AmaWaterways has unveiled what it is calling its most ambitious expansion to date, with plans to grow its global fleet to more than 50 ships by 2032, including 15 additional vessels in Europe and more than 60 per cent capacity growth beyond the region across Africa and Asia. For the travel trade, the move signals a substantial increase in sellable inventory across some of the world’s most in-demand river cruise markets.
The expansion builds on a current fleet of 31 ships already in operation, with three new vessels previously confirmed for 2027 across the Rhine, Danube and Mekong. AmaWaterways is now adding seven more ships to its European pipeline, including one for Portugal, while also deepening its footprint in Africa with an additional Chobe River ship and two more vessels for the Nile in Egypt, one of which is scheduled to debut in 2026.
Among the headline additions is AmaNubia, set to debut on the Nile in September 2026, joining AmaDahlia and AmaLilia with 38 staterooms inspired by Egyptian artistry and textures. In 2027, AmaRudi will launch as the line’s second double-width ship on the Danube, following AmaMagna, with capacity for 196 guests across 98 staterooms. Also arriving in 2027 is AmaMaya on the Mekong, featuring 60 staterooms and a design that draws on Indochine heritage through a contemporary regional lens.
Further expansion is scheduled to continue into 2028, with AmaFiora joining the Rhine, AmaClara launching on France’s Rhône, AmaGaia entering service on Portugal’s Douro and AmaCleo expanding the brand’s Nile programme. AmaWaterways is also progressing plans for further growth in Africa, including a second ship on the Chobe River alongside Zambezi Queen.
The line is also using the fleet growth story to reinforce its premium positioning. AmaWaterways says its product continues to centre on a highly inclusive onboard experience, with spacious accommodation, all meals, specialty dining, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Sip & Sail cocktails, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily guided shore excursions and professional Cruise Managers included as part of the fare. Recent enhancements include more than 30 included wines on every sailing, new Italian lunches at The Chef’s Table, signature dinners by Culinary Director Chef Robert Kellerhals, and the rollout of Savor at The Lark, an all-day dining concept designed to add flexibility for guests.
Pre- and post-cruise land arrangements remain another point of differentiation, with AmaWaterways highlighting 4- and 5-star hotel stays, daily breakfast, guided touring, local experiences, transfers and portage, alongside Cruise Managers who accompany guests before and after the cruise itself. For advisors, that all-inclusive structure continues to provide a strong value proposition for clients seeking a more seamless premium journey.
For trade partners in New Zealand, the announcement is particularly significant given the continued strength of demand for Europe, Egypt, the Mekong and Africa. AmaWaterways says the growth is being driven by strong momentum across both established and emerging markets, while also giving travel advisors a broader platform from which to match clients to more diverse river cruise experiences.