Baby Ama Want You
Published Friday, October 18th 2019 - Updated Friday, December 20th 2019
Isn't it amazing how river cruises have become so popular seemingly overnight?
Can you believe it was just 27 years ago that a young man came up with the concept while working for Uniworld Tours?
That young man, Rudi Schreiner, drew out the first river cruise itineraries which continue to be traveled with minor modifications by not only Uniworld but the rest of the industry.
Rudi further had a hand in designing most of the major river cruise lines, including ship layouts and unique marketing propositions to differentiate one from another.
As you would probably guess, Rudi eventually started his own brand: AmaWaterways.
While AmaWaterways will probably never have as many ships as Viking River Cruises, they've carved out a niche for epicurean travelers who appreciate dining. Ama is the only member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in the cruise industry.
Rather than trying to be known for the lowest prices, Ama focuses on the Luxury of More, including larger staterooms and more excursion choices.
That does not mean they do nor have specials which can go head to head with Viking, et al.
With so many ships, Viking River Cruises can cover more territory with their blanket promotions, such as their recent March through August free air promotion for their Grand European itinerary between Amsterdam and Budapest.
Ama may offer similar promotions but on specifically selected itineraries.
In any case, all specials are always limited by availability, and with all river cruises we often find sold out conditions on small ships.
While part of Ama's market advantage is carrying fewer guests than Viking (162 versus 204), Ama Magma became the first of a double wide river cruise ship. Rather than adding a lot more guests, Ama Magma has essentially double-sized suites, made possible because she carries only 196 guests.
Are you ready to expand your vacation horizons?
There's no time like time like the present....
...but if you wondered about the title of this post --- which probably should be, "Baby Boomers, Ama Wants You!" --- here's a blast from the past, Boomers.
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