AmaWaterways opens 2028 river cruise bookings with four new ships and expanded itineraries
AmaWaterways has opened reservations for its full 2028 river cruise programme, adding four new vessels and a range of new itineraries and land extensions. The change takes effect immediately for travellers planning cruises in Europe, Africa and beyond.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Reservations opened for 2028 programme with four new ships and new itineraries
- Timing
- Effective now as bookings become available
- Who is affected
- Travelers interested in AmaWaterways river cruises for 2028
The details
- Announced by
- AmaWaterways
- Previous rule
- The 2027 programme did not include the four new vessels or the expanded land packages described for 2028.
- New rule
- The 2028 programme is now open for reservations and features four new ships, new river routes on the Rhine, Douro and Chobe, plus additional pre‑ and post‑cruise land experiences.
New ships and river routes
AmaWaterways adds four vessels to its fleet for the 2028 season. AmaMaria will debut on the Rhine with 76 staterooms, mirroring the design of sister ship AmaFiora. AmaGaia joins the Douro fleet alongside AmaDouro and AmaSintra, and another new ship further expands Douro capacity. A new ship on Africa’s Chobe River complements the existing Zambezi Queen.
- AmaMaria operates on the Rhine starting 2028
- AmaGaia joins the Douro fleet in 2028
- Additional Douro vessel increases capacity
- New Chobe River ship strengthens African offering
Expanded land experiences
The 2028 programme introduces new pre‑ and post‑cruise packages across Europe and Africa. Highlights include a three‑night Krakow post‑cruise with a city tour and Auschwitz day trip, a two‑night Nuremberg package linked to selected Danube itineraries, and a three‑night Brussels extension for Tulip Time and Holland & Belgium sailings. Two‑night extensions are also added in Lyon, Aix‑en‑Provence, Dijon, Porto, Basel and Luxembourg.
- Krakow package adds city tour and Auschwitz visit
- Nuremberg package includes Imperial Castle and Bayreuth tours
- Brussels extension complements Tulip Time itineraries
- Two‑night stays in Lyon, Aix‑en‑Provence, Dijon, Porto, Basel, Luxembourg
Booking window and season details
Reservations for the full 2028 collection are now open. The expanded fleet allows AmaWaterways to maintain an extended sailing season through November and December. The new Elegance of Burgundy & Provence itinerary will run on AmaCello during July and August 2028, offering 10‑ and 11‑night cruises along the Rhône and Saône.
- Bookings open immediately for all 2028 cruises
- Sailing season extended through November‑December 2028
- Burgundy & Provence itinerary operates July‑August 2028
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing 2027 bookings remain unchanged; new 2028 options are now visible for planning
- Travelers can select from additional river routes on the Rhine, Douro and Chobe for 2028
- Extended land packages provide more pre‑ and post‑cruise days to fit into itineraries
Cost and documents
- No new fees are mentioned; pricing follows standard AmaWaterways rates for 2028
- Travel documents required remain those normally needed for river cruises in the listed countries
What you need to do
- Book 2028 cruises now through AmaWaterways or authorized agents to secure preferred dates
- Review the new land‑extension options and add them to itineraries during the booking process
- Check visa and entry requirements for new destinations such as Chobe River and expanded European ports
Who this affects
-
Prospective 2028 river cruise guests
Reservations have just opened for the 2028 programme with new ships and itineraries
What to do Select desired cruise, ship and land extensions when booking
-
Travelers with existing 2027 bookings
The 2028 launch does not alter previously confirmed itineraries
-
Guests interested in African river cruises
A new vessel will operate on the Chobe River in addition to the Zambezi Queen
What to do Consider the new Chobe offering when planning African itineraries
-
European land‑extension seekers
Multiple new pre‑ and post‑cruise packages are now available across Europe
What to do Add the desired city extensions to the cruise reservation
-
Travel agents and tour operators
They need to market the expanded 2028 portfolio to clients
What to do Update sales materials with the new ships, routes and land experiences
Frequently asked questions
When can I start booking AmaWaterways 2028 cruises?
Bookings for the full 2028 programme are open now, allowing travellers to reserve spots on new ships and itineraries immediately.
What new ships are included in the 2028 AmaWaterways fleet?
The 2028 fleet adds AmaMaria on the Rhine, AmaGaia on the Douro, another new Douro vessel, and a new ship on Africa’s Chobe River alongside the Zambezi Queen.
Are there new land extensions for 2028 cruises?
Yes, AmaWaterways introduces several pre‑ and post‑cruise packages, including three‑night Krakow, two‑night Nuremberg, three‑night Brussels, and two‑night stays in cities such as Lyon, Aix‑en‑Provence, Dijon, Porto, Basel and Luxembourg.
Will the sailing season be longer in 2028?
The company will maintain an extended sailing season through November and December for the 2028 programme, offering more departure windows.
Do I need new visas for the added African river cruises?
Visa requirements remain the same as for existing African itineraries; travellers should check entry rules for the Chobe River region and the Zambezi Queen as usual.
How can I add a land extension to my cruise reservation?
During the booking process, select the desired pre‑ or post‑cruise land package from the options presented for each itinerary and confirm the additional days and costs.
