AmaWaterways will offer four different "Soulful Experience" itineraries in four countries by 2025, including for the first time its newest destination, Colombia.
These experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions, and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich in African history. Guests can choose to cruise the Egyptian Nile (May 14, 2025), the French region of Provence (August 21, 2025), the Portuguese Douro (November 14, 2025), and the Colombian Magdalena River (October 18, 2025).
The magic of Colombia
Colombia's Black history is rich and complex, defined by the interplay of slavery, resistance, and cultural preservation. Cartagena, the heart of this history, is the final port of call on AmaWaterways' seven-night Magic of Colombia cruise along the Magdalena River.
Both Colombia and the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena are new to AmaWaterways in 2025. Each day offers an education in Latin American musical styles such as cumbia and vallenato, and exciting performances at a colorful Carnival in Barranquilla (exclusive to AmaWaterways). Stops in Nueva Venecia, Santa Bárbara de Ponto, Mompox, El Banco, and Calamar offer visits to stilt houses, street jazz performances, exploration of Ciénaga Pijiño known for its birdlife, and a tour of Getsemaní – a colorful Cartagena neighborhood known for its street art, bars, restaurants, and cafes. Three-night shore packages are available before and/or after the cruise in Medellín or Panama.
Colors of Provence
France boasts a rich history of Black culture, art, and history, and the 10-night Colours of Provence cruise aboard the AmaKristina sets sail on August 21, 2025, from Arles to Lyon, before spending three nights in Paris. In Avignon, guests visit the Blachère Foundation, which promotes contemporary creation by artists from Africa and its diaspora; a truffle farm in Viviers; and Roman ruins in Vienne. They will also participate in an evening of wine and chocolate, a jazz performance, a steam train ride, and a tasting at the Les Halles market in Lyon. In Paris, highlights include the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and the Code Noir. Guests explore the jazz roots of Montmartre, visit Little Africa at La Goutte d'Or, and conclude with the Latin Quarter and the 2021 tribute to Josephine Baker at the Panthéon.
Attractive Duero
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 quarter. AmaWaterways' 10-night Enticing Douro (departing November 14, 2025) includes three nights in Lisbon followed by seven nights cruising the Portuguese Douro River aboard the 102-passenger AmaSintra. In Lisbon, guests will visit the "City of Seven Hills" and the Royal Sintra, Portugal's best-preserved medieval royal residence. Throughout the voyage, guests will enjoy exclusive tastings of Brazilian and African cuisine, as well as authentic Portuguese dishes and Port wines, during two seaside dinners at local quintas (country estates). All of this will be accompanied by the haunting sounds of fado music.
Secrets of Egypt and the Nile
The 11-night Secrets of Egypt and the Nile immersive cruise aboard the AmaDahlia, departing from Cairo on May 14, 2025, offers guests a journey of discovery. It begins with three nights in Cairo, where guests will visit the Egyptian Museum, the Alabaster Mosque, and the ancient pyramids of Memphis. The exploration continues to Luxor for a seven-night Nile River cruise aboard the luxurious AmaDahlia, accommodating up to 72 passengers. 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 its inhabitants maintain the traditions of their ancient African roots, considered one of the earliest cradles of civilization.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
