Fans of river cruising are always interested in new and different ships and destinations, and we’re happy to report that river cruise lines are providing some exciting new options.
With a new ship,
the Alegria, Avalon Waterways has begun cruising Portugal’s Douro River.
The eight-day voyage visits vineyards and villages perched on the hillsides of
the scenic Douro Valley and includes an exploration of the historic city of Porto.
Passengers can discover Douro Valley treasures like port wine, olive oil, and
cork.
Viking River
Cruises is expanding its presence on Egypt’s storied Nile River. A new ship,
the Viking Hathor, debuted in August; another, the Viking
Sobek, will be introduced in 2025. Their 12-day itineraries include the Great
Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the temples of Luxor, and stops in Aswan, Kom Ombo, and Edfu.
Uniworld was the
first river cruise line to offer a world cruise – something common among
ocean-going cruise lines, but rare in river cruising. The Rivers of the World
Cruise will be back in 2026 as a special celebration of Uniworld’s 50th
anniversary. The 50-night cruise, April 15-June 5, 2026, will begin in Brussels
and sail on six different rivers (with flights in between). Not all details are
available yet, but part 1, on the new S.S. Emilie, will sail in Belgium
and the Netherlands; part two will be on a “mystery ship” (where it will sail
is a mystery as well); Part 3, on the S.S. Joie de Vivre, will visit Northern
France; part 4, on the S.S. Catherine, will sail Southeastern France;
and part 5 will be on the River Tosca in Egypt and Jordan.
AmaWaterways is preparing
for a brand-new itinerary on Columbia’s main river. Beginning in March 2025, a
new 60-passenger ship, AmaMagdalena, will sail 7-night cruises on the Magdalena
River, from Baranquilla to Cartagena or the reverse. The Magdelena is home to many
wonderful creatures including fish, turtles, tortoises, manatees, caiman,
crocodiles, iguanas, and birds. Port calls include Nueva Venecia, a floating village
of houses on stilts; the traditional town of Santa Barbara de Pinto; and the
old Spanish trading post of Santa Cruz de Mompox. Another new ship, the AmaMelodia,
will set sail on the Magdalena in June 2025. AmaWaterways offers pre-and
post-cruise land packages for this cruise, too.
If you haven’t
experienced a river cruise yet, there are many more terrific destinations to
consider; talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
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