When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.

AmaWaterways continues to enhance their river cruise journeys, and this includes new specially curated itineraries with unique included excursions and more. Here are just a few of their specialty river cruises, which you can experience starting in 2025 and 2026!

Smithsonian Journeys with AmaWaterways

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, extremely knowledgeable individuals with incredible insights to ensure your journey is as captivating as it is meaningful.

From intriguing museums such as the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, to immersive tours to places such as Portugal’s Coa Archaeological Park or a special glassblowing workshop in Wertheim, Germany, you can experience excursions not offered on any other AmaWaterways river cruise itinerary.

Celebration of Music

Debuting this year, our Best of the Danube itinerary captures the essence of Old-World Europe along the Danube River. As an added feature, select departures have been enhanced as Celebration of Music sailings, with specially curated excursions highlighting the rich musical histories of Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg and Vienna.

These special departures will deepen your passion for music as you are treated to a variety of included live performances, such as a special evening concert in Vienna. As you glide along the Danube River, enjoy many curated experiences that bring to life the iconic musical figures of the past that left their musical mark along this fascinating European waterway.

Celebration of Wellness

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, with Wellness Hosts offering a complimentary Wellness Program on select ships beginning in 2017. Now, they are taking their holistic approach to wellness even further with dedicated Celebration of Wellness River Cruises beginning in 2025.

These unique journeys are designed for active travelers looking to explore destinations and feel their best every step of the way. During your river cruise, you can choose to enjoy at least six daily wellness classes, featuring activities such as Champagne Yoga, circuit training, dance and more, alongside extended guided hikes and bike tours. These specialty river cruises also include enhanced tours with active travelers in mind, including extended hikes, longer bike tours and guided runs along the river.

Celebration of Beer 

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 AmaWaterways’ new immersive beer-themed river cruises. 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.

During your journey, untap local traditions on palate-pleasing tasting excursions to historic and contemporary breweries. On board, enthusiastic local Beer Experts will share their passion for brewing and lead you through interactive discussions and tastings on board your ship. You can also enjoy a multi-course culinary dinner, where each dish is thoughtfully crafted and expertly paired with artisan brews to enhance every flavor.

Celebration of Wine

For those who prefer wine to beer, you can also enjoy one of AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wine River Cruises. Each of these specialty cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board. 

Guided by your Wine Host’s passion and expertise, you’ll delight in discovering one of the world’s most perfect blends: travel, wine and elegant cuisine.

With so many specialty itineraries available, which one will you choose to cruise first with AmaWaterways?