2022 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for international travel and we have a lot planned for our guests to celebrate. The past few months have been quite exciting for AmaWaterways, as we have resumed regular sailings with 21 ships on the rivers, launched three new ships, plus introduced two totally re-imagined ships, and made groundbreaking announcements about new itineraries and destinations.
But above all else, I am so grateful to be traveling again and reconnecting in person with our travel partners, loyal guests and remarkable crew. Everywhere I go I’m hearing how people are tired of home renovations and backyard projects and they are so eager to reconnect with family and friends and get back to exploring the world safely again.
So don’t let 2022 slip by – now is the time to update your “To Do” travel list and lock in those future journeys in order to secure the best priced airfares and your favorite staterooms. I am frequently asked for suggestions on which river cruises to do at certain times of the year, so I thought I would offer some month-by-month ideas that I hope will inspire you to gather your loved ones together and come back to the Heart of River™:
March
Forget your same old “date night” plans and leave the winter doldrums behind. Get an early jump on spring with 2 nights pre-cruise in romantic Paris followed by a leisurely Paris & Normandy cruise down the Seine River on board AmaLyra March 24th or AmaDante March 26th .
April
Looking for a getaway with the family ? Tulip Time river cruises have something for everyone! Who doesn’t love bicycling through colorful tulip fields, sampling delectable chocolates and tasting savory cheeses? April 9th AmaStella still has limited space available. Alternatively, join our extraordinary crew on AmaVerde on April 11th , or AmaSonata on April 15th and enjoy an Easter or Passover break traveling on the Danube River between Vilshofen and Budapest.
May
Prepared to discover something unexpected? AmaMagna’s expansive Sun Deck and heated swimming pool await on this fascinating May 8th Gems of Southeast Europe cruise from Giurgiu, Romania to Budapest. Slow the world down (plus save 10%) and stay on board for a second week cruising the Upper Danube to Vilshofen. Another “must see” destination is our newest addition, Secrets of Egypt & The Nile with our not-to-be-missed optional pre-cruise land package in Jordan - there is limited availability in May. Please watch this presentation where one of our guests joined me to share our experiences and photos taken during the inaugural cruise on board AmaDahlia.
June
A missed Milestone Anniversary or Girlfriend Getaway… reconnect over the best of French gastronomy, shopping and, of course, world-class wines! You could start or end the delightful month of June on the Saône and Rhône rivers: June 2, AmaCello, Essence of Burgundy & Provence or June 23, AmaKristina, Colors of Provence.
July & August
Don’t let another precious year slip by. It’s not too late to plan a family reunion or multi-generational get-together! There are lots of dates and itineraries to choose from. My personal favorite is Rhine & Moselle Delights with easy air access from Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland. Or discover your family heritage on our Heritage on the River cruise with Ancestry® departing July 22.
September
If wine is your thing, then September is your month and Taste of Bordeaux is your cruise! After a busy summer tourist season and grape harvesting, this region of France takes a deep breath and relaxes. Join the locals in savoring the world-famous wines of this region on this September 22 cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne.
October and mid- November
Once you are in Europe, you’ll want to take it all in and our fantastic Reservations Team can help you create your own multi-river journey. Start in France, cross over to the Netherlands and Germany, and perhaps continue on board your home away from home with our wonderful crew all the way down the Danube to Romania.
Mid- November and December
Starting the third week in November, the towns and villages along the Rhine, Danube and Rhône rivers start to sparkle with the sights, sounds and aromas of the Christmas Markets. Kids of all ages are drawn into this remarkable season of joy and our ships just twinkle with good cheer!
This is just a sample of what awaits you during 2022. Whether it’s back on a familiar ship and favorite itinerary or trying a totally new experience, rest assured that our wonderful crew are ready to welcome you and ensure that your next river cruise will be one of your most memorable vacations ever!