Key Takeaways: AmaWaterways 2028 Season
- Bookings Open: 2028 European river cruise itineraries are now available for Australian and New Zealand travellers.
- Fleet Expansion: Two new luxury ships launching—AmaMaria (Rhine River) and AmaGaia (Douro River).
- New Itineraries: 10- and 11-night “Elegance of Burgundy & Provence” sailings in France.
- Early Booking Savings: Save up to AU$3,600 or NZ$4,000 per stateroom if booked by 30 September 2026.
Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways has officially opened reservations for its 2028 season.
This early release gives Australian and New Zealand travellers the distinct advantage of planning ahead to secure their preferred ships, journeys, departure dates, and staterooms for their European holidays.
New AmaWaterways Ships for 2028: Rhine and Douro Rivers
The 2028 season marks another significant milestone in AmaWaterways’ continued global expansion, bringing the fleet to a total of 38 ships. Two new luxury vessels will join the fleet across two of Europe’s most popular waterways:
- AmaMaria sailing the iconic Rhine River.
- AmaGaia cruising Portugal’s sun-drenched Douro River.
“2028 is another exciting step forward for AmaWaterways, not simply because we are growing, but because of where and how we are growing,” said Steve Richards, Managing Director Australia and New Zealand at AmaWaterways. “Across the Rhine and Douro, we’re continuing to invest in the destinations our guests want to experience, while creating more choice in how they experience them. For Australian and New Zealand travellers who tend to plan a big international holiday well ahead, having that choice available now is a real advantage.”
Slower Travel: The New French River Cruise Itinerary
In addition to the new ships, AmaWaterways is launching a brand-new French itinerary designed for the rising trend of “slow travel.”
The Elegance of Burgundy & Provence itinerary, available on select departures during July and August 2028, combines the beauty of the Rhône and Saône rivers in a relaxed 10- and 11-night journey. With longer stays and a slower pace, guests will have more time in port to deeply immerse themselves in vineyard-covered landscapes, historic towns, and celebrated regional gastronomy.
Expanded Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Packages
Recognising that many AU/NZ guests view a European river cruise as part of a larger international holiday, AmaWaterways has significantly expanded its range of pre- and post-cruise land packages for 2028.
Travellers can now seamlessly extend their journeys with stays in:
- Poland: Krakow (featuring a new 3-night extension with tours of Schindler’s Factory and Auschwitz, complementing the Best of the Danube itinerary)
- France: Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, and Dijon (new 2-night stays to explore premier food and wine regions)
- Portugal: Porto (enhancing the growing Douro River programme)
- Additional European Hubs: Nuremberg, Basel, Luxembourg, and Brussels.
“For Australians and New Zealanders, a river cruise is often part of a much bigger international holiday, so planning ahead makes sense,” added Richards. “Opening 2028 now means guests can really build the trip they want, with more choice around where they go, when they travel, and the stateroom they choose.”
Secure Your 2028 River Cruise: Early Booking Offers
To celebrate the opening of the 2028 season, AmaWaterways is offering limited-time early booking savings. For reservations made by 30 September 2026, guests can unlock significant discounts:
- Australian guests: Save up to AU$3,600 per stateroom.
- New Zealand guests: Save up to NZ$4,000 per stateroom.
Booking early ensures access to the widest selection of itineraries, departure dates, and premium staterooms. As always with AmaWaterways, final payment is not due until 90 days before the start of the journey.
How to Book:
To reserve your luxury European river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor or reach out to AmaWaterways directly:
- Australia: Call 1800 867 126 or visit amawaterways.com/au
- New Zealand: Call 0800 005 636 or visit amawaterways.com/nz
