New Soulful Sailings: Celebrate Heritage on Rivers
AmaWaterways is expanding its renowned Soulful Sailings line, promising an even richer array of luxury river cruise experiences in 2025 and 2026. With a focus on celebrating Black heritage and culture through genuine, immersive excursions, these new itineraries are designed to offer travelers unforgettable journeys steeped in history, local traditions, and captivating narratives.
Among the exciting additions to the 2025 schedule is the all-new Best of Holland & Belgium cruise. This seven-night soulful experience aboard the AmaStella is set to coincide with the festive holidays of Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Guests will celebrate Kwanzaa with daily themes inspired by its seven principles, enjoy nightly Kinara candle-lighting ceremonies, and explore Amsterdam on a cultural tour that highlights the city’s rich heritage. The cruise itinerary also includes a visit to the vibrant island metropolis of Hellevoetsluis and excursions that showcase the historic castles and impressive architecture of Brussels. For those wishing to extend their adventure, an optional two-night pre-cruise in Amsterdam is available, enhancing the cultural immersion even further. Fares for the December 27, 2025, sailing start at USD 3,039 (or 4,117 CAD per person, double occupancy), with special Holiday Triple Savings available through March 31, 2025.
Looking ahead to 2026, AmaWaterways is set to offer several new Soulful experiences that further emphasize cultural connection and historical exploration. The Enticing Douro sailing will take place from June 13-23, 2026. This itinerary celebrates Juneteenth with themed events and programs, beginning with a three-night stay in Lisbon—a city historically known for its significant population of free Africans and home to Europe’s first African neighborhood. The seven-night journey on Portugal’s Douro River aboard the AmaDouro promises guests a unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural storytelling, and soulful programming. Pricing for Enticing Douro starts at USD 4,949 (6,522 CAD).
Another highlight of 2026 is the Riches of Mekong cruise, scheduled from October 11-25 aboard the AmaDara. This itinerary includes a four-night Central Vietnam Land Extension, offering deep dives into Vietnam’s cultural regions and its historical connections to Black heritage through the Mekong River’s storied past. Guests will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, and spend two days in Hue where they can enjoy a royal dinner at Ancient Gue and tour the tomb of Emperor Ming Mang. Limited-time fares for Riches of Mekong start at USD 5,032 (6,744 CAD).
Additionally, the Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas sailing will launch on December 15, 2026. Departing from Basel, Switzerland, this seven-night cruise along the Rhine River on AmaVenita intertwines Black cultural connections with festive Kwanzaa celebrations. A two-night post-cruise stay in Amsterdam enriches the experience, allowing guests to explore Europe’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg, charming riverside towns filled with holiday spirit, and the famous Christmas market of Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim, Germany. Prices for this festive journey begin at USD 4,299 (6,071 CAD) during the Triple Holiday Savings event through March 31.
For over 23 years, AmaWaterways—a family-owned river cruise line—has been celebrated for its 31 custom-designed ships that navigate Europe’s iconic rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong, Africa’s Chobe, Egypt’s Nile, and Colombia’s Magdalena. Their partnership with Smithsonian Journeys further cements their reputation for crafting unique, unforgettable travel experiences that honor cultural heritage and history.
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