AmaWaterways, the largest cruise line dedicated exclusively to river cruising, is looking ahead to 2028. The company has opened reservations for its full 2028 programme, which includes four new ships across Europe and Africa.
All details correct at the time of publication (11 November 2026).
The new season will also introduce new itineraries and expanded land experiences. These will give guests even more ways 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. Another new ship will also join the Douro fleet.
Meanwhile, AmaWaterways will expand its African offering with a new ship on the Chobe River. It will join the existing Zambezi Queen. Together, these additions mark an exciting next chapter for the cruise line as it continues to expand its fleet and destinations.
Beyond the new ships, the 2028 collection offers a wide choice of river cruise destinations. These include Colombia, Egypt, Africa and Vietnam, alongside AmaWaterways’ extensive European portfolio.
“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 reflect 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. It will feature the next-generation design and layout introduced aboard its sister ship, AmaFiora, which is due to debut in April 2027.
In Portugal, AmaGaia will join AmaDouro and AmaSintra on the Douro River. An additional new ship will also join the fleet.
This expansion will give guests more opportunities to explore a destination that continues to see strong demand. AmaWaterways will also extend its sailing season through November and December.
In Africa, AmaWaterways will build on the success of its iconic Zambezi Queen. A new ship on the Chobe River will further expand its presence in the region.
The addition will give guests another way to discover Africa’s spectacular wildlife, landscapes and waterways from the perspective of a river cruise.
More time to explore beyond the river
AmaWaterways is also expanding its collection of pre- and post-cruise land experiences for 2028. These extensions give guests more time to explore beyond their river cruise.
New additions include a three-night Krakow post-cruise package on the Best of the Danube itinerary. It features a Krakow city tour, including Schindler’s Factory, and a full-day excursion to Auschwitz.
A two-night Nuremberg package will also be available before or after selected sailings. These include Iconic Christmas Markets, Blue Danube Discovery, Medieval Treasures, Europe’s Rivers & Castles, Magical Christmas Markets of Germany and Legendary Danube.
The package features visits to the Imperial Castle and Art Bunkers of Nuremberg. Guests will also enjoy a Bayreuth walking tour and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Opera House.
Meanwhile, a new three-night Brussels extension will be available on selected Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium itineraries.
In France, guests can add two-night stays in Lyon, Aix-en-Provence and Dijon. A two-night Porto extension will also be available on itineraries starting or ending in the city.
For those exploring the Rhine and Moselle regions, new two-night extensions in Basel and Luxembourg offer further opportunities to discover the destinations.
AmaWaterways will also introduce a 10- and 11-night Elegance of Burgundy & Provence itinerary aboard AmaCello in July and August 2028.
The new itinerary sails along the Rhône and Saône rivers. It also gives guests more time in port to discover Burgundy and Provence, including their renowned wine regions, historic towns and culinary traditions.
Designed for deeper destination immersion
The 2028 collection builds on AmaWaterways’ approach to river cruising. It gives guests more flexibility in how they explore each destination.
In addition, selected cities across more than 70 ports offer Free Time & Self-Guided Experiences. These allow guests to explore independently and discover each place 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 travellers time in the places they visit, and the freedom to wander a little further, discover a neighbourhood or simply get a feel for what it’s like to be there.”
Bookings now open for 2028
The full 2028 programme is now available to explore and book. Prices start from £1,856 per person for the seven-night Captivating Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel.
The departure date is 20 January 2028. The price includes return flights from London or Manchester and overseas transfers. It also includes a £950 per person saving when customers book by 31 December 2026.
For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your local travel agent, call 0800 520 2250 or visit AmaWaterways.com/uk.
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