If you’ve been looking for a cruise experience that centers on Black heritage, set aside some time in summer 2024. River cruise line AmaWaterways will add three sailings between Egypt and France that do just that.
Black travelers who booked with AmaWaterways before expressed a desire for more diverse and inclusive itineraries. Kristin Karst, the executive vice president, said the company was receptive.
She explained, “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.”
This Year’s Black Heritage River Cruises Sold Out in Record Time
It appears there’s quite a demand for this kind of river cruise experience.
Karst is encouraged by this demand, saying, “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.”
Come 2024, two cruises will be on the Rhône River, one of the three major rivers in Europe. The third will be on the Nile River in Cairo.
Have 2024 Dates Been Set?
The answer is yes. The first sailing in Cairo takes place May 17, 2024. One on June 13 will be in Arles, a city on the banks of the Rhône, and the third will launch in Paris on June 17.
For those planning to be in France or Egypt during this time, the AmaWaterways cruises can serve as a great enhancement to your itinerary. You’ll have the chance to learn about these destinations through a lens that isn’t traditionally focused on.
USA Today writes, “The May 17, 2024, itinerary will be paired with the line’s 11-night Secrets of Egypt and The Nile cruise and land package, visiting Edfu, Aswan and more.”
Guests on this cruise will see the Great Pyramid of Giza, a Nubian village, and a number of other relevant sites. For some extra razzle-dazzle, travelers can opt for a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari.
The French cruises last seven nights. USA Today explains that these sailings “are paired with AmaWaterways’ Colors of Provence itinerary. These will begin or end with a three-night land package in Paris, depending on the date.”
Expect stops in some of France’s most celebrated cities and towns, including Paris, Avignon and Vienne. There will be jazz music and refreshments offered in keeping with the Black heritage theme.
In Paris, guests can learn about Josephine Baker, who made the capital her home for decades. She’s the first and only Black woman to be inducted into the French Panthéon, though she’s actually buried in Monaco.
What Will The Cost of These River Cruises Be?
The starting point for the Cairo cruise in May is $5,049 per person. Both French cruises in June start at $4,499, and these fares are based on double occupancy.
There might be more activities added to these itineraries, which would likely affect pricing.
The cost includes beer, wine, soft drinks, food, hotel stays, Wi-Fi and more.