Strong booking volumes and eased travel requirements have bolstered the start of AmaWaterways’ 2022 Europe sailing season.

The river cruise company’s first 2022 Europe departure onboard AmaMagna departed March 6 from Budapest. This season AmaWaterways will offer five ships dedicated to the popular Tulip Time cruises, five ships cruising the scenic rivers of France and another 10 ships on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube and Douro.

Says Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and co-founder of AmaWaterways: “After missing many celebrations with family and friends over the past two years, there is incredible pent-up demand, with travellers anxious to pack their bags and start fulfilling their travel ‘must do’ list. A desire to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with the world is driving demand for longer cruises, itineraries that include exclusive events and those that take guests to more exotic  destinations like on our 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile cruise and land itinerary, our Mekong River cruises or our Africa Safaris & Wildlife cruises.”

The once-in-a-decade horticultural event, Holland’s Floride Expo, will be featured as a free shore excursions on several itineraries April 14 – October 9, 2022, including:

• Best of Holland & Belgium – sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam (new for 2022)
• Tulip Time – sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam
• Captivating Rhine and Enchanting Rhine – sailing between Amsterdam and Basel
• Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps – sailing from Amsterdam to Basel (new for 2022)
• Rhine & Moselle Fairytales and Rhine & Moselle Delights – sailing between Amsterdam and Basel
• Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle – sailing from Amsterdam to Luxembourg
• Treasures of the Main & Rhine – sailing from Nuremberg to Amsterdam

Of special note for 2022, AmaKristina, the only twin-balcony ship in France, is cruising its first full season on the Rhône between Lyon and Avignon.  Also extremely popular are Portugal cruises on board AmaDouro and sister ship AmaVida, which kick off the Douro River sailings on March 26. And in Egypt, AmaDahlia is offering Secrets of Egypt & The Nile.

“Whether travelling solo, as a couple or with a group of family and friends, our crew can hardly wait to welcome new and returning guests on board this year as we mark our 20 years on the rivers,” says Karst. “An AmaWaterways river cruise offers endless opportunities for guests to re-connect while exploring dream destinations with convenience and peace of mind.”

Source: Travelweek