AmaWaterways has announced the launch of its its 2022 European season. AmaMagna on the Danube River became the first of its 21-ship European fleet to start the spring season on 06MAR in Budapest.
Before she left for the debut sailing, Co-Owner and Executive Vice President of Amawaterways Kristin Karst sat down on a virtual call with Open Jaw’s Lynn Elmhirst to discuss some great insights into river cruise growth, sentiments about river cruising, the company’s future, and tips especially for Canadian advisors. Here's the video of their conversation:
The launch of the new season in Europe continued from 17MAR onward with five ships dedicated to the Tulip Time itinerary, five ships cruising the rivers of France and another ten ships welcoming guests on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube and Douro rivers.
“After missing many celebrations with family and friends over the past two years, there is incredible pent-up demand, with travelers anxious to pack their bags and start fulfilling their travel ‘must do’ list,” said Karst in a company release.
Highlights of AmaWaterways’ 2022 European season include:
An Excursion to Floriade on Nine Different River Cruise Itineraries
A highlight in 2022 for all guests embarking or disembarking their river cruise in Amsterdam is a visit to the once-in-a-decade horticultural event, Floriade Expo. The city district of Almere will host The Netherlands’ largest public event with the theme "Growing Green Cities." This expo features gardens, sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment and food stalls while encouraging visitors to “explore, touch and change” as part of their trip through Floriade.
Between 14APR and 09OCT 2022, AmaWaterways guests have the opportunity to visit Floriade as a complimentary excursion on several river cruise itineraries sailing along the Rhine and Dutch and Belgian Waterways, including:
- Best of Holland & Belgium – sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam (new for 2022)
- Tulip Time – sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam
- Captivating Rhine and Enchanting Rhine – sailing between Amsterdam and Basel
- Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps – sailing from Amsterdam to Basel (new for 2022)
- Rhine & Moselle Fairytales and Rhine & Moselle Delights – sailing between Amsterdam and Basel
- Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle – sailing from Amsterdam to Luxembourg
- Treasures of the Main & Rhine – sailing from Nuremberg to Amsterdam
Immersive Experiences in France and Portugal
AmaWaterways adds to its river cruising in France with five ships on four rivers and turnaround days on Thursdays contributing to make it easier to combine itineraries and for longer stays exploring the food, wine and culture of the different regions. AmaKristina, the only twin-balcony ship in France according to AmaWaterways, is cruising for its first full season on the Rhône River between Lyon and Avignon. Also available are Portugal cruises on board AmaDouro and sister ship AmaVida, which kick off the Douro River sailings on 26MAR.
Discovery of Egypt’s Nile River
For 2022 is the Secrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary on board AmaDahlia, which debuted in fall 2021. Guests can travel through the heart of Egypt as they experience the Nile’s waters and discover the ancient treasures that line its banks. Guided by AmaWaterways' Egyptologists, guests can visit locations like the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, as well the exclusive private access to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari and a Nubian village. While in Cairo staying at the luxurious Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence, guests can encounter with Egyptian treasures like the 4,000-year-old Great Sphinx and three Pyramids of Giza; the Egyptian Museum, featuring the collections of King Tut; and a private tour and lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace.
“Whether traveling solo, as a couple or with a group of family and friends, our crew can hardly wait to welcome new and returning guests on board this year as we mark our 20 years on the rivers,” said Karst.
For more information on AmaWaterways, visit its web site.
