Kristin Karst has become the chief brand ambassador of AmaWaterways, shifting her focus to nurturing partner relationships and enhancing the company’s global presence. Planned itineraries on Colombia’s Magdalena River will launch in 2025, emphasizing local connections and cultural experiences. Karst’s collaboration with new president Catherine Powell aims to strengthen the brand during this exciting transition.
Kristin Karst has transitioned from executive vice-president to chief brand ambassador at AmaWaterways, a luxury river cruise company she co-founded 23 years ago. In her announcement on LinkedIn, Karst expressed enthusiasm for her new role, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing relationships with partners and enhancing the company’s global presence. She stated that today’s travelers seek experiences that resonate with their values, and her position will help champion this vision.
In cooperation with newly appointed president Catherine Powell, Karst plans to focus on brand development while still actively participating in leadership and daily operations. Powell will handle strategic execution, allowing Karst to contribute to the long-term vision and uphold the company’s core values and dedication to excellence and travel partners.
Karst recently returned from Colombia, where AmaWaterways is set to launch new itineraries on the Magdalena River, commencing with the AmaMagdalena on March 15, 2025. This launch was postponed from November 2024 to ensure that necessary infrastructure and experiences were appropriately refined, with a second ship, AmaMelodia, slated to begin its voyages in June 2025.
During her visit, Karst highlighted AmaWaterways’ connection with local communities and economies. She noted, “We’re not just building ships; we’re building relationships and contributing significantly to local economies.” This emphasis on collaboration aims to enrich travelers’ experiences and support regional development.
AmaWaterways will be the first company to offer cruises on the Magdalena, featuring two seven-night itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla. The cruise experience will include custom-designed excursion boats to explore lesser-known areas along the river. A focus will be on local culture with tastings of tropical fruits, chocolate, rum, and coffee, alongside a unique 16-seat restaurant helmed by a Colombian chef offering a curated culinary journey.
Guests can expect shore excursions that allow meaningful interactions with indigenous communities and access to hidden natural wonders. Each journey will be guided by local experts, enhancing cultural experiences while creating employment opportunities in those communities. Rudi Schreiner remarked on the challenges of pioneering this new route, emphasizing the potential for new experiences for guests.
Kristin Karst’s transition to chief brand ambassador at AmaWaterways marks a significant shift focusing on relationship building and brand development. With the launch of new itineraries on the Magdalena River and an emphasis on local engagement, AmaWaterways aims to create meaningful travel experiences that resonate with today’s travelers. The new cruises promise unique cultural interactions and culinary adventures, reinforcing the importance of community relationships in the travel industry.
Original Source: www.paxnews.com
