AmaWaterways adds four new ships and longer itineraries to 2028 river cruise programme
AmaWaterways has expanded its 2028 river cruise programme with four new vessels and longer destination experiences. The changes take effect for the 2028 sailing season and affect passengers booking cruises on the Rhine, Douro, Chobe and other featured rivers.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Four new ships added and itineraries extended for 2028
- Timing
- Effective for the 2028 cruise season
- Who is affected
- Passengers on AmaWaterways river cruises in Europe and Africa
The details
- Announced by
- AmaWaterways
- Takes effect
- 2028
- Previous rule
- AmaWaterways operated without the four new vessels and without the extended Burgundy & Provence and Brussels land packages.
- New rule
- The 2028 programme now includes AmaMaria on the Rhine, AmaGaia and an additional ship on the Douro, a new vessel on the Chobe River, plus longer land extensions in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and other destinations.
Programme Overview
AmaWaterways unveiled its complete 2028 river cruise programme, introducing four additional ships across European and African waterways. The expansion adds new capacity on the Rhine, Douro and Chobe rivers and provides longer land‑based experiences in several countries.
- AmaMaria will sail the Rhine with 76 staterooms for 152 guests.
- AmaGaia joins the Douro fleet alongside AmaDouro and AmaSintra, with another new Douro vessel also joining.
- A new ship will operate on the Chobe River in Botswana, complementing the Zambezi Queen.
Extended Itineraries and Land Packages
The 2028 schedule includes longer extensions in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal. Notable additions are two‑night stays in Lyon, Aix‑en‑Provence and Dijon, a 10‑ and 11‑night Elegance of Burgundy & Provence itinerary aboard AmaCello, and a three‑night Brussels extension.
- French extensions scheduled for July and August 2028.
- German Nuremberg package added to selected Christmas market cruises.
- Extended sailing season on the Douro through November and December.
Regulatory and Operational Context
The Rhine operations are overseen by the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). Douro navigation follows standards set by Portugal’s Instituto Marítimo‑Portuário (IMT) and APDL. Chobe River activities align with Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks and Botswana Tourism.
- AmaMaria follows next‑generation design introduced on AmaFiora, debuting April 2027.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings for 2028 cruises on the Rhine, Douro or Chobe may now include the new vessels if re‑booked.
- Travelers can consider the longer French, German, Dutch, Belgian and Portuguese land extensions when planning itineraries.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements were announced for the added ships or itineraries.
- Travelers should verify any price adjustments with AmaWaterways when updating reservations.
What you need to do
- Check with AmaWaterways whether current reservations can be transferred to the new vessels.
- Review the updated 2028 itinerary calendar for the extended land packages before finalising travel plans.
Who this affects
-
Passengers on Rhine River cruises
AmaMaria will operate on the Rhine as part of the 2028 programme.
What to do Review cruise dates to see if the new ship fits the travel schedule.
-
Travelers booking Douro River cruises
Two additional vessels, including AmaGaia, will join the Douro fleet in 2028.
What to do Consider the extended sailing season through November and December.
-
Guests on African river cruises
A new ship will join the Chobe River operations in Botswana for 2028.
What to do Explore the enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities offered by the new vessel.
-
Cruise passengers interested in French land extensions
Longer two‑night stays in Lyon, Aix‑en‑Provence and Dijon are added for 2028.
What to do Include the extended French ports in itinerary planning.
-
German river cruise travellers
A two‑night Nuremberg package is added to selected German itineraries for 2028.
What to do Add the Nuremberg land package to travel plans for cultural and Christmas market experiences.
Frequently asked questions
What new ships are added to AmaWaterways in 2028?
AmaWaterways adds four vessels: AmaMaria on the Rhine, AmaGaia on the Douro, an additional new Douro ship, and a new ship on the Chobe River in Botswana.
When will the new AmaMaria ship start sailing?
AmaMaria is part of the 2028 programme and will begin operations during the 2028 Rhine cruise season.
Which itineraries are extended in the 2028 programme?
The 2028 schedule includes two‑night extensions in Lyon, Aix‑en‑Provence and Dijon, a 10‑ and 11‑night Elegance of Burgundy & Provence cruise, a three‑night Brussels stay, and a two‑night Nuremberg package.
Do the new ships require additional travel documents or fees?
The announcement does not mention any new fees or documentation requirements for the added vessels or itineraries.
How does the 2028 programme affect the Douro sailing season?
The Douro season is extended through November and December, offering more flexibility for travellers planning trips outside the traditional summer period.
