Smaller charter ships could be part of AmaWaterways’ future, says co-founder

AmaWaterways may build smaller ships that can be privately chartered by families or friend groups, says the river cruise line’s co-founder and chief brand ambassador Kristin Karst.

In a recent interview with Sydney, Australia-based trade outlet Karryon, Karst noted how customers “want their own space, and post-COVID they are prepared to spend more money on these experiences because they don’t know what’s coming, and that’s pushing the envelope of the luxury space.”

There’s also potential for more vessels like the double-wide AmaMagna, because “that’s about the luxury of space and more choice in restaurants, so we’ll continue to build more ships of this size too,” she noted.

Future expansion

Karst also told the outlet that AmaWaterways is exploring new rivers in “more exotic countries,” aiming to build on the experiences they currently offer on the Mekong and Magdalena Rivers.

The remarks come on the heels of AmaWaterways launching the AmaMagdalena, the first luxury river cruise ship on Colombia’s Magdalena River.

Carrying 60 guests, the AmaMagdalena offers two seven-night itineraries—Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia—sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla.

Its excursions include a private celebration of the Barranquilla Carnival, a jazz performance in Mompox, birdwatching expeditions, and a visit to Palenque, the first free town in the Americas.

In addition, optional pre and post-cruise land packages are available in Medellín, Cartagena, and Panama City.

READ MORE: AmaWaterways celebrates christening of AmaMagdalena in Colombia

Later this year, AmaWaterways will expand its Colombia program with the debut of a second ship, AmaMelodia.

In conversation with Karryon, Karst highlighted how Ama’s Colombia program has positively impacted local communities.

“In places like Colombia, there’s no infrastructure and people live there in poverty, and we build ships that give employment from using local fishermen who source fresh fish to sourcing art and crafts to feature on the ship,” she said. “Our next project is to select a new port to further help with the education of local children.”

“This is an extension of what we already do as sponsors of the ODA Free Village English School in Siem Reap, which helps children gain higher education and better employment.”

AmaWaterways, meanwhile, will continue to prioritize Europe as a major destination.

“Europe will always be the place for first-time river cruisers to start and then they’ll go to more exotic destinations…and even here, we need to be good stewards and sustainable because overtourism in cities connected to land programs is a problem,” Karst told Karryon.

“An example is on the Danube River where we were asked to sponsor a local church in Vilshofen. By assisting the local community, this enables us to have a relationship where we can take guests there to be part of an organ concert in a medieval church, so it’s about working out ways where we can work together.”

Private & personalized

Karst also noted the rise in demand for private tours during river cruises.

She believes the future of river cruising will feature more personalized experiences – such as private vineyard picnics for families, or couples enjoying their own car tours – rather than joining small group excursions.

Groups will also seek their own concierge to craft tailor-made experiences during their time on board, she said.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.