By Kathleen Sterling
They’re very much a local family. They belong to St. Mel Parish. Their kids are in school here. Their offices are in Calabasas.
But this couple wants to take you around the world!
Going back to their roots, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, both born in Europe, founded AMA Waterways to cruise the four corners of the globe, from Europe to Egypt, Asia to Central America.
Karst grew up in Dresden when it was still part of East Germany. Despite the travel restrictions at the time, her parents took her on wonderful trips, some of them river cruises. She worked part-time in a travel agency and used to dream about visiting the far off places they booked. She got a Master’s in international tourism management which opened many doors and led her to Los Angeles – and Schreiner.
He grew up in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube. He traveled to South America in 1975 and designed what would be his first ship – a raft to take him up and down the Amazon. Soon thereafter, he began working in the travel industry.
Their third partner, now deceased, was Jimmy Murphy who founded Brendan Tours.
AMA was founded in 2002 with their goal of creating a river cruise company, “we ourselves would enjoy,” said Karst.
That means the highest quality, locally sourced food and wine, elegant appointments, and a crew who go above and beyond, treating every guest like they are part of their family.
Combining the travel background of all three partners, AMA has become a world leader in river cruises. One of the things that makes it so special is that the itineraries are personally designed by the original founders .
Schreiner designed a new itinerary for 2025, Best of Danube, celebrating the rich culture and musical history of his birthplace.
Karst’s favorite itinerary through her home country of Germany takes guests down the enchanting castle-laden Rhine Gorge, but also down Germany’s less-traveled Moselle River, with the steepest vineyards in Europe, picturesque German villages and historic castles.
With their love of water, it made sense for the couple to settle in Westlake Village as their home base.
“Westlake Village offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and community spirit,” explained Karst.
They are very involved in the community and support local initiatives and the arts, contributing to organizations like the Calabasas Film Festival, Tiny Porch Concerts, Los Angeles Master Chorale, YMCA, Cal Lutheran Business School and more.
Their first love, however, is travel and the company they built from the ground up.
For more information on AMA Waterways and their itineraries visit amawaterways.com.
Book before December 31, 2024 and receive either summer triple savings and a stateroom upgrade, up to 20% cruise savings for 2026 or up to 20% savings and reduced airfare.
