If you’ve been toying with the idea of taking a river cruise this year but haven’t pulled the trigger yet – good news: you’re not too late. In fact, you might be right on time. AmaWaterways still has space on some top itineraries for 2025, and a few of them come with seriously solid promos.
A river cruise might be one of the easiest trips to pull together last minute. Once you’re booked, most of the logistics are taken care of: your hotel moves with you, your tours are scheduled, your meals are included and your cruise manager has already figured out every detail of your daily life (seriously, they’re like spies). If you’re working with a good travel advisor (hi, it’s me), it’s even easier. The hardest part is just picking the itinerary.
Here are a few standout options that still have room and are worth a look before they disappear.
And just as an added bonus: If you book any of these through us, we will include complimentary gratuities and a $300 onboard credit to sweeten the deal.
Europe’s Rivers & Castles
Luxembourg to Nuremberg | June 4-11, 2025
If you want storybook towns, hilltop castles and just the right amount of wine tasting, this itinerary might be the one to consider. You’ll weave through the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers, with stops in charming spots like Trier, Bernkastel, Rüdesheim, Bamberg and Würzburg. Würzburg’s Residence Palace and Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim both recently made it onto my list of top excursions with AmaWaterways, so that definitely makes this one a top contender. And because it starts in Luxembourg, it’s a little off the beaten river path in the best way.
Current price: From $4,288 per person for a fixed window (Category D) stateroom, or $5,388 for a French balcony (Category C).
Captivating Rhine
Amsterdam to Basel | June 12–19, 2025
If you’re new to river cruising, or just want to experience a true classic, this is the one to choose. The Captivating Rhine checks every box: castles, cathedrals, canals, vineyards, and enough fairytale towns to fill your camera roll. You’ll sail through the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, with stops in places like Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg and the Black Forest.
Current price: Only Category AB staterooms are still available, priced at $6,638 per person. But it’s one of the higher-end rooms on the ship.
Paris & Normandy
Roundtrip from Paris | July 12–19, 2025
This one’s for the romantics, the history buffs and honestly anyone who’s dreamed of sipping wine on the Seine. You’ll spend two full days docked in Le Havre (perfect for exploring Honfleur or the D-Day beaches), plus stops in postcard-perfect towns like Les Andelys, Rouen and Vernon. The views are as amazing as you’d expect, and the pace is relaxed but rich with culture.
Current price: From $4,888 per person for a fixed window (Category D) stateroom, or $6,288 for a French balcony (Category B).
Flavors Of Portugal & Spain
Porto to Vega de Terrón | June 28–July 5, 2025
This one sells fast, and for good reason. The Douro River Valley is one of the most beautiful (and underrated) wine regions in Europe, and AmaWaterways only sails it with one ship: the AmaVida. That means space is limited every year, and this itinerary tends to book quickly.
You’ll spend two full days in Porto to kick things off, and if you read last week’s newsletter, you already know I’m obsessed with this city. It’s charming, scenic, full of great food and nice people, and easily one of my favorite places I’ve traveled. From there, you’ll cruise to Régua, Pinhão and Barca d’Alva, with sun-drenched vineyards and more port wine than your suitcase can handle.
Current price: From $4,639 per person for a fixed window (Category E), or $6,938 for a French balcony (Category A).
Gems Of Southeast Europe
Giurgiu to Budapest | October 6–13, 2025
If you’ve already hit the Rhine and Danube classics, or just want something a little less touristy, this one’s for you. The Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary takes you through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary, with a mix of historic cities, countryside views and cultural exploration you won’t get on the more traditional routes.
You’ll cruise through the Iron Gates, a dramatic gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, and visit places like Belgrade, Vidin, Novi Sad and Mohács. It’s a great balance of scenic sailing and Eastern European charm, and fall is a perfect time to go (with cooler temps and fewer crowds).
Current price: From $4,938 per person for a fixed window (Category D), or $6,838 for a French balcony (Category BA).
These aren’t the only AmaWaterways sailings still available for 2025. I just hand-picked a few that stood out to me for their pricing and amenities, and just because they’re trips I think everyone should take at least once.
If one of these caught your eye, let’s talk sooner rather than later. Cabins are already starting to fill, and these promos won’t last forever. Whether you’re into castles, cathedrals, port wine or panoramic views, there’s still time to make 2025 the year you finally do that river cruise.
And if you need help narrowing it down, well, that’s what we’re here for.
This article was originally published at River Cruise Advisor.