Award-winning river cruise operator, AmaWaterways now with Travel Bridge

From left: AmaWaterways Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst, Travel Bridge Head of Sales Raiza Saldin, Travel Bridge Head of Operations Farah Mannan

Travel Bridge Ltd., a subsidiary of Expolanka Holdings, the trusted name amongst the local outbound travel agency network, will now introduce upscale river cruise vacations to the discerning Sri Lankan traveller, through AmaWaterways. 

Building on mutual synergies as part of the Expolanka leisure cluster, this new opportunity comes through the global travel agency network community, Travel Leaders Network International, which assists millions of leisure and business travellers annually as one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours in the industry. 

AmaWaterways has received many prestigious travel industry awards including USA Today’s Readers’ Choice for Best River Cruise Line in 2018 and continues to commandeer a top spot amongst other operators in this category, winning four awards at the 2023 ASTA Global Convention notably for River Cruise Partner of The Year and Supplier Medal of Excellence. It is the only cruise line on Europe’s rivers to be a member of the prestigious international gastronomy organisations, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges and the first river cruise line to have 20 of its European ships receive Green Awards for sustainability. 

Head of Sales Raiza Saldin and Head of Operations Farah Mannan jointly commented on this exciting launch, saying, “Travel Bridge is truly excited to introduce AmaWaterways to the Sri Lankan market. With their award-winning ships, world-class cuisine and impeccable service, we are confident that this unique way of experiencing destinations will greatly appeal to new and seasoned travellers. One of the key drivers behind the increased demand for river cruises is the hassle-free and seamless travel experience it offers, allowing guests to visit up to five countries during an eight day period and eliminating the need to pack and unpack at every port of call. AmaWaterways’ river cruises visit over 32 countries and guests who opt to reserve their spacious, signature twin balcony staterooms will enjoy spectacular views as they cruise along some of the world’s most famous rivers. AmaWaterways’ full range of luxurious river cruise and land packages will be available for bookings through any local travel agent.”

AmaWaterways aligns with Travel Bridge’s mission to provide ultimate convenience to its travel agent partners, with a ready-made one-stop solution when it comes to fulfilling their customer’s travel requirements. AmaWaterways is the first river cruise brand to be added to their existing product portfolio which also includes award winning B2B wholesale booking engine TBO.Com and Spanish based coach tour operator, Europamundo Vacations. 

“AmaWaterways is extremely pleased to have Travel Bridge representing our luxurious river cruise and land packages in Sri Lanka,” said AmaWaterways Co-founder and executive vice president Kristin Karst. “AmaWaterways offers an incredible variety of memorable experiences for every kind of traveller, from active couples and multi-generational family groups to food and wine enthusiasts, and we are excited that our unique brand of river cruising is now conveniently available for travel agents across the country to reserve for their clients.”

Family owned and operated for more than 21 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Main, Moselle, Rhine, Rhône, Garonne, Dordogne and Seine rivers, along with Dutch and Belgium waterways and France’s Gironde Estuary; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe River, Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2024). AmaWaterways was founded by river cruise pioneers Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy in 2002. The company has been renowned for its extraordinarily warm and welcoming crew, its innovative ships featuring contemporary décor inspired by the destination, spacious staterooms and suites, and extensive amenities such as stunning Main Lounges with panoramic views, wellness activities, hair and massage salons and Sun Deck walking tracks with a heated swimming pool or whirlpool. The cruise operator also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships with sailings geared towards active travellers and families, as well as group and charter options.