River cruising has exploded in popularity like never before. Not only can you sail the waterways of Europe, but prospective guests can also explore the mysteries hidden within Egypt’s Nile, Russia’s Volga, and Asia’s mighty Yangtze and Mekong rivers. Not content to rest on their laurels, California-based AmaWaterways wants you to consider a new destination: Africa.

The magic of Africa is featured on three new itineraries from AmaWaterways. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

Debuting this summer aboard the brand-new, 28-guest Zambezi Queen, AmaWaterways is offering three distinct African itineraries: the 16-day Stars of Africa; the 16-day Africa Sunsets; and the immersive, 19-night Golden Trails of Africa.

In Stars of Africa, guests will enjoy three nights in the beautiful city of Cape Town, three nights in Kruger National Park Area and one night in Johannesburg before embarking for four nights aboard the Zambezi Queen, ending with a two-night stay in breathtaking Victoria Falls. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders”, Victoria Falls is notable for its beautiful, 355-foot high sheet of cascading water.

All three new itineraries feature a four-night safari voyage aboard the 28-guest Zambezi Queen. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

African Sunsets includes 16 days of exploration on this beautiful continent. Three nights are spent in Cape Town before travelling to Okavango Delta for two nights. Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta, and one of the richest permanent and non-permanent settlements of wildlife. Upwards of four hundred species of birds and over 70 species of fish can be found here.  After that, it’s off to Savute for two nights before embarking Zambezi Queen for your four-day safari cruise.  This itinerary also ends with two nights in spectacular Victoria Falls.

One of the well-appointed suites aboard the Zambezi Queen. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

But the grandest journey of all may be AmaWaterways’ 19-night Golden Trails of Africa. Beginning with one night in Nairobi, guests will spend eight nights at game reserves in Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti; one night in Johannesburg, followed by four nights aboard the Zambezi Queen and two nights in Victoria Falls. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the breathtaking wildlife of Africa up-close and personal, this is the trip for you.

“Africa is a popular destination spot that provides so many natural activities,” said AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst. “AmaWaterways is always looking for ways to wow our guests and the safari itineraries do not disappoint. Africa’s diverse wildlife, sweeping plains and towering peaks make it the perfect place for an exciting vacation.”

Even Jack Hanna, host of the hit TV show, Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild, was impressed with AmaWaterways new product, which was featured on a recent episode of his show.

“I highly recommend the Zambezi Queen. It’s a must. Anyone that’s looking to cross something off a bucket list or a way to travel in Africa, this is the way to go,” said Hanna. “From dining to the resting area to the accommodations and the wonderful staff and riverboat guides that get you up close to the wildlife,  everything is top-notch and beyond five star. I’ve done this for 26 years now and this has been the epitome for me and my family to be on this magnificent vessel.”

For more information on AmaWaterways and their new African itineraries, be sure to check out our complete AmaWaterways profile here on River Cruise Advisor, and watch for our profile of the Zambezi Queen, coming soon!

Few things are more breathtaking than a river cruise down the legendary waterways of Europe, and Avalon Waterways has designed a 13-day voyage from Amsterdam to Vienna that sails the magnificent Rhine, Main and Danube rivers; a feat that wasn’t possible until the completion of the Main-Danube canal in the early 1990′s. Now, a remarkable series of locks transports your river cruise ship from the Main river to the Danube, effectively uniting the continent’s waterway system and allowing voyages from Amsterdam that traverse as far as the Black Sea.

Vienna boasts some of the most impressive cultural sights in Europe. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Departing March 24, June 6, and August 11, 2012, these 13-day European Splendor itineraries offer some of the best ports for both experienced and first-time river cruisers, and the nearly two-week duration ensures that your time here is enjoyable and well-spent. If you want, you can add extra nights pre-cruise in Amsterdam or post-cruise in Vienna.

The full itinerary:

In addition to the thirteen spectacular days spent exploring some of the most picturesque and historic European cities, you can also revel in your home away from home, the stunning Avalon Imagery. A sister-ship to the Avalon Tapestry, both ships are easily distinguished by their immense double-deck walls of floor-to-ceiling glass that adorn the forward end of the ship, and by their aft-mounted navigation bridge and engine equipment that allows guests a quieter, smoother cruise down the waterways of Europe.

Avalon Tapestry sailing along the Moselle in Germany. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.

Staterooms onboard the Avalon Imagery range from comfortable Deluxe Oceanview staterooms at 172 square feet to the top-of-the-line 258-square foot Avalon Suite. For cruisers wanting the best of both worlds, a French Balcony stateroom is the perfect choice; after all, there’s nothing like waking up and cracking open the door of your very own balcony to take in the sights and scents of the Old World.

More information on this and other Avalon Waterways voyages can be found on our dedicated Avalon Waterways page right here on River Cruise Advisor!

Viking River Cruises has a fantastic programme of river cruises that explore some of the most fascinating cities and towns along Russia’s Volga river, and the line recently embarked on a massive refurbishment program for its Russian-based fleet that saw decor and amenities refreshed like never before.

Viking Helgi shines brightly along Russia's Volga River at night. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

But Viking wants to help you really experience all that Russia has to offer, and in order to do that, it only makes sense to learn a little Russian!  Don’t worry – there’s no classes or homework involved here; instead, Viking recruited Paulina, one of their receptionists aboard their Russian fleet to give you a brief lesson in this fascinating language:

For more information on Viking River Cruises, their diverse fleet and their Russian voyages, be sure to pay a visit to our complete Viking River Cruises overview here on River Cruise Advisor!