AmaWaterways has deployed a river vessel in Amsterdam to house refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

The river line said it was providing “temporary accommodation” for people and food would be delivered from another ship docked nearby.

The first families, made up primarily of women and children, arrived on Monday (March 21).

An AmaWaterways spokesperson said: “Travel is a personal choice and remains a force of good in world, 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 encourages a better understanding and acceptance of the differences in the world and reminds us of the similarities that bring us together.”

AmaWaterways’ 2022 European season began with a Danube sailing on AmaMagna vessel which departed from Budapest this month.

The line announced it will operate 21 ships across Europe in 2022, including five ships on four rivers in France and 10 vessels on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube and Douro, during the season.