Guests celebrate Black history and culture along some of the world’s most famous rivers
Calabasas, CA, October 2024 – Now entering its third year of Soulful Experience offerings, AmaWaterways has announced four different itineraries in as many countries for 2025, including its newest destination, Colombia. These curated experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history. Guests booking 2025’s Egypt’s Nile (May 14), France’s Provence region (Aug. 21), Portugal’s Douro (Nov. 14), and Colombia’s Magdalena River (Oct. 18) by December 31, 2024 can save up to 20% off cruise fares and enjoy AmaWaterways’ special AirPlus fixed rates on airfares.
Every Soulful Experience sailing presents genuine experiences and excursions that honor Black history and heritage. Complementing AmaWaterways’ renowned warm and personalized onboard service, as well as locally inspired dining, guests can anticipate nightly entertainment while surrounded by fellow travelers who share their enthusiasm for uncovering Black culture.
Secrets of Egypt & The Nile
The 11-night immersive sailing, departing from Cairo on May 14, 2025, offers guests an exceptional journey of discovery and is aptly named Secrets of Egypt & The Nile. The program begins with three nights in the vibrant city of Cairo, where guests will tour the Egyptian Museum (featuring King Tut’s treasures), the Alabaster Mosque, and the ancient pyramids of Memphis. The exploration continues to Luxor for a seven-night Nile cruise aboard the luxurious 72-passenger AmaDahlia. Stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena allow for exclusive access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari on a private tour, a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, and a visit to a Nubian village where the people who live there carry on the traditions of their ancient African roots, considered one of the earliest cradles of civilization. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and its culinary delights.
Colors of Provence
France has a rich history of Black culture, art, and history, and AmaWaterways’ 10-night Colors of Provence opens the doors to much of it. The cruise on the award-winning AmaKristina departs August 21, 2025, sailing from Arles to Lyon before spending three nights in Paris, a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers. In Avignon, guests visit the Blachère Foundation, which promotes the contemporary creation of artists from Africa and its diaspora; a truffle farm in Viviers; and Roman ruins in Vienne. They also partake in an evening wine and chocolate experience, jazz performance, steam train ride and a tasting tour at Lyon’s Les Halles Market. Highlights in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and insights into the Code Noir (the decree that defined the conditions of slavery conduct until 1789). Guests explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’or, and end with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021.
Enticing Douro
Lisbon has a rich history of African and Black presence. The city was home to a significant population of free Africans, played a key role in the transatlantic slave trade, and was the site of Europe’s first African neighborhood. AmaWaterways’ 10-night Enticing Douro (departing November 14, 2025) includes three nights in Lisbon followed by a seven-night sailing along Portugal’s Douro River on board the 102-passenger AmaSintra. The Douro is known for some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery, great wines and foods, and friendly people. In Lisbon, guests tour “City of Seven Hills”; and the Royal Sintra – Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residence. Along the journey, guests are treated to exclusive Brazilian and African food tastings and authentic Portuguese cuisine and port wines during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates, known as quintas. All while taking in the mournful sounds of fado music.
Magic of Colombia
Black history in Colombia is rich and complex, defined by the interplay of slavery, resistance, and cultural preservation. Cartagena, the heart of this history, is the last port of call of AmaWaterways’ seven-night Magic of Colombia sailing on the Magdalena River.
Both Colombia and the 60-guest AmaMagdalena are new for AmaWaterways in 2025, so guests on this October 18, 2025 sailing will be among the first to take in the rich history and culture of this often-overlooked part of the world. Every day is an education of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval in Barranquilla (AmaWaterways exclusive). Stops in Nueva Venecia, Santa Barbara de Ponto, Mompox, El Banco and Calamar offer tours of stilt houses, jazz street performances, exploration of Cienága Pijiño (known for its diverse bird life), and a tour of Getsemaní – a colorful neighborhood in Cartagena, known for its street art, bars, restaurants, and cafes. Three-night land packages are offered pre- and/or post-cruise in Medellín or Panama.
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
Family-owned and operated for 22 years, 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). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company 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 complimentary 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.