Family, Partnership and Innovation
Sponsored Content: How AmaWaterways’ co-owners Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Gary Murphy drive success
Q: Kenneth Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief: How and when did your company start?
Rudi: In 1992, Europe’s Main-Danube Canal finally opened — a significant event in the evolution of river cruising across Europe’s continent. By 2002, and after creating river cruises for two other travel companies, I called upon the best in the industry — Kristin Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy — to partner in our new endeavor: AmaWaterways.
Kristin: The years have flown by since July 2002 when we all sat together in one office and officially started as Amadeus Waterways. Our roles were clearly defined: Rudi would design and build the ships, I would fill them, and Jimmy would provide us both with the guidance and wisdom we would need to turn this dream into a reality.
Q: What qualities have played the biggest role in AmaWaterways’ success?
Kristin: There are four things that brought us to where we are today and continue to make us successful. I call them my “four Ps”: passion, partnerships, positive thinking and personal interaction.
Rudi: The energy of innovation. We design itineraries and ships, such as our new AmaMagna, to ensure that our guests have the ultimate experience as they travel from one destination to the next.
Q: What are some key aspects of your company culture that travel advisors might not know about?
Gary: AmaWaterways is a family-owned and -operated company, which carries through in all we do. If you do everything right for the people who work with you, everything else seems to fall in place.
Kristin: From the beginning, we envisioned AmaWaterways as an entrepreneurial family business, and, as such, we hire for attitude. We’re always lookingfor that “can do” spirit and passion for life — we’re confident the rest can be taught. That special thing is what we call the “FLEPS Factor”: Family, Love, Enthusiasm, Passion and Sparkle.
Q: Why do you continue to work with travel advisors?
Gary: My father always said, “If you listen to travel agents, they’ll tell you how your business is going. Travel agents will keep you honest, and if you’re truly loyal to them, they’ll be loyal to you.” In fact, I have a vintage Pan Am poster in my office that reads: “See Your Travel Agent Before Seeing the World.”
Kristin: Our close relationship with the travel advisor community helped grow AmaWaterways into the company we are today.
Q: What are the main reasons travel advisors should work with AmaWaterways?
Gary: Our reputation for exceeding guests’ expectations should be a key selling point. Luxury travelers are frequent travelers, and they’re an important revenue source for travel advisors. Advisors need to be 100% confident that their suppliers consistently deliver a high-quality product and top services.
Rudi: From twin-balcony staterooms to enhanced dining choices, such as The Chef’s Table specialty restaurants, we innovate by listening to what our guests want.
Kristin: Rudi’s innovative spirit and our dedication to our business partners, the travel advisor community and the AmaWaterways team have helped create long-lasting relationships, making our company what it is today.
