As the war in Ukraine nears a sad, one-month milestone, refugees - mostly women and children - continue to pour into the rest of Europe seeking safety.
In response to the need for humanitarian support, AmaWaterways has collaborated with the Port of Amsterdam and other volunteer organizations in the Netherlands. The river cruise line has provided a ship for temporary accommodations for refugees.
AmaWaterways’ Canadian vice-president of Strategic Alliances, Brenda Kyllo, told Open Jaw that the first families arrived at the ship in Amsterdam on Monday, 21MAR.
“It was important to us to provide support to those affected,” said Kyllo.
The ship is not committed to current AmaWaterways operations. It’s docked next to another vessel that’s providing food services for the refugees on board.
AmaWaterways launched its 2022 European river cruise season earlier this month.
Travel “remains a force of good in the world,” said a company spokesperson in Europe. Resumed operations are “directly supporting local guides, tour companies and all the small and medium sized businesses that are just beginning to rebuild after two years of travel restrictions.”
Travel also, “encourages a better understanding and acceptance of the differences in the world and reminds us of the similarities that bring us together.”
