AmaWaterways Cruises Into a More Sustainable Future

23.04.2024 - 16:18 / travelpulse.com / River Cruise / Kristin Karst / Lacey Pfalz

WHY IT RATES: AmaWaterways is putting its sustainability front and center as we celebrate another Earth Day. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse

Leading luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways proudly reaffirms its commitment to sustainability this Earth Day and beyond by sharing a short video showcasing current initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics, minimize food waste and contribute positively to the preservation of our planet's precious water resources. AmaWaterways is taking significant steps towards a greener, more sustainable future for river cruising, the environment and the communities visited.

“We are seeing a renewed interest from our travel partners and guests about sustainability, which we felt made it timely to introduce our new video on the topic,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways. “Protecting the environment and enriching the communities we visit is an ever-present responsibility. It is important to provide education and support documents to help travel advisors respond to their clients’ questions and direct them to the products and suppliers that meet their requirements. We are proud of our initiatives, and we will keep building each new ship and itinerary with sustainability in mind.” 

To reduce overall plastic consumption, AmaWaterways uses paper straws, refillable glass water bottles as well as refillable Pure Herbs soap and shampoo dispensers in all staterooms and provides biodegradable Tetra Pak water containers for excursions. In addition, luggage tags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottle material and are now delivered to guest staterooms on board ships in Europe, reducing the line’s carbon footprint. The usage of the innovative myAmaCruise app and electronic travel documents has also virtually eliminated paper consumption both pre-cruise and on board. 

AmaKristina was the first river cruise ship in the industry to receive the prestigious Green Award, which recognizes ships in Europe for their quality, safety and environmental performance. Since then, another 19 river cruise ships in AmaWaterways’ European fleet have earned the Green Award certification.  All ships are able to connect to shoreside electric power, which further reduces fuel consumption and noise levels while in port. AmaWaterways has lessened unnecessary food waste from large-scale buffets by serving a la carte lunches on board European ships.

While operating sustainable, environmentally friendly ships is fundamental to AmaWaterways, both Zambezi Queen and AmaMagna go above and beyond with eco-friendly features. Zambezi Queen, which explores the Chobe River in Africa, uses a five-stage water purification plant, employing river water in the showers and tap