APT and AmaWaterways have shared a highly successful partnership in river cruising for the last 20 years. Today, L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a significant stake in AmaWaterways (the “Company”), a global, award-winning luxury river cruise line, from a consortium of investors led by Certares. L Catterton will partner with founders Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and the Murphy family, who remain committed to supporting the Company’s long-term growth and innovation in the river cruising industry and will continue to have meaningful ownership in the Company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“This is an exciting new chapter for AmaWaterways,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO. “L Catterton brings unique insight into today’s global consumer, as well as a deep understanding of our industry and exciting ideas on how we can work together to capitalize on a number of growth opportunities across our business.

For APT and the McGeary family, the initial investment in AmaWaterways stemmed from APT Founder, Geoff McGeary’s, vision of creating and building a market for European River Cruising in Australia nearly two decades ago.   “That initial vision of our father, heralded an amazing two-decade partnership with AmaWaterways co-founders Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and the Murphy family and then later Certares. Together we saw the popularity of European River Cruising skyrocket among Australian travellers and around the world,” said Rob McGeary, Co-owner and Director of APT

“AmaWaterways is a truly special company” said Lou Tandy (nee McGeary), Co-owner and Director of APT. “We have the highest respect for Rudi and Kristin and what they achieved in building this exemplary business. It’s a true success story, and we are immensely proud to have been part of the AmaWaterways journey.”

However, the APT river cruise journey doesn’t not stop there. AmaWaterways will continue to provide APT guests with unforgettable river cruise experiences through to December 2024.

In 2025, APT is excited to provide guests with a whole new way to experience Europe with the launch of two beautiful 5-star river ships, the APT Solara and Ostara, designed specifically with the sophisticated Australian traveller in mind.

“Our partnership and friendship with Rudi, Kristin and the Murphy family goes a long way back” said Tandy. “We are delighted that our partnership continues in Vietnam and Cambodia. This investment from L Catterton marks a new era in AmaWaterways and we wish our partners and everyone at the company nothing but continued success in this next chapter.”