (France).

AmaWaterways is headquartered in Chatsworth, California (USA), and is a member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

Until 2024, in the UK and Australia, AmaWaterways was represented by APT (Australian Pacific Touring) through the subsidiary company APT-AmaWaterways GmbH.

AmaWaterways typically offers voyages ranging from 7 to 27 days, visiting top tourist destinations and river port cities across Holland, Belgium, Austria, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Hungary, Czechia, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, and parts of Asia (China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia).

Many European itineraries feature wine-themed activities and land excursions, such as tours of Berg Rottland Winery in Rudesheim, Loisium Winery in Krems (Danube), and Bergweiler Winery in Bernkastel (Moselle).

In 2025, AmaWaterways introduced the “Celebration of Wellness River Cruises,” a new wellness-themed program. Designed for active, health-conscious travelers, these voyages feature healthy dining options, extended hikes ashore, and daily onboard wellness classes led by two dedicated wellness hosts offering personalized support.

AmaWaterways’ African cruise and safari program, launched in 2012, is based on Chobe River voyages (Botswana) with travel options to Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Unlike traditional itineraries, these tours focus on wildlife viewing, fishing excursions, and cultural experiences in local villages, using both small boats and vehicles.

In July 2021, AmaWaterways partnered with Metropolitan Touring (a Galapagos and South America travel company) to launch Magdalena River cruises in Colombia. This unique program began in December 2023, featuring a new ship owned by Metropolitan Touring and operated by AMA under a long-term charter.

• The agreement was signed by Rudi Schreiner (AMA President and CEO) and Paulina Burbano de Lara (Metropolitan Touring CEO).
• The Magdalena River program includes two 7-night/8-day itineraries, each with pre- and post-cruise tours. Each cruise is led by a professional team that includes an AMA Cruise Director, Wellness Manager, and local guides specializing in Colombian culture, nature, cuisine, and wildlife. Activities include kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The Magdalena River itineraries (ports and land programs) were officially announced in March 2023 and are operated with the two 2024-built ships AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.

In 2023, AmaWaterways replaced fleetwide breakfast and lunch buffets with full-service à la carte menus, reducing food waste by approximately 30%.

As of February 17, 2025, the company's President is Catherine Powell, who reports directly to CEO Rudi Schreiner.

CruiseMapper allows you to compare all AmaWaterways ships, including their river routes, homeports, ports of call, and destinations. You can also track current itineraries and changes by year. AMA’s cruising experience features:

A wide variety of itineraries — ranging from 7 to 27 days — including wine-themed cruises with visits to Bergweiler Winery (Bernkastel on the Moselle River), Loisium Winery (Krems on the Danube), and Berg Rottland Winery (Rudesheim on the Rhine). Ama itineraries include visits to magnificent cities, historic landmarks, castles, fortresses, and stunning river scenery.

Destinations include some of the world’s most popular inland waterways across Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland) and Asia (Cambodia, Russia, Vietnam, China). In 2012, AMA introduced the “African River Cruise and Safari” program on the Chobe River, visiting South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.

Convenience — AmaWaterways ships dock in the heart of river towns and cities, often near castles and iconic landmarks.

All AMA ships offer complimentary 5-star luxury hotel-style amenities, exquisite staterooms with French balconies and Twin-Balcony rooms, a range of indoor and outdoor dining venues, heated sundeck pools, attentive and personalized service, high staff-to-guest ratios, modern public areas, and elegant venues.

Gourmet cuisine and premium (open-seating) dining experiences include daily buffet breakfasts, curated selections of European wines (complimentary with lunch and dinner), a cocktail reception, and a welcome dinner on embarkation day.

New ships 2019–2025

In May 2017, construction began on AmaMagna, the largest river cruise ship in Europe. The vessel was launched in 2019 and inaugurated in 2021.

AmaMagna is a uniquely designed riverboat, featuring multiple dining venues (Main Restaurant, Chef’s Table, Al Fresco Restaurant, Jimmy’s Wine Bar), a spacious wellness complex, and an aft marina (watersports platform).

• The ship is double the width of traditional European river cruisers but accommodates only about 20% more passengers (98 staterooms for 196 guests), resulting in significantly more personal space. Due to her dimensions (135 m length, 22 m width), AmaMagna operates exclusively on the Danube River.
• Cabins are generously sized (355–710 ft² / 33–66 m²), appointed with natural wood finishes. All suites feature large step-out balconies, double-sink bathrooms, walk-in showers, and Grand Suites include bathtubs and separate living areas.
• The Zen Wellness Studio includes a large fitness area for group classes (stretching, cardio-core), juice bar, two massage rooms, and a Beauty Salon (manicure, pedicure, hairdresser). A professional wellness coach leads the onboard fitness program.
• The Sun Deck features a heated pool, a large Jacuzzi, and the Sky Bar.

The onboard entertainment program is enhanced, and the ship introduced the Concierge Golf Program, allowing guests to play at four top-tier golf courses in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.

In 2025, AmaSintra enters service on the Douro River in Portugal.

AmaLilia (Egypt) debuted in 2024.

In 2021, AMA introduced AmaSiena, AmaLucia, and AmaDahlia (Egypt).

In 2019, AmaDouro (Portugal) and AmaMora joined the fleet. AmaLea launched in 2018.

In 2021, sister brand Travelmarvel introduced Travelmarvel Polaris, Travelmarvel Capella, and Travelmarvel Vega.

Disney–AmaWaterways River Cruise Charters

In Europe, Walt Disney partnered with AmaWaterways to offer river cruise tours via voyage-chartered ships. A voyage charter involves hiring the vessel (including crew) for a specific departure and custom itinerary. Disney (the charterer) pays AmaWaterways (the shipowner) a lump-sum fee, while the shipowner covers port taxes, fuel, and crew costs. Each charter includes a specified laytime for embarking and disembarking Disney’s exclusive guests.

Disney offers all-inclusive packages on the AmaWaterways chartered ships, covering accommodations, meals, entertainment, and shore excursions. Onboard and ashore programs are curated by Disney's family travel experts. A team of Disney Adventure Guides — English-speaking storytellers — provide engaging reviews of visited destinations, cities, and attractions.

For the 2021 season, “Adventures by Disney” launched its largest-ever river cruise program with 30 departures on the Danube and rivers in France (Seine, Rhine, Rhone). Select sailings are reserved for adults only, themed around food and wine and Oktoberfest (with German beer tastings). A new Rhine River program in 2021 included a visit to Papenburg and an exclusive tour of MEYER WERFT shipyard, where MS Disney Wish (the company’s fifth cruise ship) was under construction.

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020–2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, river cruises were suspended passenger fleetwide (AMAwaterways and Travelmarvel). All scheduled voyages between March 14, 2020, and early July 2021 were canceled. Fleetwide operations resumed in August 2021.

Although operations were initially planned to restart on November 1, 2020 (except AmaStella, which was scheduled for July 2020), the entire 2020 season was canceled in mid-October.

Affected bookings received a 115% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) or a 100% monetary refund.

In May 2021, AMA announced its return-to-service plan: July 3 (AmaDouro on Douro River, Portugal), July 21 (AmaMagna on Danube), July 22 (AmaKristina on Rhone and AmaLyra on Seine), July 27 (AmaVida on Douro), and July 29 (AmaDolce on Garonne and AmaSiena on Rhine).

In May 2020, AmaWaterways launched a promotional campaign offering complimentary river cruises to frontline personnel, including first responders, healthcare workers, and essential service employees. The offer provided free FCC (Future Cruise Credit) for any European or Asian itinerary departing through December 31, 2021. To qualify, passengers needed valid ID and at least one paying guest in the same stateroom. Promo bookings had to be made within 90 days of departure.

AmaWaterways’ itinerary program is primarily focused on European waterways, offering cruises on the Rhone, Saone, Seine, Douro, Danube, Main, Rhine, and Mosel rivers. The company operates a fully owned fleet of riverboats and also charters vessels to serve more remote destinations. AmaWaterways' river cruises in South America, Africa, and Asia (including Russia, Vietnam, and Cambodia) are mainly operated using leased or time-chartered boats.

South America (Colombia) Voyages

In March 2025, AmaWaterways begins operations on Colombia's Magdalena River with the new AmaMagdalena, to be joined by her sistership AmaMelodia in June 2025.

Both vessels offer travelers the chance to enjoy Latin American cuisine, unique excursions, and entertainment.

AmaWaterways offers two 7-night itineraries in Colombia: "Wonders of Colombia" and "Magic of Colombia," operated between Cartagena de Indias and Barranquilla. Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages are available in Medellin (Colombia) and Panama City.

New Itineraries 2024-2025

The 5-night "Majestic Capitals of the Danube" departs from Budapest, visits Bratislava, and ends in Vienna, with optional land packages in Krakow, Poland or Salzburg, Austria.

The 7-night "Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube" also sails between Budapest and Vienna.

Two "Seven River Journeys" are offered, covering 14 countries (see details below).

Additional itineraries include voyages on the Moselle, Main, and Rhine rivers, as well as the "Enticing Douro" and "Flavors of Portugal and Spain" cruises on the Douro River.

Five AMA ships are scheduled to operate in France, each with a distinct itinerary. With B2Bs, travelers can combine multiple cruises and save 10% on the second or third voyage. Another option is to add a land package before or after the cruise to extend the vacation.

New pre/post-cruise land packages available for booking include:

• 3-night Saint-Malo package with the "Impressions of the Seine and Paris" itinerary
• 3-night Geneva (Switzerland) and 3-night French Riviera with the "Essence of Burgundy and Provence" itinerary

In January 2023, National Geographic announced its 2024 lineup of NatGeo Expeditions river cruises. Unlike Lindblad's partnership with NatGeo, these sailings are chartered on AmaWaterways ships and feature onboard NatGeo experts—including authors, geographers, and photographers—who share their insights with passengers while cruising Europe’s waterways.

The 8-day "Holland and Belgium in Springtime" (roundtrip from Amsterdam) focuses on art, flowers, and architecture, with highlights such as the windmills of Kinderdijk, a Floralia flower show at a Belgian castle, and the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh. Experts include geographer Jan Nijman and photographer Gianluca Colla.

The 8-day Rhine River cruise from Basel to Amsterdam (September 12th) features walking excursions, bike rides, and tasting tours through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Wine lovers can enjoy the Rheingau wine region, while photographers can join NatGeo Photography Expert Susan Seubert in a photo workshop. Author Teresa Fisher will also be onboard.

The 8-day "Danube Christmas Markets" cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg (December 7th) explores lesser-known holiday markets in Vienna and Salzburg, and includes a visit to Vienna’s Museum of Natural History, where passengers meet National Geographic Explorer Ludovic Ferriere for a behind-the-scenes look at a curated meteorite exhibit. Author Mark Baker will also be onboard.

On February 11th, 2024, AmaMagna began Danube operations with a 7-night voyage from Budapest to Vilshofen, visiting Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna. Signature events include an apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Durnstein and a wine festival in Spitz, Austria. Pre-/post-cruise land packages were offered in Budapest and Prague, Czechia.

AmaLucia's 7-night "The Captivating Rhine & Enchanting Rhine" itineraries (2024) sail between Amsterdam and Basel. Pre-/post-cruise land packages are offered in Zurich, Lake Lucerne, and Amsterdam.

In March 2025, AmaWaterways launches two 7-night itineraries in Portugal. Alongside AmaDouro and AmaVida, the new AmaSintra will sail on two Douro River itineraries: "Enticing Douro" (roundtrip from Porto) and "Flavors of Portugal & Spain" (Porto to Vega de Terron).

AmaWaterways’ 2025 lineup includes the 7-night "Imperial Danube" itinerary roundtrip from Budapest, with an optional 2-night pre-cruise land package in Budapest.

The 14-night "Magnificent Europe" itinerary sails between Amsterdam and Budapest, featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Cologne’s Wurzburg Residenz Palace, the Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and Melk Abbey.

In August 2024, AmaWaterways announced the new 7-night "Best of the Danube" itinerary (aboard AmaMagna, roundtrip from Budapest starting February), with 15 departures in 2025 and 14 in 2026. The itinerary visits three capitals (Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava) and offers optional excursions including hiking, biking, walking tours, food tastings, and city tours.

Magdalena River Cruises in Colombia

AmaWaterways is the first major river cruise brand to operate on the Magdalena River in Colombia. In March 2023, the company revealed plans for two new ships and their 2024 debut itineraries: AmaMagdalena (launching March 30th) and AmaMelodia (launching June 19th).

Prices for the 7-night/8-day voyages start at US$3600 (EUR 3410 / GBP 3030) per person, based on double occupancy, or about US$515 per person per night.

The two 7-night itineraries are themed "Magic Colombia" (from Barranquilla to Cartagena) and "Wonders of Colombia" (reverse route).

Below are the ports of call/events for the "Wonders of Colombia" cruisetour:

• (DAY 1) Cartagena (EMBARKATION, tour of Getsemani neighborhood)
• (DAY 2) San Basilio de Palenque and Calamar
• (DAY 3) Santa Barbara de Pinto (walking tour) and Santa Cruz de Mompox (overnight)
• (DAY 4) Mompox (Cienaga de Pijino lake expedition, walking tour) second overnight
• (DAY 5) Mompox, cruising through La Mojana, El Banco (walking tour, shoreside dinner, and Cumbia performance)
• (DAY 6) Magangue (birdwatching or Cienega hiking tour), cruising to Nueva Venecia
• (DAY 7) Nueva Venecia (stilt-house village tour), cruising to Barranquilla (Carnaval-themed dockside event)
• (DAY 8) Barranquilla (DISEMBARKATION)

The fares include guided walking and cycling tours, wildlife and birdwatching land excursions, and boat expeditions.

Pre- and post-cruise programs (land tours and hotel stays) are optional and available at an additional cost.

AmaWaterways offers pre-cruise packages in Medellin (3-night), Cartagena de Indias (2-night), or a 5-night combo. These may be combined with a 3-night post-cruise package in Panama City, which includes a visit to Gatun Lake/Miraflores Locks and Chagres National Park, for a 15-night vacation.

World's Longest River Cruisetour (2024): 49-Day "Seven River Journey - Spring and Summer Editions"

In September 2022, AmaWaterways unveiled its longest river cruise to date, scheduled aboard AmaMora for 2024.

The 49-night "Seven River Journey - Spring and Summer Editions" features navigation on four rivers (Moselle, Main, Rhine, Danube, including the Main-Danube Canal), cruising through the Danube Delta and the Black Sea, and visiting 15 European countries, including Moldova/Giurgiulesti. AmaWaterways debuted its Seven River Journeys in 2021.

The "Seven River Journey: Spring 2024 Edition" departs Amsterdam on April 22, 2024, and ends in Giurgiu, Romania, on June 10.

The "Seven River Journey: Summer 2024 Edition" departs Giurgiu on June 10 and concludes in Amsterdam on July 29. Before arriving in the Netherlands, the itinerary also includes cruising through Belgium and the Dutch inland waterways Scheldt, Maas, and Waal.

Both 2024 itineraries are all-inclusive, covering gratuities (onboard and ashore), land tours and excursions, laundry services, and special souvenirs.

World's Second-Longest River Cruisetour (2023): 46-Day "Seven River Journey Through Europe"

In 2023, AmaWaterways introduced the industry's then-longest river cruise itinerary—the 46-night "Seven River Journey Through Europe." This unique voyage, which departed June 1, 2023, visits 14 countries and is a B2B/back-to-back combination of four itineraries on four different ships:

• AmaLyra – 7-day Seine River roundtrip from Paris, June 1–8, 2023
• AmaKristina – 5-day Saone and Rhone cruise from Lyon to Tarascon, June 8–13, 2023
• AmaPrima – 21-day Rhine-Moselle-Main cruise from Basel via Amsterdam to Vilshofen, June 13–July 4, 2023
• AmaVerde – 13-day Danube cruise from Vilshofen to Giurgiu, Romania, July 4–17, 2023

Bookings for this journey opened on March 15, 2021. Prices started from EUR 21,730 (USD 26,000 / GBP 18,630) per person (double occupancy), or approximately EUR 470 (USD 565 / GBP 405) per person per night.

Due to high demand, AmaWaterways announced a second (45-night) "Seven River Journey Through Europe" in mid-April 2021.

• Departing from Avignon, France on April 20, 2023, and ending in Giurgiu, Romania on June 4. The cruise features three ships (AmaKristina, AmaCerto, AmaMagna) sailing through 14 countries on seven rivers.
• AmaKristina operates on the Rhone River (Avignon to Lyon), followed by a transfer to Basel, Switzerland, to board AmaCerto (cruising the Scheldt, Maas, Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers), and finally transitioning to AmaMagna.
• Fares started at USD 25,000 (EUR 20,870 / GBP 18,140) per person (double occupancy).

AMA Riverboats Deployments

Below is the list of all AmaWaterways vessels, with launch years in parentheses:

• AmaBella (2010) – Danube River – Belgium, Holland, Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia
• AmaCello (2008) – Rhine River – France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland
• AmaCerto (2012) – Danube and Rhine Rivers – France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Czechia, Croatia, Romania, Turkey
• AmaDahlia (2021) and AmaLilia (2024) – Nile River cruises in Egypt (hotel stays and cruises from Cairo, roundtrip from Luxor)
• AmaDante (2008) – Danube River
• AmaDara (2015) – Mekong River cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia
• AmaDolce (2009) – Rhine, Main, Mosel, and Danube Rivers – Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Czechia, Luxembourg, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
• AmaKristina (2016) – Rhine (Amsterdam to Zurich)
• AmaLea (2018) – Danube (Budapest to Prague or Munich), Rhine (Tulip Time cruise from Amsterdam)
• AmaLotus (2011) – Mekong River cruises in Cambodia and Vietnam
• AmaLyra (2009) – Main, Mosel, Rhine, and Danube Rivers – France, Luxembourg, Germany, Holland, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
• AmaMagna (2019) – Danube River – the largest European river cruise ship
• AmaMora (2019) – Rhine (Amsterdam to Zurich)
• AmaPrima (2013) – Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers – France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Czechia, Serbia, Turkey
• AmaPura (2014) – Irrawaddy River cruises in Myanmar (departures from Rangoon)
• AmaReina (2014) – Rhine River – France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland
• AmaSerena (2015) – Rhine, Main, and Danube – France, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia
• AmaSiena (2020) – Rhine River – France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland
• AmaSonata (2014) – Danube River – Austria, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia
• AmaStella (2016) – Danube (Budapest to Prague or Munich)
• AmaVerde (2011) – Danube River – Austria, Germany, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia
• AmaVida (2013) and AmaDouro (2019) – Douro River cruises in Portugal and Spain
• AmaViola (2016) – Danube River
• AmaVenita (2015) – Rhine, Main, and Danube

RV Samatha and RV Princess Panhwar (2016) are chartered for Irrawaddy River cruises in Myanmar (departing from Rangoon and Mandalay).

Zambezi Queen (2009, houseboat) operates Chobe River voyages in Botswana (departures from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe).

Century Legend and Century Paragon cruise the Yangtze River in China. Both are privately owned and chartered by multiple European lines including Avalon, Viking, and Uniworld.

The following YouTube video provides a review of the AmaWaterways river cruise experience in Europe.

This next video reviews AmaWaterways’ Asian cruises (Vietnam/Mekong River itineraries).

Note: CruiseMapper's full list of river cruise ships and riverboats is available in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub, where all passenger river cruise lines and their fleets are listed.