AmaWaterways expands black heritage river cruise series

AmaWaterways has expanded its black heritage river cruise series in response to demand.

The river cruise line said its first Soulful Epicurean Experience on its Colours of Provence itinerary, set to embark on August 24, sold out “almost immediately”, prompting it to add three additional dates, including one in Egypt.

The experience, which aims to celebrate the African and black diaspora, will be available on two more Colours of Provence itineraries departing in June 2024.

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AmaWaterways said passengers will enjoy a range of experiences that “shine a light on black heritage both onboard and shore” during their seven night sailing between Lyon and Arles, including a day-long black heritage tour in Marseille.

Additionally, guests will spend three nights either pre or post-cruise in Paris.

The line is also pairing the Soulful Epicurean Experience with its 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary starting in Cairo on May 17, 2024.

In addition to the seven-night river cruise, which sails roundtrip from Luxor and calls at Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena, passengers will spend three nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise in Cairo.

The line said it aims to highlight the country’s “vast African history and regional delicacies”.

Kristin Karts, co-founder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways, said: “We are fortunate to work with many travel agents in the black community who advised and encouraged us to develop these special interest cruises celebrating black history and culture.

“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.”