Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways Will Offer 2028 Cruises
The companies have scheduled 50 river cruise departures for 2028 featuring 15 unique itineraries.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cruises
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Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways will host 50 river cruise departures throughout 2028. The expanded program features 15 total itineraries, including new European routes and travel across Vietnam and Cambodia.
Why it matters
The partnership combines river cruising with academic expertise by including two Smithsonian Journeys experts on every scheduled departure.
Fares begin at US$3,639 for the eight-day Holland and Belgium cruise, US$4,759 for Rhine and Moselle voyages, and US$6,688 for the 16-day Mekong itinerary. Each sailing includes two experts to guide the travelers.
The players
Smithsonian Journeys
This is the travel program arm of the Smithsonian Institution, known for providing educational and expert-led travel experiences globally.
AmaWaterways
This company is a river cruise line that operates ships on various waterways across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The details
The Waterways of Holland and Belgium itinerary spans eight days through Amsterdam, Bruges, Rotterdam, and Antwerp, while the Along the Mekong program combines a seven-night river cruise with land stays in Vietnam and Cambodia. Two new European itineraries have been added to the 2028 selection to bolster the existing program.
Timeline
January 15, 2028 marks a departure for the Mekong itinerary.
February 12, 2028 marks a departure for the Mekong itinerary.
May 2028 includes scheduled departures for the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
July to September 2028 covers departures for the Holland and Belgium itinerary.
October 28, 2028 marks a departure for the Mekong itinerary.
Travel Outlook
The expansion reflects a growing demand for educational tourism, where travelers seek curated, expert-led experiences over standard vacation packages. This positions the companies to capture market share among affluent travelers who prioritize cultural depth alongside traditional leisure cruises.
Travelers interested in these specific 2028 departures should note that different itineraries operate during limited windows, such as the Mekong sailings in January, February, and October. Prices vary significantly by route, starting at US$3,639, so advance booking is advised to secure specific dates.
The takeaway
Travelers looking to combine learning with leisure should review the specific seasonal schedules for their preferred regions to align with expert-led departures. Booking these specialized cruises well in advance helps secure the desired itinerary and preferred cabin availability.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of specialized maritime travel, visit Cruises.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TTG Asia.
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