by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 12:20 PM ET, Tue April 18, 2023
AmaWaterways' AmaMagna in Passau, Germany. (Photo Credit: AmaWaterways)
River cruise line AmaWaterways is sharing news on its expanded sustainability initiatives, from utilizing solar energy for onboard air conditioning to navigation systems that will reduce fuel consumption.
The line's ships are all receiving enhancements based upon their location, size and other considerations. The AmaMagna, for example, will install solar panels on the awnings of select staterooms that will reduce fuel consumption related to cooling and heating staterooms.
The line has also replaced breakfast and lunch buffets with full-service a la carte menus, which should reduce food waste by up to 30 percent. Several ships are also testing out a new River Track Pilot navigation system that will help save on fuel consumption.
In the Chobe River, the line’s Zambezi Queen ship employs a five-stage water purification system that allows safe use of the river’s water for showers and taps onboard, without disturbing the riverbed. The ship utilizes battery power at night and low-emission generators during the day.
AmaMagna sails the Danube (Photo Credit: AmaWaterways)
AmaWaterways has been investing in sustainability in recent years. The AmaKristina, for example, was the first river cruise ship to ever receive the Green Award for its environmental performance in 2019. Nineteen more of the line’s ships in Europe have since received the award.
"Sustainability is the top and ever-present responsibility of every company in the travel industry,’’ said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways. "Each of our ships and every itinerary we operate is thoughtfully designed to minimize fuel consumption but the impact we have on the local communities is also of utmost importance to us.”
“We are currently building our two newest ships in Colombia and are proud to be working hand in hand with local architects, designers and suppliers to ensure we are not only properly incorporating and honoring this beautiful destinations’ natural resources and culture but also enhancing the lives of the local residents along the Magdalena River as many of these communities will be opening up to international visitors for the first time,” continued Schreiner.
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