AmaWaterways rolls out beer, art, jazz themes in 2015AmaWaterways rolls out beer, art, jazz themes in 2015

Beer buffs will have the chance to sample an array of ales and lagers as they explore the European waterways. Two departures are offered: March 31 aboard AmaLyra and Dec. 14 aboard AmaPrima. Activities will include excursions to historic breweries with guided tours and tastings, on-board educational sessions and a beer pairing dinner presented by expert, author and Philadelphia Daily News columnist Don Russell, also known as 'Joe Sixpack.'

Art aficionados and aspiring artists who sail on AmaLegro's Aug. 13 art illumination cruise through France's Normandy region will get to visit Rouen's Gothic cathedral, Monet's house and garden in Giverny, the picturesque seaside village of Honfleur and Van Gogh's former home in Auvers-sur-Oise. After seeing the real-life backdrops of celebrated works of art, passengers may participate in free painting classes led by expert instructors.

The journey concludes with a two-night stay in Paris with a sightseeing tour and visit to the Musee d'Orsay.

The jazz cruise, Sept. 22 aboard AmaLyra, is conducted in partnership with Jazzdagen Tours. The seven-night sailing on the Danube River will feature performances by a global assortment of musicians and tours of destinations ranging from sophisticated cities like Vienna to charming towns like Durnstein.