Ama Waterway’s Katrina Latimer (Business Development Manager North East of England, Scotland and Ireland) describes mouthwatering food, exceptional service, inspiring itineraries and an offering that will make you want to pack a suitcase tomorrow. She speaks to ITTN’s Shane Cullen in the latest episode of the Coffee Break series.
Authentic Experiences in Storybook Destinations
As travellers seek authentic experiences in storybook destinations, family-owned and operated for more than 21 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025).
Katrina explains that she loves working for the company and how guests equally love travelling with Ama Waterways which was co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy and highlighted the fascinating Irish connection.
An Irish Connection
Fascinatingly, the latter was born and raised in Ireland. He left school at 14 and was employed in a travel agency where he worked for almost a decade. After which he joined Aer Lingus when the company sought to expand flights to North America. After over a decade with the airline and a move Stateside, he established his own thriving travel business in the US. His success and popularity were evident as he was twice elected president of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). He also helped found the United States Tour Operators Association. In 2002, he saw the appeal of river cruising and setting up Ama Waterways with his co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst.
Ama Waterways Excels at Elegance
The company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, speciality Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track, and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travellers and families, as well as group and charter options.
From Fine Dining to Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table speciality restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a Wellness Programme with a variety of host-led fitness classes, airport transfers, and much more.
To book an AmaWaterways river cruise visit AmaWaterways.eu or call +44 (0) 333 305 3926.
Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways, Twitter @AmaWaterways, and YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways.
