River Cruising

AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys alliance
Eleven AmaWaterways expertly curated itineraries showcasing Europe’s most breathtaking and historic rivers – including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône – will launch in 2026 and return in 2027 in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institute and a recognized leader in small-group explorations. Each journey features exclusive excursions and enriching opportunities to engage with a diverse array of experts, from art historians and archaeologists to scientists, anthropologists and more. All departures include a selection of optional pre- and post-cruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, allowing guests to delve even deeper into the cultural and historical richness of each destination. Among the highlights in 2027 are two new itineraries: one takes guests along the picturesque waterways of France - the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers, and the other, along the winding Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. Drawing on the Riverside Luxury Cruises introduces Smithsonian’s 175+ years as the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, each itinerary features two distinguished Smithsonian Journeys experts and experiences designed to foster deep cultural engagement. Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, a variety of small group excursions, high-quality Wi-Fi, a Wellness Program with a variety of host-led fi tness classes, airport transfers, and much more.

Riverside Luxury Cruises introduces beer-themed Rhine itinerary for 2026
Riverside Luxury Cruises has unveiled a new specialty sailing for summer 2026 called “Hops & Heritage: Cruising Through Centuries of Brewing Craftsmanship”. The eight-day itinerary, running from July 29 to August 5, 2026, will be hosted by beer sommelier James Kellow and will celebrate International Beer Day on August 7. The program highlights Europe’s brewing heritage with guided brewery visits, tastings, and educational sessions. Guests will sail from Basel to Amsterdam, with calls including Cologne and Arnhem. Regional beer specialties will be featured along the route, from Swiss lagers to German pilsners and Kölsch, and Dutch brands such as Grolsch. Onboard programming includes tastings, food pairings, and recommendations integrated into the Waterside restaurant’s daily menus. For an additional fee, guests can book the Vintage Room, a seven-course dining experience pairing regional beers with locally inspired dishes, created by Kellow in partnership with the ship’s executive chef. Riverside will also extend beer programming on other departures throughout August 2026. Guests on Rhine sailings during that month will have access to Kellow-curated brewery tours in port, along with a bar stocked with regional beers, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions. This luxury river brand has been receiving stellar reviews on all its ships, with guests enjoying superb service, cuisine and accommodations in all destinations. Prost!

New river frontiers
As Emerald Cruises charts a bold course into the future, its river cruise portfolio is set to reach exciting new frontiers. Following the debut of the 180-guest Emerald Astra in 2026, the 10th Star-Ship in the brand’s European river fleet, the company will introduce two new river ships in 2027, including its long- anticipated debut on the Seine River. Purpose-built for this romantic and storied waterway, Emerald Lumi will navigate the Seine’s unique dimensions, unlocking access to coveted ports such as Honfleur and Rouen, and bringing a modern take to French river cruising, seamlessly blending luxury, cultural immersion and boutique charm. Guests can expect extended and overnight stays in ports, French-inspired cuisine, wine pairings and locally curated excursions. Thoughtful onboard programming will highlight art, culture and regional storytelling. The second, yet unnamed, Star-Ship debuting in 2027 will sail the iconic Rhine-Main- Danube corridor, further expanding Emerald’s footprint in Central Europe and elevating the contemporary experience guests have come to love, offering greater destination access, onboard comfort and cultural connection.