AmaWaterways is expanding its Soulful Experience sailings this year and next with additional itineraries.
The Soulful Experience cruises feature experiences and excursions that highlight and celebrate Black heritage and culture. The expanded offerings include a cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium, a Christmas markets cruise on the Rhine and a Southeast Asia sailing.
AmaWaterways added the Best of Holland & Belgium itinerary to its Soulful lineup this year. The cruise highlights Kwanzaa and New Year's celebrations. The seven-night cruise aboard the AmaStella will feature a Kwanzaa celebration with daily themes honoring the holiday's seven principles and nightly candle-lighting ceremonies. Other highlights include an Amsterdam cultural tour, a visit to Hellevoetsluis and a stop at the famous De Hoop windmill.
Two new itineraries in 2026 are Riches of the Mekong and Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas.
Riches of the Mekong aboard the AmaDara will feature Vietnam and Cambodia's connections to Black history. The itinerary includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, a Vietnamese cooking class and a royal dinner at Ancient Hue.
The Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas cruise on the AmaVenita is Christmas market-focused and adds Kwanzaa celebrations. The seven-night Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam will introduce passengers to Black culture. Travelers will visit France's oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg and open-air wine gardens.
Enticing Douro will debut in Portugal later this year on the AmaDouro, and AmaWaterways added a departure to its 2026 lineup. The 10-night cruise will depart June 13, 2026, just in time for Juneteenth. Passengers will spend time in Lisbon, home to Europe's first African neighborhood.