by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:50 PM ET, Tue November 3, 2026
AmaWaterways has opened bookings for its full 2028 program, which will include four new ships across Europe and Africa, additional itineraries and expanded pre- and post-cruise land experiences.
The new ships will include AmaMaria on the Rhine River, AmaGaia on Portugal’s Douro River, an additional new vessel on the Douro and another ship on Africa’s Chobe River, where it will join the existing Zambezi Queen.
AmaMaria will feature 76 staterooms and incorporate the next-generation design and layout introduced aboard sister ship AmaFiora, which is scheduled to debut in April 2027.
The two new additions to the Douro fleet will join AmaDouro and AmaSintra, giving AmaWaterways additional capacity in Portugal. The company also plans to extend its sailing season in the region through November and December.
In Africa, the new Chobe River vessel will expand the company's existing operations aboard the Zambezi Queen, offering additional opportunities to explore the region's wildlife and landscapes by river.
“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,” says Catherine Powell, chief executive officer of AmaWaterways. “Our 2028 journeys reflect that vision, with new ways to explore, discover and connect, both on board and on shore.”
Beyond the fleet expansion, AmaWaterways is adding several land extensions to its 2028 offerings.
A new three-night Krakow package will be available after select Best of the Danube sailings. The extension includes a city tour featuring Schindler’s Factory and a full-day excursion to Auschwitz.
The company is also introducing a two-night Nuremberg package before or after select sailings of Iconic Christmas Markets, Blue Danube Discovery, Medieval Treasures, Europe’s Rivers & Castles, Magical Christmas Markets of Germany and Legendary Danube. The package includes visits to Nuremberg's Imperial Castle and Art Bunkers, along with a walking tour of Bayreuth and its UNESCO-listed Opera House.
Other new extensions include a three-night stay in Brussels on select Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium itineraries, as well as two-night stays in Lyon, Aix-en-Provence and Dijon. Guests will also have new two-night extension options in Porto, Basel and Luxembourg.
AmaWaterways is also introducing a new 10- and 11-night itinerary, Elegance of Burgundy & Provence, aboard AmaCello in July and August 2028. The sailing will travel along the Rhône and Saône rivers, giving guests additional time to explore the wine regions, historic towns and culinary traditions of Burgundy and Provence.
The 2028 program will also expand opportunities for independent exploration. Guests can take advantage of Free Time & Self-Guided Experiences in select cities across more than 70 ports, allowing them to explore destinations at their own pace.
“River cruising is the perfect way to bring our guests right into the heart of a destination,” Powell says. “We want to give travelers time in the places they visit, and the freedom to wander a little further, discover a neighborhood or simply get a feel for what it’s like to be there.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
