CALABASAS, CA — AmaWaterways has embarked on what it calls its largest growth investment to date, announcing fleet plans for more than 50 ships over the next six years.

The river cruise line will offer 15 new ships in Europe, and 60%+ capacity growth beyond Europe with new vessels in Africa and Asia.

River cruising’s popularity started to gain momentum in the late 1990s and really took off in the early 2000s. The river cruise market has grown at an annual rate of 10-15% in the last decade, according to CLIA.

“WE ARE INVESTING WITH PURPOSE”

AmaWaterways already has 31 ships in operation, with three new ships already announced for 2027 across the Rhine, Danube and Mekong.

“Our expansion reflects strong demand across both our established and emerging markets. River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory, and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and our travel partners,” says AmaWaterways’ CEO, Catherine Powell.

Powell was named CEO in July 2025. Rudi Schreiner, who co-founded AmaWaterways in 2002 with Kristin Karst, is chairman of the board for AmaWaterways, and Karst is Global Brand Ambassador.

NEW SHIPS

In Europe, AmaWaterways had confirmed eight new ships and is now adding seven more, including one in Portugal, reflecting sustained demand across core markets.

The company is also strengthening its presence in Africa with one additional ship on the Chobe River and two new ships on the Nile in Egypt, with one set to debut in 2026.

Powell says AmaWaterways will introduce multiple new ships each year across both established and emerging regions, including …

• AmaNubia, debuting in September 2026 on the Nile, joining AmaDahlia and AmaLilia, with 38 staterooms.
• AmaRudi, debuting in 2027 as the line’s second double-width ship on the Danube, following AmaMagna, accommodating 196 guests across 98 staterooms and redefining space and comfort on the river.
• AmaMaya, also launching in 2027 on the Mekong, featuring 60 staterooms, in line with the AmaWaterways’ current Mekong ship, AmaDara.
• AmaFiora, debuting in 2027 on the Rhine, following the design and layout of AmaSofia, with 76 staterooms in total.
• AmaClara, debuting in 2028 on the Rhône in France, following the design and layout of AmaKristina, with 76 staterooms in total.
• AmaGaia, debuting in 2028 on the Douro in Portugal alongside AmaVida, AmaDouro and AmaSintra, in response to strong and growing demand for river cruising in Portugal.
• AmaCleo, debuting in 2028 on the Nile, expanding AmaWaterways’ presence in Egypt alongside AmaDahlia, AmaLilia and AmaNubia

“EXCEPTIONAL MOMENTUM”

AmaWaterways is also advancing plans for further growth in Africa, including a second ship on the Chobe River alongside Zambezi Queen.

Meanwhile AmaWaterways expanded its presence in Colombia with the launch of its second luxury river cruise ship, AmaMelodia, in November 2025, marking another milestone in the company’s development along the Magdalena River

Powell says AmaWaterways’ expansion comes at a time of “exceptional momentum” for AmaWaterways, driven by strong repeat rates, outstanding guest satisfaction and sustained demand across North America, Europe and emerging markets.

So far 2026 is shaping up to be a transformational year for the cruise line. This past January the company debuted its new-look branding. As AmaWaterways noted in its new 45-second video introducing the new look, “For over 20 years we’ve refined river cruising. Now begins a new era. …. Our brand has changed. We have not.”

Last month AmaWaterways introduced a new marketing solution for travel advisors through a partnership with Approach Guides. The platform allows advisors to create co-branded marketing pages featuring AmaWaterways’ itineraries, shore excursions and onboard experiences. Each page can be customized with the advisor’s own branding and contact details, offering a streamlined way to share curated content with clients and generate leads. More details can be found at inspires.to/amawaterways.

AmaWaterways says more details on upcoming ships and offerings will be shared in the coming months.

Lead image caption: AmaSintra on the Douro River