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Your Travel Connections: AmaWaterways
Updated: Aug 14
Your Travel Connections. Conversations with the people behind exceptional travel experiences around the world
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Meet Kristin Karst, the Co-Owner and Chief Brand Ambassador of AmaWaterways. Kirstin is one of those rare individuals who exude joy the minute you meet her. In her words, "the greatest journeys don’t just take you somewhere new, they change how you see the world."
AmaWaterways brings her motto to life and our conversation gives you an inside look at some of the ways Kristin and her global team create special experiences for their guests (and my clients).
As a fun side-note, it's not surprising to learn that "ama" means love, and as you get to know Kristin you'll see how her team incorporates their love of hospitality throughout their community.
Beth: What's one detail from behind the scenes your team obsesses over that guests would be surprised to know?
Kristin: We spend an incredible amount of time thinking about the guest journey - from the moment someone starts dreaming about their trip until long after they've returned home. It's often the smallest details that make the biggest difference: greeting guests by name, anticipating preferences, ensuring every excursion runs seamlessly, and making sure each guest feels genuinely cared for. Our crew works together constantly behind the scenes, so guests can simply enjoy the experience without ever noticing the coordination involved.
A fun example is our housekeeping team - especially onboard our ships in Egypt, AmaLilia and AmaDahlia. Every day, they create incredible towel sculptures for our guests, from animals to pharaohs and even scenes inspired by ancient Egyptian tombs! It actually becomes a friendly competition among the crew to see who can come up with the most creative design each day. What's even more special is that they really pay attention to each guest. If someone loved the elephant they received the day before, they'll think about what animal might surprise and delight them even more next. It's something guests look forward to every evening, and it's a wonderful example of how our crew constantly looks for small, thoughtful ways to create joy.
Beth: Can you share a recent example where a member of your staff turned a potentially stressful moment into a memorable experience?
Kristin: One of the things I'm most proud of is how our teams respond when the unexpected happens. River cruising occasionally presents challenges that are beyond anyone's control, whether that's weather or changing river conditions, but we've spent more than two decades building the experience and operational flexibility to navigate those situations. We've learned a great deal over the years, and that experience allows us to adapt quickly while minimizing disruption. In fact, some itinerary adjustments have led to wonderful discoveries. Our Holland & Belgium itinerary is a great example - changes originally made because of low water ultimately resulted in an itinerary that has become one of our guests' favorites!
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: even if the journey looks a little different than originally planned, we want guests to return home feeling they had an unforgettable vacation. That's where the dedication of our crews and operations team truly shines.
3. What qualities do you look for when hiring frontline hospitality staff, and how do you cultivate a culture of warmth and attentiveness?
Kristin: When hiring frontline hospitality staff, we look for qualities that can’t necessarily be taught. Skills can be developed, but genuine kindness, curiosity, empathy, and a desire to take care of others are much harder to teach. We want people who truly enjoy creating a positive experience for guests.
We’re also fortunate that many of our crew members return season after season, which creates a real sense of consistency and allows them to build strong relationships with repeat guests. We give our teams the freedom to use their judgment and make thoughtful decisions rather than simply following a rigid script.
Ultimately, our culture starts with how we treat our own employees. When people feel valued, supported, and cared for, that naturally carries over to how they treat our guests. That’s how we create an atmosphere that feels genuinely warm and attentive rather than simply service-oriented.
4. What's one misconception travelers may have about river cruising that you would like them to know?
Kristin: One of the biggest misconceptions about river cruising is that it’s designed primarily for retirees. Today’s river cruiser is incredibly diverse, and we welcome active travelers, food and wine lovers, multi-generational families, solo travelers, and anyone looking for a more meaningful way to explore a destination.
Another misconception is that river cruising means following a rigid schedule or staying with the group all day. We offer a wonderful selection of included excursions led by knowledgeable local guides, but guests are always free to explore on their own. Some people love joining every planned experience, while others might spend an afternoon wandering through a village, relaxing at a café, visiting a museum, or simply discovering a destination at their own pace.
Our Cruise Managers are also an incredible resource. Their local knowledge allows them to offer recommendations tailored to each guest, whether that’s a great restaurant, a favorite shop, a scenic walking route, or an attraction that might not be on the typical tourist list. Ultimately, river cruising gives you the structure and convenience you want, with plenty of freedom to make the experience your own.
5. Where does technology help your guest experience most and where doesn't it belong at AmaWaterways?
Kristin: Technology should remove friction, not replace human connection. We use it behind the scenes to improve operations, communication, and efficiency, making the overall experience smoother for our guests. But when it comes to hospitality, we believe it should always remain personal.
The conversations with our crew, sharing a meal with fellow travelers, meeting locals who have a story to share, and discovering new destinations together—those are the moments that make travel meaningful. Technology can help make those experiences easier, but it can never replace them.
6. How does AmaWaterways design experiences that feel authentic to the destinations you offer rather than interchangeable with luxury offerings?
Kristin: Every destination has its own story to tell, and our goal is never to recreate the same luxury experience everywhere we go. We want each journey to feel connected to the people, culture, and traditions of the places our guests are visiting. That means partnering with local guides, celebrating regional cuisine and wines, supporting local artisans, and creating shore experiences that offer a genuine connection to the destination.
Whether sailing through Europe, Egypt, Vietnam and Cambodia, Colombia, or Africa, each itinerary is intentionally designed to reflect its surroundings. We’re investing in the guest experience more than ever, with a focus on creating meaningful connections with local people and cultures.
A great example is our Cooking with Mamie experience on our Paris & Normandy itinerary. During the pre-land stay in Paris, guests visit local grandmothers in their ateliers in Montmartre and then continue the experience onboard, cooking alongside them using traditional recipes passed down through generations. It’s an opportunity to share stories, learn about local traditions, and experience Paris in a way that feels authentic and deeply personal. Those are the kinds of experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends.
To book your AmaWaterways adventure, contact beth@yourtraveladventures.com or click here for more information.
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