AmaWaterways and Smithsonian: New River Journeys
AmaWaterways, a leader in the luxury river cruise sector, has announced the expansion of its partnership with Smithsonian Journeys for 2027, unveiling a new collection of river cruises that includes 42 newly scheduled departures.
This collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys — the travel program of the renowned Smithsonian Institution — offers highly immersive travel experiences designed for discerning travelers seeking a perfect blend of comfort, culture, and intellectual enrichment.
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Among the most notable additions for 2027 are two exceptional itineraries. The first is a captivating 15-day journey through three of France’s most iconic rivers: the Seine, the Saône, and the Rhône. Departing from Paris, this cruise allows guests to traverse regions rich in history and tradition, from Normandy to Provence, with stops in famed locations such as Omaha Beach, Giverny, Burgundy, and Arles. The second new itinerary transports travelers to Asia, on a 17-day adventure along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. This experience combines river navigation with visits to key cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Hanoi, offering guests the chance to explore floating markets, traditional villages, and vibrant local cultures — enhanced by encounters with artisans and farmers living along the riverbanks.
In addition to these new routes, 2027 also marks the return of many popular European itineraries that traverse some of the continent’s most scenic rivers — including the Danube (both Upper, from Munich to Budapest, and Lower, from the Balkans to Romania), the Rhine, the Douro, the Seine, and the Rhône. Seasonal cruises are also available, such as those dedicated to Europe’s famous Christmas markets along the Danube and Rhine, and springtime itineraries showcasing tulip blooms in the Netherlands and Belgium.
These journeys, ranging from eight to fifteen days, stand out not only for their well-designed routes and exceptional onboard services provided by AmaWaterways, but above all for the cultural and intellectual depth ensured by the collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution.
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Each cruise is carefully designed to offer a deep and engaging educational experience, thanks to the presence of Smithsonian Journeys Experts — scholars, researchers, and professionals chosen for their expertise, charisma, and passion for sharing knowledge. Active in fields such as art, history, archaeology, the natural sciences, and regional culture, these experts accompany guests throughout the voyage, offering curated lectures, insightful discussions, and guided excursions that turn each shore visit into a moment of authentic discovery.
With over 175 years of institutional history and more than 55 years of travel expertise, Smithsonian Journeys is a global benchmark for those wishing to explore the world through a lens of curiosity and awareness. Every program is rooted in an educational, multidisciplinary approach that reflects the Smithsonian’s core mission: “to increase and diffuse knowledge.” These are not simply trips — they are opportunities to connect deeply with the places visited, to understand their historical, cultural, and environmental dynamics, and to return home enriched, inspired, and more engaged with the world.
The river cruises developed in collaboration with AmaWaterways perfectly embody this spirit, combining the pleasures of slow, elegant travel with the depth of world-class cultural programming. The result is an authentic, accessible, and profoundly meaningful travel experience — one that appeals to an international community of lifelong learners: curious, cultured, and thoughtful travelers who seek not only beauty, but also truth and connection.
In addition to its cultural value, AmaWaterways upholds its exceptional standards of comfort and service across its fleet. Guests can enjoy multiple dining venues, including the acclaimed Chef’s Table, unlimited beverages during meals, a daily cocktail hour, high-speed Wi-Fi, and wellness programs featuring guided activities. Pre- and post-cruise land packages are also available, providing even more opportunities to explore each destination with the support of a dedicated cruise manager.
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This collaboration not only enhances AmaWaterways’ offerings but also reflects a growing market demand for high-quality travel experiences that are both culturally rich and personally meaningful. Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, highlights the company’s mission to provide experiences that reveal the true essence of each destination, merging discovery with comfort. Meanwhile, Walter Littlejohn, Senior Vice President of Smithsonian Journeys, notes that the enthusiastic response to the 2026 departures confirmed the success of the concept, prompting the expansion of the program and the addition of new, iconic routes.
Ultimately, the AmaWaterways-Smithsonian partnership for 2027 represents a significant evolution in the river cruising landscape, setting a new benchmark for experiential cultural tourism. These journeys are not mere vacations, but opportunities for personal growth and profound immersion in the traditions, history, and natural beauty of the regions explored. With carefully curated itineraries, exceptional onboard amenities, and the presence of distinguished experts, each voyage is designed to leave a lasting impression and ignite a lifelong curiosity about the world.
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