There’s something ineffable about journeying not just to beautiful places, but through stories—of identity, history, culture that resonate across rivers, valleys, and centuries. That’s the promise of AmaWaterways’ Soulful Experience cruises: voyages that celebrate Black heritage and culture, delivered with the elegance, comfort, and immersive detail you expect from a luxury river cruise line.
What is the Soulful Experience?
AmaWaterways launched the Soulful Experiences series as curated river and land itineraries that highlight Black history, art, music, and culture in destinations where these themes are woven deeply into the fabric of local life. Think guided tours focused on sites of African diaspora; culinary moments where you taste tastes born from centuries of exchange; live jazz and performances; expert lectures; and meaningful encounters with communities preserving traditions. It’s not only about seeing sights—it’s about engaging, reflecting, and connecting.
Where You Can Go & What You’ll See
AmaWaterways’ Soulful Experience cruises span a beautifully curated selection of destinations across Africa, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia—each thoughtfully chosen for its cultural richness, historical depth, and ties to Black heritage.
You might find yourself standing in awe before ancient temples along the Nile, drifting through vineyard-laced valleys in southern France, or dancing to the rhythms of Afro-Caribbean beats on Colombia’s vibrant coast. In Lisbon, the African diaspora lives on through food, music, and architecture. In Paris, you’ll walk the same streets that Josephine Baker once electrified. And in Cartagena, the legacy of resistance and rhythm pulses through every alleyway.
Each itinerary blends local storytelling, immersive experiences, and luxurious river cruising—think curated excursions, regional cuisine, and intimate cultural encounters that reveal the deeper soul of every destination.
Whether you’re tracing the roots of civilization in Egypt, sipping port wine in the Douro Valley, celebrating Carnaval in Colombia, or exploring Christmas markets in Belgium, the journey is designed to move both body and spirit.
More than sightseeing, these cruises are about seeing with new eyes—through a lens that honors Black culture, resilience, and brilliance across continents.
A Culinary Story Worth Tasting
No Soulful Experience would be complete without a moment that brings culture to the table—literally. On select sailings, guests are treated to an extraordinary multi-course dinner curated by none other than Alexander Smalls, the James Beard Award-winning chef and visionary behind Harlem’s iconic The Cecil and the pioneering African Dining Hall, Alkebulan.
Smalls weaves the story of the African diaspora into every dish, blending heritage recipes with fine-dining flair. Inspired by memories, migration, and mastery, his menus are a celebration of flavor, family, and history—where even the humblest ingredients are elevated to high art.
From West African spices to Lowcountry soul, it’s a culinary journey that connects continents—and conversations. This special dining experience is more than a meal. It’s a moment of meaning, served with soul.
What Makes It Truly Luxury + Meaningful
Ships & Comfort: Vessels like AmaKristina, AmaSintra, AmaDahlia etc., each with spacious staterooms (many with private or twin balconies), fine dining, wine/beer/soft drinks included with lunch & dinner, daily entertainment (special performances, lectures) and wellness options.
Food & Culture: Local cuisine woven in, special themed dinners, music, performances. The line often features authentic regional fare, African & Brazilian food tastings, etc.
Itineraries Designed to Reflect History & Heritage: Tours are not superficial—they dig into colonial legacies, museums, neighborhoods significant to the Black diaspora, art and music traditions, local voices.
Why Choose a Soulful Experience Cruise?
If you care about more than just scenery, if you want history, heritage, music, food, art, and shared stories—alongside gorgeous river vistas, luxury comfort, excellent service—then these cruises offer something rare. They allow slower travel, reflection, deeper knowledge; moments of learning and emotional connection alongside relaxation. And because many sailings are intimate (smaller ships, fewer passengers), the experience often feels more personal.
Practical Tips
Book Early: These sailings are limited, often selling out, especially for popular dates or special itineraries.
Land Extensions: Some cruises include pre‑ or post‑cruise stays (e.g. Paris, Lisbon, Ho Chi Minh City) to deepen your experience. Check details.
Budgeting: Fares vary depending on itinerary, cabin, whether land packages are included. Some sailings offer promotions or savings if booked early.
Ready to chart a course that moves your heart as much as your feet?
Call us now at 888-717-5074 to speak with an expert and discover which AmaWaterways Soulful Experience cruise is calling your name. Let’s make your journey unforgettable.
Book Your Amawaterways Cruise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is included in an AmaWaterways Soulful Experience cruise?
A: Typically, all meals (fine dining plus thematic local cuisine), wine/beer/soft drinks with lunch & dinner, cultural excursions & lectures, nightly entertainment, shore visits, tips, Wi‑Fi, transfers associated with land‑packages (if included). The itinerary will specify pre‑ or post‑cruise stays.
Q: How long are these cruises?
A: They vary—some are 7 nights of cruising plus additional land extension (3‑4 nights in a city), others longer (10‑11 nights total for both cruise + land).
Q: Which ship will I be on?
A: Depends on itinerary. For example, AmaDahlia is used for the Secrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary; AmaKristina for Colors of Provence; AmaSintra for Enticing Douro. Each ship offers luxury fittings, excellent service, comfortable staterooms.
Q: What is “Riches of the Mekong”?
A: A newer Soulful Experience itinerary (2026) sailing from Siem Reap through Vietnam & Cambodia, including a Central Vietnam land extension with UNESCO heritage sites, cuisine, and history.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Generally no, though AmaWaterways has “AirPlus fixed rates” in some promotions. It’s best to check for your particular sailing. Land and cruise components are included where specified.
