AmaWaterways will sail more cruises spotlighting Black history in 2024
AmaWaterways will sail three new itineraries celebrating Black history in 2024, the river cruise line said this week.
The line added new dates for its Soulful Epicurean Experience cruises after seeing high demand for the first installment, which is set to begin in August. The sailings will feature tours and onboard experiences that showcase Black culture and history in Egypt and France.
"Our first Soulful Epicurean Experience river cruise and land package in France scheduled for 2023 sold out almost immediately, exemplifying that the demand and desire for these cruises is there," Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' executive vice president and co-founder, said in an email. "As a result for 2024, we announced three additional opportunities to celebrate the diverse Black heritage – two on the Rhone River with Paris and one on the Nile River with Cairo."
Luxury cruising: Here's where the new Ritz-Carlton Yacht vessel will stop, how much it costs
Can travelers still find deals on cruise bookings?: Yes ... for now
When are the 2024 Soulful Epicurean Experience cruises?
The first of the 2024 sailings will begin in Cairo, Egypt, on May 17. The others will start in Arles, France on June 13 and Paris on June 17, respectively, according to a news release.
Karst said the line created the itineraries following conversations with its Black travel advisor partners who "encouraged us to show more diversity in our marketing material, and to consider adding special interest tours or excursions that would appeal more to Black travelers."
"We pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming environment on board our ships and are always open to improvements that will enhance the experience for all our guests," Karst added.
Where will the cruises sail?
The May 17, 2024, itinerary will be paired with the line's 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile cruise and land package, visiting Edfu, Aswan and more.
The sailing will feature a visit to a Nubian village, as well as tours of the Great Pyramid of Giza and other sites led by Egyptologists. Guests can also take a private tour of Queen Nefertari's tomb, among other activities.
More activities unique to that sailing "are being curated and will be announced soon," the line said on its website.
The seven-night June 13 and 17 sailings are paired with AmaWaterways' Colors of Provence itinerary, beginning or ending with a three-night land package in Paris, depending on the date.
The cruises are similar, with stops in destinations such as Avignon and Vienne and guided tours featuring jazz music, food and wine. In Paris, guests can take a Black history tour, and go on an excursion centered around entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker.
"We ensured that the experiences offered to our guests are authentic by discussing with experts in the field, and working with Black travel suppliers in the destination," said Karst.
Cruise deal: Princess Cruises is offering up to 40% off cruises and reduced deposits through May
Celebrity Cruises co-captains: Meet the brothers helming Celebrity Ascent
How much do the Soulful Epicurean Experience cruises cost?
The May 17 cruise starts $5,049 per person, while the June 13 and 17 sailings start at $4,499, according to the line's website. Both fares are per person based on double occupancy.
The fares include all food, drinks like wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, hotel stays and more.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AmaWaterways offering new cruises spotlighting Black history
