AmaWaterways has been steadily reshaping the river cruise landscape, and its 2026 season and beyond mark a pivotal moment for the line. With new ships on the Danube and Mekong, expanded land programs across Europe, Africa and Asia, and early access to 2027 departures, the company is clearly betting on travelers who want to plan ahead and travel wider.

For river cruise fans deciding where to sail next, a handful of standout itineraries are emerging as the most compelling choices on the water.

What Sets AmaWaterways Apart in 2026 and Beyond

For 2026, AmaWaterways is emphasizing depth of experience as much as destination. The line’s river cruise portfolio spans Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America, and it continues to layer in more immersive shore programming, wellness activities and bespoke land extensions.

Many itineraries now include multiple included excursions in each port, options for gentle or active touring, and small-group experiences that move well beyond the standard panoramic coach tour.

Another hallmark is the company’s focus on new hardware. Between 2024 and 2026, AmaWaterways is introducing a wave of ships in Portugal, Egypt, Colombia and Europe, culminating with two notable additions in 2026: AmaSofia on the Rhine and Danube, and a new sister ship on the Mekong that will join AmaDara.

Both vessels are being designed with the brand’s now-signature twin-balcony staterooms, regionally inspired cuisine, and contemporary but warm interiors that appeal to both first-time and repeat river cruisers.

The 2026 season is also structured for planners who want flexibility. Many marquee itineraries can be paired with pre- and post-cruise land packages, ranging from wine-soaked days in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley to safari lodge stays on the Chobe River or overnights near Angkor Wat.

With 2027 bookings already open under an Early Booking Rewards program, it is now possible to sketch out a multi-year journey across several continents using AmaWaterways alone.

Magnificent Europe and the Rise of AmaSofia on the Danube

The Danube remains the quintessential European river for first-time cruisers, and AmaWaterways is doubling down on that appeal with the launch of AmaSofia in May 2026. Her inaugural voyage is a 14-night Magnificent Europe itinerary between Amsterdam and Budapest, a route that threads together the Rhine, Main and Danube into one sweeping journey.

It is an itinerary that reads like a greatest hits album for European river cruising, featuring major capitals, medieval towns and long stretches of vineyard-flanked river scenery.

What distinguishes Magnificent Europe is not just its length but its pacing. With two full weeks onboard, guests can experience a range of shore excursions that go beyond the typical city highlights. Cycling through riverside villages, visiting family-owned wineries, stepping into working pretzel bakeries and touring imperial palaces are all part of the mix.

The ship’s size and shallow draft mean it can access smaller ports along the route, allowing travelers to see a side of Europe that feels more lived-in than curated.

After that inaugural sailing, AmaSofia will settle into a schedule of Danube-focused itineraries such as Melodies of the Danube, Romantic Danube and Christmas Markets on the Danube.

These seven-night cruises concentrate on the stretch of river between cities such as Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Vilshofen, adding seasonal flavor in the form of summer vineyard visits or wintertime Christmas market touring. For travelers who are pressed for time but still want the amenities of AmaWaterways’ newest ship, these shorter sailings will be especially attractive.

Rhine, Moselle and Dutch Waterways: Classic Europe Refined

While the Danube often grabs the headlines, the Rhine and Moselle corridors remain some of the most rewarding river routes in Europe, particularly for those who have already ticked off the “first Danube cruise.”

AmaWaterways’ 2026 lineup features a portfolio of itineraries that weave together these rivers with the canals of the Low Countries, delivering a nuanced picture of Western and Central Europe.

Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle is among the standout options. This seven-night cruise focuses on wine regions along both rivers, linking ports in the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France.

Onboard wine tastings are complemented by tastings ashore and guided walks through medieval towns that once served as key trading posts. The scenery along the Moselle, with its steep, terraced vineyards and castle-topped hillsides, is particularly dramatic when seen from a ship’s sun deck.

For those who want a longer and more in-depth journey, the 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights and the 14-night Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals itineraries raise the bar. These routes stretch from Amsterdam to Basel, or loop through Belgian and Dutch waterways before heading into Germany and Switzerland.

They often include land options in cities like Zurich, Lucerne and Amsterdam, so guests can couple river cruising with time in cultural hubs. These itineraries serve repeat AmaWaterways guests especially well, offering new perspectives on familiar rivers and the chance to explore secondary ports that standard seven-night cruises may skip.

Portugal’s Douro and France’s Wine Rivers for Culinary Travelers

In 2026, food and wine travelers will find some of AmaWaterways’ strongest itineraries in Portugal and France. On the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro continues to draw cruisers in search of sun, wine and stone-built river towns.

Itineraries such as Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain operate roundtrip from Porto or between Porto and Vega de Terrón, tracing a path through terraced vineyards and traditional quintas where port wine has been produced for generations.

These seven-night Douro sailings are often bundled with land stays in cities such as Lisbon and Madrid. Guests might spend several days exploring Lisbon’s hilltop neighborhoods and waterfront before boarding, or add a post-cruise visit to Madrid’s museums and plazas.

The combination gives travelers both the slow, scenic rhythm of river cruising and the bustle of major European capitals. Onboard, cuisine leans heavily into Portuguese and Spanish flavors, with regional wines poured alongside international labels.

In France, AmaWaterways’ 2026 lineup centers on regions that read like a wish list for wine enthusiasts. Colors of Provence, Essence of Burgundy & Provence and Taste of Bordeaux all feature prominently, with Festive Delights departures adding a holiday twist to some sailings.

Taste of Bordeaux, sailing roundtrip from Bordeaux, is particularly appealing for travelers who want to unpack once and spend a week immersed in the wines of the Garonne and Dordogne. Shore excursions range from classified-growth châteaux visits to walking tours of Bordeaux’s neoclassical center.

New land package options further enhance these French sailings. Travelers on Taste of Bordeaux can now pair their cruise with pre-cruise stays in Bilbao and San Sebastián or Madrid and San Sebastián, as well as post-cruise time in the Loire Valley or extended nights in Paris.

For guests planning 2026 and 2027 journeys, the ability to tailor-make an itinerary that includes both France’s Atlantic coast and its iconic capital makes these cruises some of the most flexible in the AmaWaterways portfolio.

The Mekong Reimagined: Vietnam and Cambodia in 2026

AmaWaterways has long operated on the Mekong, and 2026 marks a new chapter for the region with the arrival of an additional ship that will join AmaDara. This vessel will operate the line’s established Charms of the Mekong and Riches of the Mekong itineraries, both seven-night journeys that can be combined with extensive land programs in Vietnam and Cambodia. The core experience remains an intimate look at life along one of Asia’s great rivers, with a focus on culture, cuisine and community.

Onboard, guests can expect regional cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and décor that reflects the traditions of the Mekong delta. Ashore, daily included excursions often feature visits to monasteries, artisan workshops and lively markets.

Experiences such as trishaw rides, Buddhist blessing ceremonies and village walks are designed to highlight daily life rather than just headline sites. For many travelers, a highlight is the time spent at or near Angkor Wat, the vast temple complex outside Siem Reap that stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic landmarks.

New for 2026, AmaWaterways is expanding its land extension options linked to Mekong sailings. Travelers can add time in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay or opt for a routing that includes Bangkok.

A particularly notable addition is a four-night Central Vietnam extension that pairs with the line’s Riches of the Mekong itinerary. This package includes visits to imperial-era sites and heritage towns that showcase Vietnam’s layered history and dynamic contemporary culture, creating a more complete Southeast Asia journey for guests who have time to spare.

Safari, Wildlife and the Chobe: Africa’s Signature River Journeys

For travelers who want river cruising built around wildlife and wilderness rather than cities and cathedrals, AmaWaterways’ African portfolio remains one of the most compelling options on the market.

The centerpiece is a four-night cruise on the Chobe River, typically combined with overland stays in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania.

In 2026, programs such as Stars of South Africa and Golden Trails of Africa continue to deliver a hybrid experience that is part river cruise, part land safari.

The river component unfolds aboard a small, purpose-built vessel operating in the Chobe region. Daily game viewing from the water offers a different perspective than traditional game drives, with frequent sightings of elephants, hippos and birdlife along the banks.

Because the ship operates with relatively few guests, the atmosphere feels more like a boutique lodge than a traditional cruise ship, and the focus remains squarely on maximizing time in nature.

Before and after the river segment, guests stay ashore at lodges and hotels near iconic sites such as Victoria Falls or within reach of South Africa’s wine country and greater Kruger region. Itineraries may include several nights in Cape Town, guided tours in Johannesburg, visits to the Winelands, and multi-day safaris in world-renowned reserves.

For 2026 and beyond, these Africa programs are especially attractive to guests who may already have sailed in Europe or Asia and are looking for a more adventurous river experience without giving up the structure and service level of a cruise line.

New Frontiers: Colombia’s Magdalena and the Nile in Egypt

Beyond Europe, Asia and southern Africa, AmaWaterways is using the mid-2020s to grow its presence on two of the world’s most storied rivers: the Magdalena in Colombia and the Nile in Egypt.

While initial sailings begin earlier, 2026 and 2027 are shaping up as strong seasons for travelers who want to explore these regions once early demand settles and word of mouth spreads.

On the Magdalena, AmaWaterways operates weeklong journeys between cities such as Barranquilla and Cartagena. The appeal lies in the combination of colonial river towns, Afro-Caribbean culture and rich birdlife along the riverbanks.

Shore excursions might include walking tours of historic centers, visits to floating villages and evenings of live music that highlight genres ranging from cumbia to jazz. The ships themselves are compact, with an emphasis on open decks, regional cuisine and all-balcony accommodations that keep the river ever-present.

In Egypt, the brand’s Nile itineraries pair a four-night or seven-night sailing with land segments in Cairo and near the Pyramids of Giza. The combination gives guests time at the country’s marquee archaeological sites as well as slower days on the water visiting temples along the Nile.

With the continuing expansion of Egypt’s museum infrastructure and improvements to visitor facilities, 2026 and 2027 departures are well positioned to take advantage of upgraded onshore experiences while offering the controlled, small-group environment of a river cruise.

Planning Ahead: How to Choose and When to Book

With AmaWaterways now selling not only the full 2026 season but also its 2027 sailings, timing has become a strategic element of planning. Popular departures on marquee itineraries such as Magnificent Europe, Douro wine cruises, Christmas Markets on the Rhine and Danube, and Africa safari and wildlife combinations tend to sell quickly.

Booking early often brings added value in the form of fare incentives or stateroom upgrades, particularly under the company’s evolving early booking programs for future seasons.

Choosing the right itinerary starts with an honest assessment of what kind of traveler you are. First-time river cruisers who want a classic introduction to Europe often gravitate toward the Danube or Rhine, where cities such as Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam and Cologne provide a balance of sightseeing and café culture.

Food and wine enthusiasts may be better served by Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence or the Douro, where tastings and vineyard visits form the backbone of many shore days. Adventurous travelers with a taste for the exotic often look to the Mekong, Magdalena, Nile or Chobe, where cultural immersion and wildlife take precedence over museum-hopping.

It is also wise to consider seasonality. Spring and autumn often deliver milder temperatures and fewer crowds in Europe, while winter sailings on the Rhine and Danube bring the added draw of Christmas markets.

In Southeast Asia, the timing of monsoon seasons can influence humidity and rainfall, though ships are scheduled to operate during periods that balance river levels with guest comfort. In Africa, dry seasons typically offer optimal wildlife viewing, and river conditions along the Chobe tend to be favorable during peak safari months.

The Takeaway

The 2026 and 2027 seasons cement AmaWaterways’ status as one of the most wide-ranging river cruise lines in operation. From the debut of AmaSofia on the Danube and new capacity on the Mekong to mature programs on the Douro, in Bordeaux and along Africa’s Chobe, the company is meeting demand from first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike.

The common thread across these itineraries is an emphasis on depth: more time in destination, more immersive shore options and more opportunities to tailor each journey with land extensions before or after the cruise.

For travelers mapping out their next few years of travel, the best AmaWaterways itineraries for 2026 and beyond are those that align closely with personal passions, whether that means castle-hopping on the Rhine, tasting vintage ports in the Douro Valley, watching elephants at the river’s edge on the Chobe, or standing in the shadow of Angkor Wat or the Pyramids of Giza.

With bookings open well in advance and a growing fleet on four continents, the only real challenge is deciding which river to explore first.

FAQ

Q1. What are the most popular AmaWaterways itineraries for first-time river cruisers in 2026?
For first-time guests, weeklong cruises on the Danube or Rhine remain the most popular choices, particularly itineraries such as Melodies of the Danube, Romantic Danube and Christmas Markets on the Rhine. These routes offer a balanced introduction to Europe with a mix of major cities, smaller towns and scenic river sections, all within a manageable seven-night format.

Q2. What is special about the new AmaSofia ship launching in 2026?
AmaSofia is scheduled to debut in May 2026 as one of the line’s newest European vessels, featuring twin-balcony staterooms, contemporary interiors and a strong focus on culinary and wellness amenities. Her inaugural voyage is a 14-night Magnificent Europe itinerary between Amsterdam and Budapest, after which she will operate a series of Danube-focused itineraries including Christmas market cruises.

Q3. How far in advance should I book an AmaWaterways cruise for 2026 or 2027?
Because AmaWaterways has opened sales early for both 2026 and 2027, it is wise to book at least 9 to 18 months ahead for peak-season departures or specialty itineraries. Booking early typically offers the best choice of staterooms and departure dates, and may provide access to early booking rewards or other promotional savings.

Q4. Are AmaWaterways itineraries suitable for active travelers?
Yes. Many AmaWaterways cruises include guided biking and hiking options, as well as walking tours designed for different activity levels. On certain rivers, guests can join vineyard rides, city cycling tours or brisk hikes to hilltop castles, while onboard fitness centers and wellness hosts add another layer for those who prioritize daily activity.

Q5. What distinguishes AmaWaterways’ Mekong cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Mekong itineraries focus on immersive cultural experiences, with daily included excursions to monasteries, artisan workshops, local markets and rural villages. Guests can expect regionally inspired cuisine onboard, small-group touring ashore and the option to extend their journey with land packages that include Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay or Bangkok.

Q6. How do AmaWaterways’ Africa programs differ from traditional river cruises?
In Africa, the river cruise is part of a broader safari and wildlife journey rather than the sole focus. Guests typically enjoy a four-night cruise on the Chobe River combined with multiple lodge stays, game drives and visits to sites such as Victoria Falls, Cape Town and greater Kruger National Park. The result is a hybrid river-and-land itinerary centered on wildlife viewing and natural landscapes.

Q7. Are culinary and wine experiences a major focus on AmaWaterways itineraries?
Cuisine and wine play a central role on many AmaWaterways cruises, especially those in regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence and the Douro Valley. Guests can expect menus that highlight local ingredients, onboard wine tastings and frequent visits to vineyards, wine estates and regional food markets as part of the shore excursion program.

Q8. What types of travelers are best suited to AmaWaterways’ longer itineraries such as Magnificent Europe?
Longer itineraries of 10 to 14 nights are ideal for travelers who have the time to explore multiple regions in depth and prefer unpacking once rather than jumping between hotels. They tend to appeal to repeat river cruisers, guests celebrating milestone trips and travelers who want a single immersive journey rather than several shorter cruises.

Q9. Can I customize my AmaWaterways trip with pre- and post-cruise land stays?
Yes. Many AmaWaterways itineraries can be extended with land packages in cities such as Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Zurich, Lucerne, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City and others. These extensions include hotel stays, guided touring, transfers and the services of a cruise manager, allowing guests to build a more comprehensive trip around their river cruise.

Q10. How do I decide between a European river cruise and a more exotic itinerary like the Mekong, Nile or Magdalena?
The choice largely depends on your comfort level, travel history and interests. If you are new to international travel or prefer familiar infrastructure, Europe’s Danube, Rhine or Douro may be the best starting point. If you have already explored Europe or are drawn to more adventurous destinations, itineraries on the Mekong, Nile, Magdalena or Chobe offer deeper cultural immersion and, in some cases, closer access to wildlife and lesser-visited regions.