The start of 2025 is already showing an exciting year ahead for AmaWaterways. Sales are 30 percent higher than last year and there is no slowdown in sight. River cruising is increasingly appealing to a wider audience, from active young travelers seeking new experiences off the beaten path to multi-generational families looking for vacations with something for everyone, including the freedom to wander off and explore a new destination each day. There is also an increasing demand for European travel during off-peak seasons, which has fueled interest in our early February sailings, making the idea of year-round river cruising more viable than ever.
With sustainability in mind, here are ten things you may wish to consider when reserving your next river cruise with AmaWaterways:
The benefits of an off-peak river cruise in February and March on the Rhine or Danube rivers or November and December cruise on the Rhône or Douro rivers.
Why? You will appreciate the stronger connections made with the local community while they will appreciate the benefits to their local economy during these much slower tourist seasons.
Consider adding a pre- or post-cruise land package to your river cruise.
Why? As you explore lesser-known landmarks or special interest experiences, you benefit local restaurants, services and businesses who will greatly appreciate the additional business your presence brings.
Choose an itinerary that visits a lesser-known region like the Lower Danube through Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria or through a fascinating country like Egypt where the tourism industry is in recovery.
Why? Fewer crowds, the opportunity to better understand the geo-political challenges these regions are facing and the role your tourist dollars play in the growth of their economy is advantageous to the improvement in the standard of living.
Stay longer in the destination by combining two cruises and using trains to move between rivers.
Why? You will be reducing your carbon footprint by optimizing one flight to spread over a longer stay.
Give back to the communities by donating school supplies for students in Cambodia and Johannesburg.
Why? AmaWaterways supports these projects in the communities and provides our guests, who wish, the opportunity to give back as well.
Consider choosing one or several of the guided hiking or biking excursions we offer during all our Europe river cruises (excluding Portugal) or join one of our specially designated Celebration of Wellness River Cruises.
Why? Besides getting fresh air and challenging yourself physically, you are producing less carbon emissions when actively walking, hiking or biking to the sites we visit.
Enjoy the locally sourced fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables from our farm-to-table menu choices onboard.
Why? They taste great and you will help us support smaller local farmers who offer shorter delivery distances and the freshest produce.
Be part of the pioneers opening up a new destination like Colombia.
Why? Besides the pure joy of discovering an area that few others have visited, you are spreading much-needed economic benefits to the welcoming communities along the Magdalena River.
Be a conscious consumer and check to see that you are purchasing locally made souvenirs from wherever you are traveling.
Why? Your vacation memories will be filled with a better understanding of the local culture, authenticity and your direct contribution to local economies and traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, supporting local artisans, like the silk weavers in Cambodia, preserves traditional art and allows you to learn about their work and overall culture.
Take time to get to know our Cruise Managers and crew and ask questions to learn more about the countries they come from and the customs and traditions that have shaped their lives. You can also choose a Smithsonian Journeys/AmaWaterways departure date and learn from the two Smithsonian Journeys Experts that will be accompanying each of these 33 departures in 2026.
Why? Human connection and deepening your cultural understanding of the world is at the core of meaningful travel – don’t miss these enriching, personal opportunities.
Done respectfully and responsibly, travel is a tremendous force of good in the world – it broadens perspectives, creates connections and brings economic benefits to the local communities visited. As we embark on our 2025 Europe sailing season, our Cruise Managers, Captains and crew couldn’t be more excited to welcome new and returning guests on board all of our ships.