Fleet expansion reflects strong market demand and reinforces AmaWaterways’ leadership in delivering immersive, high-touch cruising along Europe’s iconic rivers

AmaWaterways, the largest cruise line dedicated exclusively to river cruising, today announced plans to expand its European orderbook with eight new ships scheduled for delivery by 2030. With these additions, the company’s global fleet will grow to more than 40 vessels – doubling its vessel count since 2020. This expansion reflects the surging demand for AmaWaterways’ immersive river cruise experiences.

“Our expanding fleet is a direct response to the strong demand from guests eager to discover river cruising and Europe’s beautiful rivers,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. "These new ships represent exciting opportunities for our valued travel advisor partners and us to grow together. With each new ship, we will continue to sail our guests to the heart of every destination while delivering the high-touch service, elegant design, and immersive experiences that define AmaWaterways."

AmaWaterways is known for its carefully curated itineraries and immersive shore excursions, ranging from guided cultural explorations to exclusive culinary and active experiences. Each day on an AmaWaterways cruise offers up to seven included excursions tailored to a wide range of interests and activity levels - from history-rich walking tours and scenic bike rides to wine tastings in renowned vineyards and unique local experiences like truffle hunting in the south of France.

Onboard, guests enjoy award-winning cuisine and AmaWaterways’ signature Wellness Hosts lead daily exercise and relaxation classes, providing guests with holistic experiences both on and off the ship. Leisure options onboard feature sun deck pools, walking tracks, fitness rooms, spas, and local cultural performances each evening. Guests are accompanied throughout their journey by a dedicated Cruise Manager and a highly attentive crew, with select suites offering butler service for the ultimate in personalized care.

AmaWaterways also offers a variety of specialty cruises and partnerships, including collaborations with Disney, Backroads, and Smithsonian Journeys, catering to families, solo travelers, and active explorers alike. AmaWaterways has been recognized for having the highest number of returning guests in river cruising, a testament to the exceptional experiences that keep travelers coming back year after year.

With its planned fleet expansion, AmaWaterways continues to set the standard for immersive river cruising in Europe. The company will continue to work closely with its community of travel partners while delivering the high-touch, high-value service that guests have come to expect and love. Further details on the new ships will be announced in the months ahead.

For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package for a client, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.

About AmaWaterways
Founded in 2002 by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 33 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe River, Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). The company was recently voted “Best River Cruise Line” by the world’s leading cruise-reviews site Cruise Critic and is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew, innovative and sustainable ship design, wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small-group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options) and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complementary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options. https://www.amawaterways.com