AmaWaterways is reshaping river cruising with its Soulful Experience sailings, a series of culturally immersive journeys that center Black history, heritage and connection while maintaining the line’s signature luxury and personalization. On the 2025 “Best of Holland & Belgium” itinerary aboard AmaStella, that vision came to life during a seven-night sailing departing Dec. 27, the first Soulful Experience to span both Kwanzaa and New Year’s on a round-trip journey from Amsterdam.
River cruising has long catered to a narrow demographic, but AmaWaterways has been working to broaden that audience through more inclusive programming and flexible travel styles. Its ships, which host an average of 150 guests, emphasize a more intimate experience with locally sourced cuisine, complimentary wine and beer with meals, wellness programming and curated excursions designed for varying activity levels. Guests can explore independently using onboard bikes or join guided tours that highlight each destination’s cultural and historical significance.
The Soulful Experience builds on that foundation, offering itineraries that celebrate Black culture through heritage-focused excursions, expert-led discussions, music and cuisine. Each sailing is designed to create meaningful connections among travelers while providing deeper context to the destinations visited through the lens of the African diaspora.
On the “Best of Holland & Belgium” sailing, that approach extended from shore to ship. Guests explored Amsterdam through a cultural tour before visiting ports such as Hellevoetsluis, known for its historic harbor, and Belgium’s Brussels and Antwerp, where architecture, castles and local cuisine took center stage. Stops included the iconic De Hoop windmill and traditional Dutch wharf houses, offering a layered look at the region’s history.
Onboard programming reflected the same cultural depth. Actress Kim Fields was among the notable hosts who brought her lifestyle and wellness brand, Refresh by KF, to guests onboard, embodying the ease and intention behind the experience. Chef Carla Hall led conversations connecting food to culture and wellness, while Alexander Smalls curated a standout Juneteenth-inspired dining experience.
Smalls’ multi-course dinner, now featured across all Soulful Experience sailings, draws from African diaspora culinary traditions and his Gullah Geechee heritage, blending history with refined technique. Each dish is paired with storytelling that highlights the cultural significance behind the ingredients and preparation, transforming the meal into an educational and communal experience.
Kwanzaa celebrations added another dimension to the sailing, with programming that honored tradition, community and reflection leading into New Year’s festivities. The result was a journey that balanced celebration with intention, offering space for both cultural engagement and personal reset.
AmaWaterways introduced the Soulful Experience collection in 2023 and has since expanded the concept across multiple regions, including Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Each itinerary incorporates curated land packages and excursions that highlight Black and African diaspora heritage in destinations such as France, Portugal, Egypt, Colombia, Vietnam and Cambodia.
The 2026 lineup continues that expansion with both returning and new itineraries. The “Enticing Douro” sailing, scheduled for June 13-23, 2026, includes a Juneteenth celebration along Portugal’s Douro River, beginning with a three-night stay in Lisbon. The new “Riches of the Mekong” itinerary, running October 2026, explores Vietnam and Cambodia with an extended land program through Central Vietnam. In December, the “Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas”sailing will coincide with Kwanzaa celebrations, traveling from Basel to Amsterdam with a post-cruise stay in the Dutch capital.
Each Soulful Experience sailing includes regionally inspired cuisine, cultural excursions, nightly entertainment and wellness activities, along with AmaWaterways’ standard inclusions such as complimentary Wi-Fi and beverages with meals. The cruises are designed to foster connection among guests while highlighting the global influence of Black culture through travel.
As the river cruise industry continues to evolve, AmaWaterways’ Soulful Experience sailings represent a shift toward more inclusive and culturally relevant travel. By combining luxury with storytelling, heritage and community, the brand is redefining what river cruising can offer — and who it is for.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit, Marselle Washington
