Discover AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises: Unique Journeys for Every Passion
Beyond breathtaking river landscapes and charming European towns, AmaWaterways offers unique specialty cruises tailored to diverse interests, creating truly personal and unforgettable journeys for every traveler.
“River cruises remain incredibly popular with our clients, and many of the popular 2026 sailings are already fully booked,” said Deb Behm, travel advisor at Cruise & Travel Experts. “While there’s still some availability for 2026, we’re seeing clients start to book their 2027 river cruises well in advance. Because river ships are much smaller than ocean liners—typically carrying around 150 guests—they are specially designed to navigate the narrow, shallow rivers, locks, and low bridges with ease.”
If you are craving something beyond the traditional river cruise, AmaWaterways offers a rich collection of themed journeys, where culture, cuisine, music, wellness, and more take center stage. Here’s a taste of the specialty cruises that make AmaWaterways stand out:
Christmas Markets River Cruises
Step into a winter wonderland exploring Europe’s most festive holiday markets. Sip mulled wine, enjoy twinkling lights, and shop charming stalls brimming with handcrafted treasures and traditional food —all set against historic old-town backdrops.
Step into a winter wonderland exploring Europe’s most festive holiday markets. Sip mulled wine, enjoy twinkling lights, and shop charming stalls brimming with handcrafted treasures and traditional food —all set against historic old-town backdrops.
Specialty Wine Cruises
For wine enthusiasts, AmaWaterways offers expertly curated wine cruises featuring tastings, vineyard tours, and local cellar visits. Sail through renowned regions like the Rhine and the Douro Valley while savoring exquisite varietals paired with gourmet cuisine.
For wine enthusiasts, AmaWaterways offers expertly curated wine cruises featuring tastings, vineyard tours, and local cellar visits. Sail through renowned regions like the Rhine and the Douro Valley while savoring exquisite varietals paired with gourmet cuisine.
Smithsonian Journeys
These cruises combine the best of cultural exploration with expert-led insights from Smithsonian scholars and guides. From historical lectures to guided tours at museums and UNESCO sites, guests dive deeply into the art, history, and stories of each destination.
These cruises combine the best of cultural exploration with expert-led insights from Smithsonian scholars and guides. From historical lectures to guided tours at museums and UNESCO sites, guests dive deeply into the art, history, and stories of each destination.
Holiday Cruises
Celebrate special occasions—be it New Year’s, Easter, or Thanksgiving—with themed cruises offering festive menus, onboard entertainment, and cultural excursions tailored to the holiday spirit.
Celebrate special occasions—be it New Year’s, Easter, or Thanksgiving—with themed cruises offering festive menus, onboard entertainment, and cultural excursions tailored to the holiday spirit.
Celebration of Music Cruises
Featuring live performances, concerts, and music-themed shore excursions, these cruises immerse guests in the rich musical heritage of regions like Austria and Germany, tracing the footsteps of composers such as Mozart and Strauss.
Featuring live performances, concerts, and music-themed shore excursions, these cruises immerse guests in the rich musical heritage of regions like Austria and Germany, tracing the footsteps of composers such as Mozart and Strauss.
Celebration of Beer Cruises
Discover the finest brews and brewing traditions on cruises visiting renowned beer regions. Guests enjoy brewery tours, tasting sessions, and authentic local fare paired to perfection.
Discover the finest brews and brewing traditions on cruises visiting renowned beer regions. Guests enjoy brewery tours, tasting sessions, and authentic local fare paired to perfection.
Celebration of Wellness Cruises
Designed for travelers looking to rejuvenate mind and body, wellness cruises include yoga and fitness classes, spa treatments, healthy dining options, and educational workshops—all set against the tranquility of calm waterways. There are also many active shore excursions to choose from in each port such as hiking adventures, city walking tours, bike tours, horseback riding, and more.
Designed for travelers looking to rejuvenate mind and body, wellness cruises include yoga and fitness classes, spa treatments, healthy dining options, and educational workshops—all set against the tranquility of calm waterways. There are also many active shore excursions to choose from in each port such as hiking adventures, city walking tours, bike tours, horseback riding, and more.
Golf Cruises
Combining river cruising with tee times at prestigious golf courses, these unique itineraries appeal to golf lovers who want to play amidst stunning landscapes while enjoying the luxury and ease of river travel.
Combining river cruising with tee times at prestigious golf courses, these unique itineraries appeal to golf lovers who want to play amidst stunning landscapes while enjoying the luxury and ease of river travel.
AmaWaterways’ specialty cruises invite you to customize your travel experience around what you love most—whether it’s relaxing with a glass of wine, diving into history, savoring festive moments, or embracing wellness and adventure.