In the name of love

Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, the top two bosses of AmaWaterways, named by travel guide Berlitz as “the highest rated river cruise ships,” are not only a power couple, they’re a couple in love. Rudi was born by the Danube River, and Kristin, by the Elbe River in Europe and after they met in California over 18 years ago, they got married and decided to go into the business of river cruising.

“‘Ama’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘love’,” Rudi (AmaWaterways’ president) and Kristin (executive vice president), who were recent Manila visitors, said. “It is a concept that permeates every aspect of our river cruises, from the design of our ships to the development of our itineraries, to the high level of service we deliver to our guests.”

The very first river cruise itinerary the couple put together sailed from Amsterdam in The Netherlands and wound up in Budapest, Hungary. Today, in Europe alone, AmaWaterways offers over 20 river cruises that can sail through one country (like France) or a combination of countries (its Danube cruises usually take you through Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia).

AmaWaterways president Rudi Schreiner and EVP Kristin Karst(left). Rudi Schreiner with Marissa Concepcion(center), raffle winner of a seven-day European river cruise courtesy of AmaWaterways. Turkish Airlines’ ‘Flying’ chef Folga Arslan(right).

Since its first ship’s maiden voyage in 2002, AmaWaterways now boasts a fleet of 20 ships, with one new ship, the AmaLea,  coming this year.

At a reception at The Peninsula Manila organized by Intas Destinations’ Tessie Henderson, Rudi expressed hope that more and more Filipinos will get hooked on river cruising.

 “People will do ocean cruises and when they come back, they’ll want to experience river cruising. There’s still a lot of marketing going on but it will grow.”

Rudi reveals that though more and more “millennials” are hopping on board, the majority of their passengers are the so-called “Baby Boomers” and “Generation X” (the demographic between Baby Boomers and “millennials”). A certified member of Generation X, I find river cruising the best way to explore Europe. You unpack and pack only once, you enjoy the sight of castles and vineyards while you travel during the day, and when the ship sails at night, you awaken in a new place and have more time to go sightseeing on land in the daylight.

“Really, the most important group for us is Generation X. We do have younger people coming, but it’s really Baby Boomers at No. 1 with Generation X at No. 2 and pushing up,” Rudi told me.

What sets AmaWaterways apart from other river cruise ship companies?

Turkish baklava.

“The general idea is that we want to provide the best possible. The food, wine and the service onboard — everything is top-notch. We don’t skimp on cheaper wines; some cruises serve the same wine every day, but we change ours. If you don’t like today’s, you can order yesterday’s or tomorrow’s wine. What we want is healthy, luxury, best internet — I think that’s what sets us apart. We are the only cruise line where the owners manage the cruise line,” he pointed out.

“We take you through the countries where you really get to see the heart of Europe,” added Kristin during the press conference during the reception. “The best part, no lining up.”

All AmaWaterways river cruise ships at present only have 140 to 160 guests.

Rudi reveals that because internet access is very important to their passengers, the internet cost per person surpassed the cost of fuel in 2017,  adding that internet onboard is free of charge.

“Whichever destination you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with our river cruises,” concluded Kristin.

***

A raffle was held at the reception, and the grand prize was won by my high school batch mate Marissa Concepcion! Turkish Airlines, which delivered a presentation during the event, also raffled off two tickets, and one of the prizes, an Economy Class ticket to any city in Europe, was won by a good friend, former airline executive Bob Zozobrado, now with the Lyceum.

The Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge at Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Photos by Joanne Rae M. Ramirez

I must say Turkish Airlines is now one of the best ways to travel to Europe. I flew on the airline during a tour of the Lapland in Finland last November, and I found its schedule very convenient. It allowed you to arrive at your destination well rested, as the flight leaves Manila close to midnight for a 12-hour flight to  Istanbul, allowing you to eat, watch a movie or two, and sleep uninterrupted. From Istanbul, it is normally just three hours to any other city in Europe. There is Wi-Fi on board (free on Business Class) and tasty in-flight meals. On Business Class, it even has in-flight chefs with toques, who serve you dinner by candlelight (battery operated).

Another come-on are the sales of Turkish Airlines! This summer, it offered Business Class tickets to Europe for around $1,800 only!

Summer isn’t over. Fly to Europe and go on a river cruise!

(You may e-mail me at [email protected].)