2025: What’s New in Cruising
Explore colorful Colombia with AmaWaterways
As we kick off the beginning of 2025, there are a lot of exciting things happening in the travel world for this year, including for cruises.
Some of our favorite cruise partners are launching new ships with new itineraries, while others are launching totally new cruise itineraries focused on specific interests that go beyond the Christmas markets and wine cruises you may be familiar with.
The launch I am most excited about is Ama Waterways’ newest destination (and ships) in Colombia,
with departures starting March 2025. Imagine sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla along the Magdalena River on one of the two new ships embarking this year. The ships have space for 60 and 64 guests so you will enjoy a boutique hotel on the river. Due to the mild climate, departures will be year-round and travelers will have the opportunity to experience some of the magic of Colombia’s culture that most travelers don’t see by getting off the beaten path and getting on the water.
Cartagena is one of the most popular destinations in Colombia as it has a lot to offer in terms of cultural exploration, beautiful beaches, and a charming old city. But you’ll be able to go beyond Cartagena’s city walls to experience the countryside on your way to (or from) Barranquilla. Explore the streets of Palenque, the first free city in Colombia, moving to the rhythms of cumbia and vallenato, world-renown musical styles. Delight in the Caribbean flavors of Colombia and experience your own Carnaval in Barranquilla on each departure. Discover how Spanish and pre-colonial cultures combined to bring us the music, minds, and culture that exist in the country today. And of course you can add on a land package to extend your time in Cartagena, Medellin or Panama City, Panama.
Ama Special Offer: Until March 31, 2025, clients who make new reservations on select 2025 and 2026 Europe river cruises can receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or 4-night land package either before or after their cruise.
Yacht Cruising
Yacht Cruising continues to gain momentum and Ritz Carlton is debuting their newest yacht, Luminara, this summer in the Mediterranean. Luminara features 226 suites with private terraces and unparalleled space ratios for guests at sea, while two new upper suite categories deliver 1,000 square feet of uplifting ambiance. Aside from the five restaurants, six bars, and wine vault, you will also have access to the ship’s Spa for relaxation and rejuvenation during your cruise. This is the ultimate in luxury smallship cruising and the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection has become very popular with travelers new to cruising
Specialty Cruises
There are many cruise lines offering themed itineraries for wine lovers, classical music fans, or those wanting to see as many European Christmas markets as possible. But Regent Seven Seas is now debuting their Spotlight Voyages, a set of themed itineraries that go beyond the typical options.
There are Epicurean voyages which are food, wine, or whisky focused and feature special guest chefs and winemakers on carefully curated itineraries. But there is also a Golf voyage around the British Isles with Annika Sorenstam, a Formula One cruise with Aston Martin Driver Ambassador and former F1® driver Pedro de la Rosa, or family heritage cruises with Ancestry.com.
Regent Special Offer: Book now and enjoy even more luxurious space with a free 2-category suite update, plus 50% reduced depsoits on every ship and across every destination.
Ready to book one of these cruises or something else? We can help you get started!