AmaWaterways is charting an ambitious course.
The river cruise operator plans to nearly double its global fleet to more than 50 ships by 2032, marking its most significant growth investment to date. The push, anchored by 15 new European ships and more than 60 percent capacity expansion beyond the continent, signals the company’s confidence that river cruising is no longer a niche luxury offering but a mainstream growth market.
The expansion builds on a current fleet of 31 ships, with three additional vessels already committed for 2027 across the Rhine, Danube, and Mekong. AmaWaterways has now accelerated its timeline, confirming eight European ships and adding seven more — including a debut on the Portuguese Douro, a market where demand for river itineraries is surging. The company is also staking new claims in Africa, with additional capacity on the Chobe River and two new Nile vessels, one arriving as soon as 2026.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Luxury Travel Advisor.
