AmaWaterways aims to have more than 50 ships sailing worldwide within six years – the luxury river cruising brand’s most ambitious fleet expansion in its 23-year history, riding the wave of robust repeat rates and rising demand.
By 2032, AmaWaterways plans to expand its global fleet with 15 new ships in Europe and invest in 60 per cent capacity growth in other regions, including Africa and Asia, asserting its position as a leader in river cruising amid surging demand.
The latest investment builds on the company’s current fleet of 31 river ships with three new vessels announced for the Rhine, Danube and Mekong in 2027.
These are the 76-suite AmaFiori for the Rhine, AmaRudi, the line’s second double-width ship for the Danube, and the 60-suite AmaMaya, the second ship for the Mekong.
In Europe, AmaWaterways has confirmed eight new ships, plus seven more, including a fourth ship in Portugal in 2028 – AmaGaia, and a second ship for France’s Rhône River in 2028 – AmaClara, reflecting continued demand across its core markets.
The company will also significantly bolster its presence in Africa with an extra ship on the Chobe River, alongside the Zambezi Queen, and two new ships on the Nile with AmaNubia set to debut in 2026, followed by AmaCleo in 2028, for a total of four ships operating in Egypt.
AmaWaterways CEO Catherine Powell said the expansion reflects strong demand across both established and emerging markets.
“River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory, and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and our travel partners,” she said.
For Australian and New Zealand travellers and travel advisors, AmaWaterways ANZ Managing Director Steve Richards said the growth will increase the inventory for some of the world’s most popular river cruising destinations.
“Opening up even more ways to explore from Europe to the Mekong and Africa, all while enjoying the comfort, space and personalised service that AmaWaterways is known for,” he said.
