AmaWaterways Unveils 42 New River Cruise Departures for Smithsonian Journeys

AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys have announced their 2027 river cruise lineup, unveiling 42 new departures—including two new itineraries.

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institute’s travel program, which offers packaged travel themed around the Smithsonian’s legacy as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. In February, AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys announced the alliance, launching the 2026 lineup of co-branded river cruises with 33 departures.

“We first announced the Smithsonian Journeys/AmaWaterways alliance just a few months ago, for cruises beginning in spring 2026, and we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response from the market—underscoring a growing demand for meaningful and enriching travel,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys.

AmaWaterways is continuing its co-brand partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, pairing the former’s expertise in exploring iconic rivers with the latter’s 175-year history of fostering discovery and knowledge. The 11 itineraries set to launch in 2026 will return in 2027, along with two new additions: Grand Waterways of France: Cruising Normandy, Burgundy, and Provence and Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia.

“With interest continuing to build, we are excited to introduce the 2027 program, featuring sailings along Europe’s most iconic rivers and, new for 2027, a chance to venture farther, delving into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia on the culturally rich Mekong River,” added Littlejohn.

Each co-branded itinerary was expertly curated, showcasing some of the world’s most breathtaking rivers. The departures include exclusive excursions and two Smithsonian Journeys experts aboard each voyage, as well as a selection of optional pre- and post-cruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager.

“At AmaWaterways, our mission is to create travel experiences that uncover the heart of each destination,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We are delighted to partner with Smithsonian Journeys and together offer guests voyages that inspire curiosity, deepen the connection with the places they visit and provide the exceptional comfort and service our guests expect, all the while creating shared and lasting memories.”