AmaWaterways has announced four “Soulful Experience” itineraries for 2025. These experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history.
The lineup of itineraries for 2025 includes:
- Secrets of Egypt & The Nile – This 11-night itinerary departing Cairo on May 14, 2025, begins with three nights in Cairo, where guests will tour the Egyptian Museum, the Alabaster Mosque and the pyramids of Memphis. The exploration continues to Luxor for a seven-night Nile cruise aboard the 72-guest AmaDahlia. Stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena allow for exclusive access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari on a private tour, a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace and a visit to a Nubian village where the people carry on the traditions of their ancient African roots. Daily tours and onboard experiences showcase the region’s African history and cuisine.
- Colors of Provence – This 10-night itinerary explores France and its history of Black culture, art and heritage. The cruise onboard AmaKristina departs August 21, 2025, sailing from Arles to Lyon before spending three nights in Paris. In Avignon, guests visit the Blachère Foundation, which promotes the contemporary creation of artists from Africa and its diaspora, a truffle farm in Viviers and Roman ruins in Vienne. They can also enjoy a wine and chocolate experience, jazz performance, steam train ride and a tasting tour at Lyon’s Les Halles Market. Highlights in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery and insights into the Code Noir—the decree that defined the conditions of slavery conduct until 1789. Guests explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’or, and end with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021.
- Enticing Douro – This 10-night itinerary departing November 14, 2025, includes three nights in Lisbon followed by a seven-night sailing along Portugal’s Douro River on board the 102-guest AmaSintra. Lisbon was home to a significant population of free Africans. It played a key role in the transatlantic slave trade and was the site of Europe’s first African neighborhood. In Lisbon, guests tour “City of Seven Hills” and the Royal Sintra. The Douro is known for some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery, wines and foods, and friendly people. Besides fado music, guests will enjoy Brazilian and African food tastings and authentic Portuguese cuisine and port wines during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates, known as quintas.
- Magic of Colombia – Black history in Colombia is rich and complex, defined by the interplay of slavery, resistance and cultural preservation. Cartagena, the heart of this history, is the last port of call of this seven-night sailing on the Magdalena River. Both Colombia and the 60-guest AmaMagdalena are new for AmaWaterways in 2025, so guests on this October 18, 2025 sailing will be among the first to take in the history and culture of this often-overlooked part of the world. Guests can learn about Latin American musical styles, including cumbia and vallenato, and enjoy performances at a Carnaval in Barranquilla. Stops include Nueva Venecia, Santa Barbara de Ponto, Mompox, El Banco and Calamar. Guests can enjoy tours of stilt houses, a visit to Cienága Pijiño, a tour of the Getsemaní neighborhood in Cartagena and more. Three-night land packages are offered pre- and/or post-cruise in Medellín or Panama.
Tip: Guests booking these four itineraries by December 31, 2024, can save up to 20 percent off cruise fares and avail of AirPlus fixed rates on airfares.
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