CRUISE GPS

Earth Day, Every Day

For AmaWaterways, protecting the environment is a way of life.

For more than 20 years, AmaWaterways has worked to redefine the river cruise experience with elegantly appointed ships, locally sourced food and wine, and iconic destinations throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. All along the way, the company has supported local communities and worked to minimize its impact on the environment and ecosystems its river cruise vessels travel through. A major part of that equation is staying at the forefront of innovative technology and eco-friendly products that provide sustainable ways for guests to travel.

All 28 of AmaWaterways’ river ships are designed with eco-friendly innovations, including solar heating systems, special insulated windows that reduce energy needs for heating and cooling, power locks to plug into a port’s power supply instead of running generators, and water treatment plants that provide microfiltration and recycling of all water used on board.

To reduce plastic consumption, every ship utilizes paper straws (upon request), recyclable tetra-pak water containers for excursions, and refillable bottles for water, plus soap and shampoo dispensers in staterooms. In addition, only energy-saving LED lights are used throughout the ships. AmaWaterways has also lessened unnecessary food waste from large-scale buffets by serving a la carte lunches on board its European fleet, and has partnered with Quietvox to disperse rechargeable batteries and biodegradable rice paper bags for excursions.

The flagship of AmaWaterways’ river fleet, AmaMagna is forward-thinking in both design (spacious suites with full balconies, a Zen Wellness Studio, four unique dining venues) and sustainability. The ship recently employed an innovative 10-engine River Track Pilot Navigation System that helps its pilots find the most efficient and safest routes between ports to optimize fuel consumption. In addition, new solar panels have been installed on every stateroom balcony to maximize usage of renewable energy. And on Zambezi Queen, a water jet propulsion system is used to protect the Chobe riverbed, while water-saving taps and showers, biodegradable detergents and soaps, and a five-stage water purification plant are also employed.

In early 2020, AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina became the first river cruise ship to receive the prestigious Green Award certification for industry-leading safety, quality, and environmental performance. Soon after, 19 more ships in the European fleet were also recognized. To earn this award, the river cruise ships were evaluated on the environmental impact of such things as engines, fuel consumption, waste and maintenance, and pollution prevention.

Experience more of the world with AmaWaterways.