Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways Unveil 2027 River Cruises

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Tue August 5, 2025

Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways are teaming up to offer 42 new river cruises in 2027, including new itineraries in France and Southeast Asia.

Together, the two companies will offer 11 voyages on some of Europe’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône.

All departures—which range from eight to 15 days—include optional pre- and post-cruise land packages hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager. Each journey also includes exclusive excursions and opportunities to connect with various scholars. Two Smithsonian Journeys experts will also be aboard each voyage.

“We first announced the Smithsonian Journeys/AmaWaterways alliance just a few months ago, for cruises beginning in spring 2026, and we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response from the market—underscoring a growing demand for meaningful and enriching travel,” says Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys.

He adds: “With interest continuing to build, we are excited to introduce the 2027 program, featuring sailings along Europe’s most iconic rivers and, new for 2027, a chance to venture farther, delving into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia on the culturally rich Mekong River.

The 2027 voyages are:

NEW: Grand Waterways of France: Cruising Normandy, Burgundy, and Provence

April 22–May 6, Aug. 26–Sept. 9, Oct. 7–21, 2027 - 15 days starting from $8,759 per person double occupancy.

NEW: Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia

Jan. 1–25, Feb. 15–22, Nov. 1–8, 2027 - 17 days starting from $5,299 per person double occupancy.

Holland and Belgium in Spring: A River Cruise at Tulip Time

April 4–11, April 9–16, April 12–19, April 16–23, 2026; NEW DATES – April 8–15, April 10–17, April 15–22, April 22–29, 2027 - Eight days starting from $3,699 per person double occupancy.

Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest

May 18–25, June 15–22, Sept. 7–14, Oct. 5–12, 2026; NEW DATES—May 17–24, June 14–21, Sept. 6–13, Oct. 4–11, 2027 - Eight days starting from $3,949 per person double occupancy.

Cruising the Lower Danube: Gems of Southeast Europe

May 25–June 1, June 22–29, Sept. 14–21, Oct. 12–19, 2026; NEW DATES—May 24–31, June 21–28, Sept. 13–20, Oct. 12–19, 2027 - Eight days starting from $3,949 per person double occupancy.

The Grand Danube: A River Cruise from Germany to Romania

May 18–June 1, June 15–29, Sept. 7–21, Oct. 5–19, 2026; NEW DATES—May 17–31, June 14–28, Sept. 6–20, Oct. 4–18, 2027 - 15 days starting from $6,799 per person double occupancy.

Christmas Markets along the Danube: A River Cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest

Dec. 5–12, Dec. 10–19, 2026; NEW DATES—Dec. 1–8, Dec. 4–19, 2027 - Eight days starting from $3,749 per person double occupancy.

Christmas Markets along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel

Nov. 28–Dec. 5, Dec. 12–19, 2026; NEW DATES—Dec. 4–11, Dec. 5–12, 2027 - Eight days starting from $3,849 per person double occupancy.

The Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel

May 14–21, June 20–27, July 18–25, Sept. 26–Oct. 3, 2026; NEW DATES—May 26–June 2, June 19–26, July 10–17, Sept. 25–Oct. 2, 2027 - Eight days starting from $3,699 per person double occupancy.

Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley

May 8–15, June 9–16, Sept. 4–11, Sept. 25–Oct. 2, Oct. 13–20, 2026; NEW DATES—May 7–14, June 4–11, Sept. 17–24, Oct. 1–8, Oct. 15–22, 2027 - Eight days starting from $4,499 per person double occupancy.

Rhône River Cruise: Colors of Provence

May 21–28, July 16–23, Oct. 8–15, 2026; NEW DATES—May 20–27, Oct. 7–14, Oct. 21–28, 2027 - Eight days starting from $4,299 per person double occupancy.

Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy

May 14–21, Sept. 3–10, Sept. 24–Oct. 1, 2026; NEW DATES—May 13–20, Sept. 23–30, Oct. 14–21, 2027 - Eight days starting from $4,549 per person double occupancy.