AmaWaterways adds Juneteenth dinner by Alexander Smalls
AmaWaterways will introduce a Signature Juneteenth Dinner on every Soulful Experience journey beginning in 2025. The curated menu, designed by James Beard Award-winning chef and Grammy-winning opera singer Alexander Smalls, will highlight African and Black diaspora culinary traditions. The multi-course experience will debut on the August Soulful Experience sailing and extend to itineraries on the Magdalena, Seine, Nile, Mekong, and Douro rivers.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Elevates cultural travel with a dedicated Juneteenth culinary celebration.
- Travel impact: Available on all AmaWaterways Soulful Experience itineraries beginning August 2025.
- What's next: Travelers can expect curated menus rooted in Gullah Geechee and Creole traditions.
- Smalls' role: Chef brings Harlem legacy and diaspora storytelling to river cruising.
- Itinerary scope: Expands from Europe to Colombia, Africa, and Asia.
Snapshot
AmaWaterways' Soulful Experience sailings were created to honor and celebrate the heritage of the African and Black diaspora through immersive programming, excursions, and onboard events. Beginning in August 2025, travelers on these cruises will be invited to join a multi-course Juneteenth dinner curated by Alexander Smalls, whose culinary roots in Gullah Geechee heritage and Creole cuisine are central to the celebration. The dinner will highlight dishes such as hush puppies, corn-based soups, and sweet pickled shrimp, blending storytelling with flavor. Guests will also enjoy specially designed land packages and excursions that showcase the history, art, and cultural impact of the African diaspora along the Magdalena, Nile, Seine, Douro, and Mekong rivers.
Background
AmaWaterways launched its Soulful Experience cruises to create a deeper connection between travelers and the global contributions of African and Black communities. Each sailing combines river itineraries with curated land programs, live music, and local excursions tied to Black heritage. The new Juneteenth dinner reflects a growing focus in the cruise industry on cultural authenticity and experiential enrichment. Alexander Smalls, the former owner of The Cecil and Minton's in Harlem, is celebrated for his ability to blend culinary craft with storytelling. His involvement underscores AmaWaterways' intent to add depth to its offerings and to ensure Juneteenth, a U.S. holiday commemorating the end of slavery, is recognized globally through cuisine, culture, and community.
Latest Developments
Juneteenth dinner expands Soulful Experience program
The Juneteenth dinner, debuting in August 2025, will become a permanent feature across all AmaWaterways Soulful Experience sailings. The menus are inspired by Smalls' Gullah Geechee and Creole heritage and will offer guests dishes that represent resilience and cultural continuity. The program aims to honor ancestral traditions while creating space for shared storytelling and culinary exploration. By embedding this celebration into itineraries on the Seine, Douro, Nile, Mekong, and Colombia's Magdalena River, AmaWaterways is positioning its Soulful Experience cruises as global platforms for cultural recognition and dialogue.
Analysis
AmaWaterways' decision to integrate a Signature Juneteenth Dinner into its Soulful Experience program reflects broader trends in the cruise sector, where cultural immersion and inclusivity are increasingly central to attracting diverse travelers. The collaboration with Alexander Smalls brings credibility and depth, given his reputation not only as a James Beard Award-winning chef but also as a cultural storyteller who connects cuisine with heritage. For travelers, the Juneteenth dinner offers more than a menu; it provides an entry point into understanding the legacy of the African diaspora, which is often underrepresented in mainstream river cruise narratives.
By extending this program across multiple continents, AmaWaterways underscores its intent to make diaspora heritage a central theme of its experiential offerings, rather than a niche addition. This positioning could appeal to both African American travelers seeking connection to their heritage and international guests interested in meaningful cultural experiences. It also signals a shift toward recognizing significant cultural milestones, like Juneteenth, as part of global travel programming. The move may set a precedent for other cruise lines to incorporate diaspora traditions into their own itineraries.
Final Thoughts
AmaWaterways is bringing new cultural depth to river cruising with its Juneteenth dinner created by Alexander Smalls. The addition enhances the Soulful Experience program, offering travelers an opportunity to celebrate heritage through cuisine and storytelling while journeying on the Magdalena, Nile, Seine, Douro, and Mekong rivers. By honoring the African and Black diaspora on a global stage, AmaWaterways sets a strong precedent for inclusive and meaningful travel experiences centered on the legacy of Juneteenth.