AmaWaterways is preparing a new expansion of its award-winning offering for 2028, with the full schedule now open for bookings. The upcoming season will feature four new ships in Europe and Africa, along with new itineraries and shore experiences that will offer passengers more opportunities to discover the destinations they visit.
The 2028 season will be marked by the debut of the AmaMaria on the Rhine and the AmaGaia on the Douro River in Portugal, along with another new ship joining the fleet in this destination. The company will also strengthen its presence in Africa with a new ship on the Chobe River, joining the Zambezi Queen. These additions represent a further step in the expansion of the fleet and its river cruise offerings.
In addition to these new additions, the 2028 schedule will include a wide selection of destinations, including Colombia, Egypt, Africa and Vietnam, along with the extensive range of itineraries that the company maintains in Europe.
“We always look to the future and think about how to continue evolving the AmaWaterways experience and bring our passengers even closer to the destinations they visit,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “Our 2028 voyages reflect this vision, with new ways to explore, discover, and connect, both onboard and ashore. We are very excited about what’s to come and the opportunities it will offer our passengers to experience the world in a different and meaningful way.”.
Four new ships expand the AmaWaterways fleet
The AmaMaria will make its debut on the Rhine , featuring 76 cabins and a new generation design and layout, previously introduced on its sister ship AmaFiora, whose debut is scheduled for April 2027.
In Portugal, the AmaGaia will join the Douro fleet, where the AmaDouro and AmaSintra, along with another new vessel, already operate. This expansion responds to the growing demand for the destination and will offer more opportunities to discover the region. The schedule will be complemented by a longer sailing season, extending into November and December.
In Africa, AmaWaterways will strengthen its offering with a new ship on the Chobe River, joining the iconic Zambezi Queen. This addition will allow the company to expand its presence in the region and discover its wildlife, landscapes, and waterways from a cruise perspective.
More time to discover destinations on land
The 2028 program also expands pre- and post-cruise land experiences, with new proposals to extend trips and explore other destinations.
Among the new offerings is a three-night package in Krakow after the Best of the Danube, which includes a guided tour of the city and Schindler's Factory, as well as a full-day excursion to Auschwitz.
A two-night package in Nuremberg is also available , either before or after select departures from the Iconic Christmas Markets , Blue Danube Discovery , Medieval Treasures , Europe's Rivers & Castles , Magical Christmas Markets of Germany , and Legendary Danube itineraries . The stay includes visits to the Imperial Castle and the Nuremberg Art Bunkers, as well as a walking tour of Bayreuth and its Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another new feature will be a three-night extension in Brussels, available on certain departures of the Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium.
In France, passengers can add two-night stays in Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, and Dijon . A two-night extension in Porto will also be available for itineraries that begin or end in that city. New two-night options in Basel and Luxembourg will also be offered , allowing for a deeper exploration of the Rhine and Moselle regions.
AmaWaterways will also launch the 10- and 11-night Elegance of Burgundy & Provenceaboard the AmaCello, departing in July and August 2028. The route will travel along the Rhône and Saône rivers and offer more time in port to discover the renowned wine regions, historic towns, and culinary traditions of Burgundy and Provence.
A program to explore destinations in depth
The 2028 collection reinforces AmaWaterways' commitment to offering greater flexibility and more time to discover each destination. In select cities across more than 70 ports of call, passengers can choose between free time and self-guided experiences, allowing them to explore on their own and at their own pace.
“River cruises are a perfect way to bring our passengers closer to the heart of each destination. We want them to have time to explore the places they visit and the freedom to discover other neighborhoods or simply get a feel for what life is like there,” Powell adds.
The 2028 program is now available to view and book.
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