AmaWaterways Bets Big on European River Cruising with Massive Fleet Expansion

AmaWaterways announced yesterday, September 17, 2025, that it is expanding its European fleet with eight ships on order. They will be delivered by 2030. The addition of the ships for this industry leader will bring its fleet count to more than 40 vessels, doubling its numbers since 2020.

“Our expanding fleet is a direct response to the strong demand from guests eager to discover river cruising and Europe’s beautiful rivers,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “These new ships represent exciting opportunities for our valued travel advisor partners and us to grow together. With each new ship, we will continue to sail our guests to the heart of every destination while delivering the high-touch service, elegant design, and immersive experiences that define AmaWaterways.” 

Though no announcement has been made regarding which rivers or itineraries these new ships will sail within Europe, guests can expect the same award-winning cuisine and AmaWaterways’ signature Wellness Hosts onboard, including a dedicated Cruise Manager and highly attentive crew. Select suites have complimentary butler service.

AmaWaterways ships all feature sun deck pools, walking tracks, fitness rooms, spas, and local cultural performances each evening. With the fleet expansion, AmaWaterways may have the chance to partner with more brands, building on its successful collaborations with Disney, Backroads, and Smithsonian Journeys, which cater to families, solo travelers, and active travelers. 

Since its founding in 2002, AmaWaterways has built a loyal client base. The cruise line has been recognized for having the highest number of returning guests in river cruising, undoubtedly a result of the exceptional onboard and port experiences AmaWaterways curates for its guests. The news of the fleet expansion provides more opportunities to deliver its award-winning vacations for travelers worldwide.