AmaWaterways has expanded its offerings of Soulful Experience sailings in 2025 and 2026. These sailings present experiences and excursions that celebrate Black heritage and culture.

Let’s take a look at the new offerings:

2025

Best of Holland & Belgium

This new-for-2025 seven-night Soulful Experience on AmaStella is unique, as it spans the holidays of Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Guests celebrate Kwanzaa with daily themes honoring Kwanzaa’s seven principles, nightly Kinara candle-lighting ceremonies, and cultural Read the rest of this entry »

A Mississippi River cruise has been on my radar for a while, but 2025 might actually be the year I stop talking about it and actually do it. Europe always entices me, with its beautiful landscapes and rich history, but why do I tend to forget about the river cruise experience that’s just a short, single-connection flight away? Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways is elevating its focus on wellness with the launch of Celebration of Wellness River Cruises, offering travelers an experience focused on physical health and mental well-being.

These specially crafted itineraries provide guests with the opportunity to explore Europe’s destinations through a wellness lens. With excursions tailored for active travelers, including hiking, biking, and guided runs, guests can enhance their best selves throughout their journey. Onboard, they will enjoy healthy, fresh cuisine with specially curated menus, as well as a series of daily wellness classes led by expert Wellness Hosts. The first Celebration of Wellness River Cruises are available on two summer sailings in 2025: Melodies of the Danube (August 2-9, 2025) and Paris & Normandy (August 9-16, 2025). Read the rest of this entry »

Cruising has long been a popular option for family vacations, offering unparalleled convenience. There’s no constant packing and unpacking, lugging bags through train stations, or figuring out a daily itinerary. The ease and simplicity of cruising are what make it such an appealing choice for travelers of all ages.

But still, many families overlook river cruising as a viable option. Traditional river ships weren’t designed with families in mind. But times are changing. New ships now feature connecting staterooms, as well as triple and quad cabins, making river cruising more accessible for families, including those with younger children.
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We’ve always loved the quieter side of travel – those moments when you can really connect with a place without the rush of peak-season crowds. So, when AmaWaterways invited us to sail its Best Of The Danube itinerary in February, we didn’t hesitate to say yes. This round trip journey from Budapest gives us a chance to experience the Danube at its most peaceful, with fewer tourists and a fresh perspective on some of our favorite destinations. Read the rest of this entry »

How do you solve a problem like Maria? You don’t. In fact, you let Maria solve your problems.

On my recent Avalon cruise, I sat down with Maria Pascual to ask her about what she’s learned in the 31(!!) years with Globus. She reflected on her career with Avalon, the evolving demographics of river cruise guests, and how her team goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and unforgettable experience for everyone on board. Read the rest of this entry »

With the holiday season upon us, Tauck has announced a new 2025 river cruise celebrating the traditional Christmas markets and other holiday happenings along the River Seine in France.

The Seine: Holiday Magic begins in Paris, where guests will board Tauck’s ms Sapphire riverboat and enjoy three nights and two full days in the city.

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Think of it this way…Endless charming towns, historic landmarks and the beauty of Europe’s waterways rolling by as you sip wine on a sunny deck. That’s what I knew I was signing up for when I was invited on a 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Avalon Waterways. But many people who haven’t river cruised before often wonder about the perfect itinerary length. Is two weeks too long?

We can all agree that one of the least exciting parts of planning a trip, second to paying your cruise fare, is packing. The great news, though, is that someone always seems to have advice for how to make packing easier.

Ralph writes many articles on packing tips. In his article, Ralph provides a lot of great insight how and what to pack. But his advice doesn’t always work for me – convertible pants that zip off into shorts? No, thank you. But Ralph does this so that he can pack for a week in just a carry on. For those who mind hauling the extra luggage, that could be a good idea. I don’t mind bringing a checked bag, rolling carry on, and backpack (I know, it’s a lot!) Read the rest of this entry »

This is an update to an article I wrote a few years ago about the value of travel agents (or advisors). When I first wrote this article in 2019 I stated that “I was confused about why people used travel agents. Why have someone else do something that you can do yourself?” Fast forward five years, and I’ve become a travel agent myself.

A lot of people ask the same question I asked, though. Why use a travel advisor? The answer is simple – while it’s true that you can handle the logistics yourself, a travel advisor provides expertise, added value, and personalized service that can enhance your entire travel experience. Read the rest of this entry »

Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Lahn rivers, Lahnstein offers a gateway to captivating historical sites and natural beauty. In Lahnstein, you’ll have to opportunity to visit a towering fortress, take a scenic bike rides, or hike through lush landscapes. Here’s a closer look at these excursion options.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the town and the rivers below, Burg Lahneck is a stunning medieval castle with a history dating back to the 13th century. Your guided tour through its ancient halls reveals tales of knights, nobility, and the castle’s strategic importance during various European conflicts. Read the rest of this entry »

Ludwigshafen is your starting point for a range of excursions – whether you’re drawn to the medieval charm of Heidelberg, the opulence of Schwetzingen Palace, or the peaceful trails along the Neckar River. Read the rest of this entry »

Breisach is your starting point for a variety of excursions that cater to different interests, whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, or the great outdoors.

Picture this, cruising through the Rhine Gorge, taking in the scenic views of historic castles and the Lorelei Rock. As you reach the end of the gorge, you arrive in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim, which we love for its cozy atmosphere and stunning views of the river.

AmaWaterways offers a variety of excursions to help you explore Rüdesheim, whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely experience or something more active.

Last week, AmaWaterways sent us a press release on their newest Nile River ship, AmaLilia. I was going to post the release with some photos for you all to read, but when I got to looking at pictures of the ship, I knew that you all needed to see more than just a few of them. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways has opened reservations for the 2026 season on all its cruise products and pre- and post-cruise land packages: Europe, Egypt, Asia, Colombia, Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises.

With the launch of nine new river ships over the next three years, and more than 40 different itineraries on four continents, early travel planners can choose from a variety of possibilities and lock in great savings opportunities and dates. Read the rest of this entry »

Living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity poses significant challenges. Individuals affected by the autoimmune disorder often find it difficult to enjoy travel due to fear of gluten exposure and other potentially serious health implications. The collaboration between AmaWaterways and Celiac Cruise has already delivered amazing European itineraries and adventures, offering dedicated 100-percent gluten-free ships and experiences for guests sailing the Danube and Seine rivers. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways announced two new river ships launching in 2026: AmaKaia will AmaDara on the Mekong River and AmaSofia will sail Europe’s Rhine and Danube Rivers Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways’ Military Savings offers active and retired service members a $250 savings on river cruises in Europe, Asia, Egypt or Colombia. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways shared the way it commits to sustainability by sharing a short video showcasing current initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics, minimize food waste and contribute positively to the preservation of our planet’s precious water resources Read the rest of this entry »