What: AmaWaterways Is Expanding Roll-Out of Soulful Epicurean Experience Cruises
River cruise line AmaWaterways recently announced three new dates for its “Soulful Epicurean Experience” itineraries, which are designed to celebrate the history of the African and Black diaspora. After the successful announcement of the initial sailings, which will take place on the Rhone River in August, two new June departure dates have been added to this program. In addition, a first-ever itinerary in Egypt, onboard the AmaDahlia, sails from Cairo on May 17, 2024.
Why It Matters: The Itineraries Focus on Black History and Are Groundbreaking for River Cruising
The Soulful Epicurean Experience itineraries are groundbreaking programs for river cruising, and their success is a sign that there is great interest — and opportunity — in what has traditionally been an overlooked market.
We are fortunate to work with many travel advisors in the Black community who advised and encouraged us to develop these special interest cruises celebrating Black history and culture.
These special experiences invite travelers to discover and celebrate important aspects of Black history and culture unique to each destination. The new cruises in France are part of the “Colors of Provence” itinerary, which includes three nights in Paris. The program in Egypt is on the “Secrets of Egypt & The Nile” sailing, which starts and ends in Cairo.
Fast Facts: Cruises in Egypt and Europe Will Explore Black History and Culture
- The seven-night river cruise onboard AmaDahlia sails roundtrip from Luxor visiting Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena, and includes daily immersive tours and onboard experiences that shine light on the country’s vast African history and its regional delicacies. Guests can also visit a Nubian Village and meet the people who continue to carry the traditions of their ancestors who once ruled Egypt.
- The seven-night Colors of Provence itinerary onboard AmaKristina will start or end (depending on the departure date) with a three-night land package in Paris, where many famous Black artists, writers and entertainers made history. While exploring the City of Light, travelers will dive deep into Black culture during a specially curated Josephine Baker excursion and a “Black History of Paris” city tour.
- As AmaWaterways’ guests sail along the Rhone River between Lyon and Arles, guided tours include a full-day Black Heritage Tour in Marseille, showcasing the region’s best jazz, food and wine.
-These two unique Colors of Provence 10-night journeys will begin either in Arles on June 13, 2024, cruising to Lyon and finishing in Paris on June 23, 2024, or guests can start with the Paris land package on June 17, 2024, and conclude in Arles on June 27, 2024.
What They Are Saying: The First Soulful Epicurean Experience Sold Out Quickly
"We are fortunate to work with many travel advisors in the Black community who advised and encouraged us to develop these special interest cruises celebrating Black history and culture,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “As our first Soulful Epicurean Experience cruise in France scheduled for 2023 sold out almost immediately, we are proud to give our global family additional opportunities in 2024 to celebrate and appreciate the diverse Black heritage found in France and Egypt.”
