A Soulful Experience
By Lola Méndez

A Soulful Experience
By Lola Méndez

Celebrate Black history & culture on an AmaWaterways river cruise.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from AmaWaterways’ first-ever “Soulful Experience” in France on the Rhône River in 2023, they are delighted to share even more opportunities for travelers to discover more about the African and Black Diaspora around the globe. The expanded offerings include five new Soulful Experiences along our world’s rivers in 2024 and 2025, all celebrating Black heritage. Plus, enjoy the exquisite cuisine, enriching guided excursions, unparalleled service and exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides.

Sailing through Portugal on the Enticing Douro Soulful Experience route, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a three-night pre-cruise land package where you can learn about the history of the African diaspora in Lisbon, before embarking on AmaDouro in Porto for a seven-night river cruise along the Douro River. Onboard, enjoy fado music and authentic Portuguese culinary experiences along with unique wine tastings at local wine estates known as quintas.
The Colors of Provence Soulful Experience includes three nights in Paris pre- or post-cruise where you will learn about France’s Black heritage and the impact historical Black artists, writers, and entertainers had on the City of Love. Sail the Rhône River from Arles to Lyon on AmaKristina. Exclusive experiences celebrate Black heritage including guided tours highlighting jazz in addition to enjoying regional cuisine.

Sailing through Portugal on the Enticing Douro Soulful Experience route, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a three-night pre-cruise land package where you can learn about the history of the African diaspora in Lisbon, before embarking on AmaDouro in Porto for a seven-night river cruise along the Douro River. Onboard, enjoy fado music and authentic Portuguese culinary experiences along with unique wine tastings at local wine estates known as quintas.
The Colors of Provence Soulful Experience includes three nights in Paris pre- or post-cruise where you will learn about France’s Black heritage and the impact historical Black artists, writers, and entertainers had on the City of Love. Sail the Rhône River from Arles to Lyon on AmaKristina. Exclusive experiences celebrate Black heritage including guided tours highlighting jazz in addition to enjoying regional cuisine.
When sailing on the 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile Soulful Experience, you’ll experience a pre-cruise land package in Cairo with visits to the city’s extraordinary museums and The Great Pyramid, the only Wonder of the Ancient World still in existence. After Cairo, guests board the 72-passenger AmaDahlia for a leisurely seven-night river cruise down the Nile. The roundtrip route begins and ends in Luxor, with stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Qena, all of which are home to ancient Egyptian temples. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and local culinary delights. A highlight of the trip is a visit to a Nubian Village to meet locals who conserve the traditions of their ancestors that once ruled Egypt.

When sailing on the 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile Soulful Experience, you’ll experience a pre-cruise land package in Cairo with visits to the city’s extraordinary museums and The Great Pyramid, the only Wonder of the Ancient World still in existence. After Cairo, guests board the 72-passenger AmaDahlia for a leisurely seven-night river cruise down the Nile. The roundtrip route begins and ends in Luxor, with stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Qena, all of which are home to ancient Egyptian temples. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and local culinary delights. A highlight of the trip is a visit to a Nubian Village to meet locals who conserve the traditions of their ancestors that once ruled Egypt.


In 2025, AmaWaterways will debut two new Soulful Experience destinations: South Africa and Colombia. The Stars of South Africa sailing is a 4-night cruise with a 10-night post-cruise land excursion including safaris by river and land, African penguin spotting in Cape Town’s Boulders Beach, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, and a walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela during a visit to his Soweto home.
The Magic of Colombia’s seven-night sailing on the Magdalena River will introduce guests to Colombia’s storied Black history. Guests will experience a cumbia performance in El Banco and an exclusive colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla. Also, on the itinerary are plenty of chances to enjoy Colombian coffee, and spot endemic birds and wildlife.

In 2025, AmaWaterways will debut two new Soulful Experience destinations: South Africa and Colombia. The Stars of South Africa sailing is a 4-night cruise with a 10-night post-cruise land excursion including safaris by river and land, African penguin spotting in Cape Town’s Boulders Beach, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, and a walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela during a visit to his Soweto home.
The Magic of Colombia’s seven-night sailing on the Magdalena River will introduce guests to Colombia’s storied Black history. Guests will experience a cumbia performance in El Banco and an exclusive colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla. Also, on the itinerary are plenty of chances to enjoy Colombian coffee, and spot endemic birds and wildlife.

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I have always been a Geography and Map Fanatic. I own a very large and well-utilized National Geographic Atlas in which I have recorded many notes and personal trips and routed out my journeys by ships, planes, trains, and cycling. I refer to it frequently in putting together my clients' trips and itineraries, as well as my own.
Going back to the time when I was a little girl, I have either lived just a few yards from the ocean or relatively close to it. I liked watching ships and wanted to know what life was like on the other side of the ocean. I was fascinated that my Grandmother came to the US on a ship as a teenage girl together with her sister from Ireland. Before my grandparents met in the US, my Grandfather from Ireland worked as a cowboy and copper miner in Montana at the turn of the 20th Century. They had many National Geographic issues at their home which I loved looking at. These impressions, plus taking my first cruise, all eventually led me to the cruise and travel ...