- Amawaterways ships have long been an Australian favourite thanks to its links to APT.
- Now the 30-ship line has its own office here, and Australians are among its top guests.
- The line has launched in Columbia, is expanding in Asia and planning more of Europe’s biggest river ships.
Australian river cruisers are about to see a revolution in luxury river cruising – and AmaWaterways is leading the charge. Speaking exclusively to Cruise Passenger during her visit to Australia for Cruise360, AmaWaterways co-founder and Global Brand Ambassador Kristin Karst revealed the line is planning more ships, destinations and unique experiences.
But she hardly needs to convince local river cruise fans. Many already know AmaWaterways well, having sailed its vessels when they formed part of the APT fleet.
Now, with APT sailing its own purpose-built ships, AmaWaterways is keen to deepen its direct connection with Australians – and it has plenty of innovations to win them over.
The introduction of an Australian office and staff is already paying huge dividends, with Australian cruisers close to taking over the UK’s slot as AmaWaterways largest market outside of the US.
A Fleet of AmaMagnas – the Game-Changing Double-Wide River Ship
Karst revealed AmaWaterways is planning a fleet of AmaMagnas, the world’s largest river cruise ship, twice the width of any standard vessel. The original AmaMagna has already proved a hit, and its sister ship, the AmaRudi – named in honour of co-founder Rudi Schreiner – is under construction, scheduled for launch in 2027. It will contain some tweaks and bookings are already open.
These ships, she explained, are designed with the ocean cruiser in mind:
- Oversized suites, including an Owner’s Suite of 710 square feet.
- Four distinct restaurants, offering dining variety unseen on most river ships.
- Expansive wellness facilities, including fitness studios, spa treatments, and even the first full-size pickleball court on a river ship – a sport rapidly gaining popularity in Australia.
“About a third of our guests on AmaMagna want to play pickleball – some even bring their own rackets,” Karst laughed. “Ocean cruisers love the space and amenities. That’s why we’ll be building more of these double-wide ships.”
Wellness Hosts were a first – and now mental wellness will be offered
If larger ships attract ocean cruisers, it is wellness that sets AmaWaterways apart. Karst proudly explained that every AmaWaterways ship carries a dedicated Wellness Host, something no other river line has made standard.
Guests can join up to six wellness classes a day, from gentle stretching and yoga (including her cheeky favourite, “champagne yoga”), to resistance band training, aqua aerobics, zumba, dance classes, running clubs, and escorted bike tours.
“Wellness is no longer a side activity – it’s central to the AmaWaterways philosophy,” she said. “We want our guests to go home not just rested, but rejuvenated – mentally and physically.”
Mental wellness is the next first to be offered, making a cruise on AmaWaterways life changing.
Wellness, Karst pointed out, was just one of AmaWaterways’ many “firsts.”
The line pioneered complimentary bikes on board, included Wi-Fi, and was the first to offer wine with both lunch and dinner – creating a convivial onboard culture Australians love.
Attracting Younger Cruisers
One of the strongest messages from Karst was the changing face of river cruise guests. “The average age of our guests is now 59 – and they look younger than ever,” she said. “People are more active, more adventurous, and they’re travelling with multiple generations.”
Australians are particularly part of this change.
Families and groups of friends are increasingly booking together, she explained, seeing a river cruise as the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and comfort. Unlike the old stereotype of river cruising as a sedate experience for retirees, AmaWaterways has made the journey active and personalised – ensuring every guest finds the pace that suits them.
Australians: Intrepid, Loyal, and Much Loved by Crew
Australians, Karst emphasised, are already among AmaWaterways’ most valued guests. Many first sailed with AmaWaterways ships when they were chartered by APT – and they’ve remained loyal.
“Australians are adventurous, curious, and so much fun,” she said warmly. “Our crew love them. They’re tolerant, open-minded, and love to chat. And they book long cruises – four to six weeks – making the most of their airfares to Europe.”
Karst confirmed that AmaWaterways’ bookings from Australia are growing rapidly.
Innovation, Personalisation and Purpose
Throughout its history, AmaWaterways has set trends that others later followed. From its “twin balcony” staterooms (French balcony plus step-out veranda) to its focus on farm-to-table dining, AmaWaterways has consistently raised the bar.
Today, the line is leaning into “slower travel” – encouraging guests to immerse themselves in smaller towns and villages rather than rushing through capitals. It is also deepening its focus on purposeful travel, creating meaningful connections with local communities, from partnerships with schools in Cambodia to pioneering river cruising in Colombia’s Magdalena River.
“Travel should change lives,” said Karst. “Not just for our guests, but for the communities we visit.”
Extensions and Partnerships
For Australians travelling halfway around the world, a week on the river is rarely enough. AmaWaterways has responded with seamless pre- and post-cruise extensions, accompanied throughout by the same Cruise Manager who hosts the shipboard journey.
Guests can choose luxury hotels – including new partnerships with Mandarin Oriental – as well as curated excursions that extend the river experience.
The brand is also exploring partnerships with ocean cruise lines, offering “unpack twice” journeys where guests can combine a sea voyage with a river itinerary in the same holiday – perfect for Australians seeking variety.
Why AmaWaterways Appeals to Australians
For Australian cruisers, AmaWaterways ticks all the boxes:
- Innovation: from pickleball courts to wellness hosts, AmaWaterways is always first.
- Choice: multiple excursions daily, multiple dining venues, and personalisation at every turn.
- Space and luxury: oversized cabins, more restaurants, and bigger public areas on the AmaMagna class ships.
- Adventure: cycling, running, hiking, golf cruises, wine-themed itineraries, and cultural immersion.
- Warmth and service: “From the moment you step onboard, you’re part of the family,” Karst promised.
And crucially, AmaWaterways has understood that Australians aren’t looking for the cheapest cruise. They want value, authenticity, and the confidence that every detail has been thought through.
Founded in 2002 by Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways has grown to a fleet of 30 ships sailing in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The line is renowned for innovation, luxury, and a strong sense of family, both for its crew and its loyal guests.
AmaWaterways pioneered active river cruising with bicycles, wellness hosts, and expanded dining experiences. Today, it continues to lead the way with double-wide ships like AmaMagna and AmaRudi, new destinations such as Colombia’s Magdalena River, and partnerships with brands from Disney to Smithsonian Journeys.
How to Connect in Australia
AmaWaterways now operates a dedicated Australian office, reflecting the importance of the market and offering full local support for travel advisors and guests.
For more information, visit here.
