Introducing New France and Southeast Asia Itineraries
CALABASAS, CA, July 2025 – Leading river cruise line AmaWaterways has announced 42 new departures for 2027 in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys – the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a recognized leader in enriching, small-group exploration. Among the highlights are two new itineraries: one takes passengers along the picturesque waterways of France – the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers, and the other is a captivating voyage along the winding Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. Drawing on the Smithsonian’s 175+ years as the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, each itinerary features distinguished Smithsonian Journeys experts and experiences designed to foster deep cultural engagement.
Eleven expertly curated itineraries showcasing Europe’s most breathtaking and historic river – including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône – will launch in 2026 and return in 2027.Each journey features exclusive excursions and enriching opportunities to engage with a diverse array of experts, from art historians and archaeologists to scientists, anthropologists and more. All departures include a selection of optional pre- and post-cruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, allowing guests to delve even deeper into the cultural and historical richness of each destination.
“At AmaWaterways, our mission is to create travel experiences that uncover the heart of each destination,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We are delighted to partner with Smithsonian Journeys and together offer guests voyages that inspire curiosity, deepen the connection with the places they visit and provide the exceptional comfort and service our guests expect, all the while creating shared and lasting memories.”
“We first announced the Smithsonian Journeys/AmaWaterways alliance just a few months ago, for cruises beginning in spring 2026, and we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response from the market—underscoring a growing demand for meaningful and enriching travel,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “With interest continuing to build, we are excited to introduce the 2027 program, featuring sailings along Europe’s most iconic rivers and, new for 2027, a chance to venture farther, delving into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia on the culturally rich Mekong River. As always, these voyages will include the distinctive touches of the Smithsonian—two Smithsonian Journeys experts aboard each voyage and thoughtfully curated shore excursions—and will open the door to new opportunities for curious explorers to more deeply engage with the vibrant history and rich cultures of these extraordinary destinations.”
This alliance with Smithsonian Journey’s further solidifies the AmaWaterways’ commitment to delivering deeply immersive and enriching experiences, both on board and during shore excursions. Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, a variety of small group excursions, high-quality Wi-Fi, a Wellness Program with a variety of host-led fitness classes, airport transfers, and much more.
These river cruise journeys, which range from eight to 15 days in duration, are now available to book at http://www.amawaterways.com/smithsonian-journeys or calling 1.800.626.0126
2027 departures include:
NEW—Grand Waterways of France: Cruising Normandy, Burgundy, and Provence
April 22–May 6, Aug. 26–Sept. 9, Oct. 7–21, 2027
15 days starting from $8,759 per person double occupancy.
Guests will experience France on a sweeping voyage along three rivers: the Seine, the Saône and the Rhône. From Omaha Beach to the Mediterranean streets of Arles, travelers will explore a vast swath of French geography and experience the distinctive cultures of Normandy, Burgundy and Provence. The cruise begins in Paris, heading west along the Seine to the shores of Normandy and returns by way of Monet’s home in Giverny. Travelers will travel overland to Dijon where their second ship awaits to bring them down the Saône through Burgundy, where wine tastings, picturesque river towns and architectural marvels await. From Vieux Lyon, they will sail the Rhône south through Ardèche to Provence, where sunlit, pastel-colored towns have drawn generations of artists. Full details are available on the website.
NEW—Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia
Jan. 1–25, Feb. 15–22, Nov. 1–8, 2027
17 days starting from $5,299 per person double occupancy.
(Cruise-only rates begin at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.)
Travelers will encounter some of Southeast Asia’s most storied sites—and the charms of local life—as they explore Vietnam and Cambodia on a journey by river and land. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh and Hanoi, guests will encounter historic sites set amid the bustle of modern-day life. They will ply the legendary Mekong River on a seven-night cruise, sailing through timeless scenes of dazzling rice fields, floating markets and farming hamlets, and venture to less-traveled towns and villages to meet with silk weavers and rice farmers and gain insight into life along one of Asia’s vital waterways. Full details are available on the website.
Holland and Belgium in Spring: A River Cruise at Tulip Time
April 4–11, April 9–16, April 12–19, April 16–23, 2026
NEW DATES – April 8–15, April 10–17, April 15–22, April 22–29, 2027
Eight days starting from $3,699 per person double occupancy.
Passengers can surround themselves with spring blossoms and fabulous art and architecture on a river cruise through Holland and Belgium timed to coincide with the annual tulip bloom. They will sail out of Amsterdam on a seven-night cruise, discovering historic windmills, medieval trading towns and vibrant modern-day cities, and encounter millions of brilliant tulips at the incredible Keukenhof Gardens. Full details are available on the website.
Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest
May 18–25, June 15–22, Sept. 7–14, Oct. 5–12, 2026
NEW DATES—May 17–24, June 14–21, Sept. 6–13, Oct. 4–11, 2027
Eight days starting from $3,949 per person double occupancy.
The cruise will follow the Danube from southern Germany to Hungary, passing through three culturally rich Central European capitals: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, there will be stops at World Heritage sites such as Salzburg and the Wachau Valley and opportunities to experience vibrant traditions of music and art. Full details are available on the website.
Cruising the Lower Danube: Gems of Southeast Europe
May 25–June 1, June 22–29, Sept. 14–21, Oct. 12–19, 2026
NEW DATES—May 24–31, June 21–28, Sept. 13–20, Oct. 12–19, 2027
Eight days starting from $3,949 per person double occupancy.
Passengers can venture to some of Europe’s hidden delights as they sail the Danube from Hungary through the Balkan Peninsula to Romania. They can discover little-known World Heritage sites, traditions of art and cuisine, and explore vivacious cities from Belgrade to Bucharest. Full details are available on the website.
The Grand Danube: A River Cruise from Germany to Romania
May 18–June 1, June 15–29, Sept. 7–21, Oct. 5–19, 2026
NEW DATES—May 17–31, June 14–28, Sept. 6–20, Oct. 4–18, 2027
15 days starting from $6,799 per person double occupancy.
Sailing the historic Danube River on a grand voyage through eight countries, passengers will visit the splendid world capitals of Budapest and Vienna as well as lesser-known historic gems from Croatia to Bulgaria. A choice of excursions will offer opportunities to experience local traditions of art, music and cuisine. Full details are available on the website.
Christmas Markets along the Danube: A River Cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest
Dec. 5–12, Dec. 10–19, 2026
NEW DATES—Dec. 1–8, Dec. 4–19, 2027
Eight days starting from $3,749 per person double occupancy.
Guests can savor the timeless holiday traditions of Central Europe as they cruise the Danube through Germany, Austria and Hungary, discovering delightful Christmas markets in world-class cities like Vienna and Budapest as well in charming towns and palaces from Regensburg to Salzburg. Full details are available on the website.
Christmas Markets along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel
Nov. 28–Dec. 5, Dec. 12–19, 2026
NEW DATES—Dec. 4–11, Dec. 5–12, 2027
Eight days starting from $3,849 per person double occupancy.
Passengers will experience the enchantment of some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets on a cruise through Holland, Germany and France that features visits to Strasbourg and Cologne as well as medieval towns and villages that sparkle with holiday spirit. Full details are available on the website.
The Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel
May 14–21, June 20–27, July 18–25, Sept. 26–Oct. 3, 2026
NEW DATES—May 26–June 2, June 19–26, July 10–17, Sept. 25–Oct. 2, 2027
Eight days starting from $3,699 per person double occupancy.
Cruising the Rhine River from one fascinating city to the next and discovering medieval villages, guests will discover wine regions and culinary delights as they make their way from the Netherlands to Germany and France. Full details are available on the website.
Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley
May 8–15, June 9–16, Sept. 4–11, Sept. 25–Oct. 2, Oct. 13–20, 2026
NEW DATES—May 7–14, June 4–11, Sept. 17–24, Oct. 1–8, Oct. 15–22, 2027
Eight days starting from $4,499 per person double occupancy.
Setting sail from the World Heritage-listed city of Porto, guests can discover the spectacular landscapes of Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where wines have been produced for some 2,000 years. They will visit picturesque villages and palaces, spend a day in beautiful Salamanca, Spain, and enjoy tastings at historic wine estates. Full details are available on the website.
Rhône River Cruise: Colors of Provence
May 21–28, July 16–23, Oct. 8–15, 2026
NEW DATES—May 20–27, Oct. 7–14, Oct. 21–28, 2027
Eight days starting from $4,299 per person double occupancy.
The delightful ambience of Provence on a river cruise from the heart of Lyon to Arles will feature magnificent historic sites from the Roman Pont Du Gard to the Papal Palace in Avignon, culinary tours and visits to renowned wine regions and the stunning gorges of Ardèche. Full details are available on the website.
Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy
May 14–21, Sept. 3–10, Sept. 24–Oct. 1, 2026
NEW DATES—May 13–20, Sept. 23–30, Oct. 14–21, 2027
Eight days starting from $4,549 per person double occupancy.
Starting from the heart of Paris on the fabled River Seine, the cruise will wind through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, passengers can explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions and trace the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker. Full details are available on the website.
Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France
Oct. 1–8, 2026
NEW DATE—Sept. 30–Oct. 7, 2027
Eight days starting from $4,799 per person double occupancy.
An enchanting voyage through Bordeaux and its picturesque wine regions will offer opportunities to explore charming towns and historic sites from Cadillac to Dordogne and savor exquisite local wines and cuisine. Full details are available on the website.
For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126, or visit AmaWaterways.com.
About AmaWaterways
Founded in 2002 by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 31 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe River, Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). The company was recently voted “Best River Cruise Line” by the world’s leading cruise-reviews site Cruise Critic and is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew, innovative and sustainable ship design, wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small-group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options) and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complementary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options. https://www.amawaterways.com
About Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is a global leader in cultural travel, offering unique, expert-led trips on all seven continents. In addition to river cruises, it offers small-group land journeys, small-ship exploration cruises, active journeys, cultural stays, private jet trips and tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler. Smithsonian Journeys is part of Smithsonian Enterprises, a division of the Smithsonian that oversees the Institution’s commercial activities, including the Smithsonian Channel; the retail operation, which includes 35 museum and airport stores and food concessions; Smithsonian magazine, which reaches more than 8 million monthly readers; Smithsonianstore.com, an E-Commerce business; consumer and education licensing; and books. For more information, visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 855-330-1542.
About the Smithsonian
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers and libraries. Two of the 21 museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum—are in the early planning stages. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Share Future, which began in 2018 in a quiet phase, was publicly launched in September 2024 with a goal of $2.5 billion. There are more than 6,200 Smithsonian employees and 3,800 volunteers. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 157 million, of which nearly 148 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.si.edu.