AmaWaterways is set to embark on its most ambitious expansion yet, aiming to grow its fleet to over 50 ships by 2032. This move comes as the popularity of river cruising continues to soar. Currently, the company operates 31 ships globally. However, it plans to significantly boost its capacity with a series of new vessels across Europe, Africa, and Asia in the coming years.
New Ships Planned For Europe, Africa And Asia
The expansion will see 15 additional ships in Europe and a substantial increase in capacity outside the region. New ships are planned for Africa and Asia, reflecting the growing interest in these regions. The programme builds on previously announced plans for three ships launching in 2027 on the Rhine, Danube, and Mekong rivers. Several other vessels are also scheduled to debut between 2026 and 2028.
AmaNubia is set to launch on the Nile in September 2026, featuring 38 staterooms with Egyptian-inspired details. It will join the existing Nile vessels, AmaDahlia and AmaLilia. In 2027, AmaRudi will debut on the Danube as the line’s second double-width river ship, accommodating 196 guests across 98 staterooms. Another ship, AmaMaya, will operate on the Mekong River with 60 staterooms, influenced by the region’s Indochine heritage.
Additional ships include AmaFiora on the Rhine in 2027, AmaClara on the Rhône in 2028, and AmaGaia on Portugal’s Douro River in 2028. AmaCleo is also expected to join the Nile fleet in 2028, further expanding the line’s presence in Egypt. AmaWaterways is also exploring further growth in Africa, with plans for a second ship on the Chobe River alongside the Zambezi Queen.
What The Expansion Means For River Cruise Passengers
For cruise passengers, this expansion means a broader choice of itineraries and potentially more availability on some of the world’s most popular river routes. Europe remains the company’s largest market, but the addition of ships in Africa and Asia highlights a growing interest in more adventurous river cruise destinations. These include Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia, and southern Africa. Portugal’s Douro River is another area experiencing strong demand, leading to the planned introduction of AmaGaia alongside the line’s existing ships.
With new vessels scheduled to arrive almost annually, AmaWaterways is poised to offer an even more diverse range of river cruise experiences. This expansion not only caters to the increasing demand but also enhances the overall experience for guests and travel partners alike.
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