Following the overwhelmingly positive response to AmaWaterways’ inaugural Soulful Experience in France this summer, the luxury river cruise line announced a new addition to the 2024 lineup of Soulful Experience river cruise and land packages celebrating Black history and culture along the rivers. Sailing though Portugal from November 13 to 23, 2024, the 10-night Enticing Douro Soulful Experience encompasses a three-night pre-cruise land package in Lisbon before embarking on AmaDouro in Porto for a seven-night river cruise along the picturesque Douro River. In addition, AmaWaterways is excited to share that there is still limited availability on three other Soulful Experience cruise and land packages in 2024: the 10-night Colors of Provence Soulful Experiences  departing June 13 (includes three nights in Paris post-cruise) and June 17 (includes three nights in Paris pre-cruise) as well as the 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile Soulful Experience starting on May 17 with a pre-cruise land package in Cairo.

Each Soulful Experience promises a unique sense of camaraderie among like-minded travelers who share a common heritage and cultural roots. An exclusive video showcasing highlights of the Soulful Experience cruises can be found here

“Our first Soulful Experience cruise in France in August 2023 sold out almost immediately and we are deeply touched by the amazing feedback from our guests and travel partners, as well as the demand for new sailings in 2024,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “We are thrilled to offer our guests unique opportunities to create special moments together as they celebrate Black history and culture in 2024 along the beautiful waterways of Portugal, France and Egypt.’’

AmaWaterways is providing travelers with four opportunities to celebrate Black heritage, history and culture in three unique destinations in 2024. Highlights of these itineraries include:

Enticing Douro

In the upcoming year, travelers can explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River through the Enticing Douro Soulful Experience. Starting on November 13, 2024 with a three-night land package in Lisbon before embarking on a seven-night roundtrip cruise from Porto on board AmaDouro, this exceptional cruise offers guests an authentic Portuguese culinary experience and unique wine tastings at local wine estates known as quintas, with the emotional backdrop of fado music.

Colors of Provence

AmaWaterways is also presenting travelers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in France’s Black heritage and culture in June 2024 through two Colors of Provence Soulful Experience sailings on the award-winning AmaKristina. Taking place from June 13 to 23, 2024, guests sail the Rhône River from Arles to Lyon, followed by a three-night land package in Paris, a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers. The second Colors of Provence Soulful Experience welcomes guests from June 17 to 27, 2024 debuting with a 3-night land package in Paris before embarking on a 7-night cruise from Lyon to Arles. These exclusive itineraries also offer a range of exclusive experiences, including guided tours highlighting jazz, regional cuisine and wine, all while celebrating Black heritage.

Secrets of Egypt & The Nile

Departing on May 17, 2024, guests will immerse themselves in an exceptional journey of discovery during AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & The Nile Soulful Experience. During the 11-night journey, guests discover the bustling city of Cairo with its museums and pyramids in sharp contrast to the leisurely seven-night river cruise down the Nile on board the exquisite 72-passenger AmaDahlia roundtrip from Luxor, with stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena. This enriching experience features daily tours and onboard experiences that illuminate the rich African history of the region and its culinary delights. Additionally, guests will have the unique opportunity to visit a Nubian Village, where they can meet the warm-hearted people who carry on the traditions of their ancestors who once ruled Egypt.

Every Soulful Experience sailing presents genuine experiences and excursions that honor Black history and heritage. Complementing AmaWaterways' renowned warm and personalized onboard service, as well as locally inspired dining, guests can anticipate nightly entertainment while surrounded by fellow travelers who share their enthusiasm for uncovering Black culture.

AmaWaterways will soon unveil more details on five brand-new Soulful Experiences in 2025, shining light on Black history and culture in Egypt, South Africa, France, Colombia and Portugal.

Original Article posted Nov. 6, 2023 - Calabasas, CA