Soulful Experiences
Celebrating the African and Black Diaspora on the Rivers
Soulful Experiences
Join us for one of our specially curated Soulful Experience river cruises shining a light on Black history and culture along the rivers of Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Enjoy immersive excursions, exquisite food and wine and the wonderful feeling that comes from cruising alongside like-minded travelers.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR SOULFUL EXPERIENCE?
» Elegantly appointed accommodations in spacious riverview stateroom or suite
» Excursions and experiences highlighting the Black and African diaspora
» Juneteenth dinner with a chef-curated menu on every departure
» Exquisite locally sourced food and wine
» Nightly entertainment
» High-quality complimentary Wi-Fi
» And more!
Soweto, South Africa
Barranquilla, Colombia
Featured Excursions and Experiences
JOSEPHINE BAKER TOUR
Available on Colors of Provence Soulful Experience
Follow in Josephine Baker’s footsteps as you trace her legacy throughout Paris. Visit Théâtre des Champs Elysées, where she held many breathtaking performances, and the refined La Coupole, an elegant restaurant the actress frequented near the square that now bears her name. You will also enjoy the Place du Pantheon, where she was the first performing artist, first Black woman, and first American to be inducted into the nation’s mausoleum of heroes in 2021. Continue into Madeleine Church, the site of her funeral.
NUBIAN COOKING CLASS
Available on Secrets of Egypt & the Nile Soulful Experience
Roll up your sleeves and delve into the tangible history of the Nubian people with a special cooking class led by our onboard chef! Enjoy this interactive presentation that enables you to trace timeless culinary traditions still carried out by the villagers you will meet on Heisa Island.
PORTO HISTORICAL TOUR
Available on Enticing Douro Soulful Experience
Embark on an enlightening guided tour of Porto that highlights the city’s rich Black history and Portugal’s relationship with its former colonies. As you stroll past iconic landmarks, you will learn about their previously untold histories.
Josephine Baker Tour
Nubian shop selling spices in Egypt
Douro River, Porto, Portugal
NEW! Exclusive Juneteenth Menu
SPECIALLY CURATED BY ALEXANDER SMALLS
James Beard Award Winner | Restauranteur | Author
Step into a remarkable culinary journey curated by celebrated chef Alexander Smalls, whose acclaimed career spans five renowned restaurants, including his role as co-owner of The Cecil. On every Soulful Experiences departure, Alexander’s specially crafted menu brings his unique vision to life, paying homage to the rich heritage of the Black and African diaspora.
A trailblazer in the culinary world, Smalls introduced contemporary African American fine dining to the national stage with his pioneering Cafe Beulah. His commitment to celebrating global flavors continues with Alkebulan, the world’s first African Dining Hall, founded as a dining destination at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Aboard your journey, you will be invited to savor a multi-course meal that tells powerful stories, where each plate is crafted with care and inspired by cherished childhood memories. Drawing on recipes and traditions passed down through generations, Alexander transforms once-humble ingredients into a festive tribute to resilience, culture and community.
Experience his passion for artistry and storytelling during this special evening of your Soulful Experiences cruise, where heritage and innovation come together in every unforgettable bite.
FRANCE
COLORS OF PROVENCE
Join AmaWaterways along the Rhône River where we will explore the cultural history of Marseille, delight in cultural lectures and live performances on board and on shore and also delve into the hidden history of Paris, where many Black artists, writers and entertainers made their mark. Enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as guided tours showcasing jazz, African art and food, as well as a visit to a Senegalese WWII military cemetery, all while shining a light on Black heritage.
PARIS & NORMANDY WINE CRUISE
Savor the sweet flavors along the Seine River as you celebrate the Black and African diaspora on this special 9-night Soulful Experience that includes a knowledgeable Wine Host. From Paris, the “City of Light”, to the beaches of Normandy, embrace the unique history, incredible food and artistic beauty that you will discover along your journey.
Colors of Provence
7-nt Lyon - Arles cruise or reverse
3-nt land package in Paris
AmaKristina AmaKristina AmaKristina 2025 2026 2027 Aug 21 - 31 Oct 19 - 29 Oct 14 - 24
$5,439 $5,439 $5,439
Paris & Normandy Wine Cruise
AmaDante 2027 Jun 10 - 19 $6,529 PROGRAM DATES
7-nt roundtrip from Paris
2-nt pre-cruise in Paris
Normandy, France
Arles, France Lyon, France
Arles, France
NEW! MAGNA ON THE DANUBE
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while exploring Black and African history along the Danube River. Savor seasonal delights such as glühwein at a diverse array of enchanting Christmas Markets along your cruise, including the breathtaking Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market. Be dazzled by capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—decked in holiday finery. On board our iconic new AmaRudi, participate in a variety of cherished traditions. Enjoy your time exploring with like-minded guests while being recognized for your loyalty. Stay tuned for details as we continue to curate experiences for this very special departure!
Vienna, Austria
Salzburg, Austria Budapest, Hungary
Magna on the Danube 7-nt Budapest to Vilshofen
SECRETS OF EGYPT & THE NILE
Experience the intimacy and luxury of one of our stunning Nile River ships as you immerse yourself in this ancient African civilization. Explore iconic landmarks and intriguing sites in Cairo and along the Nile—including visits to pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Be welcomed in Heisa, a colorful Nubian village, and meet the wonderful people who carry on the traditions of their ancestors, an ancient African civilization that once ruled Egypt. Enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as a Nubian cooking class, as well as regional delicacies and wine while in the “Cradle of Civilization.”
Great Sphinx, Cairo, Egypt
Nubian Village, Aswan, Egypt
Papyrus making workshop
King Ramesses II, Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt
ENTICING DOURO
Explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along the breathtaking Douro River. Be treated to authentic Portuguese cuisine and Port during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates known as quintas. Learn more about the presence and influence of Black communities in Portugal, shedding light on their contributions to society and the challenges they face. Visit Mateus Palace, UNESCO-designated Salamanca and Porto, with its stunning São Bento Railway Station. And above all else, revel in the special feeling that comes from sharing a new experience with kindred spirits.
Sintra, Portugal
AmaDouro, cruising the Douro River
Belém Tower, Lisbon
Enticing Douro
NEW! DUTCH & BELGIAN WATERWAYS
BEST OF HOLLAND & BELGIUM
NEW YEAR’S CRUISE!
Celebrate Kwanzaa and welcome the new year as you travel through the Netherlands and Belgium. Explore the architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s de Haar, Brussels’ Bouchout Castle and Ghent’s Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Visit the Africa Museum in Turveren, learning more about African history, rituals and music and discover the lesser-known past of cities likes Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam. As a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides share each destination’s unique history, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland and Belgium.
Alexander Smalls will be on board to join the festivities!
TULIP TIME
Gather with an intimate community of cruisers to celebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium when Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia come alive. Experience the iconic sites of Amsterdam and the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills, plus revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges or Ghent. Throughout your journey, learn more about Black and African communities throughout history along the Dutch and Belgian Waterways. If you reserve the precruise land package, you will even get to experience Easter in Amsterdam!
PROGRAM DATES
Best of Holland & Belgium
New Year’s Cruise!
7-nt roundtrip from Amsterdam
Tulip Time
7-nt roundtrip from Amsterdam
2-nt pre-cruise in Amsterdam
Belgian Waffles
Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Castle of the Counts, Ghent
COLOMBIA
Embrace the magic of Colombia as you explore the country along the magical Magdalena River. Discover historic towns through a lens focused on the Black and African diaspora. Move to the beat of a variety of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla just for AmaWaterways guests. Discover timeless traditions in Mompox and Santa Barbara de Pinto. Plus, visit Palenque, founded by those who fled a life of slavery during colonial times. The most meaningful part of your experience will be connecting with your fellow cruisers and the friendly guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks.
PROGRAM DATES
Magic of Colombia
7-nt Barranquilla to Cartagena
Wonders of Colombia
7-nt Cartagena to Barranquilla
3-nt post-cruise in Panama
AmaMagdalena 2025 Oct 18 - 25 $3,589
AmaMagdalena
AmaMagdalena 2026 2027 Jul 18 - 28 May 22 - Jun 1
$5,824
$5,724
AmaMagdalena in Mompox, Colombia
Fresh Colombian Coffee
Cartagena, Colombia
Experience Colombian Culture
NEW! RICHES OF THE MEKONG
Venture through Cambodia and Vietnam along the mighty Mekong and glimpse into another era. Throughout your journey, immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of these two incredible countries with visits to rural villages, vibrant cities, historic pagodas and colorful markets. Be treated to a special blessing by monks in Buddhist monastery and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Discover the stunning Royal Palace of Phnom Penh and explore the Vietnam War-era Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. Plus, delight in a visit to Hoi An with its iconic floating lanterns and Hue, known for its Thein Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching river cruise and land journey. Special excursions and experiences are still being curated for this itinerary – stay tuned!
PROGRAM DATES
AmaDara 2026 Oct 10 - 24 $5,032
Angkor Thom, Cambodia
Evening floating lantern ceremony, Hoi An, Central Vietnam
Royal Palace of Cambodia Phnom Penh
Riches of the Mekong
7-nt Kampong Cham to My Tho
2-nt pre-cruise in Siem Reap
1-nt post-cruise in Ho Chi Minh City
4-nt post-cruise in Central Vietnam
SWISS ALPS & RHINE CASTLES (
CHRISTMAS )
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit on this spectacular journey along the Rhine River. Explore the largest collection of West African voodoo objects in the world, learning more about the practices and beliefs of this lesser-known religion. Discover the jazz history of Cologne, delighting in Germany’s oldest jazz club, Papa Joe’s. Wander the stalls of France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg, then explore the restaurants, open-air wine gardens, and Christmas Market of Drosselgasse, the cultural heart of Rüdesheim. The festivities continue on board your ship with beautiful decor, glittering Christmas trees and elegant kinaras. At the conclusion of your river cruise, you will spend an additional two nights in Amsterdam, allowing you to explore the city with guided tours and ample free time.
PROGRAM DATES
7-nt Basel to Amsterdam
2-nt post-cruise in Amsterdam
AmaVenita 2026 Dec 15 - 24 $4,299
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cologne, Germany
Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France
Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Christmas)
NEW! AFRICA SAFARIS & WILDLIFE CRUISES
Be immersed in the culture, history and natural wonders of Africa on one of these special Soulful Experience departures. Encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras and buffalo on excursions by boat and open-air vehicles during your 4-night cruise aboard the luxurious 24-passenger Zambezi Queen. Follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Marvel at awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Guests on Golden Trails of East Africa and Stars of South Africa will then venture off to luxury safari lodges in either Tanzania or Greater Kruger National Park for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing experiences - all alongside like-minded travelers who want to learn more about Black and African history and culture.
Cape Town, South Africa
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Zambezi Queen
11-nt Cape Town to Johannesburg
Golden Trails of East Africa
18-nt Johannesburg to Tanzania
Zambezi Queen 2027 Jun 11 - 22 $15,035
Zambezi Queen 2027 Jun 13 - Jul 1 $21,995 Stars of South Africa
14-nt Cape Town to Greater Kruger National Park Zambezi Queen 2027 Jun 11 - 25 $18,495 PROGRAM DATES
Luxury accomodations on the Zambezi Queen
Statue of Nelson Mandela, City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa
Chobe National Park, Botswana
