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AmaWaterways begins new Burgundy cruise, names 2025 wine hosts

AmaWaterways commenced sailing its newest French itinerary, 'Flavors of Burgundy,' a journey along the Saône River to prestigious vineyards.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

May 28, 2024

2 Min Read
CRUISE wine {hoto AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways' Celebration of Wine River Cruises, hosted by a qualified expert from North America or Europe, feature enhanced epicurean experiences and wine tasting eventsPHOTO: AMAWATERWAYS

The line also released a list of the wine experts joining the more than 70 hosted departures that are part of its 2025 'Celebration of Wine River Cruises.'

Celebration of Wine River Cruises are offered on 21 different itineraries and highlight regions such as Burgundy, Portugal's Douro Valley, Austria's Wachau Valley and Germany's Moselle.

'We have always placed a high priority on serving fine wines that are often sourced from vineyards visited by our guests during one of their many included excursions,' said Kristin Karst, co-founder and EVP of AmaWaterways. 'With the "Flavors of Burgundy" itinerary, discerning guests have an opportunity to visit Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and discover a less visited region in France that boasts some of the most iconic vineyards and charming châteaux.'

Enhanced epicurean experiences and tastings

Celebration of Wine River Cruises, hosted by a qualified expert from North America or Europe, feature enhanced epicurean experiences and wine tasting events. The experts include vineyard owners, winemakers, certified sommeliers and wine educators. While the line’s primary focus is showcasing wines of the regions visited, North American wine hosts bring their own wines for tastings, adding a layer of diversity to the program.

A sample of the seven-night Celebration of Wine River Cruises in 2025 includes 'Flavors of Burgundy' with tastings in picturesque destinations like Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon. In addition, travelers can extend their stay with a pre-cruise land package of three nights in Paris and a post-cruise land package with three nights in Geneva.

Eight of the cruises in March, April, July, October and November are hosted. The March 27 sailing, for example, features Holly Howell, certified specialist of wine through the Society of Wine Educators and certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommelier.

Rhine and Danube wine sailings

The 'Enchaning Rhine' itinerary between Basel and Amsterdam allows travelers to extend their stay with a pre-cruise land package of two nights in Zurich, and two nights in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Eight departures are offered.

The March 20 sailing is hosted by Kathy Joseph, owner and winemaker at Fiddlehead Cellars, Lompoc, California.

Three 'Romantic Danube' itineraries are wine-focused, with departures in March and July. Travelers can extend their stay with a two-night pre-cruise land package in Munich or a three-night pre- cruise land package in Prague.

Jim Cargill, winemaker at House Family Vineyards, Saratoga, California, will host the July 14 departure.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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