AmaWaterways expands Smithsonian Journeys lineup with 2027 departures

AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys are extending their collaboration into 2027 with 42 newly announced departures across Europe and Southeast Asia. 

The expanded offering includes two new itineraries: a multi-river journey through France and a voyage along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Smithsonian Journeys program, operated by the Smithsonian Institution, is known for its expert-led, culturally immersive small-group trips. 

Each sailing will feature two Smithsonian Journeys experts on board and a curated selection of excursions designed to foster deeper engagement with local culture, history and geography.

“At AmaWaterways, our mission is to create travel experiences that uncover the heart of each destination,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. 

“We are delighted to partner with Smithsonian Journeys and together offer guests voyages that inspire curiosity, deepen the connection with the places they visit and provide the exceptional comfort and service our guests expect, all the while creating shared and lasting memories.”

Eleven itineraries first announced for 2026 will return in 2027, including sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône. 

The new France itinerary covers the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers, while the Mekong program explores key regions of Vietnam and Cambodia by river and land.

“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,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. 

“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. As always, these voyages will include the distinctive touches of the Smithsonian—two Smithsonian Journeys experts aboard each voyage and thoughtfully curated shore excursions—and will open the door to new opportunities for curious explorers to more deeply engage with the vibrant history and rich cultures of these extraordinary destinations.”

The cruises range from 8 to 17 days, with select departures offering pre- and post-cruise land extensions led by an AmaWaterways cruise manager. New sailings include:

• Grand Waterways of France: Cruising Normandy, Burgundy, and Provence: 15 days, starting from $8,759 USD.

• Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia: 17 days, starting from $5,299 USD (cruise-only from $2,999 USD).

Other returning itineraries include tulip-time sailings in Holland and Belgium, upper and lower Danube routes, Christmas market cruises and voyages along the Rhine, Douro and Rhône rivers.

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