AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is an internationally focused river cruise brand founded in 2002 by three families. Its co-founders include Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. Its story brings together Schreiner’s early interest in rivers, the development of its own ships and a program that has expanded beyond Europe.

From an Amazon adventure to a new company

Schreiner’s interest began long before the company was founded: in 1975, as a student, he travelled to South America for a journalism assignment and designed a raft on the Amazon for a journey down the river. The Main–Danube Canal, completed in 1992, marked an important turning point for European river cruising. After working for other travel companies, Schreiner founded his own company with Karst and Murphy in July 2002. It initially launched under the name Amadeus Waterways. Recalling the early days, Karst summed up their roles this way: Schreiner would design and build the ships, she would fill them, and Murphy would support them both with his experience. This brought nautical design, marketing and tourism expertise together under one company.

The first ships and onboard concepts

In 2006, the AmaDagio was christened as the first river cruise ship built specifically for the brand. That same year, according to the company, AmaWaterways introduced bicycles on select ships. In 2010 came the so-called Twin Balcony staterooms, combining a French balcony with an outdoor balcony; two years later, a Chef’s Table specialty restaurant was added. In 2017, the wellness program launched in Europe, with dedicated hosts leading classes on board.

AmaMagna on the Danube

With the AmaMagna, introduced in 2019, the brand brought a distinctive ship concept to life. According to the company, the ship is twice as wide as traditional European river cruise ships and was designed for the Danube. Its greater width allows for spacious suites, while the onboard offering includes four distinct restaurants. The Danube remains an important reference point in this development; an overview of Danube cruises outlines typical stretches of the river and destinations.

The brand and its role as a tour operator

AmaWaterways brings river cruises together under one brand and develops ships, itineraries and onboard offerings for them. In 2025, the company announced new themed cruises and, according to its own chronology, began its first luxury cruises on Colombia’s Magdalena River, adding a South American destination to its established river regions. Also in 2025, Catherine Powell took over as CEO. For an explanation of the general role of a tour operator and how it differs from that of a shipowner or operator, see the overview of cruise lines, operators and brands; the river cruise overview also compares river regions and ship types.