AmaWaterways Announces Co-Brand “Alliance” with Smithsonian Journeys

AmaWaterways has announced an alliance with Smithsonian Journeys to offer co-branded river cruises in 2026.

Under the new alliance, select AmaWaterways European river cruises will feature Smithsonian-crafted experiences. At launch, there will be 33 departures available, starting April 2026. Booking is now available. 

The new sailings explore historic European rivers, such as the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, and Rhone, guided by experts such as historians, archaeologists and scientists, and more. 

Pre- and post-cruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, are available for all departures. 

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institute’s travel program, offering curated small group experiences for “intellectually curious, worldly, and adventurous life-long learners.” Its offerings range from land tours to ocean cruises—all of which draw inspiration from the Smithsonian’s 175-year history as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. 

“By combining our expertise in river cruising with Smithsonian’s dedication to cultural and educational exploration, we offer travelers a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into local history, traditions and ways of life, all while enjoying the exceptional comfort and service aboard our ships,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways.

The new river cruise journeys range from eight to 15 days in duration. Guests can choose between the following itineraries:

Holland and Belgium in Spring: A River Cruise at Tulip Time (eight days) 

Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest (eight days)

Cruising the Lower Danube: Gems of Southeast Europe (eight days)

The Grand Danube: A River Cruise from Germany to Romania (15 days)

Christmas Markets along the Danube: A River Cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest (eight days)

Christmas Markets along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel (eight days) 

The Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel (eight days)

Europe’s Magnificent Waterways: Cruising the Rhine, Main, and Danube River (15 days)

Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley (eight days)

Rhône River Cruise: Colors of Provence (eight days) 

Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy (eight days)

Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France (eight days)

“We are excited to bring the Smithsonian experience to the great rivers of Europe aboard the ships of AmaWaterways,” said Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “Our dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to continually develop 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.”