We always take our guests’ and travel advisor partners’ feedback to heart, and it is so exciting when we can innovate and offer new itineraries, land packages, tours, culinary options and onboard services that are the direct result of the thoughts and travel aspirations shared with us. Our two history-making Seven River Journeys Through Europe, the new 5-night Majestic Capitals of the Danube and new Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube themed cruises for 2023 are just some examples of how we have taken your wish-list items and turned them into real experiences to be enjoyed.
The travel landscape is quickly evolving and once there is a green light for international travel, our beautiful ships and amazing crew will be ready with three to four weeks’ notice. Our experience sailing with protocols in summer 2020 has prepared us for a safe and enjoyable return to the rivers. River cruising is such an intimate way to discover the world, and the demand for exclusive and safe travel experiences will only continue to rise.
There is a real desire and urgency to get back out into the fresh air, enjoy wonderful food and wine and celebrate missed anniversaries, weddings and milestone birthdays with loved ones. With our ships welcoming around 150 guests and our extensive choice of included shore excursions with many hiking and biking tours, river cruising with AmaWaterways is becoming an even more desirable way to discover the world. The incredible response we are having to our 45 and 46-night Seven River Journeys Through Europe plus the increased demand for our longer custom cruises where two, three and sometimes four itineraries are combined to extend the time in Europe, shows a real desire for travel experiences that help guests slow down, live in the moment, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
While there is much talk about all the ways that travel will be changed by the pandemic, I would like to mention two things that will not change:
- The first is that as humans, we are social beings and we want to be with each other and interact with the world. Travel is part of our DNA and it is a force for good in the world opening doors to discovering, understanding and appreciating different people, languages, culture, history, traditions and food.
- The second is that the joy of travel isn’t only about the trip itself – there is much happiness and positive feelings created in the anticipation and excitement in the planning stages before a trip, and then again with the memories after the trip.
We are entering into this exciting stage of “travel renewal” and the future for river cruising looks exceptionally bright. Our phones are ringing and March was a record month for reservations as travel advisor partners helped guests plan their long-awaited return to river cruising.
The next few months will be very exciting as we move closer to getting back to what we love to do most … welcoming guests on board our beautiful ships!