Viking® (www.viking.com) has announced its newest ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking Thoth—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set for delivery in October 2025, the Viking Thoth will join Viking’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

“Our expansion into Colombia represents a new chapter for AmaWaterways and for the world of river cruising,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO of AmaWaterways. “We are proud to be the first major river cruise line to explore the Magdalena River, a region that until now has been largely inaccessible. AmaMagdalena opens the door to a culturally rich destination, and we’ve worked closely with local communities to ensure our presence benefits everyone involved - from our guests to the people who call this river home.”

For families seeking an unforgettable way to explore Europe and spend quality time together during the long summer break, European Waterways offers the ultimate experience with fully-crewed private charters aboard their elegant hotel barges. Tailored to multi-generational families, these cruises provide the perfect environment for creating shared memories, offering an intimate and flexible experience that larger ships and river cruisers simply can’t replicate.

European Waterways, the leading luxury hotel barge cruising company, continues to delight guests with extraordinary culinary experiences that blend fine dining, cultural immersion, and the art of slow travel. From dining in a historic winemaker’s “cuve” to savouring meals in the private salons of chateaux, these gastronomic adventures create a feast for the senses, offering guests a deeper connection to the heritage and flavours of Europe.

The weather outside is delightful for European Waterways guests on the company’s Christmas Markets Cruises in the region of Alsace, France. According to Managing Director Derek Banks, “the holiday-themed hotel barge cruises are a hit with travellers, who want to experience the old-world traditions of ‘Christmas past,’ while also enjoying Alsace’s unique fusion of French and German charm.

In the realm of luxury travel, American Cruise Lines has carved a niche that blends elegance with exploration, and their recent accolades are a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Celebrating a remarkable victory at the Caribbean and The Americas awards of the World Travel Awards, American Cruise Lines proudly accepted the prestigious title of North America’s leading river cruise company. This recognition not only highlights their dominance in the North American market but also underscores their dedication to providing exceptional river cruise experiences.