From On Board AmaWaterways on the Mekong: When the boats stopped coming to Cái Bè

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Vessel: AmaWaterways AmaDara

Location: Cái Bè, Vietnam

 Cái Bè 2011. The floating market is alive and well. (Roderick Eime)

In my 25 years travelling to Vietnam and the Delta, I am continually amazed by the constant changes, and here in Cái Bè, the channel once thronging with aquatic commerce has all but vanished.

From On Board: Tân Châu’s enduring silk tradition

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Vessel: AmaWaterways AmaDara
Location: Tân Châu, Vietnam

Shore excursions in Vietnam's Mekong Delta invariably yield discoveries, and today is no different. We witnessed the labour-intensive hand-woven silk in Phnom Penh, but here at Tân Châu it is more of an industry, albeit with methods dating back well into the last century.

From On Board: The Mekong with AmaWaterways: A river of history

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As the Mekong spreads across the horizon, the towers of Phnom Penh signal AmaDara’s approach to the Cambodian capital. I first came here 25 years ago and have been drawn back repeatedly by the city’s peculiar mixture of tragedy, faded glamour and restless reinvention.

AmaWaterways to Add AmaNubia to Nile Fleet in 2026

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AmaWaterways will debut AmaNubia on Egypt’s Nile River in November 2026, joining AmaLilia and the redesigned AmaDahlia as the company expands its luxury river cruise program in Egypt.

AmaWaterways has released details of AmaNubia, a new luxury river ship scheduled to enter service on the Nile River in November 2026.

AmaWaterways adds AmaMelodia on Colombia’s Magdalena River

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River cruise operator AmaWaterways has christened its second vessel on Colombia’s Magdalena River, AmaMelodia, marking a further expansion of its operations in the region.

The ceremony in Barranquilla was attended by representatives from ProColombia, government officials and local community leaders. A traditional blessing was performed by a local Mamo, reflecting the river's cultural significance.

From On Board: AmaWaterways on the Eastern Danube. River Fortresses

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You could be forgiven for thinking these Balkan countries were all built around massive defensive fortresses. When the locals weren’t fighting off the constant Ottoman threat, they were in conflict with each other and their neighbours.

From On Board: AmaWaterways On The Eastern Danube. Vidin, Bulgaria

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Location: Vidin, Bulgaria

Vessel: AmaWaterways AmaMagna

Never had I seen two more forlorn-looking blokes in my life. Slumped behind rusting bars in the bowels of medieval Vidin Castle, known colloquially as "Baba Vida", and the oldest and only preserved such fortress in all of Bulgaria.

From On Board: AmaMagna on the Eastern Danube. Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

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Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Vessel: AmaWaterways Amamagna

Their mesmeric chants echoed through the tiny 13th-century church like disembodied archangels calling the faithful to prayer.

Here in Veliko Tarnovo, just to the north of Bulgaria's geographic centre, our little group from AmaMagna is shoehorned into the vestibule-sized nave to see the exquisite ancient murals and hear the three senior clergy perform their renowned holy chants.

AmaWaterways adds Four New Africa Itineraries Debuting in 2026

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New itineraries will spotlight Kenya, Zanzibar, Namibia and the Skeleton Coast, joining AmaWaterways’ signature Chobe River cruise and Victoria Falls experience in an expanded lineup of African journeys.

AmaWaterways has unveiled a significant expansion of its Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise portfolio, announcing four new itineraries set to launch in August 2026. The enhanced program is designed to showcase the continent’s extraordinary natural and cultural diversity, pairing a three-night luxury cruise on the 24-guest Zambezi Queen along the Chobe River with in-depth land experiences.