CALABASAS, CA – (April 30, 2019) – AmaWaterways today announced that co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst have been inducted into the British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame. Both were individually selected for their commitment to the river cruising sector, influence in shaping the industry through innovation, and notable entrepreneurial business achievements. Proven leaders in the travel industry and instrumental in the evolution of luxury river cruising, Schreiner and Karst were recognized for their efforts during a ceremony at the Four Seasons at Park Lane in London on April 29.
“The UK and European markets are important parts of our company growth, demonstrated by opening our UK office almost two and a half years ago and appointing our first British godmother just this month,” said Karst. “We are honored to be recognized by the British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame and will continue dedicating ourselves to creating exemplary river cruising experiences for discerning travelers from around the world.”
This year, six travel industry leaders were named for their substantial business success and inspiring contributions. While honoring those with a long track record of high achievement, the Hall of Fame also recognized rising talent, business excellence and commitment to sustainability.
Schreiner, Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy founded AmaWaterways in 2002 with the vision of keeping guests at the center of all their decisions and modernizing river cruising with luxury amenities, health and wellness activities, award-winning cuisine and contemporary design and furnishings. Today, Schreiner and Karst directly oversee AmaWaterways’ overall operations, ship design, itinerary development and guest services. They are leading the river cruise industry with the introduction of three new ships this year, including the much-anticipated AmaMagna. When she sets sail May 5, AmaMagna will redefine luxury river cruising with expansive public areas, multiple dining venues and luxurious suites of 355 sq. ft and larger.
“AmaWaterways was born from our love of travel, passion for river cruising and dedication to personalized service and innovation – all of which has helped us maintain a leadership role in the industry, setting new standards of culinary excellence, wellness activities and appeal to multi-generational family travel,” said Schreiner. “With a deep respect for history and our eyes focused on the future, we are thrilled to continue developing our growth plans with travel partners worldwide!”
The Hall of Fame is owned and hosted by Jacobs Media Group, the parent company of flagship brands Travel Weeklyand The Caterer. Clive Jacobs, chairman of Jacobs Media Group, said “I am delighted to welcome six outstanding and worthy members to the Hall of Fame this year. Membership is the ultimate benchmark of achievement in the travel and hospitality industries, and our 2019 inductees have each represented those industries with distinction over many years.”
Book your clients’ next river cruise adventure by calling 1.888.626.1399 or visit the Travel Advisor Portal atAmaWaterways.com today. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways and Twitter @AmaWaterways.
About AmaWaterways:
A family-owned company celebrating 17 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 23 ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch and Belgian Waterways and Douro Rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong and Africa’s Chobe River. Led by experienced river cruise co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, the company is renowned for its innovative stateroom design featuring unique “twin balconies”; its wellness activities including a wide choice of included shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options for the active traveler; and its award-winning dining—including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant as well as complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, each ship features onboard amenities such as hair and massage salons and a fitness room, and many have heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation highlighted with the launch of AmaMagna – at twice the width of traditional river ships, this revolutionary ship offers a new dimension in luxury river cruising. 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.
With the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the third edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe & the USA, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick Award for “Best for Active Cruisers” and 2018 AFAR Reader’s Choice Award for “Best River Cruise Line.”