The full 2028 collection is now open for reservations, featuring four new ships, new itineraries and expanded land experiences across Europe and beyond
CALABASAS, Calif. – AmaWaterways, the largest cruise line dedicated exclusively to river cruising, is looking ahead to 2028 with an exciting expansion of its award-winning river cruise portfolio, with the full 2028 program now open for reservations. The new season will introduce four new ships across Europe and Africa, alongside new itineraries and expanded land experiences designed to give guests even more opportunities to explore the destinations they visit.
The 2028 season will see the debut of AmaMaria on the Rhine and AmaGaia on Portugal’s Douro River, alongside an additional new ship joining the Douro fleet. AmaWaterways will also expand its presence in Africa with a new ship on the Chobe River, joining the Zambezi Queen. These additions mark an exciting next chapter for AmaWaterways as the company continues to expand its fleet and bring its river cruising experience to more destinations.
Beyond the new additions, the 2028 collection offers guests a broad choice of river cruise destinations, including Colombia, Egypt, Africa and Vietnam, alongside the line’s extensive portfolio throughout Europe.
“We’re always looking ahead and thinking about how we can continue to evolve the AmaWaterways experience and bring our guests closer to the destinations they visit,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “Our 2028 journeys reflects that vision, with new ways to explore, discover and connect, both on board and on shore. We’re excited about what’s to come and the opportunities it creates for our guests to experience the world with us in new and meaningful ways.”
Four new ships expand the AmaWaterways fleet
On the Rhine, AmaMaria will debut with 76 staterooms and the next-generation design and layout introduced aboard sister ship AmaFiora, debuting in April 2027.
In Portugal, AmaGaia will join AmaDouro and AmaSintra on the Douro River, alongside an additional new ship, further expanding AmaWaterways’ presence in a destination that continues to see strong demand. The expanded fleet will give guests even more opportunities to experience the region, complemented by AmaWaterways’ extended sailing season through November and December.
In Africa, AmaWaterways will build on the success of its iconic Zambezi Queen with the addition of a new ship on the Chobe River. The expansion marks an exciting next step in the company’s African offering, further expanding its presence in the region and showcasing its spectacular wildlife, landscapes and waterways through the distinctive perspective of a river cruise.
More time to explore beyond the river
For 2028, AmaWaterways is also expanding its collection of pre- and post-cruise land experiences, giving guests more opportunities to explore beyond their river cruise.
New additions include a three-night Krakow post-cruise land package on the Best of the Danube itinerary, featuring a Krakow city tour with Schindler’s Factory and a full-day excursion to Auschwitz.
A two-night Nuremberg land package, available before or after select sailings of Iconic Christmas Markets, Blue Danube Discovery, Medieval Treasures, Europe’s Rivers & Castles, Magical Christmas Markets of Germany and Legendary Danube, will feature visits to the Imperial Castle and Art Bunkers of Nuremberg, as well as a Bayreuth walking tour and the UNESCO-listed Opera House.
A new three-night Brussels extension will also be available on select Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium itineraries.
In France, guests can now add two-night stays in Lyon, Aix-en-Provence and Dijon, while a two-night Porto extension will be available on itineraries beginning or ending in the city. New two-night extensions in Basel and Luxembourg offer additional ways to explore the Rhine and Moselle regions.
AmaWaterways will also introduce a 10- and 11-night Elegance of Burgundy & Provence itinerary aboard AmaCello in July and August 2028. Sailing along the Rhône and Saône rivers, the new itinerary gives guests more time in port to discover the renowned wine regions, historic towns and culinary traditions of Burgundy and Provence.
Designed for deeper destination immersion
The 2028 collection builds on AmaWaterways’ approach to river cruising by giving guests more flexibility in how they experience each destination. Select cities across more than 70 ports offer Free Time & Self-Guided Experiences, allowing guests to explore independently at their own pace.
“River cruising is the perfect way to bring our guests right into the heart of a destination,” added Powell. “We want to give travelers time in the places they visit, and the freedom to wander a little further, discover a neighborhood or simply get a feel for what it’s like to be there.”
The 2028 program is now available for guests to explore and plan their next AmaWaterways journey.
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