AmaWaterways debuts City Escapes sailings in Europe

AmaWaterways has introduced a new City Escapes program, a series of river cruise departures designed to offer longer stays in major European cities along the Seine, Rhine and Danube.

The sailings, launching in 2026 and expanding further in 2027, are scheduled during quieter travel periods and include additional overnight stays, more daylight sailing and at least 24 hours in key cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Strasbourg and Budapest.

“City Escapes is about experiencing Europe at its most authentic,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. 

“We designed these journeys for travelers who want more time to explore the museums, enjoy local cuisine and walk historic streets without feeling rushed or crowded. Luxury is the gift of time. That is exactly what we aim to offer with this new program.”

On the Seine, itineraries focus on destinations including Paris, Rouen and Normandy, with excursions such as bike tours along the Left Bank, visits to museums like the Marmottan Monet Museum and tours of the D-Day landing beaches. 

Guests can also visit the harbour town of Honfleur or explore Rouen’s medieval centre and museums.

On the Rhine, the program highlights destinations such as Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne and Amsterdam. 

Experiences include tours through the Alsatian wine region, visits to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg and guided explorations of historic city centres. 

Sailings also include scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge.

On the Danube, itineraries feature extended sailing through areas such as the Wachau Valley and the Danube Bend, along with cultural programming in cities including Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau. 

Excursions include walking tours of historic districts, local tastings and cultural experiences such as concerts in Vienna.

AmaWaterways is also introducing new pre- and post-cruise land extensions in London and Rome, allowing guests to add additional sightseeing experiences before or after their cruise.

To mark the launch of the program, the company is offering a limited-time City Escapes promotion on select departures booked between March 6 and June 30, 2026, which includes up to US$1,000 in cruise savings per stateroom, a complimentary stateroom upgrade and US$50 in onboard credit per guest.

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