AmaWaterways Appoints Catherine Powell
as President
Calabasas, CA, February 11, 2025 – AmaWaterways, a leading luxury river cruise line, has announced an exciting update to its executive leadership team, positioning the company for its next phase of growth. Effective February 17th, 2025, Catherine Powell will join AmaWaterways as President, working alongside co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst. This strategic move represents a significant milestone in AmaWaterways’ journey, as the company continues to build upon its strong foundation and impressive growth trajectory. Powell, with her extensive experience and innovative outlook, has been chosen to complement the existing leadership team and contribute to the company’s future success.
Catherine Powell is a distinguished business leader with an impressive track record of driving growth and strategic transformation across the entertainment, hospitality, and travel industries. She spent more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, delivering double-digit growth and leading transformative efforts focused on new revenue and cost opportunities. Most recently, she served as Global Head of Hosting at Airbnb, overseeing and growing its global community of more than five million hosts of both homes and experiences. Powell is widely respected in the industry for her ability to create impact across complex operations and businesses. She is also a passionate advocate for inclusive cultures and employee development.
“I am thrilled and honored to join AmaWaterways as its new President. The company’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, innovation, and sustainability aligns perfectly with my own values and vision for the future of travel. Having spent my career in entertainment and hospitality, I’m excited to bring my passion for creating unforgettable moments to the world of luxury river cruising. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at AmaWaterways to build upon their impressive legacy and chart new courses for growth and excellence in the industry,” said Powell.
In her new role, Powell will report directly to Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO, ensuring a collaborative approach to leadership and maintaining continuity in the company’s strategic direction. This carefully planned expansion of the executive team demonstrates AmaWaterways’ commitment to long-term stability and continued excellence in the luxury river cruise industry.
Schreiner expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “Catherine’s vision aligns perfectly with our ethos of exceptional guest experiences and innovation. Her leadership will be instrumental in propelling AmaWaterways to new heights. As we move into this new chapter of growth, we are confident that Catherine’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in exploring new opportunities within the luxury river cruise market, while staying true to our core values.”
Kristin Karst will continue her role as co-owner and co-founder while also taking on the position of Chief Brand Ambassador.
“I very much look forward to not only creating more awareness and forging relationships internationally, but to maintaining and strengthening our very important relationships with our travel trade (partners) who have always been at the heart of AmaWaterways,“ said Karst. “Together we will continue building on the foundation of trust and excellence for which AmaWaterways is known, ensuring we deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests around the world.”
For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise for a client, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.
About AmaWaterways
Family-owned and operated for 23 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 31 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company was recently voted “Best River Cruise Line” by the world’s leading cruise reviews site Cruise Critic, and 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, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options. www.amawaterways.com.