Since the launch of AmaWaterways in July 2002, the company has relied on travel advisors to act as its extended marketing and sales arm.
After two years of pandemic disruption, company co-founder Kristin Karst says the relationship with its retail partners has changed - it's gotten stronger.
"The value of the travel advisor has been more visible than ever," said Karst, at a media meet-and-greet aboard the christening cruise of AmaLucia, the line's 26th river ship.
"We recognize even more how much they contribute to the business. They have helped our guests navigate through the jungle of COVID rules and restrictions. We see our travel partners as growing even more important in the future."
As co-founder Rudi Schreiner explains, the company weathered the pandemic with relative ease.
"Our ships are largely paid off, we don't have loans and we were able to retain the vast majority of our staff without layoffs," Schreiner said.
That doesn't mean it's been easy, of course, as there have been many twists, turns and disappointments on the river road to return. But with COVID seemingly becoming "a normality" now, Karst says there is "a huge pent-up demand that is developing and that will drive us forward."
Schreiner's river cruise career has spanned three decades, and the youthful 70-year-old had a hand in the development of Uniworld, Viking and Avalon Waterways. In 2002, Schreiner and Karst teamed up with the late Brendan Vacations-founder Jimmy Murphy to create AmaWaterways.
For the first couple of years, Karst and Schreiner were the only 'office' employees, and Karst focused much of her effort on the Canadian market. She was so successful that more than 20% of AmaWaterways guests were Canadians in the early days of the company.
Today, AmaWaterways is the only major river cruise line where the owners still operate the company. And the warm, open personalities of Karst and Schreiner are very much reflected in the Ama cruise experience.
The young crew members on AmaLucia feel empowered to express their individuality in their interactions with guests, which sets the tone for an informal, convivial atmosphere. But the level of service is nothing short of exemplary - if you want something, all you have to do is ask.
TravelPulse Canada is happily ensconced in a BB Stateroom on AmaLucia, with twin balconies - a walkout space with two seats and a 'French balcony' that opens wide for a clear view and fresh air.
Thanks to superb design, at about 200 sq. ft. our stateroom feels neither cramped or crowded. The bed is supremely comfortable and the décor bright and cheerful. There's ample storage, easy light and climate control and innovative touches like the privacy window to the bathroom, which turns opaque with the flip of a switch.
The cuisine on AmaLucia is a true highlight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all offered a la carte, and the last two meals of the day come complete with wines and beers local to the region travelled. There's a daily included 'Sip'n Sail' cocktail hour as well.
A recent shift has removed most self-service elements from the AmaWaterways dining experience. Instead of an appetizer buffet, for example, a selection of tasty treats are placed on the table shortly after guests sit down. Even at breakfast, a bread basket and small plate of fruit arrive immediately, before guests place their full meal order.
"This is a top product, so we don't want people to have to stand in line at a buffet," says Schreiner. "And we like to offer a little something to eat as soon as they sit down."
AmaLucia's chefs get top marks for presentation. From edible flowers to artfully arranged meats, vegetables and sauces, many dishes are almost too pretty to eat - almost. As Karst puts it, "you eat with your eyes too."
Last night we dined at the Chef's Table, an intimate aft space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. It's included in the fare, all guests have to do is make a reservation, and there's room for everyone over the course of a week.
The seven-course tasting menu truly shows off the expertise of the culinary crew, both in combining flavours and creating a visual feast. Local wines are carefully paired to compliment the high-quality ingredients. It was a meal to remember.
One of the true joys of river cruising is the ease of getting on and off the ship, both at embarkation and for the wide range of included shore excursions. All you have to do is present your ship card to the friendly giant security guard Darko Lazovic, and off you go.
AmaWaterways was the first river line to bring bicycles aboard, and there are cycling tour options at each port. There are guided walking tours as well, offered in 'gentle,' 'regular' and 'active' levels. There is a full-time 'Wellness Host' aboard, who leads a variety of exercise sessions each day, ranging from yoga to resistance training, aqua aerobics in the small pool and more.
Karst and Schreiner say the goal of the AmaWaterways cruise experience is "to under-promise and over-deliver." TravelPulse Canada's experience confirms the successful execution of that philosophy.
Many of the guests are repeat Ama customers, but we've met quite a few first-timers as well, including one couple on their first-ever trip outside the U.S. They're loving it.
"We're attracting a lot of guests who have cruised on the oceans but are now looking for a more intimate experience," said Karst. "And we also have to a lot of past guests who have come back. They've lived on their Ama memories through COVID and they're as happy to be back as we are to have them."
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