Planning a river cruise for 2026 or 2027 might feel far away, but the truth is, these are the years travelers are already securing the best cabins and itineraries. When it comes to AmaWaterways, booking early isn’t just about locking in your preferred stateroom, but about giving yourself the widest choice of routes, sailing dates, and even special seasonal sailings that tend to disappear quickly.

If you’ve been curious about river cruising but unsure where to begin, the Danube is an ideal first experience. It combines history, elegance, and cultural depth with easy-to-navigate logistics, especially for travelers exploring Europe for the first time by river.

So you’ve found yourself searching the Internet for more information on AmaWaterways river cruises. Maybe a friend raved about their Danube sailing. Maybe you saw a photo of a charming European village, mist rising off the Rhine River, and thought, "Could that be me someday?"

Let’s explore the key differences between Viking and AmaWaterways, so you can get a sense of which one aligns with your travel preferences.

AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys have created something truly special—a luxury river cruise experience unlike any other!

Choosing the right river cruise line can make all the difference in your travel experience.