Welcome to Soulful Experiences with Cruise Planners and AmaWaterways
Celebrating Black History and Culture
Travel has the power to connect us — to history, to culture, and to one another. With AmaWaterways’ Soulful Experiences, you’ll discover river cruises that shine a light on the richness of Black heritage and culture along Europe’s storied rivers.
These journeys are more than vacations — they are opportunities to celebrate history, savor exquisite food and wine, and create unforgettable memories alongside like-minded travelers who share your passion and heritage.
Start your journey here: Watch the exclusive webinar with Jazzmine Douse, Senior Director of National Accounts & Curator of Soulful Experiences, and be inspired to explore what awaits.
Join Us for a celebration of heritage, culture, and connection through journeys designed to inspire and uplift.
The Beauty of River Cruising
Discover the ease, comfort, and wonder of sailing with AmaWaterways along Europe, Asia, Africa, Egypt and South America’s most storied rivers.
Carefully Curated Itineraries
Explore specially designed river cruises that shine a light on Black history and culture in destinations rich with meaning.
A Taste of Culture
Indulge in exquisite food and wine, both onboard and ashore, that reflect the regions you’ll explore.
Travel with a Community
All itineraries will have a Cruise Planners host cruising alongside like-minded travelers, sharing stores, connections and heritage along the journey.
Your Journey Awaits
Take the next step toward a transformative travel experience. Learn more, get inspired, and join us on a Soulful Experience with AmaWaterways.
All-Inclusive Luxury Onboard
Every Soulful Experience cruise includes AmaWaterways' signature award-winning amenities so you can relax and fully enjoy your journey.
- Regionally inspired cuisine crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including a Juneteenth dinner with a chef-curated menu.
- Excursions and experiences highlighting the Black and African diaspora.
- Elegantly appointed accommodations in spacious stateroom or suite.
- Exquisite locally sourced food and wine.
- Complimentary fine wines, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
- Nightly Sip & Sail featuring complementary cocktails before dinner.
- Nightly entertainment
- Wellness activities such as guided stretching and fitness classes
- High-quality complimentary Wi-Fi
Because every detail is cared for, you’re free to focus on what matters most: immersing yourself in the culture, history, and connections that make these journeys so meaningful.
Explore Our Soulful Experience Itineraries
Each Soulful Experience river cruise is carefully curated to highlight Black history, culture, and heritage while showcasing the beauty of Europe’s most iconic rivers. From immersive shore excursions to exquisite onboard dining, these journeys are designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate.
Enticing Douro
June 13 - 23, 2026
7-nt roundtrip from Porto, 3-nt pre-cruise in Lisbon
Host: Donna Snead
Riches of the Mekong
October 10 - 24, 2026
7-nt Kampong Cham to My Tho, 2-nt pre-cruise in Siem Reap, 1-nt post-cruise in Ho Chi Minh City, 4-nt post-cruise in Central Vietnam
Host: Chandra Brown
Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas Market
December 15 - 24, 2026
7-nt Basel to Amsterdam, 2-nt post-cruise in Amsterdam
Host: Lashandrea Young and Renee Beckford
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Secrets of Egypt & the Nile
January 18-29, 2027
7-nt roundtrip from Luxor, 3-nt pre-cruise and 1-nt post cruise in Cairo,
Host: Chandra Brown
Tulip Time
March 29-April 7, 2027
7-nt roundtrip from Amsterdam, 2-nt pre-cruise in Amsterdam
Host: Tina Higgins
Wonders of Colombia
May 22 - June 1, 2027
7-nt Cartagena to Barranquilla, 3-nt post-cruise in Panama
Host: Janet Ryder and Charlotte Barksdale
Paris & Normandy Wine Cruise
June 10-19, 2027
7-nt roundtrip from Paris, 2-nt pre-cruise in Paris
Host: Rayvonne Healey and Debra McGregor
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Enticing Douro
August 17 - 27, 2027
7-nt roundtrip from Porto, 3-nt pre-cruise in Lisbon
Host: Qwana Grant
Colors of Provence
October 14 - 24, 2027
7-nt Lyon - Arles cruise, 3-nt land package in Paris
Host: Tonya Johnson
Magna on the Danube
December 5 - 12, 2027
7-nt Budapest to Vilshofen
Host: Leslie Wright
Connect with Leslie, Your Cruise Planners Advisor
Planning your journey is part of the excitement, and our expert cruise advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to book or simply want to learn more, your advisor can help tailor the perfect Soulful Experience for you.
Exclusive Perks When You Book with Leslie:
Special pricing offers available for Soulful Experience itineraries
Additional onboard amenities designed to make your journey even more memorable
Guidance on choosing the best itinerary and dates to match your travel style
Personalized trip planning to ensure every detail of your trip is seamless.
The support of an Onboard Cruise Planners Host, available throughout the journey to ensure you have a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Leslie Wright
l.wright@cruiseplanners.com
360-453-7771
Ready to request a reservation for an amazing river cruise?
