AmaWaterways has officially taken the wraps off its 2016 Europe, Asia & Africa brochure, paving the way for what could be the line’s largest and most diverse season yet. In addition to the launch of the new AmaViola (which will also play a major part in the company’s recent family-friendly partnership with Adventures by Disney) and the AmaStella, AmaWaterways will introduce new itineraries in France, increased art-themed itineraries, and offer more than 30 wine-themed departure dates in 2016.

“We are so excited to share details on our new offerings for the upcoming year,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “AmaWaterways is proud to continue expanding our options for travelers. We believe that with the beautiful new AmaViola and AmaStella on the European waterways and 38 new Wine Cruises, 2016 is going to be our best year yet.”

Here’s a quick glance at the new offerings AmaWaterways has planned for the 2016 river cruise season in Europe:

Two New Ships:

• AmaViola and AmaStella. Both 158-passenger sister ships feature spacious and luxurious accommodations, with most staterooms boasting AmaWaterways’ exclusive Twin Balconies. AmaStella and AmaViola join the European fleet as the third and fourth vessels of their class equipped with connecting cabins, offering added convenience for groups and families traveling together. The vessels’ destination-inspired décor will complement their state-of-the-art amenities, including marble-appointed bathrooms, multi-jet showerheads, plush linens luxurious salon and massage services, fitness rooms, refreshing sun decks and heated pools with swim-up bars. Complimentary unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner; and complimentary bottled water is provided daily in all staterooms.

A New Itinerary in Bordeaux

• “Taste of Bordeaux.” Beginning in Spring 2016, AmaWaterways will introduce its first-ever itineraries in this famed wine region of France, featuring 26 sailings aboard the 146-passenger AmaDolce. Passengers embarking on any of these 7-night Bordeaux voyages will take a memorable journey along the Garonne River and its surrounding estuaries, exploring one of the world’s undisputed wine capitals. Travelers will have the opportunity to visit Bordeaux’s famous chateaus and vineyards with stops at Cadillac’s Roquetaillaide Castle, a Medoc wine tasting in Pauillac, an excursion at Chateau de Montaigne in Libourne and more.

Additional Theme Cruises on offer for 2016:

• Wine Themed Cruises. In response to demand, AmaWaterways has more than doubled its highly rated wine-themed cruise offerings for 2016, offering a total of 38 sailings along rivers like the Seine, Douro, Danube, Rhine and Rhone. Providing travelers with immersive experiences in each destination through an array of wine-related activities, the 7-night itineraries will be led by expert wine hosts and will feature seminars and distinctive tours revealing the culture and winemaking traditions of each of these regions. All-new for 2016 will be the line’s eight wine-themed ‘Taste of Bordeaux’ voyages, inviting guests to sip and savor France’s delectable vintages.
• Art Cruises. AmaWaterways’ art-themed itineraries will take travelers on a colorful journey to explore the real-life scenery of the world’s most celebrated works of art. Ideal for both art enthusiasts and aspiring artists, these 7-night sailings onboard AmaLegro will make stops in the village of Giverny to visit Monet’s home, in Conflans for an “Artist’s Walk” tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and at Musee d’Orsay in Paris. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in complimentary onboard painting classes and workshops led by expert instructors. Materials such as canvasses and easels are provided onboard by AmaWaterways, inviting guests to create their very own masterpieces which they can take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.’

Also included in the brochure are details on the line’s entire fleet deployment for 2016, which spans nearly every major waterway in Europe. Exotic Destinations continue to be a major focus for AmaWaterways, and travellers can expect the line to continue its successful itineraries through Russia, Myanmar, Cambodia & Vietnam, and Africa’s Chobe River.

More information on AmaWaterways and its river cruise options can be found by viewing our company profile here on River Cruise Advisor.