WHY IT RATES: Together, AmaWaterways and Backroads are introducing “expanded capacity” sailings, which will bring more cycling enthusiasts on board a single ship, in an effort to accommodate the growing niche of active vacationers.—Jessica Zickefoose, TravelPulse Associate Editor
AmaWaterways and Backroads—who, together, are leaders in the active river cruise travel segment—today announced an exciting lineup of more than 120 Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine departures in 2019 and 2020, including nine full-ship charters and select sailings on board AmaWaterways’ innovative new ship, AmaMagna.
Marking their fourth year of partnership, the companies are also introducing select “expanded capacity” sailings, which will bring together more than 60 fellow Backroads cycling enthusiasts on board a single ship, providing for a larger active community and more riding companions.
“We’re excited to introduce new options with Backroads, and to welcome even more active travelers on board our ships, including the beautiful AmaMagna,” said Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “2019 is going to be a banner year for AmaWaterways, and we’re excited to continue our valued partnership with Backroads during this very exciting time!”
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After a nearly sold-out 2018 season, the two companies have their sights set on expansion in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, Backroads will offer a total of 68 departures—some tailored specifically for couples, families and solo travelers—including bike tours along Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine Rivers and walking tours along the Douro River.
In order to meet the growing demand within the active vacation segment, Backroads has announced 73 total departures for 2020 with six full-ship charters and additional group sailings on the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna. Backroads groups make up a subset of AmaWaterways guests on board, with the typical group size averaging around 26 guests.
The popular full-ship charter—otherwise known as the Full Ship Celebration River Cruise—will now offer two departures on the Danube and one on the Douro in 2019 (including departures for Families with Older Teens & 20s), and three on the Danube and three on the Douro in 2020. During these cruises, 100 to 150 fellow biking enthusiasts will come together on one of the largest active group tours in the world.
Every Backroads river cruise trip features the same quality experience as traditional Backroads adventures and includes four or more expert Trip Leaders on ship and on shore, dedicated and at-the-ready support vans and innovative itineraries with a choice of cycling and walking routes for all abilities. Backroads bike tours also feature custom-designed titanium bikes for all rider types—performance, touring and electric-assist—and include fully loaded GPS routes.
“For almost 40 years Backroads has been taking guests on expertly supported, highly flexible and individualized active vacations across the globe,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “Our active river cruises offer a one-of-a-kind experience where we take guests not only along the rivers but beyond, creating opportunities for a deeper dive into the region’s culture and history with authentic local connections and the freedom to explore at your own pace.”
Backroads will also host several departures on board the luxurious AmaMagna. Set to debut in May 2019 and measuring nearly twice the width of a traditional European river cruise ship, it allows for added personal space in the large suites (the majority are 355 sq. ft. or larger); more tempting dining venues, including the Al Fresco Restaurant, Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant and The Chef’s Table Restaurant; and new enticing amenities, such as the expansive Zen Wellness Studio, complete with the newly expanded Wellness Program.
Travelers interested in booking 2019 or 2020 river cruise departures will enjoy the award-winning epicurean experiences and luxury that AmaWaterways is known for combined with Backroads’ immersive, expertly designed Biking and Walking & Hiking tours. On board, guests will enjoy unique signature twin balconies in most staterooms, as well as connecting and triple occupancy staterooms that are ideal for the growing multi-generational travel group markets.
Additional amenities include a daily “Sip & Sail” complimentary cocktail hour, heated Sun Deck pools with swim-up bar or whirlpool, hair and massage salons, fitness centers, Wellness Hosts and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ships.
For more information on active river cruises with AmaWaterways and Backroads, visit Backroads.com or call 1-800-462-2848.
For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel professional, visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626-0126. Follow AmaWaterways at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways and Twitter @AmaWaterways.
SOURCE: AmaWaterways press release
