Family-owned and operated for more than 22 years, AmaWaterways is a luxury river cruise line offering unforgettable experiences with 31 custom-designed ships sailing iconic rivers throughout Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, Africa, Egypt, and, starting in 2025, Colombia. Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is committed to its reputation of welcoming guests with a warm and inviting crew and creating immersive, truly authentic cultural experiences for active travelers of all ages. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna, and through its sustainable ship design, wide variety of small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options, and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with fine wines from the world’s most acclaimed wine regions.

Christmas Markets

Cruise through the heart of Europe on the storied Danube or Rhine rivers during the most festive time of year with AmaWaterways’ Christmas Markets River Cruises – ideal for extended families who wish to celebrate the season together. Browse colorful market stalls filled to the brim with whimsical handicrafts in cities such as Budapest, Hungary; Nuremberg, Germany and Strasbourg, France as you sip hot mulled wine beneath endless strands of twinkling lights. From a festive assortment of Christmas cookies to an entertaining tree-trimming party to additional surprises and delights, their onboard holiday traditions create memories you will savor forever. You’ll also be treated to a holiday feast with all the trimmings on every Christmas Markets departure while sailing aboard the most elegantly decorated ships on the river.

CELEBRATION OF BEER RIVER CRUISES

Blend your passion for travel with your affinity for enjoying a “cold one” as you learn more about Europe’s rich brewing traditions and cultural connections on an immersive beer-themed river cruise. Support local brewing communities with a lively beer culture such as Düsseldorf and Cologne along the Rhine River, and Bruges and Utrecht along the Dutch and Belgian Waterways. Meet fellow beer enthusiasts from around the world and raise your glass to regional flavors while enjoying up to four beer-themed excursions, specially curated beer and culinary experiences, onboard beer tastings and lectures, and more.

CELEBRATION OF WINE RIVER CRUISES THROUGH EUROPE

Celebrate wine as you toast your way through renowned vineyards uncovering the time-honored traditions of winemaking from the winemakers themselves—and taste the fruits of their labor. Discover the differences between a Moselle Riesling from Germany and an Alsatian Riesling from France on the Rhine & Moselle Splendors cruise. Or be treated to an in-depth explanation of the differences between Bordeaux’s Left Bank and Right Bank wines as you taste your way through Bordeaux. How about visiting the Gems of Southeast Europe, discovering centuries-old wine growing regions dating back to the Romans?

Soulful Experiences

In celebration of their diverse global family, AmaWaterways are delighted to offer new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture in France, Portugal, Egypt and Colombia in 2025 and 2026. Each itinerary offers specially curated tours exclusive to the Soulful Experience, regional delicacies and wine, all while shining a light on Black and African history and culture.

SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS/AMAWATERWAYS SAILINGS

AmaWaterways is thrilled to announce a new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a leader in authentic and enriching small-group travel. Our new shared collection of European sailings provides opportunities to engage with a variety of Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Chosen for their charisma and expertise, these extremely knowledgeable individuals have dedicated entire careers to pursuing their passions and will offer incredible insights to ensure your journey is as captivating as it is meaningful.

CELEBRATION OF WELLNESS RIVER CRUISES

Recently awarded Cruise Critic’s “Best for Active Cruisers” award and the first river cruise line to offer a fleet of bicycles, AmaWaterways has long offered opportunities for guests to enhance their best selves on board and on shore. Now, they are taking their holistic approach to wellness even further with special dedicated Celebration of Wellness River Cruises that include enhanced tours for active travelers, guided runs, at least six daily host-led wellness classes, two dedicated Wellness Hosts on board, specially curated healthy choice menus and so much more.

What are you waiting for? Contact your Vacation Consultant today to start planning your next getaway onboard AmaWaterways and take advantage of these spectacular offers!