Bookings for the luxury river cruise line were up 63% (YoY) across all destinations this September, with sales for Egypt’s Nile, Colombia’s Magdalena River and Asia’s Mekong River all seeing growth of more than 150%, compared to September 2025.
Andrea Stafford, Sales Director commented “I’m very grateful to our trade partners for all the support they continue to show AmaWaterways, but particularly throughout September. Our trade sales team were out on the road updating agents on our unique Exotics programme. Not only did agents give us great feedback, but they also really delivered for us, as our sales demonstrate.”
AmaWaterways’ Exotics programme has seen continued growth in recent years, most notably when they became the first major river cruise line to operate on the Magdalena River in Colombia, with two ships sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla. Last week they announced that from 2027, their Colombian cruises will be offered alongside a five-night land extension to Peru, where guests can explore the vibrant capital of Lima, historic Cusco and the Sacred Valley, before enjoying a privately guided exploration of Machu Picchu.
“It doesn’t stop there” says Stafford “With the launch of AmaNubia on the Nile in November and AmaMaya on the Mekong next year, we continue to develop and grow our Exotics programme to meet demand. Those who have worked with us before will know that we will do our utmost to continue working in partnership with agents as they help us build this area of our business.”
“While our Exotics programme has seen the biggest growth, our European cruise sales have also seen a strong year over year increase in demand ” continues Stafford. “The message is loud and clear. Consumer demand remains strong for river cruises."
AmaWaterways attributes the growth of its European programme in part to the increase in popularity of off-season cruises. The company’s new City Escapes programme offers departures in the quieter months and incorporates overnight stays in some of Europe’s best-known cities.
