AmaWaterways claims to have kicked off its 2022 European season with strong reservations. The AmaMagna on the Danube River became the first of its 21-ship European fleet to start the spring season on March 6 in Budapest. The launch of the new season in Europe continued with five ships sailing on “Tulip Time” itineraries, five ships cruising the rivers of France and 10 more ships welcoming guests on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube and Douro rivers. With not more than 150 guests on-board, AmaWaterways says it's experiencing a strong growth in demand from both returning guests and travelers new to river cruising.
“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 Kristin Karst, executive vice-president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, in a press note. “A desire to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with the world is driving demand for longer cruises, itineraries that include exclusive events and those that take guests to more exotic destinations like on our 11-night ‘Secrets of Egypt & The Nile’ cruise and land itinerary, our Mekong River cruises or our Africa Safaris and Wildlife cruises.”
A highlight this year for all guests embarking or disembarking their river cruise in Amsterdam is a visit to the Floriade Expo, a once-in-a-decade event. The city of Almere will host the Netherlands’ largest public event with the theme “Growing Green Cities.” The expo features gardens, sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment and food stalls.
Between April 14 and October 9, 2022, AmaWaterways guests can visit Floriade as a complimentary excursion on several river cruise itineraries, 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; and “Treasures of the Main & Rhine,” sailing from Nuremberg to Amsterdam.
River cruising in France this year will include five ships on four rivers and turnaround days on Thursdays, contributing to the ease of combining itineraries for longer stays in different regions. AmaKristina, the only twin-balcony ship in France, will set sail for its first full season on the Rhône River between Lyon and Avignon. Portugal cruises on-board AmaDouro and sister ship AmaVida will kick off the Douro River sailings on March 26.
The “Secrets of Egypt & The Nile” itinerary on-board AmaDahlia, which debuted this past fall is also part of the lineup for 2022. Guests can explore Egypt as they experience the Nile’s waters. Guided by Egyptologists, they will visit the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and Queens. They will also enjoy VIP access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a Nubian village. While staying at the Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence, they will visit the 4,000-year-old Great Sphinx and three Pyramids of Giza; the Egyptian Museum featuring the King Tut’s collections; and a private tour and lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace.
AmaWaterways’ 2022 season includes unforgettable journeys on 15 rivers in 31 destinations. Guests can discover more about their personal heritage during a genealogist-hosted Rhine cruise with Ancestry.com or indulge a newly found interest during one of 60 “Celebration of Wine” cruises. The line’s 2022 program features a range of options to suit all types of travelers.
For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com.
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