AmaWaterways

Founding and early years (2002-2010)

AmaWaterways (originally Amadeus Waterways) was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. The company rebranded to AMA Waterways in 2008. Its first fully owned ship, AmaDagio, debuted in 2006.

Growth and fleet expansion (2011-2018)

From 2011 the line expanded its fleet and amenities. Amacerto (launched 2012) introduced 135-m vessels with "twin-balcony" staterooms and multiple dining venues. In Asia, the all-suite AmaDara entered Mekong service in 2015. The Rhine-sailing AmaKristina debuted in 2017 with connecting and triple-occupancy cabins aimed at multigenerational travel. A pilot Wellness Program began in 2017 and was expanded across additional ships in 2018.

Innovations and partnerships (2015-present)

In 2015 Adventures by Disney began chartering AmaWaterways ships for family-focused Danube and Rhine itineraries, including sailings on AmaViola. The double-width AmaMagna entered service on the Danube in 2019, offering larger suites, four restaurants and efficiency measures that were projected to reduce fuel consumption by 20-25%. In 2024 the company reported record sales; by early 2025 bookings for 2025 were tracking 31% higher year-over-year. Recent and announced fleet moves include AmaMagdalena (launched on Colombia's Magdalena River in April 2025) and sister ship AmaMelodia (scheduled 2025), AmaSintra on Portugal's Douro (2025), a 2027 sister to AmaMagna (marketed as AmaRudi) and a new Mekong ship, AmaMaya, slated for 2026.

As of 2026, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 30 ships. One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Roughly twice as wide as other cruise ships on the Danube, the AmaMagna was designed to offer passengers roomier accommodations and more dining options than would be possible on a narrower river cruise ship.