AmaWaterways Unveils Longest River Cruise Aboard One Ship for 2024

There’s no question about it. Travel consumers are looking to book extended river and ocean voyages these days, probably for a number of reasons. Retirees with a passion for travel and unlimited time on their hands are looking to make the most of their cruise, and a 7-day trip doesn’t quite fill their longing for immersive travel experiences.

As for younger travelers still in the work force, it is possible now to combine business and pleasure. As a result of the recent pandemic, more and more people are working remotely and they realize they can do this from any part of the world—including from a relaxing cruise ship on a leisurely itinerary.

Cruising through the Iron Gates Gorge between Serbia and Romania, photo courtesy AmaWaterways

So the recent announcement from AmaWaterways that reservations are now open for its historic 2024 Seven Cruise Journey, offering an epic 49-night itinerary on board the luxurious AmaMora, is definitely of interest to the cruise lovers out there, no matter what their age.

“Since the debut of our Seven River Journeys in 2021, we have received tremendous demand from travelers who are looking to spend extra time immersing themselves in beautiful destinations throughout Europe,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “With the widespread popularity of these immersive longer itineraries, we are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Spring and Summer Editions showcase enriching itineraries on board a single, award-winning ship – making it easy for guests to sit back, relax and enjoy the unparalleled experience of cruising seamlessly between the North Sea and the Black Sea visiting the historical sites and rich culture of the 15 countries in between.”

Guests who reserve their spot on AmaWaterways’ Seven River Journeys for 2024 will have the opportunity to dive deep into each region’s unique history, cultural traditions, and savory cuisine and wine, while being treated to a variety of exclusive experiences along the way. For the first time, the 2024 journeys will include a 7-day exploration of the Danube Delta visiting six new towns along the way and showcasing a special folkloric event in a new port, Giurgiulesti, Moldova.

Seven River Journey: Spring 2024 Edition

Embarking April 22, 2024, in Amsterdam, Netherlands and disembarking June 10, 2024, in Giurgiu, Romania, guests will explore the hearts of 15 fascinating European countries in full bloom while gliding through legendary rivers and canals during the Seven River Journey: Spring 2024 Edition.

Seven River Journey: Summer 2024 Edition

The Seven River Journey: Summer 2024 Edition is the reverse journey of AmaMora beginning on June 10, 2024, in Giurgiu, Romania and ending on July 29, 2024, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Guests will enjoy summertime sailing the complete length of the Danube before passing through the history-making Main-Danube Canal onto the Rhine, Main, Moselle rivers and finally enjoying the Scheldt, Maas and Waal waterways of Netherlands and Belgium.

In addition to the locally influenced fine dining and hand-selected wines that AmaWaterways’ is known for, the 2024 Seven River Journey itineraries will also include complimentary gratuities both on board and ashore; a variety of new, unique small group excursions; complimentary laundry services; commemorative gifts; and a dedicated Cruise Manager and the same attentive crew throughout the voyage. On board, guests will be delighted to find spacious staterooms with AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies and top-notch amenities such as a relaxing sun deck, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room, complimentary bicycles and daily entertainment including cultural performances.

To book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.

Sail Down the Seine River to Normandy on an Unforgettable Viking River Cruise

There is no better way to see the wonders of Europe than on a river cruise. This particular Viking river cruise from Paris to Normandy exceeded all expectations. Not only were the cuisine and ambiance exceptional, but we had the opportunity to experience the history, culture, and beauty of this area from the comfort of our suites, with the opportunity to hike, bike, and stroll through some of the most beautiful areas of Europe on stops along the way.

Follow our story on our USATODAY10Best site.

View our original photos of this trip on our PHOTOGRAPHY SITE

Listen to a candid interview with a couple celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary on board had to say about their experience.

We’re always happy to answer any questions from our readers. Just send us a message at joannestravels@gmail.com and we promise to respond.

Travel down the Rhine River with us on a delightful AmaWaterways river cruise

People often ask me to recommend our favorite river cruise line. It’s difficult to list our absolute favorites, since the many we’ve experienced have all been delightful in their own individual way. In full disclosure, while we have not personally experienced all the river cruises in operation now in post-Covid times, we’ve sailed enough times with AmaWaterways to know how much we can recommend this cruise line for its excellence in overall operations and passenger satisfaction.

Begin or end your AmaWaterways journey down the Rhine River in the beautiful city of Basel Switzerland. © Joanne & Tony DiBona Photography

Check out our short video, as well as our link to the photos we gathered during an unforgettable cruise from Amsterdam to Basel down the mighty Rhine river.

Sail with us virtually and enjoy these scenes of what you will see during an AmaWaterways cruise down the Rhine.

IT'S OFFICIAL--VIKING CRUISE OPENS RESERVATIONS FOR NEW MISSISSIPPI CRUISES BEGINNING IN 2022

If you are a lover of Viking Cruise Lines, as we certainly are, you’ll be happy to know that a new experience will be available beginning in April 2022—romantic cruises down the mighty Mississippi River.

The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between New Orleans and St. Paul.  This ship will accommodate 386 guests in 193 outside staterooms. Highlights of the new ship include:

1. Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating “the thinking person’s cruise.” Take a moment to view this VIDEO PRESENTATION to see what extensive adventures and experiences are offered to passengers as part of this cruise.

• All Outside Staterooms: Guests can choose from an unparalleled seven spacious stateroom categories that range from 268 sq. ft to 1,024 sq. ft: , all featuring a private veranda or French balcony.

• Viking Suites: Viking Mississippi will have some of the largest true suites on the river, with every suite featuring two rooms and a full-size veranda off the spacious sitting room.

• Explorers’ Lounge & The Bow: The sun-filled, two-story Explorers’ Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to The Bow, a unique outdoor seating area at the front of the ship where guests can relax and enjoy ever-changing riverside views.

• River Café: From American classics to Mamsen’s® Norwegian specialties, this indoor/outdoor dining venue on the top deck will offer alternative restaurant dining in a casual al fresco setting.  

• Aquavit Terrace: A public space beloved by many of Viking’s ocean and river guests, Viking Mississippi will also feature a revolutionary Aquavit Terrace on the top deck.

• Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool: Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, Viking Mississippi will have a glass-backed pool experience at the aft, allowing guests to take a dip while fully surrounded by their destination.

• The Living Room: Clean Scandinavian design paired with American influences, the Living Room on Deck 1 is designed for socializing, relaxing and entertainment. Nearby, the quiet corner of The Library, is a perfect place to discover a new book.

• The Restaurant: This main dining venue on Deck 1 will serve daily-changing menus featuring delicious regional cuisine and always available classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

• Full 360-Degree Promenade Deck: Guests can stroll the entire ship outside on Deck 1, stretching their legs while viewing scenic landscape and regional wildlife.

• Viking Inclusive Value:. Cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, lectures, alternative dining at no extra charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service,free Wi-Fi and all port charges and government taxes.

  START PLANNING NOW
  

  2022-2023 Viking Mississippi Inaugural Voyages

  • America’s Heartland (8 days; St. Louis to St. Paul)—From pristine farms nestled in rolling terrain to steep bluff rising from tributaries dotted with wooded islands, the Upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey introduces you to the unforgettable experience of the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Hear stories of settlers migrating west; learn about Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, John Deere and the Amish and Norwegian migrations; experience the regional music like polka and Norwegian folk; and taste reginal cuisine showcasing local beer, produce and Wisconsin cheese.

  • Heart of the Delta (8 days; New Orleans to Memphis)—This journey on the Lower Mississippi is infused with American history, culture and heritage. Tour the area where the migrating French and Acadians settled; immerse yourself in the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement; discover the music of the South—jazz, blues and gospel; and experience the life and food culture of the south, from Cajun and Creole to the famed “dry” Memphis BBQ.

  • Southern Celebration (8 days; New Orleans–Vicksburg–New Orleans)—On this exploration of the Lower Mississippi, visit the historic homes of Louisiana and Mississippi; learn about Civil War history, touring sites like Vicksburg National Military Park; and discover the excitement and unique flavors of New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

  • America’s Great River (15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul)—Experience nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River on this incredible journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the U.S. Relax and enjoy the variety of scenery, foliage and wildlife on this leisurely voyage. Enjoy southern charm and beautifully preserved homes in Natchez; retrace the steps of Civil Rights leaders in Memphis; ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; and visit “The Norwegian Valley” in La Crosse.

CRUISE DOWN THE ROMANTIC DANUBE ON AMAWATERWAYS FOR THE ULTIMATE IN VACATION EXPERIENCES

It’s February and it is definitely time to plan your 2019 vacation.

If you haven’t thought about taking a river cruise to some beautiful destination in the world, think again. You can do as little or as much as you would like once you step into your luxurious home for the week (or longer). Sip a glass of wine as you watch incredible landscapes roll by before you, enjoy gourmet meals, hike up 1,000 stairs to a castle wall, bike on river paths through quaint towns and vineyards, and tour ancient city centers.

Unpack once and let the cruise itinerary lead you to destinations and experiences you would be hard pressed to organize and tour on your own within a given time period.

Enjoy a PHOTO TOUR of our experiences aboard AmaWaterway’s luxurious AmaCerto during an unforgettable cruise down the romantic Danube that brought us from Germany to Hungary, with scenic stops at places of outstanding beauty and rich history along the way.

Don't Leave Bavaria without Visiting Passau on the Danube: USATODAY 10BEST Photo Gallery

The ancient city of Passau, located at the confluence of three rivers (one of which is the Danube), is a delightful visitor destination. Read about its many charms as part of our photo essay on USATODAY 10Best.com

For more images of beautiful Passau by travel photographers Joanne and Tony DiBona, check out our PASSAU GERMANY PHOTO GALLERY