Elite Traveler Summer 2021

etr li at ve eler SUMMER 2021 83

AMAWATERWAYS Family-owned AmaWaterways began with a dream and a passion for travel — plus an ambitious effort to build a raft to float down the Amazon, which perhaps sparked a love for cruising. Clearly, president and co-founder Rudi Schreiner made it to the river’s end, because his company recently celebrated nearly 20 years of providing high-end trips on rivers around the world. Recognized for some of the highest-rated river cruises in the industry, AmaWaterways proffers trips throughout Europe, as well as in Asia and Africa. Excelling in wellness activities, immersive shore excursions and award-winning dining, AmaWaterways upped the ante with the launch of AmaMagna in 2019, which is twice the width of traditional river ships but thoroughly eco-friendly. For the brand’s founders, eco-commitment matters. “AmaWaterways was built on the

foundation of sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Schreiner. Noting that 18 ships in the European fleet (nearly all of the company’s total) earned the coveted Green Award certification, Schreiner praised the modern design of the vessels and the line’s thoughtful itineraries. “We want to ensure we minimize the carbon footprint and work with local communities to leave the destinations better than we found them,” he said. The fleet vaunts fuel-efficient engines, LED lighting throughout, and insulated windows to reduce heating and cooling energy needs. “We also have water treatment plants on board our ships, which use membrane technology to provide microfiltration and recycling of all water used on board,” says Schreiner. amawaterways.ca