High safety and environmental standards adopted across AmaWaterways’ 18-strong European fleet has been recognised.
The vessels have gained independent Green Award certification.
River cruise ships are evaluated on the environmental impact of their engines, fuel consumption, waste and maintenance and pollution prevention to earn the award.
The river cruise line has also replaced individual single-use toiletries with soap/shampoo dispensers, replaced plastic straws with paper ones, added glass water bottles in cabins and continues to test the use of tetra-pak water containers to replace plastic water bottles during excursions.
Many ports, such as Amsterdam, offer substantial benefits to certified ships to promote safer, cleaner inland navigation and to advocate an integrated approach for European inland waterways.
The Green Award covers the company’s 156-passenger vessels operating on rivers in Europe with the exception of Portugal.
Company co-founder and executive vice-president Kristin Karst said: “While current events may have delayed the start of this year’s sailing season, nothing has diminished our commitment to protecting the rivers that we sail upon.
“Receiving these awards for all our ships in Europe reaffirms our dedication to sustainability.
“River cruising is a wonderfully intimate way to explore the world, and we will continue to honour the environment and support the development of communities we visit by introducing innovative ways to minimise our carbon footprint.”