Turning Point
When the Rhine-Main-Danube canal was built in 1992, Rudi realized the potential for touring as many as 13 European countries by river. He 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 Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to start AmaWaterways.
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, is now Vice President of Sales at AmaWaterways. Together with Rudi, a true team of pioneers emerged.
The Story Continues
In 2002, it was Rudi, Kristin and Jimmy working to make their dream of AmaWaterways come true. Now, just 14 years later, Ama is an award-winning cruise line whose fleet will number 21 ships in 2017. Through it all, we have remained family owned and operated, and the owners continue to have a hands-on approach to management. Rudi, who was recognized by travel agents nationwide as the “Most Innovative River Cruise Executive” the last 2 years in a row, directly oversees the design and construction of new ships every year. Kristin and Gary consistently lend their belief in building strong personal relationships and providing exceptional customer service. And together, they work to ensure that our company is committed to offering the most exceptional river cruises in the industry.
AmaWaterways Overview
An AmaWaterways river cruise offers the convenience and luxury of an ocean cruise combined with the in-depth experience of a land tour, plus the personal freedom of a river cruise. Step aboard. Unpack once. Explore, and enjoy.
For many travelers, a journey along the river is just the right pace for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotel: restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, internet access and comfortable staterooms.
Itineraries range from seven to thirty days in length. Book one year in advance, if possible, and consider cruising March through May or September through December, when the crowds are thinner and airfares may be more reasonably priced than during peak periods.
Some river cruises overnight in ports and cruise during the day; others cruise during the night and tie up in port during the day. Both approaches allow for dinners ashore and late-evening strolls into town.
Prepare to step ashore in fairy tale towns and fabled cities, immerse yourself in contemporary culture, and learn something about the history of the towns along the Continent's greatest rivers.
Ama Waterways Ships
AmaWaterways is the fastest-growing, U.S.-based river cruise line, with ships sailing in Europe, Vietnam and Cambodia, Africa and Myanmar (Burma).
Known for its innovative inclusive vacations and custom-designed vessels, the AmaWaterways fleet consists of the AmaStella (2016); AmaVista and AmaSerena (2015); AmaSonata and AmaReina (2014); AmaPrima (2013); and AmaCerto (2012). These technologically advanced vessels will feature Twin Balcony staterooms and suites, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, a stunning glass elevator, an onboard fleet of bicycles and much more.
Other ships in the AmaWaterways fleet include the AmaLotus (2011); AmaKatarina and AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaDolce and AmaLyra (2009); AmaCello and AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007); and the AmaDagio (2006).
Ama Destinations
Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise and discover fascinating history and authentic experiences with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Plus there's plenty of time to unwind.
Whether it's on the legendary waterways of Europe, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar, or the Chobe River in southern Africa, world travelers will have the trip of a lifetime aboard an AmaWaterways river cruise.
AmaWaterways Accommodations
Each stateroom and suite is furnished with quality that you would find at the best luxury and boutique hotels of the world. Luxurious appointments include: supremely comfortable beds draped in lavish linens and other modern conveniences such as flat-screen televisions with satellite, a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, and bottled water in staterooms.
AmaWaterways Dining
Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Return from your shore excursion to a delicious lunch. Start with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
In the evening, be AmaWaterways' honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners. AmaWaterways' kitchen crews know how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.
Ama Waterways Kids & Teens
AmaWaterways does not offer dedicated children's programs onboard their vessels.
AmaWaterways Onboard Activities & Entertainment
Cruising from one port to the next often takes place at night while passengers are sleeping, but sometimes the cruises will also sail during the day, giving passengers an opportunity to relax or enjoy the scenery. Also, depending on the itinerary, there could be local performers or musicians offering entertainment onboard the ship.
Ama Waterways Past Guest
All passengers cruising with AmaWaterways are automatically enrolled into the AmaWaterways Privilege program.
AmaWaterways Privilege benefits commence with the second cruise. Blue Level benefits include a $100 per person discount on the cruise price plus a special AmaWaterways Privilege guest reception on board.
A third cruise entitles guests to Silver Level benefits, including all of the above Blue Level benefits plus a Dinner with a Senior Crew Member and a choice of welcome amenity. Silver Level members also receive Complimentary Airport Transfers plus a 50 percent discount on an upgrade to a higher stateroom category (excluding all suites).
Four or more cruises with AmaWaterways entitles the passenger to Gold Level benefits that include all prior level benefits with the exception of the 50 percent discount on an upgraded stateroom category. Instead of a discount on the stateroom upgrade, Gold Level members receive a complimentary stateroom category upgrade if available at the time of booking (excluding suites).
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