AmaWaterways has announced a partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, to offer a series of co-branded European river cruises starting in April 2026.
This collaboration will feature 33 departures along Europe's notable rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, and Rhone. Each voyage, ranging from eight to 15 days, will be enriched with exclusive experiences crafted by Smithsonian Journeys. These include lectures and insights from experts such as art historians, archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists, and historians, aiming to provide guests with a deeper understanding of the local history, traditions, and cultures of the regions visited.
Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways, emphasized that the goal is to go beyond merely seeing destinations, aiming instead for guests to connect deeply with the places visited. By combining river cruising expertise with Smithsonian's dedication to cultural and educational exploration, travelers are offered a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into local history, traditions, and ways of life, all while enjoying the exceptional comfort and service aboard AmaWaterways' ships.
Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice-president of Smithsonian Journeys, expressed excitement about bringing the Smithsonian experience to Europe's great rivers aboard AmaWaterways' ships. He noted that the dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives the development of authentic, enriching experiences for travelers. These trips provide a bevy of new options for intellectually curious travelers to indulge in the rich history and cultures of countries such as Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and more through the unique lens of the Smithsonian.
The inaugural cruises are scheduled to commence in April 2026, with bookings currently available. Each departure will offer pre- and post-cruise land package options, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, allowing guests to explore further beyond the cruise itinerary.