For more than two decades, AmaWaterways has cultivated a loyal following among sophisticated river cruisers by combining intimate ships, included excursions and culinary excellence. Recent announcements show the line is accelerating its growth and diversifying its portfolio to appeal to a broader audience of destination-focused travelers. Over the past six months it has unveiled plans to double its European fleet, introduced new cultural programs and unveiled partnerships with Smithsonian Journeys and travel advisor communities. At the same time, it continues to deliver highly personalised service on vessels carrying as few as 60 guests. The following roundup highlights developments sophisticated river, small-ship and expedition travelers should know about.
Fleet Expansion and High-Touch Service
On Sept. 17, 2025 AmaWaterways revealed plans to add eight new vessels to its Europe fleet by 2030. The order will increase its global fleet to more than forty ships – double the number it operated in 2020 – underscoring the boom in river cruising and the company’s ambitious growth strategy. Chief executive officer Catherine Powell said the decision responds to demand from travelers eager to discover Europe’s waterways and allows AmaWaterways to continue delivering high-touch service. Each day on an AmaWaterways voyage offers up to seven included excursions tailored to a range of interests, from history-focused walking tours and scenic bike rides to wine tastings and truffle hunting. The onboard experience pairs award-winning cuisine with amenities such as wellness hosts, sun-deck pools, fitness rooms and even butler service in select suites, reinforcing the line’s reputation for luxury despite its small-ship scale.
New Itineraries and Ship Deployments for 2025
The company’s January 2025 “Ready for a Big 2025” update signaled a surge of new offerings. Co-founder Rudi Schreiner noted that 2025 sales were already tracking 31 percent higher than the previous year and said the line would meet demand by increasing capacity on European rivers and debuting new ships. Among the highlights is the “Best of Danube” itinerary, a roundtrip voyage from Budapest with 15 departures in 2025 and 14 in 2026. The 14-night “Grand River Cruises” series combines two popular week-long itineraries (such as Grand Seine and Rhône or Grand Danube) for travelers seeking deeper immersion across multiple countries. On the Douro River, AmaSintra joined the fleet in April 2025, providing new opportunities to explore Portugal’s vineyards and culture on the seven-night “Enticing Douro” itinerary. Outside Europe, AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia – purpose-built for Colombia’s Magdalena River – debuted in March and June 2025. These 60- and 64-guest vessels operate two seven-night voyages, Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, featuring experiences like a Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla, jazz performances, authentic paola rides and historical walking tours. Schreiner emphasized that the Magdalena voyages offer exclusive access to remote communities and natural wonders, demonstrating the line’s commitment to authentic exploration.
Beyond 2025, AmaWaterways is building a slate of new ships. AmaSofia will debut in May 2026 with 31 departures on the Rhine and Danube, including a 14-night Amsterdam-to-Budapest journey. Sister ship AmaMaya (originally announced as AmaKaia) will join the Mekong fleet in August 2026, offering 22 sailings in 2026 and 38 in 2027 on seven-night “Charms of the Mekong” and “Riches of the Mekong” itineraries. The company will also renovate chartered vessels AmaStella, AmaVenita and AmaReina and return them to its Rhine and Danube operations in 2025. Looking further ahead, at least two more European ships will arrive in 2027: AmaRudi – a double-wide Danube vessel inspired by the pioneering AmaMagna – and AmaFiora on the Rhine. Double-wide ships provide extra space for multiple dining venues and wellness areas while still accommodating fewer than 200 guests, appealing to travelers who enjoy the amenities of larger vessels without sacrificing intimacy.
Expanding Soulful Experiences
AmaWaterways’ Soulful Experiences program celebrates Black heritage and culture through curated excursions, onboard programming and community engagement. On Feb. 19, 2025 the line announced four new voyages for 2025 and 2026. The first is a seven-day “Best of Holland & Belgium” itinerary sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam over New Year’s and Kwanzaa. The voyage aboard AmaStella features daily themes honoring Kwanzaa’s seven principles, nightly Kinara candle-lighting ceremonies and cultural tours of Amsterdam. In June 2026 an “Enticing Douro” sailing aboard AmaDouro coincides with Juneteenth and offers themed events across Portugal’s Douro Valley. The “Riches of the Mekong” journey from October 11-25, 2026 explores Vietnam and Cambodia’s connections to Black history and includes a new four-night Central Vietnam land extension. The fourth voyage, “Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles,” departs Basel in December 2026 on AmaVenita and features Black cultural connections along the Rhine. These itineraries build on previously announced Soulful Experiences in Egypt, France, Portugal and Colombia, illustrating AmaWaterways’ commitment to inclusive travel.
The expansion goes beyond announcements. Travel Professional News reported that each Soulful Experience sailing integrates local history with cultural ceremonies and tastings. On the Holland & Belgium cruise, guests celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam and enjoy daily Kwanzaa ceremonies. The Juneteenth-themed Douro voyage includes commemorative events and local cuisine. The Mekong sailing offers a Central Vietnam land extension where travelers explore Vietnamese culture and history. A December 2026 Rhine voyage immerses guests in Black cultural connections and features exclusive tastings. With these curated itineraries, AmaWaterways positions itself at the intersection of river cruising and cultural heritage travel.
Education Through Smithsonian Journeys
Partnering with Smithsonian Journeys underscores AmaWaterways’ emphasis on intellectual enrichment. In February 2025 the line and the Smithsonian announced a co-branded program offering 33 departures in 2026 across European rivers. Each departure features exclusive excursions and the presence of Smithsonian experts in disciplines such as art history, archaeology and anthropology. Catherine Powell said the collaboration allows travelers to gain deeper insights into local history and traditions while enjoying the comfort of AmaWaterways’ ships.
The partnership’s popularity prompted an expanded 2027 lineup unveiled on Aug. 6, 2025. The program will feature 42 departures, including the return of all 11 itineraries introduced for 2026 and two new voyages: the “Grand Waterways of France,” which cruises Normandy, Burgundy and Provence, and “Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia”. Smithsonian Journeys senior vice president Walter Littlejohn highlighted the growing demand for meaningful, enriching travel and said the 2027 program will allow guests to delve deeper into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia. Each co-branded sailing will offer exclusive excursions, two Smithsonian Journeys experts and optional land packages guided by an AmaWaterways cruise manager. By aligning with an iconic institution dedicated to cultural education, AmaWaterways enhances its appeal to travelers seeking intellectually engaging experiences.
Programs for Diverse Markets and Personalised Travel
Inclusivity also extends to language. In November 2024 AmaWaterways announced that its Latin Touch voyage program would add a second Christmas markets sailing in 2025. The seven-night Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas itinerary on Dec. 15, 2025 will be hosted by a bilingual cruise manager, with daily tours and onboard programs delivered in Spanish. Guests will enjoy Zumba classes and Latin-inspired entertainment while exploring markets in Basel, Strasbourg, Heidelberg and Cologne. This program demonstrates the company’s commitment to serving Spanish-speaking travelers and offering culturally relevant experiences.
AmaWaterways also introduced a stateroom-upgrade bidding program in August 2024. The online auction allows passengers across its European, Egyptian and Mekong fleets to bid for cabin upgrades up to seven days before departure. Kristin Karst said the initiative empowers guests to choose enhancements that suit their desires and budget. While not within the last six months, the program illustrates AmaWaterways’ trend toward customization.
Leadership and New Ship Ceremonies
In June 2025 the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) announced that Sarah Little, senior vice president of business development, would serve as godmother of the new ship AmaSofia. The vessel will be christened in March 2026 during the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam and become AmaWaterways’ tenth ship on the Danube. AmaSofia will sail seven-night itineraries such as Melodies of the Danube and Romantic Danube. Kristin Karst praised Little’s support of the travel advisor community and called her an exceptional choice for godmother. Little said she was honored to represent a ship that showcases the extraordinary experiences river cruising offers and highlighted AmaWaterways’ commitment to travel advisors.
Toward Smaller Charter-Only Ships
Looking ahead, co-founder Kristin Karst suggested in September 2025 that AmaWaterways may introduce smaller charter-only ships designed for families or private groups. In an interview she said that as travellers prioritise privacy and bespoke experiences, the company is exploring vessels that guests can charter exclusively. Karst also indicated that more double-wide ships like AmaMagna and the forthcoming AmaRudi are likely. She noted that luxury now revolves around customization – guests want to sleep in, rest and enjoy private tours or even vineyard picnics【165055795617984†L81-L92】. The concept reflects a broader shift toward personalized, ultra-luxury river cruising and suggests AmaWaterways will continue to innovate in ship design and deployment.
Expert Insight
AmaWaterways’ recent announcements paint a picture of a brand confident in its ability to lead the river cruising sector through innovation and inclusivity. A commitment to building eight new European vessels and launching purpose-built ships on rivers from the Douro to the Mekong shows that the company is investing for the long term. Meanwhile, thematic programs like Soulful Experiences and Latin Touch expand the narrative of river cruising by celebrating Black heritage and Spanish-speaking cultures, while the partnership with Smithsonian Journeys elevates the line’s educational credentials. Even more intriguing is the prospect of smaller charter-only ships and additional double-wide vessels, which could give guests unprecedented privacy and space.
For sophisticated small-ship travelers, these developments mean a broader array of itineraries, deeper cultural immersion and ever more personalised service. The introduction of new ships like AmaSofia and AmaMaya ensures that guests will continue to enjoy state-of-the-art amenities and multiple dining venues without the crowds found on larger vessels. The expansion into Colombia’s Magdalena River and the continued exploration of the Mekong open new frontiers for expedition-style river cruising. As demand for meaningful travel grows, AmaWaterways is positioning itself not just as a cruise line but as a curator of cultural experiences. Travelers considering a river cruise in 2025 or beyond should plan early; with limited capacity, many of these itineraries will sell out quickly. Those who secure a spot will find that AmaWaterways’ blend of luxurious comfort, cultural engagement and intimate shipboard atmosphere delivers a journey that is as enriching as it is relaxing.
