black history cruise

AmaWaterways will sail more cruises spotlighting Black history in 2024

AmaWaterways will sail three new itineraries celebrating Black history in 2024, the river cruise line said this week.

The line added new dates for its Soulful Epicurean Experience cruises after seeing high demand for the first installment, which is set to begin in August. The sailings will feature tours and onboard experiences that showcase Black culture and history in Egypt and France.

"Our first Soulful Epicurean Experience river cruise and land package in France scheduled for 2023 sold out almost immediately, exemplifying that the demand and desire for these cruises is there," Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' executive vice president and co-founder, said in an email. "As a result for 2024, we announced three additional opportunities to celebrate the diverse Black heritage – two on the Rhone River with Paris and one on the Nile River with Cairo."

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When are the 2024 Soulful Epicurean Experience cruises?

The first of the 2024 sailings will begin in Cairo, Egypt, on May 17. The others will start in Arles, France on June 13 and Paris on June 17, respectively, according to a news release .

Karst said the line created the itineraries following conversations with its Black travel advisor partners who "encouraged us to show more diversity in our marketing material, and to consider adding special interest tours or excursions that would appeal more to Black travelers."

"We pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming environment on board our ships and are always open to improvements that will enhance the experience for all our guests," Karst added.

Where will the cruises sail?

The May 17, 2024, itinerary will be paired with the line's 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile cruise and land package, visiting Edfu, Aswan and more.

The sailing will feature a visit to a Nubian village, as well as tours of the Great Pyramid of Giza and other sites led by Egyptologists. Guests can also take a private tour of Queen Nefertari's tomb, among other activities.

More activities unique to that sailing "are being curated and will be announced soon," the line said on its website.

The seven-night June 13 and 17 sailings are paired with AmaWaterways' Colors of Provence itinerary, beginning or ending with a three-night land package in Paris, depending on the date.

The cruises are similar, with stops in destinations such as Avignon and Vienne and guided tours featuring jazz music, food and wine. In Paris, guests can take a Black history tour, and go on an excursion centered around entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker .

"We ensured that the experiences offered to our guests are authentic by discussing with experts in the field, and working with Black travel suppliers in the destination," said Karst.

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How much do the Soulful Epicurean Experience cruises cost?

The May 17 cruise starts $5,049 per person, while the June 13 and 17 sailings start at $4,499, according to the line's website . Both fares are per person based on double occupancy.

The fares include all food, drinks like wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, hotel stays and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

These New River Cruises Celebrate Black History and Culture Around the World

On the heels of its first sold-out Black heritage cruise in August, AmaWaterways is unveiling new trips in France, Portugal, Egypt and beyond

Daily Correspondent

In a bid to make travel more inclusive, one river cruise line is rolling out new sailings that celebrate Black history and culture around the world.

This week, AmaWaterways unveiled a new “Soulful Experience” trip in Portugal for 2024. The ten-day schedule includes seven nights of sailing on the Douro River, plus an additional three nights in Lisbon. Travelers will be able to learn about the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon while also immersing themselves in Portuguese wine, food and music.

The newly announced Portugal trip joins three other Black heritage itineraries the cruise line will offer next year. Two of the 2024 cruises will sail the Rhône River in France between Arles and Lyon, with extra time spent in Paris, which the cruise line notes is “a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers.”

The other 2024 cruise will take place in Egypt. The 11-night trip includes seven days of sailing on the Nile River, plus four days in Cairo. Stops on the itinerary—which focuses on Egypt’s African history and regional foods—include Luxor, Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena. Travelers will also visit a Nubian village.

In 2025, the cruise line will once again offer Soulful Experience trips in Portugal, France and Egypt, as well as two new destinations: South Africa and Colombia .

To craft the itineraries, AmaWaterways worked with Black travel advisers in the United States and Black travel suppliers in the different destinations the ships visit, according to USA Today ’s Nathan Diller.

For example, in Paris, travelers can participate in an excursion focused on dancer, singer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker . Other excursions include the Blachère Foundation in Bonnieux, France, where visitors can see African art, and the Tata of Chasselay cemetery in Chasselay, France, where guests will learn about the Senegalese soldiers who fought in World War II, reports Travel Noire ’s Rafael Peña.

“We are hopeful that through the demand for cruises such as these and the experiences they bring, more Black-owned businesses can be included in the mass selection of tour operators for international destinations,” Jazzmine Douse, AmaWaterways’ director of national accounts, tells the publication.

AmaWaterways announced its first Black heritage cruise in June 2022. The inaugural trip sold out “almost immediately,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' executive vice president and co-founder, in a statement . And when Black travelers eventually boarded the AmaKristina this August for the sailing on the Rhone River in France, “the tears came early,” writes Travel Weekly ’s Nicole Edenedo, who joined the trip.

Historically, the river cruise industry has “catered to a predominantly white clientele,” writes Travel Weekly . But the success of the inaugural Soulful Experience cruise in France this year—and the demand for subsequent sailings in 2024—proves “river cruising is for everyone,” Douse tells the publication.

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Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

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AmaWaterways Unveils 3 Black History Tours

“We are fortunate to work with many travel advisors in the Black community who advised and encouraged us to develop these special interest cruises celebrating Black history and culture,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways in a press statement. “As our first Soulful Epicurean Experience cruise in France scheduled for 2023 sold out almost immediately, we are proud to give our global family additional opportunities in 2024 to celebrate and appreciate the diverse Black heritage found in France and Egypt.”

AmaWaterways Itineraries in Egypt & Provence

Black History River Cruise (May 2024)

About this Event

Your private, double-decker boat will start from the Temple Pier near Temple tube station on the Embankment. Your six-mile round trip includes unobstructed and spectacular views of both sides of the Thames riverbanks. With special historical guests Phyliss Wheatley, Queen-General Yaa Asantewa, Warrior Queen Amanirenas and Olaudah Equiano, not only will you get a unique informed historical commentary as we cruise, but you will hear inspiring true stories from legendary Black resistance leaders. See video below.

The cruise will cover African Romans, ancient African art/engineering, Black Spitfire pilots, lost sugar warehouses, the Ivory trade, African diamonds, African Odysseys on the Southbank, the Apartheid Millenium Wheel, Nigerian oil, 20,000 Black people and their Day of Action, Civil Rights in the UK, Mary Seacole, To Sir With Love, Brown babies and Jim Crow, The Palace of Stolen Goods, West India Docks, Canary Wharf’s African roots, Kings College’s Caribbean connection, Guys Hospital and who really paid for it, the colour bar in nursing, Black Merchant Mariners, the river as a sewer, Black Shakespeare, Tate & Lyle and the Sugar Girls, Barbados and the National Rail Network, the REAL pirates of the Caribbean and much, much more!

On the way back we will be listening to some Lovers Rock and 90s Soul music. Proceeds from this event will go the Black History Walks fundraiser for plaques in honour of seven Black historical heroes:

Dr Harold Moody 1930s Black British Civil Rights leader (Plaque unveiled 13th March 2019 at YMCA Great Russell Street)
Phyllis Wheatley 1773 child genius, poet, author. (Plaque unveiled 16 July 2019 at Dorsett City Hotel Aldgate)
Bill Richmond (1800s American/British champion boxer and community leader)
Tom Molyneaux (1810 American champion boxer who should have been British champion but for cheating)
Baron Baker (1950s Jamaican and Windrush street-fighter who defended the community out of Toto Bags Blues Club in Notting Hill)
Sarah Parker Remond 19th century abolitionist, suffragette, nurse, doctor (plaque unveiled March 25th at Grenville Street)
Darcus Howe 1990s Mangrove 9, Black People’s Day of Action (plaque unveiled 4th January 2022 Brixton)
Dr Cecil Belfield-Clarker, co founder League of Coloured Peoples 1931, Pan Africanist, inventor of the Clarke Rule (plaque unveiled April 2023 at LSBU)

Check Eventbrite for our Black History Bus tours, guided walks, art gallery tours, interactive lectures and movies. Watch out for African Odysseys at the BFI, great Black films every month of the year.

All plaques will be erected in association with Nubian Jak Community Trust http://nubianjak.org/category/plaques/

Other coming events from BHW on website www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk

Visit our Eventbrite page to book your place, or get in touch to find out more information.

Reviews of Black History Walks, Tours & Talks

Don’t miss out some of the most fascinating and historically interesting events in London. Sign up to our free newsletter for updates on coming events or book one of our walks and talks today!

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5 Black Cruise Events To Book ASAP

Folks just want to party and there’s no party like one at sea. Truth is, nobody celebrates like us and that hasn’t gone unnoticed. There are a growing number of sailings designed with us in mind.

African American themed cruises are hot and can sell out fast. If you want to get on board this year, book now, and it’s certainly not too early to start booking for 2025. Peek at itineraries and see what all the buzz is about to find the one perfect for you. You can visit destinations on your bucket list, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Paris, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and these getaways offer all kinds of entertainment. Hear live music you love, be it R&B, jazz, or hip-hop. Enjoy comedy shows and old school hip-hop foam parties as well as fun and games with a Black twist like bid whist, gospel brunches, dominoes, sorority step competitions and more.

Here’s a look at where to set sail to experience Black culture at sea .

Colors of Provence

If you haven’t checked Paris off your bucket list, there’s incentive to do so now with AmaWaterways’ new “Soulful Experience,” celebrating Black history and culture. Colors of Provence is a jaunt in mid-June that includes three nights in Paris before setting sail. Delve deep into Paris’ Black history through sites like the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and receive insights into the Code Noir. Explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, the lively African district, and visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’Or. End with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021. After a dreamy time in Paris, set off toward Lyon, cruise the Rhône River to Arles and take a full day Black Heritage tour in Marseille. Throughout the journey, enjoy experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, including guided tours showcasing little bit of everything, including food and wine. Also new from AmaWaterways this year are Black history themed trips in Egypt and Douro.

Grown & Sexy

How can you go wrong with a cruise called Grown & Sexy? Picture this: You’re kicking off summer early with a late May, five-night sail on the Vibe on Virgin that departs from Miami and goes to Puerto Plata and Bimini. With nine bars, two pools, an arcade, social club, nightclub, fitness classes, pajama party, scarlet red party and more, how fast can you pack your bags?

Fantastic Voyage

If you’re old-school you probably remember Lakeside’s “Fantastic Voyage,” which says, “just sail on…just slide, glide, slippity-slide.” You can do just that during the Tom Joyner Foundation’s ever-popular Fantastic Voyage on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. Leave from Miami for ports of call in Labadee, Haiti, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Get your party on with Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Bobby Brown, Tank, Method Man and Redman, among others this year. An added bonus, your cabin purchase benefits The Tom Joyner Foundation and may qualify as a charitable contribution.

Soul Train Cruise

This year’s Soul Train Cruise sold out in March of 2023. That tells you everything you need to know about how popular this trip is. Look forward to the late January sailing in 2025. With Charlie Wilson, Jeffrey Osborne, Shalamar, The Brothers Johnson, Thelma Houston, and others performing, and hosted by Don Cornelius’ son Tony, “You can bet your last money it’s gonna be a stone gas honey.” When you need to take off your dancing shoes (after lessons from original Soul Train dancers, line dancing or from doing your own two-step), amuse yourself with happy hours, panel discussions, game shows, wine tasting and artist Q&As. Leave Fort Lauderdale and enjoy Costa Maya, Belize City and Cozumel.

Jazz Cruises

If jazz is your thing, you’ll be in heaven on board The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise or the Chris Botti at Sea voyage. These trips from the company Jazz Cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale in January and February so make plans for 2025 now. The Jazz Cruise is seven days and nights of more than 200 hours of jazz music. Venture to Cozumel and Grand Cayman with performers including Dianne Reeves, Arturo Sandoval, the Eubanks Brothers, and 100 of the genre’s finest artists. There are “Learn” events that include musician interviews, panel discussions, instrument seminars and tutorials, comedy, trivia contests, Name That Tune games, and more. The Smooth Jazz Cruise’s lineup includes Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, David Sanborn, Mindi Abair, Marqueal Jordan, among others as you travel through Labadee, Turks & Caicos and Nassau. Bonuses include culinary events, theme parties, autograph sessions, pool events featuring performers, and talent shows. As for Chris Botti at Sea , it stops in Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Get ready for Corinne Bailey Rae, the Jazz Cruises Super Band, the Botti at Sea Party Band and more. Crack up as artists compete against each other in a Family Feud style game, and play pickleball, basketball, and enjoy musician interviews and panels.

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Is Cruising Welcoming Enough for Black Travelers?

Not yet—but a group of black travel advocates is hoping to help change that..

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four people lift their drinks in a cheers on a cruise ship pool deck

A photo from Celebrity Cruises’ All-Inclusive Photo Project, which aims to address the lack of diversity in travel marketing imagery.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

It may be a bucket list trip for many, but Antarctica was never on Stephanie Jones’s travel list. In part, because it’s cold and in part, because it’s quite white. And not just the snowy landscape.

“I can’t tell you the number of family members and friends that said, ‘Antarctica? Why would anyone want to go there?’” says Jones with a laugh. “And honestly, it was the same question I had.”

In fact, she only began considering travel to Antarctica because of an invitation from Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten Expeditions. Jones, founder of Black Cultural Heritage Tours , which offers Black culture and history tours in U.S. destinations , is one of six Black travel professionals who joined Hurtigruten’s Black Travel Advisory Board (BTAB) in early 2022. The board was tasked with helping Hurtigruten diversify its typical clientele through marketing initiatives and community outreach. Through BTAB, the cruise line’s parent company Hurtigruten Group has started a conversation that they hope will lead to a change in the expedition cruise industry’s woeful record of attracting Black cruisers. It’s particularly challenging, says Board member and Black Travel Alliance president Martinique Lewis, because the evidence is anecdotal. Statistics are impossible to find.

Stephanie Jones on a Hurtigruten cruise in Antarctica in early 2022.

Courtesy of Stephanie Jones

“When it comes to Black people cruising, there are no numbers per se,” says Lewis. “There’s nothing that indicates what [our] community is doing, where they’re going, and how much they spend when it comes to cruising. It is something that we look forward to providing for the industry.”

Equally challenging: Hurtigruten’s goals aren’t just to create a more welcoming and equitable space for Black cruisers but to also illuminate any unconscious bias that may exist in hiring practices or product design within the company and the cruising industry as a whole.

“While some parts of the travel industry have been at the forefront of diversity and inclusion, the cruise industry is far behind, and the expedition cruise sector even more so,” says Hurtigruten Group’s head of public relations Anders Lindström.

Case in point: None of the BTAB members had ever experienced an expedition ship before, despite all being frequent travelers. Lindström says he has learned that is due in part to them not seeing themselves represented in the space. He invited them all to test it out, and although Jones agreed to the trip, she had concerns and hesitations leading into it.

“If you haven’t been exposed to or had access to certain experiences, or you haven’t seen yourself, or women who look like you, have these types of experiences, you’re just not sure,” she says.

When Lewis was approached to participate, she saw an opportunity to set a precedent for the entire industry.

“I understood how big of a task it was and how much of a difference it can make,” she says. “I understood the significance of what could happen when Black people see themselves reflected in cruising, and not only to the Caribbean, but to places like the South Pole, the North Pole, and the Galápagos.”

Two travel influencers sharing a drink on board the <i>Celebrity Apex</i>, part of Celebrity Cruises' All-Inclusive Photo Project.

Two travel influencers sharing a drink on board the Celebrity Apex , part of Celebrity Cruises’ All-Inclusive Photo Project.

Hurtigruten isn’t the only cruise line realizing it has missed the ball when it comes to Black travelers. In the years since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, there has been a stronger emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the cruise industry.

One of those efforts came from Celebrity Cruises, which in March 2022 launched the All-Inclusive Photo Project , a databank of images and videos that aims to address what Celebrity acknowledges is a “lack of diversity in travel marketing imagery.”

“As global brands, we have a powerful platform to act as a catalyst of positive change. We know we have more work to do and we hope we inspire others to join us on this important journey,” Celebrity Cruises’ chief marketing officer Michael Scheiner said in a statement about the image bank, which includes photos of models and athletes with disabilities, people of color, nonbinary and transgender models, and LGBTQ+ activists, among others.

River cruise line AmaWaterways also hopes to celebrate greater diversity among its passengers by “providing a warm and genuine welcome to all guests,” says Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. The river cruise company this year launched a new Soulful Epicurean Experience river cruise itinerary in France that highlights Black history and culture in Paris and Provence. The 2023 departure sold out almost immediately and AmaWaterways is preparing to announce two new dates for 2024.

Adds Karst, “We are very proud to . . . develop products within the luxury cruise space designed to meet the needs and interests of specific travelers, including people of color.”

Passengers attend a costume party during the 30th anniversary of the Festival at Sea cruises in July 2022.

Passengers attend a costume party onboard the 30th Festival at Sea cruise, which took place in July 2022.

Courtesy of Blue World Travel

It’s not entirely altruistic. When it comes to cruising, leaving Black travelers off the manifest is leaving money on the table. Black American travelers spent more than $109 billion on travel and travel-related expenses in 2019. What percentage of that is spent on cruising has yet to be measured but the BTAB is hoping to change that.

Patricia Yarbrough, who also sits on the board, doesn’t need statistics to tell her what her 43 years in the industry has already shown her: Black people cruise and when cruise lines gear their offering toward them, they turn up.

Through her California-based travel company Blue World Travel, Yarbrough has been offering cruises that focus on Black travelers first. On board her full-ship charter Festival at Sea cruises, passengers will find the traditional African American card game of bid whist (instead of bridge), African head wrap demonstrations, and deejays who focus on music by Black artists.

She started Festival at Sea in 1992 because she felt like larger ocean ship cruises often failed to offer Black travelers a vacation experience worth investing in when it came to entertainment and inclusion. “It wasn’t anything political, it was just getting your dollars’ worth for your vacation,” says Yarbrough.

Her first cruise booked 250 people as a partial ship charter, but within five years she was selling out entire ships. Last August, her 2023 sailing sold out a full charter of the 3,000-passenger Celebrity Equinox in 10 hours. Her newest initiative, Friends of Festival at Sea, launched in 1999, brings that same Black-focused cultural offering to a luxury cruise setting. Those ships have taken Black cruisers to Italy, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, most often with Regent Seven Seas Cruises , and never without their own deejay, dance instructor, and dominoes—three of many things that make the group of predominantly Black travelers feel more at home on the ships.

I understood the significance of what could happen when Black people see themselves reflected in cruising, and not only to the Caribbean, but to places like the South Pole, the North Pole, and the Galápagos.

Most of Yarbrough’s cruises focus on the Caribbean, a region where her clientele see themselves reflected not just on the ship but in the people they see and interact with in the ports of call. That isn’t the case with Hurtigruten’s traditional offerings, which tend to focus on Norway and other north European destinations. But the hope is that a concerted effort on behalf of the BTAB and Hurtigruten Group will result in an environment that welcomes those who may never have considered going beyond something that feels more familiar.

The rush of recognition for Hurtigruten’s efforts may help spur that much-needed change. In December 2022, the group received Global Traveler Magazine ’s 2022 Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion Travel Award. BTAB also received two gold Magellan awards from industry newspaper Travel Weekly in the Accessibility/Inclusivity and DEI Marketing Initiative categories.

Lindström admits the praise feels premature given the board’s work has only just begun but sees it as a testament to how hungry the industry is for demonstrable change.

And it seems some guests on board cruise ships are ready for it, too. On Hurtigruten’s February 2022 Antarctic sailing, when the line hosted the BTAB onboard, important conversations took place that showed the value of having greater diversity on cruise ships, notes Jones.

Stephanie Jones and her daughter prepare to head out on a Hurtigruten Antarctica cruise.

“There was a really deep conversation about racism, between an older white man from a southern state and my daughter,” Jones recalls. The man asked if he could touch her daughter’s hair, an act many Black people find very offensive. “[My daughter] saw it as a teachable moment and . . . it led to a really deep conversation on racism in America. It was a healthy conversation.”

It was also the type of intercultural exchange that could lead to lasting changes in the way people view the world that can stay with them long after they’ve cruised.

For now, the Advisory Board is focused on the year ahead. They recently renewed their mandate for 2023, establishing three subcommittees—research and marketing; diversity hiring and supplier development; and customer engagement and strategic partnerships—which will be charged with helping to generate meaningful changes.

While this first year has been focused on introducing the board to the Hurtigruten product, 2023 will offer a chance for the board to be more active within the cruise line’s organization.

“They will be able to provide recommendations and goals across a number of facets of our operation, from marketing, tone of voice and language to hiring and on board experience,” says Lindström.

And this summer the BTAB, which also includes Kareem George (founder of Culture Traveler ), Naledi Khabo (CEO of the Africa Tourism Association ), and Rue Mapp (founder of Outdoor Afro ), will be on board the newly relaunched Svalbard Express route in Norway. Following the journey, the board members will visit Hurtigruten’s head office in Oslo for meetings with CEOs and senior management.

Jones will be there. In fact, post-Antarctic cruise, she has taken to preaching the “gospel” of expedition cruising to her friends.

“A lot of Black folks were asking questions,” she says. “Now that they’ve seen me and my daughter embrace the experience and just walk away with a phenomenal memory, they’re open to having the same type of experience,” she adds, noting that the trip made her more curious about what else she might be missing. “I will say it was the most transformative experience I’ve had while traveling.”

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

11 Inspiring African American History Tours In The U.S.

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Black History
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History tells the story of the past, provides context to the present, and potentially a glimpse into the future. As is often the case, history repeats itself.

There’s no better way to learn about a place than by looking back. History tours can be priceless. After a year when race dominated the national conversation in a way not seen since the 1960s, there’s soul searching and a quest for knowledge and understanding. Start that journey with a guided tour that teaches and entertains.

While self-guided tours allow you to go at your own pace, I’m all for guided tours. You can’t beat having a passionate tour guide who knows the history backward and forward like they lived it. That insight is priceless and heightens the experience twofold.

Here are a few African American history tours to put on your must-go list.

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

1. Memphis Caravan Tour, Memphis, Tennessee

A Tour of Possibilities offers this guided 2.5-hour tour of African American history that you enjoy from the comfort of your own car. You hear the guide’s commentary through your car speakers by accessing the link provided upon arrival. The exploration includes sites like the Slave Haven, where you descend the stairs into the dark, damp cellar and peer through the trapdoors and hidden passages where the fugitives were harbored, giving you a glimpse of those turbulent times. It also includes the National Civil Rights Museum/Lorraine Motel (where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated), Beale Street (nicknamed the Home of the Blues), and neighborhoods like Soulsville, South Memphis, Uptown, as well as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the I AM A MAN Plaza, and plenty more. Admission is $66.

For more things to do in Memphis, Tennessee , check out these 16 Fantastic Day Trips From Memphis .

Mother Emanuel AME Church against the Charleston skyline on the 5th anniversary of the murder of 9 Bible study goers.

2. Charleston’s African American History And Heritage, Charleston, South Carolina

West Africa’s contribution to the heritage and history of the Lowcountry is indisputable. Bulldog Tours explores the influence and experience of African Americans in Charleston from slavery and Jim Crow, to the Civil Rights struggle. Highlights of the 2-hour walking tour include significant sites like the Aiken Rhett House, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and the Philip Simmons Prayer Garden. Simmons was one of the most celebrated 20th century ironworkers in Charleston. He made more than 500 decorative pieces of ornamental wrought iron gates, fences, balconies, and window grills that dot the Charleston landscape. Adults are $37, children 4–12, $27, with children 3 and under free.

3. Black History River Cruise, San Antonio, Texas

Twice a month — on the second Sunday and fourth Saturday — The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum and GO Rio River Cruises offer a 90-minute African American history tour . You’ll discover how the once richest Black man south of the Mason Dixon line got his start in San Antonio , see the location of the first “free” school for African Americans in San Antonio, learn about the African American 14-year-old male student who helped change San Antonio history, and more. Admission is $25.

4. The Black Journey: African American History Walking Tour, Philadelphia, PA

This 90-minute tour starts off in front of the Independence Visitor Center and continues across the city at some of the nation’s most important and historical sites such as The President’s House, Congress Hall, Old City Hall, First U.S. Supreme Court Building, American Philosophical Society Museum, Independence Square, Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and Bicentennial Moon Tree — the former location of the Philadelphia Prison Site and the oldest continuous piece of land owned by people of African descent. You’ll go to Congo Square, visit the unmarked graves of free and enslaved victims of the yellow fever epidemic, and see where the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1793. Walk in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, slaveholders, and founding fathers. Tickets are $20–$35.

James Brown Journey Stop with vinyl marker - Soul Bar in Augusta, Georgia.

5. The James Brown Family Historical Tour, Augusta, Georgia

Get on the good foot. The Godfather of Soul has a special place in Black history. Nobody sang and danced quite like him. Cherish the memories with a private guided tour of his favorite haunts on a nearly 2-hour tour led by his daughter Deanna Brown-Thomas. You’ll visit his childhood home, spots where he hung out, restaurants, his elementary school, and more. Tours are $15 per person and can be set via the James Brown Family Foundation .

6. Birding The Harriet Tubman Byway, Bucktown, Maryland

Start your 4-hour adventure at the Brodess Farm Site in Bucktown. The guided drive and hike are for bird lovers. Harriet Tubman Tours and Delmarva Birding Weekends sponsor this adventure that goes along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad in Dorchester County, Maryland . You’ll learn about Tubman as you make your way through the farms, Chesapeake Bay marshes, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, encountering some of the best birding and bald eagle watching. Cost is $65 per person.

If you want to learn more about the Underground Railroad, head north On The Way To Freedom .

7. The Real Black Wall Street Tour, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Despite the gravity of the Tulsa Race Massacre, until the 100th anniversary of the massacre this year, little was known about it. This tour will give you an education that might be painful but insightful. The tour takes place through the historic Tulsa district of Greenwood. You’ll hear the details about the people and buildings that were affected by the massacre, and the places that were bombed, including churches and schools. Warning, you might need a hanky. You’ll go through some of the neighborhoods that were leveled. Admission is $15.

8. Black History Tour, Washington, DC

Washingtonian Christopher W. vows to show you what was left out of textbooks when it comes to the contributions of African Americans with his Tours By Locals . While you’ll get the expected — like the Lincoln Memorial and the spot where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream” speech — you’ll also venture to the Frederick Douglass House, Lincoln Park, Howard University, Howard Theater, Ben’s Chili Bowl Mural, African American Civil War Memorial, and the African American History and Culture Museum during the 6-hour tour. Admission is $500 for up to four people.

9. Gullah Tour, Sandy Island, South Carolina

Just south of Murrells Inlet is Sandy Island, where many of the 120 residents are Gullah Geechee descendants, the culture that originated from West African slaves who worked on the rice plantations in the 1700s. Start the 2-hour tour at the Sandy Island Boat Ramp and take a brief boat ride to Pyatt’s General Store with its African heritage gifts, Gullah Sweetgrass baskets, and more. Then you’ll board a passenger van and make your way around the island to the Sandy Island firehouse, old gravesites, church, community center, library, and more. Admission is $35.

Freedom Crossing Monument, Niagara County, New York.

10. Freedom Seekers Heritage Tour, Niagara County, New York

The Niagara River and Gorge was an important crossing point into Canada for those using the Underground Railroad. For the freedom seekers who passed through the Niagara Frontier, the physical act of crossing the Niagara River represented the final act of courage and determination at the end of a long journey. Motherland Connextions’ tour takes you to key towns and sites. For over 3 hours you’ll visit the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center with its exhibits, scenic built environment, nearby murals of Harriet Tubman and freedom seekers, and more. In Lewiston, there’s the Freedom Crossing Monument on the bank of the Niagara River. The statue honors the courage of freedom seekers who sought a new life in Canada, and those who helped them on their journey across Niagara. Murphy Orchards in Burt is a farm that secretly housed enslaved people on the run in a barn. Another place of refuge is the many canals. You’ll see the Erie Canal in Lockport. The tour is $94 for adults and $67 for children.

Tourists gathered around a statue in Alexandria, Virginia, photographed by Chris Cruz of Visit Alexandria.

11. Duke Street Black History Walking Tour, Alexandria, Virginia

The 90-minute Manumission guided walking tour along the Duke Street corridor in Old Town Alexandria includes sites connected to the early Alexandria slave trade, such as the former site of Franklin & Armfield and the former Bruin Slave Jail that held the Edmonson sisters. The tour also includes sites that connect to early African Americans’ spirituality like the Shiloh Baptist Church and the Alexandria National Cemetery. You might want to check their other tours too. Freedom’s Fight in Alexandria Walking Tour highlights pre-Civil War history and the stories of runaway slaves, early abolitionists, and more. The Still’s Underground Railroad Walking Tour takes you along the downtown King Street corridor to hear about the Underground Railroad in Alexandria. The Black History in Alexandria bus tour is a 2-hour guided tour that will take you to the Freedom House Museum, Alfred Street Baptist Church, the site of the 1939 Library Sit-In, Contraband & Freedman Cemetery, and more. All Manumission Tours are $15 for adults and $12 for those 12 and under.

Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel. Her work has appeared on CNTraveler.com, TheDailyBeast, Fodors, Afar, Global Traveler Magazine, ShermansTravel, and Newsweek.com among others.

Black Cruise Events Calendar 2024 - 2025

AFRICAN AMERICAN THEMED CRUISES FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2025

African american themed cruises for the month of february 2024 - 2025, african american themed cruises for the month of march 2025, african american themed cruises for the month of april 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of may 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of june 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of july 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of august 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of september 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of october 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of november 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of december 2024.

Cruise For Less Than $200.00
The Grown And Sexy Cruise
Tom Joyner Fantastic Cruise
The Soul Train Cruise
The Smooth Jazz Cruise
Super Bowl Cruise
Aventura Latin Dance Cruises
Capital Super Cruise
Festival At Sea Cruise
The Blues Cruise
Jamrock Reggae Cruise
Blacks Over 40 Cruise
Black Singles Cruise
The Groove Cruise
Travel Passports
The Jazz Cruise
Urban Cruise Weekend
Dave Koz Cruise At Sea
The Old School Cruise
Crab And Cruise
Rock The Bells Cruise
Days Of Summer Cruise
New Year's Eve Cruise
Black History Cruise
Paradise Island Cruise
Patti Labelle Michael McDonald Cruise
Melanin At Sea
Super Legends Cruise
Huddle On The Sea
Love And Harmony Cruise
The Vibe Cruise
1980s And 1990s Old School Cruise
UberSoca Cruise
The Steppers Cruise
Grown And Sexy Group Cruise
10 Paradise Cruises - No Passport Needed
Black Deaf Christian Cruise
Sistahood At Sea Cruise
The Girlfriends Cruise
Feteopia Cruise
Black Deaf Senior Citizens Cruise
Caribbean Fest At Sea
Botti At Sea
Wave Jam Cruise
BBlack Cruise
The HBCU Cruise
Soca On The Seas
Past Cruise Events
Mr. Smooth Cruise

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Take a Black history cruise along the San Antonio River Walk

Tour will be offered on feb. 11, 2023, by the san antonio african american community archive and museum.

Rebecca Salinas , Digital Journalist

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum is hosting a riverboat tour this Black History Month.

SAAACAM launched the tours in 2021 to delve into African-American history as it relates to the center of the city.

About the Author

Rebecca salinas.

Rebecca Salinas is an award-winning digital journalist who joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.

11 Best River Cruise Itineraries to Book in 2023 and 2024

By Paris Wilson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best river cruises have always had a mystique to draw travelers in—even those who are new to cruising. For history buffs, they could be an excellent way to visit ancient sites or historical landmarks. For those that love the outdoors, river journeys are a way to experience the natural landscape of the dream destinations. This year, the river cruise market has been anticipating more travel, so consider booking these once-in-a-lifetime voyages as early as you can.

Here, we’ve highlighted 11 of the most exciting river cruise itineraries to book for this year and next—from Amazonian expeditions to kid-friendly European voyages , these cruises have something for every kind of traveler.

Colombia's Magdalena River with Amawaterways

Amawaterways is now accepting reservations for its highly anticipated cruises on Colombia's Magdalena River departing from both Cartagena and Barranquilla in 2024. Both seven-day itineraries explore Colombia's rich musical and cultural history, along with a chance to experience the country's natural wonders and local cuisine. Amawaterways is the first major river cruise line to highlight Colombia’s beauty with these types of voyages. Ship amenities are plentiful, as both vessels feature staterooms with balconies, a main restaurant, a fitness center with three spa treatment rooms, and a sun deck with a relaxing whirlpool.

Family river cruises on the Danube and Rhine with Emerald

Emerald is opening up two of its Europe river itineraries to younger guests, with kid-friendly menus and exciting onboard activities such as video games, movies, and tournaments. Children must be 10 years old or older to take part in Emerald’s kid-friendly voyages. Both itineraries have been modified and feature destinations the whole family can enjoy. The Danube Explorer includes stops in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary . While the Jewels of the Rhine explores the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Mississippi River Cruises with Viking

Float down the mighty Mississippi with Viking's first U.S. voyages. Featuring five different itineraries with stops in New Orlean s, Memphis, and St. Paul, you’ll explore the French Quarter, enjoy authentic Memphis barbecue, and get an up-close look at America’s national bird, the bald eagle. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Viking is offering special fares, reduced airfare and a$25 deposit on select voyages.

Black history and culture in France with Amawaterways

During Amawaterways' Black History cruise, guests aboard the AmaKristina will sail through the South of France along the Rhone River. The journey from Arles to Lyon will include stops in Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Vienne. After arriving in Lyon, passengers will stay in Paris for an exclusive guided tour showcasing jazz, food, and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage.

Amazon River voyages with Seabourn

Journeying through the Amazon's small channel of the Boca dos Botos, Seabourn's expedition team, will immerse you in the region's one-of-a-kind ecosystem. The three itineraries are broken up into regions: Flooded Forests and Blackwater Tributaries; The Frontier Amazon; and The Peruvian Amazon. Each major region exemplifies a new, unique environment that differs from the next. Take in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna as you share space with sloths, howler monkeys, and more.

Christmas markets in Europe with Scenic

Scenic Cruises is amping up the holiday cheer with six itineraries this November and December. Each city will showcase a unique Christmas experience as you stop in Amsterdam , Munich, Paris, and Prague, just to name a few of the festive ports in store. It will be a holiday like no other as you dock at quaint riverside villages aglow in fairy lights. Walk over the cobblestones with mulled wine in hand while you browse handmade goods and enjoy festive treats and age-old traditions.

Viking's Nile River Cruises

Follow the footsteps of the ancient Egyptians with Viking's voyages down the Nile . Delve into the history of those that called Cairo home, built the Pyramids, and looked upon the great Sphinx. With stops in Luxor, Quena, and Esna before docking in Aswan—it’s a timeless voyage you won’t want to miss. As part of Viking’s anniversary sale, a $25 deposit is applicable for this booking.

India’s Golden Triangle aboard Uniworld

Immerse yourself in India’s “Golden Triangle”—Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The 10-day itinerary features visits to the Taj Mahal, Rajbari temple complex, and Mother Teresea’s home. While en route, you’ll enjoy meals created with fresh ingredients, take part in welcome and farewell gala dinners, and have complimentary house wine, local spirits and beer, soft drinks, and tea served throughout your voyage.

Portugal's Douro River with Scenic

Experience the past and present of Portugal as you travel through the Douro River Valley. The river flows from Spain to the Northern Portuguese countryside, which is known for its wine production. Five different tours are being offered with stops in Lisbon , Porto, Madrid, and Salamanca. Passengers will have the chance to explore charming villages, see the Palace Duques de Bragança, kayak along the Pinhão River, and sample delicacies of the region. Plus, every stateroom aboard Scenic's ship comes with private butler service to ensure the journey is truly stress free.

Aqua Expeditions Mekong River cruise

Along with visits to bustling cities like Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City , Aqua Expeditions' Mekong River cruises also visits serene ports in the countryside. Imagine kayaking to floating villages, watching silk weavers at work, and biking to village markets. Beyond the beautiful sights in Cambodia and Vietnam, the ship, Aqua Mekong , is a marvel in itself. The vessel has 20 suites that feature full-length windows and onboard amenities include a cinema, top deck plunge pool, and sun deck with lounge chairs and cabanas. If you book a river cruise between now and 2025, you can receive 30 percent off your voyage.

National Museum of African American History & Culture

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Celebrate Black History Month 2024

African American artists — poets, writers, visual artists, and dancers — have historically served as change agents through their crafts.

Drawn from their ancestors' ancient rites of passage and the shared hopes of liberty, Black artists continue to fuse the rhythmic cadence of creative expressions with the pulsating beats of progress. Our museum celebrates Black History Month 2024 by highlighting the "art of resistance" and the artists who used their crafts to uplift the race, speak truth to power and inspire a nation.

View Our Digital Toolkit

Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization’s radical voice. Paul Robeson (1898-1976) Concert artist, actor, athlete and activist

Whether digital, literary, visual or performing arts, Black trailblazers and innovators revolutionized their fields, often transforming them by pioneering new techniques and styles. Through art, important issues and figures in African American history are exalted, and underrepresented stories are preserved. For the entire month of February, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating art and its relationship with justice. Art plays a role in communicating emotions, building community and inspiring action.

Cultural Expressions (Literature and Poetry)

Culture shapes lives. It’s in the food people eat, the languages they speak, the art they create, and many other ways they express themselves.

I recognize that my power as well as my primary oppressions come as a result of my blackness as well as my womanness, and therefore my struggles on both of these fronts are inseparable. Audre Lorde (1934-1992) in 1980 Writer, professor, philosopher, poet and civil rights activist

Cultural Expressions Exhibition

Cultural Expressions is a circular, experiential, introductory space to African American and African diaspora culture.

(Re)Creating the Narrative: The Black Women’s Literary Renaissance of the 1970s

Black women writers have consistently been a part of the cultural renaissances that have reshaped Black culture, nationally and globally.

Icons and Luminaries

Phillis Wheatley

Booklet containing a biography of Phillis Wheatley and reprinted correspondence between her and George Washington, including a poem she sent him, "His Excellency General Washington."

In 2023, the museum acquired the largest private collection of items to bring new context and perspective to the life and literary impact of poet Phillis Wheatley Peters (c.1753–1784).

Gwendolyn Brooks

In 1946, Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) became a Guggenheim Fellow in poetry, and in 1950, she was the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize, for her collection of poetry Annie Allen. The volume chronicled the life of a young Black girl growing up in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. Brooks was appointed the Illinois Poet Laureate in 1968, inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1976, and by 1985, she had become Poet Laureate of the United States. In this photograph from 1963, the poet holds a copy of Maud Martha, the only book of adult fiction she authored.

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman was named the first Youth Poet Laureate of the United States in 2017. Gorman has served as the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles. She has performed at the Library of Congress and spoken at the United Nations. She is the founder and executive director of One Pen One Page, an organization providing free creative writing programs for underserved youth.

Before Amanda Gorman made history as the youngest poet to speak at a presidential inauguration, the National Museum of African American History and Culture featured her in our third annual Women’s E3 Summit in September 2020.

Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes (1901-1967) was a poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, columnist, and a significant figure of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a graduate of Lincoln University, a historically black college in Pennsylvania.

Born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902, it was the writer's many years in Harlem that would come to characterize his work. There he focused squarely on the lives of working-class black Americans, delicately dismantling clichés and, in doing so, arriving at a genuine portrayal of the people he knew best.

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Author, journalist and activist Ta-Nehisi Coates attends a panel at The Apollo Theater on February 27, 2018 in New York City. His writings include Between the World and Me, winner of the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction, and We Were Eight Years In Power: An American Tragedy, a n annotated collection of new and previously published essays on the Obama era.

Benjamin Banneker

Mathematician, astronomer and almanac author Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) as portrayed on a stamp released in 1980 as part of a Black Heritage series. Collection of National Postal Museum.

Gallery Modal

Lorraine hansberry: playwright, writer, and activist, the power of poetry: pre-civil war to reconstruction, the new negro renaissance to the black arts movement, “a writer is by definition a disturber of the peace”, 75 years of ebony magazine, boots on the ground.

We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us. Too long has the publick been deceived by misrepresentations, in things which concern us dearly. Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm Editors in the first edition of Freedom’s Journal founded in 1827

Searchable Museum

The Power of The Press

Black newspapers served local as well as regional and national audiences, helping to foster a sense of community and shared interests among African Americans living in different areas of the country.

A color photograph of Audre Lorde speaking at a podium.

Historic Members of the Harlem Writers Guild

Immersed in progressive politics, they were all bound by a revolutionary spirit and a strong sense of compassion for the individual struggles of one another.

Educational Resources

Lewis "Big June" Marshall Carrying the U.S. Flag, Selma to Montgomery March

Learning Journeys for the Classroom, Home and Museum Visits

Join us in exploring stories of African Americans in the Arts throughout February with a special focus on art as a platform for social justice.

Taking the Stage (Performing Arts)

Through their achievements on the stage and screen, African Americans have used the power of performance to fuel social change.

The cultural heritage of the American Negro is one of America’s richest treasures. Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) Dancer, director, choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Taking the Stage Exhibition

Throughout Taking the Stage, visitors can contemplate how the roles black artists played on the stage and screen reflected changing aspirations, struggles, and realities for black people in American society.

Harry Belafonte pictured with civil rights legends Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy.

You Should Know: Harry Belafonte, Actor and Activist

From being the first Black American to win an Emmy to using his voice and his wallet to finance social justice, Harry Belafonte was dedicated himself to the improvement of his people and humanity across the globe.

Transforming Dance around the World

Actresses who refused typecasting, making african america: the arts, a new african american identity: the harlem renaissance.

A black and white promotional photograph for The Emperor Jones starring Paul Robeson (1898-1976), a concert artist, actor, athlete and activist.

Actor Sidney Poitier in "Lilies of the Field" promotional poster advertising the Italian release.

Promotional poster for the Italian release of "Lilies of the Field" starring Sidney Poitier (1927-2022), acclaimed actor, activist, director and ambassador. Poitier earned an Oscar for his performance in the film, becoming the first Black actor to win an Academy Award.

An autographed "Marshall" movie poster featuring actor Chadwick Boseman (1976-2020) that was being auctioned off during CinemaCon in 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boseman was an actor, director, writer and producer who portrayed groundbreaking figures such as James Brown, Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson.

Cover of a 1950 program of Katherine Dunham and her dance company in New York

Katherine Dunham (1909-2006) and her dance company work out of New York, and issued this cover for a 1950 program. Dunham was a dancer and choreographer known as a pioneer in dance anthropology, or the study of dance in a social and cultural context.

Dancer Judith Jamison, born in 1943, photographed as she appeared in 'Prodigal Prince' in 1967. Jamison is artistic director emerita of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and an esteemed choreographer whose awards and honors include an Emmy Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, and induction into the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance.

Choreographer Fatima Robinson poses at the premiere of "The Color Purple" held at The Academy Museum on December 6, 2023, in Los Angeles.

Choreographer Fatima Robinson, born in 1971, poses at the premiere of "The Color Purple" held at The Academy Museum on December 6, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Robinson is a dancer, choreographer, and music video director whose credits include choreographing the Academy Awards and musical numbers in the 2023 “The Color Purple” movie.

Poet and musician Gil Scott-Heron performing onstage in the United Kingdom in 2010.

Gil Scott-Heron (1949-2011) performs on the main stage on day one of Bestival on September 10, 2010 on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. Scott-Heron was an author, poet, author, composer and recording artist whose songs included "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."

Saul Williams performs at BAM festival in Spain in 2016.

Saul Williams performs on stage during day 4 of BAM Festival at Antiga fabrica Damm on September 25, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Williams is a poet, rapper, singer and actor known for blending poetry and hip hop. He co-wrote and starred in the 1998 independent film Slam. He also starred in Holler If Ya Hear Me, a musical inspired by late rapper Tupac Shakur.

Comedian, writer, activist Dick Gregory performs at the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival at Bermuda National Stadium on October 4, 2008 in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Pioneering comedian, writer, and activist Dick Gregory (1932-2017) performs at the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival at Bermuda National Stadium on October 4, 2008 in Hamilton, Bermuda. On stage, in comedy clubs, and on college campuses, on radio, television, and recordings, Gregory struck a blow to the heart of racism with messages full of wit and wisdom. He was active in the civil rights movement. He was a presidential hopeful as well as a prolific author who published several books and appeared in many films and television shows.

Roy Wood, Jr., attends Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Premiere Party Event on October 22, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Comedy Central)

The Daily Show Correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. attends Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Premiere Party Event on October 22, 2015 in New York City. Wood is a comedian and actor best know for his appearances on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah where he's shed light on issues. He's also starred in Netflix’s comedy series Space Force , AMC’s Better Call Saul , and The Last O.G. on TBS.

Playbill featuring a graphic of a woman in front of a microphone with her arms stretched out to her sides.

North Star: A Digital Journey of African American History

Explore African American history through digital activities on the Smithsonian Learning Lab platform. The activities, or collections, have gathered objects, stories, videos and thinking questions all in one place.

Reckoning (Visual Art)

Visual art has long provided its own protest, commentary, escape and perspective for African Americans.

The power to inspire, the power to incite, the power to challenge... Tommy Oliver Photographer, producer and cinematographer in television and film

Reckoning Exhibition

Reckoning: Protest. Defiance. Resilience. looks at the ways in which visual art has long provided its own protest, commentary, escape and perspective for African Americans.

Take a Gallery Tour

Two photographs of groups of women side by side. The black-and-white photograph on the top shows a crowd of women with their fists raised in a black power gesture. The color photo on the bottom shows a large group of female rappers sitting on a stage.

Represent: Hip-Hop Photography

Represent paired images from the museum’s Eyejammie Hip-Hop Photography Collection with historical photographs to highlight connections between hip-hop culture and its relationship to other important historical figures, social movements, and creative moments.

Everyday Beauty: Images and Films in NMAAHC's Collection

Gail anderson: a leader in black graphic design, an artist forged in a steel mill town.

Jamel Shabazz

Photographer Jamel Shabazz poses for a photo at Rockefeller Center’s public art initiative celebrating photography with a lightbox exhibition featuring works by NYC street and subway photographer Jamel Shabazz at Rockefeller Plaza on March 27, 2021 in New York City. Shabazz is known for his photographs of New York City during the 1980s. He has authored monographs, and contributed to many photography-related books. His photographs have been exhibited around the world. Selections are housed within permanent collections at museums including the Smithsonian's National Museum of History and Culture, the Studio Museum in Harkem and the Whitney Museum.

Chester Higgins Jr.

Chester Higgins, Jr. during the Clodagh Design Hosts The Thorn Tree Project's Evening of Art on November 2, 2017 in New York City. Higgins is photojournalist whose career has spanned five decades. He was a staff photographer at The New York Times for more than 40 years until 2014. His work has been featured in exhibitions worldwide and in books, including Feeling the Spirit: Searching the World for the People of Africa and Echo of the Spirit, his biography. He's written several books including Black Woman, Ancient Nubia: African Kingdoms on the Nile, and It’s Been Beautiful: Soul! And Black Power Television. Some of his photography is part of permanent collections of New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks (1912-2006) smokes a pipe at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Boston. Parks was a celebrated photographer whose career spanned six decades. He used his camera to chronicle culture and life in America as well as to shine a light on inequalities he witnessed. He was the first African American staff photographer for Life magazine. His work is in the permanent collections of major museums including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Parks was also an activist, author, composer, poet, and a filmmaker. He was the first African American to write and direct a major Hollywood studio feature film, The Learning Tree. He directed Shaft starring Richard Roundtree (1942-2023), whose portrayal as private detective John Shaft helped redefine and reshape the roles of Black men in film and television.

Amy Sherald

Amy Sherald attends New York Academy of Art Tribeca Ball Honors Amy Sherald at New York Academy of Art on April 4, 2023 in New York City. Sherald is a painter who documents the contemporary African American experience through portraits. She is best known for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama featured in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Another portrait by Sherald, Grand Dame Queenie, is on display in the museum’s art gallery. Her painting of Breonna Taylor was also on display in the museum.

Betye Saar attends the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA in Los Angeles in 2021.

Betye Saar attends the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA honoring Amy Sherald, Kehinde Wiley, and Steven Spielberg presented by Gucci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 6, 2021 in Los Angeles. The visuak storyteller is known for creating assemblage art. Saar was a part of the Black Arts Movement, which began in 1965 and ended in 1975. The movement featured politically motivated artists, poets, playwrights, musicians, and writers. Saar's work confronts racist stereotypes and explores Black identity. Her works include Black Girl's Window (1969), Mojotech (1987), and We Was Mostly 'Bout Survival (2017)

Elizabeth Catlett

Portrait of sculptor Elizabeth Catlett (1915 - 2012) attending a gallery opening for an exhibition of her work in New York in 2009. Catlett's legacy is one of cultural belonging and activism that provokes conversations about the role of art among continental American neighbors: the U.S. and Mexico. Several of her works iconize well-known African American heroines including Harriet Tubman, Phillis Wheatley, and Sojourner Truth to memorialize their activist legacies. Honors she's received include a Lifetime Achievement Award in contemporary sculpture from the International Sculpture Center, the Art Institute of Chicago Legends and Legacy Award, and honorary doctorates from Carnegie Mellon (the same school that denied her undergraduate admittance) and Pace University.

Gas mask with filter canister worn at demonstrations in Ferguson, Missouri.

Art as Platform for Social Justice

Designed for grades three and up, this guide focuses on three not-to-miss objects and stories throughout the museum that highlight the connection between art and social justice.

Musical Crossroads (Music)

From the arrival of the first Africans to the present day, African American music has provided a voice for liberty, justice and social change.

Music is our witness and our ally. The beat is the confession which recognizes, changes, and conquers time. James Baldwin, author “Of the Sorrow Songs: The Cross of Redemption" in 1979

Musical Crossroads exhibition

Musical Crossroads expands the definition of African American music to include African American music-makers in all genres and styles.

Marvin Gaye standing on stage with his hands raised as if praying

Religion in Black Music, Activism and Popular Culture

Spirit in the Dark examines Black religious life through a selection of photographs from the Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony, Jet and Negro Digest.

Comrades in the Struggle

A look at the music of the poor people’s campaign, billie holiday: an icon in american culture, the stage belonged to her, mahalia jackson: gospel takes flight, sweet honey in the rock's carol maillard on being an 'artivist'.

We use the video player Able Player to provide captions and audio descriptions. Able Player performs best using web browsers Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. If you are using Safari as your browser, use the play button to continue the video after each audio description. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Stories Behind the Objects

Black voices in the arts lunch series .

During Black History Month, we celebrated the contributions of Black artists who have used their platforms for social change. For three weeks, we featured performances of local artists including poets and spoken word artists, dancers, musicians, and a live painter inside Heritage Hall.

Pre-teen rapper Fly (“First Love Yourself") Zyah began her musical journey at age two and released her debut "Ride My Bike" at age six. She covers a range of topics including social justice.

Rapper Fly Zyah performs in Heritage Hall

The award-winning kt eXtreme dance project, established in 1988 by Kevin T. Malone, embraces diverse artistic disciplines.

kt eXtreme dance project performs in Heritage Hall

February 16

Bowie State University Choir performs in Heritage Hall

The Bowie State University Concert Choir, under the direction of Professor Brandon J. Felder, serves as the resident choir of Maryland’s oldest historically black college and university (HBCU). The choir serves as cultural ambassadors for Bowie State University, the City of Bowie, and the State of Maryland.

Bowie State University Choir performs in Heritage Hall during Black History Month

Bowie State University theatre students recited monologues and sang along with the Bowie State University Choir.

kt eXtreme dance project performs in Heritage Hall for Black History Month

kt eXtreme dance project focuses on bridging African American dance traditions with modern times. At the museum, the dancers performed parts of The North Star Project , a multi-generational and multi-disciplinary choreographic work that celebrates the pursuit of freedom and resilience.

Artist Summer Clinkscale says her interactions with others serve as her greatest inspiration and she brings those feelings to light through her work. The artist brought her passion of art to life during live painting activations in the museum.

Summer Clinkscale paints in Heritage Hall during Black History Month.

Young dancers from Dynasty Elite Dance Company, a pre-professional competing and performance company, perform in Heritage Hall. The dance company is based out of Neema Dance Collective in District Heights, Maryland.

Young dancers from Neema Dance Collective and affiliate Dynasty Elite Dance Company perform in Heritage Hall for Black History Month

Dynasty Elite takes pride in building a community of highly skilled dancers ages 5-18 within the walls of Neema Dance Collective, led by CEO and Artistic Director Grace Johnson-Wright.

Neema Dance Collective CEO and Artistic Director Grace Johnson-Wright

Dynasty Elite takes pride in building a community of highly skilled dancers ages 5-18 within the walls of Neema Dance Collective, led by CEO and Artistic Director Grace Johnson-Wright, an accomplished dancer, studio owner, published choreographer, and dance educator.

Members of Neema Dance Collective and affiliate Dynasty Elite Dance Company stand in Heritage Hall after their performances for Black History Month

Poets and spoken word artists Miko Reed, Miss Kiane and Simply Sherri stand in Heritage Hall after their performances during Black History Month.

Poet and spoken word artist Miko Reed performs in Heritage Hall during Black History Month

Miko Reed is a native Washingtonian, retired Army Master Sergeant, and has been writing poetry for over 20 years. She is an author, poet, public speaker, curator and host. Her first book, “Eggshells In Soft Black Hands,” came out in August 2021, and her latest book, "100 Poems and Possibilities for Healing," in January 2024.

Poet and spoken word artist Mike Reed performs inside Heritage Hall during Black History Month

California born and Maryland raised, Simply Sherri has been writing since 2001 and performing since 2008. Knowing how important it is to connect and share with young people, she has conducted workshops for DC Scores. She has also volunteered with DewMore Baltimore, becoming a “poetry auntie” to many.

Poet and spoken word artist Simply Sherri performs in Heritage Hall

A native of Queens, New York, Miss Kiane is an author, performer, and entrepreneur. Her work has appeared in a plethora of anthologies including "100 Poems and Possibilities for Healing." She operates nonprofit InkWELL and owns Kiane Ink Healing in the Pen, LLC, a creative arts company. She has appeared on a host of podcasts and television shows.

Poet and spoken word artist Miss Kiane performs in Heritage Hall

Artist Summer Clinkscale says her interactions with others serve as her greatest inspiration and she brings those feelings to light through her work. Clinkscale is a Visitor Services Lead at the museum. During Black History Month, the artist brought her passion of art to life during live painting activations in the museum

Artist Summer Clinkscale, who serves as a Visitor Services Lead, works on a painting in Heritage Hall for Black History Month

Artist Summer Clinkscale, who serves as a Visitor Services Lead at the museum, works on a painting in Heritage Hall for Black History Month.

Artist Summer Clinkscale paints as dancers, singers and spoken word artists perform in Heritage Hall for Black History Month.

Afrofuturism (Digital Arts)

Afrofuturism expresses notions of Black identity, agency and freedom through art, creative works and activism that envision liberated futures for Black life.

You got to make your own worlds. You got to write yourself in. Octavia Butler (1947–2006) Writer, Afrofuturist

Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures

The exhibition immerses visitors in a conversation that reimagines, reinterprets and reclaims the past and present for a more empowering future for African Americans.

Go behind the scenes of NMAAHC's newest exhibition

Costume for the Wizard in The Wiz on Broadway

Multimedia Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism has influenced how Black people are depicted in film, television, art, and architecture. Explore the artists reimagining Black possibilities.

Black Women Icons of Afrofuturism

Ease on down the road: a 'super soul musical', african american achievement at nasa, harriet tubman: life, liberty and legacy, remembering afrofuturist octavia butler.

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins standing in front of a fighter jet with the cockpit open

Narratives of African American STEM professionals

Through the Window and into the Mirror is a video conversation series about the experiences of African American STEM professionals today. Interviews with Ron Gamble, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Sharon Caples McDougle, K. Renee Horton, and Jessica Watkins are among the ones focused on space, space travel, and physics.

Collage of pictures of African Americans who contributed to the nation's space agency, NASA.

A Celebration of African Americans at NASA

This Learning Lab celebrates Black pioneers at NASA, their bravery, their exploratory spirit, and their desires to express themselves fully through their commitment to space exploration.

The Science of Sound: Activities Inspired by Dr. James West

Using hands-on activities and easy to find materials, students will use the story of Dr. James West to discover how an object produces sound and how sound waves travel.

Subtitle here for the credits modal.

Love Exploring

The Beautiful History Of Cruises Over Time

Posted: January 7, 2024 | Last updated: January 7, 2024

From the earliest transatlantic voyages and golden-age ships to today's glittering juggernauts, we reveal 32 nostalgic images that chronicle cruise history.

Sailing through time

Before passengers began taking to the high seas, now-famous cruise lines principally operated as mail-shipping services. P&O, then the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company, won a contract to deliver mail to the Iberian Peninsula in 1837, a milestone event that would pave the way for commercial travel by ocean. The Black Ball Line, whose ships carried both passengers and mail, also became the first line to schedule a regular trans-Atlantic service. A Black Ball ship is pictured here in 1833.

1830s: the very beginnings

In the first half of the 19th century, most people crossed oceans for business rather than leisure – nevertheless, P&O is credited with launching the first pleasure cruises in this era. Boats bound for the Mediterranean struck out from England in 1844, with on-board passengers dreaming of sun, sand and sea. Pictured here is the P&O passenger liner SS Deccan sailing from Southampton a little later in 1870.

1840s: the first pleasure cruises

This decade also saw some of the biggest names in cruising sail onto the scene. The Cunard Line was founded in 1840, boasting an impressive fleet of steam-powered ships and whisking the likes of Charles Dickens to destinations such as Boston. Pictured here, in 1848, is Europa, one of Cunard's early Atlantic ships. The White Star Line, the operator of the famously ill-fated Titanic, was also founded in 1845.

1840s: a landmark in cruise-line history

1850–60s: early developments

Passenger cruising continued to develop through the mid-19th century, with luxuries like on-board lounges and simple entertainment emerging. Shown here, in 1856, is Cunard's RMS Persia, one of the largest ships of her time and an early Blue Riband winner (an award given for high-speed Atlantic crossings).

Business and pleasure weren't the only reasons for taking to the waves, though – in the 1870s, European immigrants were traveling to America in great numbers. Lines like the Holland America Line, launched in 1873, became famous for transporting great waves of people searching for a new life in the New World. This fun advert for the company dates to 1898.

1870s: the New World

In the 1880s, now well-established names like Cunard and P&O continued to make waves. Launched in 1881, and pictured here in 1899, SS Servia was the first Cunard passenger ship to function with electric lighting. To many, she represents an early model of today's modern liners.

1880s: lighting up the ocean

By the end of the 19th century, passenger cruise ships had become an exercise in luxury, with Cunard tipping its liners as "floating palaces". Offerings from competitors like P&O were just as lavish: this 1892 snap shows an opulent smoking room on P&O's Himalaya ship. Notice the plush booths, dark carved wood and intricate ceiling reliefs.

1890s: “floating palaces”

The period from the 1900s to the end of the 1930s is what many consider cruising’s golden age. By this point, the journey had become as important as the destination and passengers would don their finery to take to the seas for weeks on end. Here the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough relax on the deck of P&O's Arabia, en route to Mumbai in 1902.

1900s: entering cruising’s golden age

<p>At the turn of the century, there was still a frisson around cruising and large, buzzy crowds would often gather to see off the ships. This nostalgic photograph was snapped between 1900 and 1915, and shows large steam boats leaving from the White Star Line dock in Detroit, Michigan. Well-dressed passengers fill the ships' upper and lower decks too. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/67628/where-planes-trains-cruise-ships-and-automobiles-go-to-die?page=1">Discover where planes, trains, cruise ships and cars go to die here</a>.</p>

At the turn of the century, there was still a frisson around cruising and large, buzzy crowds would often gather to see off the ships. This nostalgic photograph was snapped between 1900 and 1915, and shows large steam boats leaving from the White Star Line dock in Detroit, Michigan. Well-dressed passengers fill the ships' upper and lower decks too.

By the 1900s, passenger cruise services were nothing new. But the Prinzessin Victoria Luise (pictured) – a glamorous ship pioneered by the Hamburg America Line – is generally touted as the first purpose-built cruise ship. Launched in the summer of 1900, she was a grand ship with an ornately decorated bow and lavish interiors complete with luxurious first-class cabins. She came out of service in 1906 when she ran aground.

1900s: the first purpose-built cruise ship

Many early 20th-century cruise ships had plenty of luxury amenities, but the entertainment on offer was a far cry from the glitzy shows and hi-tech attractions we're used to today. Common pastimes included shuffleboard, dancing and games like tug of war. Captured in 1912, these passengers on Cunard's Franconia enjoy a high-jump contest on deck.

1910s: onboard entertainment

<p>One of the most famous and devastating events in cruise history occurred in this decade. Dubbed "unsinkable" by the White Star Line's vice-president, the Titanic set out from Southampton on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912 to much applause. But just four days later, she collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic: the compartments in her hull filled with water and she tragically sank. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/72633/secrets-of-the-titanic-life-onboard-the-worlds-most-famous-ship">Now discover the secrets of life onboard the Titanic</a>.</p>

1910s: the Titanic disaster

One of the most famous and devastating events in cruise history occurred in this decade. Dubbed "unsinkable" by the White Star Line's vice-president, the Titanic set out from Southampton on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912 to much applause. But just four days later, she collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic: the compartments in her hull filled with water and she tragically sank. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people.

Just as cruising was enjoying its heyday, the industry entered troubled waters. The First World War halted progress in commercial cruising as attention was turned to the war effort. Many commercial liners were repurposed as military ships – Fred. Olsen, for example, purportedly lost 23 ships to the conflict. This 1918 photograph shows New York City crowds waiting for the return of Cunard's RMS Mauretania, which was carrying American soldiers back home after the war.

1910s: First World War

Still, against the odds, the cruise industry managed to keep its head above water and, post-war, the upper echelons of society took to the seas once more. Here affluent travelers dance on the deck of Cunard's Aquitania in 1922.

1920s: cruising’s golden age continued

In the Roaring Twenties, onboard entertainment was still focused around fun deck games and sports. Here spectators look on in delight as a pair of women take part in a fencing duel aboard Cunard's Berengaria (formerly Hamburg America Line's Imperator). The shot was taken in 1923.

1920s: setting the bar high

Huge dining rooms and bulging buffets are markers of the modern-day cruise and, in the 1920s, dinnertime was equally important. It was typically a grand affair requiring formal dress and involving course after course of fine food. Here, two chefs on Cunard's Aquitania stand before a splendid festive spread – the star is the giant cake in the shape of the ship.

1920s: a festive feast

1920s: the first round-the-world cruise

Another major milestone came in the 1920s: the very first round-the-world cruise. The Cunard Line's RMS Laconia (pictured here leaving Liverpool circa 1920) sailed around the globe in 1922, calling at 22 ports along the way, and taking 450 lucky passengers with her.

The 1930s unfolded in much the same way as the decades previous, as the golden age of cruising continued: think deck games, dinners and dances. The king of all cruise-ship hobbies was shuffleboard, a game that's still often played on modern-day liners. Here, a couple enjoy a game on a cruise to Gibraltar on Cunard's Aquitania in 1932.

1930s: all games on deck

Today mammoth sun-bed-lined swimming pools – often with twirling water slides for kids – are a cruise-ship staple. But in the first half of the 20th century they were much humbler indeed. It's thought that the earliest cruise-ship swimming pool was installed in 1907, on the White Star Line's Adriatic, but they didn't become commonplace until later. Here passengers sunbathe next to a compact swimming pool onboard a Cunard cruise to the West Indies in 1931.

1930s: making a splash

The Second World War was another blow to commercial cruising: yet again, liners were repurposed as war vessels and pleasure cruising came to an abrupt halt. By the end of the decade, though, surviving ships were returned to their lines and put back into service. Slowly but surely, the appetite for cruising grew again. Here an excited crowd welcomes a ship at a Java seaport in the 1940s.

1940s: post-war cruising

<p>Come the 1950s, cruise ships had another phenomenon to compete with: jet planes. Commercial air travel boomed in this decade, with comfier aircraft and improved routes enticing travelers into the skies. Many cruise liners underwent swish post-war refits in an attempt to stay afloat: this 1950s photo shows the opulent dining room of French liner SS Île de France after a dramatic post-war makeover. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/86315/how-air-travel-has-changed-in-every-decade-from-the-1920s?page=1">See how air travel has changed through the decades</a>.</p>

1950s: the post-war decades

Come the 1950s, cruise ships had another phenomenon to compete with: jet planes. Commercial air travel boomed in this decade, with comfier aircraft and improved routes enticing travelers into the skies. Many cruise liners underwent swish post-war refits in an attempt to stay afloat: this 1950s photo shows the opulent dining room of French liner SS Île de France after a dramatic post-war makeover.

There was one destination that proved particularly popular in the post-war decades, though. After the conflict, many Europeans decided to make a new life Down Under, with millions cruising to Oz on time-honored lines like P&O between the 1940s and the 1970s. P&O ship Oriana is pictured here in Circular Quay, Sydney circa 1950.

1950s: going Down Under

<p>Though formalized in the 1930s, the Blue Riband – the award for the passenger cruise liner with the fastest Atlantic-crossing time – has its roots right back in the 19th century. The record is still held by SS United States of United States Lines, which first sped across the Atlantic in 1952. She's pictured here on 9 July 1952, docking in Southampton. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/103600/vacation-on-mars-what-holidays-could-look-like-in-the-future?page=1">This is what vacations could look like in 2050</a>.</p>

1950s: the Blue Riband record breaker

Though formalized in the 1930s, the Blue Riband – the award for the passenger cruise liner with the fastest Atlantic-crossing time – has its roots right back in the 19th century. The record is still held by SS United States of United States Lines, which first sped across the Atlantic in 1952. She's pictured here on 9 July 1952, docking in Southampton.

1960s: the Jet Age

<p>As flying became more commonplace, the popularity of cruising looked set to dwindle. However, one particular TV series is often credited with keeping travelers' passion for cruising alive. <em>The Love Boat </em>– aired from the 1970s – was a comedy series that followed the crew and passengers of luxury liner SS Pacific Princess. Such was its popularity, some say it brought cruising back into the mainstream once more. This shot shows Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1975. </p>

1970s: The Love Boat

As flying became more commonplace, the popularity of cruising looked set to dwindle. However, one particular TV series is often credited with keeping travelers' passion for cruising alive. The Love Boat – aired from the 1970s – was a comedy series that followed the crew and passengers of luxury liner SS Pacific Princess. Such was its popularity, some say it brought cruising back into the mainstream once more. This shot shows Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1975.

By the 1970s, lower costs meant that cruising had opened up to the masses. But the invention of the jumbo jet meant air travel had too, and the latter was the quicker, more convenient choice for traveling overseas. Therefore, the cruise reinvented itself. Ships were no longer marketed as a way to get from A to B, they were destinations in themselves, and the "leisure cruise" was its own phenomena. Here passengers enjoy the deck of P&O's SS Oronsay in 1975.

1970s: cruising opens up to the masses

<p>The 1980s is thought to be the decade that pioneered the "cruise to nowhere", where the ship really was the destination. The SS Norway (pictured) – a lavish mega ship with room for thousands of passengers and amenities like a casino – embarked on a no-docking cruise in this decade. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/84317/the-incredible-story-of-how-cruising-has-changed-from-titanic-to-today">This is the incredible story of how cruising has changed since 1912</a>.</p>

1980s: the cruise to nowhere

The 1980s is thought to be the decade that pioneered the "cruise to nowhere," where the ship really was the destination. The SS Norway (pictured) – a lavish mega ship with room for thousands of passengers and amenities like a casino – embarked on a no-docking cruise in this decade.

By the 1990s Disney was spreading a little magic at sea. Disney Magic, a bold ship with black, yellow and red detailing à la Mickey Mouse, made its maiden voyage in 1998. It's pictured here that same year, cruising through Venice, and is still sailing today, complete with a spa, pools and plenty of shops and themed dining rooms.

1990s: Disney takes to the water

<p>Fast-forward to the 2000s and the larger-than-life, no-expense-spared, mega cruise ships we're used to seeing today were sailing onto the scene. This sunset snap shows Cunard Line's Queen Mary II as she completes her first trans-Atlantic voyage in January 2004. At this time, she was the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever constructed with room for 2,200-plus passengers, a theater and even a planetarium, setting the bar for the ships of posterity. </p> <p><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/81720/from-mayflower-to-titanic-the-worlds-most-historic-ships-you-can-visit"><strong>If this has floated your boat, here's where to see the world's most famous ships</strong></a></p>

2000s: making waves in the modern world

The 2000s saw larger-than-life, no-expense-spared, mega cruise ships sail onto the scene. This sunset snap shows Cunard Line's Queen Mary II as she completes her first trans-Atlantic voyage in January 2004. At this time, she was the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever constructed with room for 2,200-plus passengers, a theater and even a planetarium, setting the bar for the ships of posterity.

Cruise ships continued to expand in the 2010s while cruising itself became the fastest-growing category in the leisure travel market. Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas (pictured here) launched in 2018 as the largest cruise ship in the world (until 2022). The tide began to turn on sustainability, with several cruise ships built to run on liquefied natural gas and battery power. Another health-based factor was reducing onboard smoking to selected areas only.

2010s: bigger, better and healthier

<p>The 2020s got off to an eventful start. The COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all cruises, with some passengers and crew marooned onboard while testing and entry protocols were debated. In 2021 rife cancellations, last-minute border changes and variant outbreaks persisted. However, 2022 has indicated a return to pre-pandemic popularity, with 300 cruise ships departing in April – pretty impressive compared to just 22 departing in April 2021. Cruise lines have incorporated more health and safety protocols, such as advising passengers to control their TV, light and temperature via an app instead of touchpoints. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/81720/from-mayflower-to-titanic-the-worlds-most-historic-ships-you-can-visit">If this has floated your boat, here's where to see the world's most famous ships</a></strong></p>

2020s: off to a rocky start

The 2020s got off to an eventful start. The COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all cruises, with some passengers and crew marooned onboard while testing and entry protocols were debated. In 2021 rife cancellations, last-minute border changes and variant outbreaks persisted. However, the years since have indicated a return to pre-pandemic popularity, with 300 cruise ships departing in April 2022 – pretty impressive compared to just 22 departing in April 2021. Cruise lines have incorporated more health and safety protocols, such as advising passengers to control their TV, light and temperature via an app instead of touchpoints.

If this has floated your boat, here's where to see the world's most famous ships

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Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy responds to Trump's 'peace plan'

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to alleged comments from Donald Trump about how to end the war in Ukraine. Moscow has accused Kyiv of attacking a nuclear plant for three days in a row. Plus, our question form is open again to submit a question for our military analysts.

Thursday 11 April 2024 07:39, UK

Zelenskyy responds to Trump 'peace plan'
Sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine
The situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
The big picture : Everything you need to know about the war this week
Your questions answered: Is it too late to save Ukraine?
Live reporting by Emily Mee

We're waking up to notable attacks in both Ukraine and Russia - with 200,000 said to be without power as a result in Kharkiv.

We'll have more on these attacks soon - but here's a catch up of developments from the last 24 hours:

Russian forces launched deadly attacks in the north and south yesterday - leaving seven dead and many more injured;
In Odesa district, an evening missile killed four people, including a 10-year-old girl. Governor Oleh Kiper said four people were in a serious condition with doctors "fighting to save their lives". One man had had his legs amputated;
Northeastern Kharkiv has been subjected to intensified Russian attacks in recent weeks. A strike on a pharmacy killed a 14-year-old girl and two women in the village of Lyptsi.

Here's the latest territorial picture...

On the diplomatic front, Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed back on alleged comments from Donald Trump saying Ukraine should cede some of its occupied territory to Russia.

Mr Zelenskyy said this was a "primitive" suggestion, but added he would be willing to listen to Mr Trump's ideas if he had "strong arguments".

Lord Cameron, the UK foreign secretary, said peace in Ukraine could only come from backing Kyiv, rather than through "appeasement" of Russia.

Thanks for following along today - here is a quick reminder of what has been happening.

We've been hearing from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who pushed back on alleged comments from Donald Trump saying Ukraine should cede some of its occupied territory to Russia.

He was not the only prominent politician to criticise the former US president's alleged remarks.

Elsewhere, a top US general warned Ukraine will run out of air defences "in fairly short order".

General Christopher Cavoli said the "stakes are very high" for Ukraine.

The UN recorded a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine in March
A child was killed in Kharkiv after Russia launched an attack using guided aerial bombs
Switzerland will host a high level Ukraine peace conference in June.

Members of the Siberian Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' International Legion have been pictured taking part in military exercises at an undisclosed location in the Kyiv region today.

A top US general has warned Ukraine will run out of artillery shells and air defence interceptors "in fairly short order" without further American support.

They told Congress the "stakes are very high" for Ukraine.

The comments echo those by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned over the weekend that Ukraine could run out of air defence missiles if Russia keeps up its intense bombardment campaign.

"If they keep hitting [Ukraine] every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it," he said.

In an update to our last post, the regional governor of Ukraine's Kharkiv region has said this afternoon's airstrike in the village of Lyptsi killed three people.

In a post on Telegram, Oleh Synehubov said that as well as the 14-year-old girl's death we reported earlier, two women were killed in the attack.

Two more people were injured, and rescuers continue searching through the rubble for victims.

Local authorities are reporting a child has been killed and at least three others injured in an attack on the Kharkiv region.

Russian guided aerial bombs struck the Lyptsi, Mala Danylivka, and Vovchansk settlements, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

The governor said the local shop and pharmacy caught fire during the attacks.

A 14-year-old girl was killed and at least two people - a 33-year-old female pharmacy worker and a 16-year-old boy - were injured in Lyptsi.

In Vovchansk, a 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with a shrapnel wound.

Mr Syniehubov said the local health centre was destroyed.

The Swiss government has said it will host a high-level Ukraine peace conference in June.

It said that the conference's aim is to create a concrete roadmap for Russia's participation in the peace process.

But Russia has made clear it will not take part in the initiative.

The conference will take place on 15 and 16 June outside the city of Lucerne.

A G7 summit is taking place in neighbouring Italy between 13 and 15 June.

Switzerland had said in January it would host a peace summit at the request of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and has since held talks with the EU, G7 member states and countries such as China and India to garner their support.

"There is currently sufficient international support for a high-level conference to launch the peace process," the Federal Council said in a statement.

It acknowledged "some unknowns" leading up to the conference, "but in view of Switzerland's long-standing diplomatic tradition and the encouraging feedback received during the exploratory phase, it considers it its responsibility to contribute to the peace process in Ukraine."

The UK foreign secretary has said peace in Ukraine can only come from backing Kyiv, rather than through "appeasement" of Russia.

His comments appear to be a rebuttal of alleged remarks from Donald Trump that Ukraine should give up some of its occupied territory to end the war.

Lord Cameron told CNN: "Without saying what I spoke [about] with Donald Trump, fundamentally, this year - and you heard from Zelenskyy this morning - there's a risk that Ukraine will lose more ground to [Vladimir] Putin.

"No one wants to be in a situation in November where we could have acted, we could have helped, we could have beaten back Putin, we could have started the process of getting a Ukraine win and getting a just peace but we failed to do that."

Asked about Mr Trump's alleged comments, he said everyone wants to see an end to the war "but you only get that by backing Ukraine, by showing strength".

"Peace comes through strength, not through appeasement and weakness," he said.

Over the past week we've been asking for your questions on the war for our military analysts and international correspondents.

Every week we're picking one or two to answer - starting with this...

With the (lack of) speed of Western policies being implemented and the speed of Russian military production increasing, isn't it already too late to save Ukraine even if European countries agreed on a huge increase in military spending? Andy

Military analyst Sean Bell answers this one...

Thank you, Andy, for this very topical question.

Wars at scale involve the consumption of huge amounts of weapons, ammunition and military equipment - far beyond the scale that can be held in peacetime stockpiles, and also beyond the capacity of a peacetime defence industrial base. To meet the demands of a modern battlefield, political masters need to make swift decisions about where to invest and what existing production capability can be paused to create capacity to surge military production.

Russia recognised early that it would be involved in a long-term military campaign, and has surged its defence industrial base by at least three times its pre-war size. In addition, Russian oil revenues are funding vast imports of ammunition and missiles from North Korea and Iran.

In contrast, Ukraine's own defence industrial base remains vulnerable to Russian attack, and it remains increasingly dependent on Western military support to survive.

Although Western industrial capacity is an order of magnitude greater than Russia's, Russia is ramping up production where the West has been slow to respond.

Western nations now recognise the wider threat that Russia poses to European security, and defence budgets are rising accordingly. But this represents long-term investment in domestic security, rather than providing a near-term supply of weapons for Ukraine.

The only credible solution in the near-term - the coming year - is for the US to approve the $60bn military aid package which would enable the rapid deployment of off-the-shelf weapons and ammunition. If that is not forthcoming, the coming summer could prove very difficult for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, continues to argue the West should not rule out putting "boots on the ground" - a view supported by former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace. Although this would be a significant escalation, it would enable the West to deploy modern weapons from its inventory which - to date - have not been sent to Ukraine for fear of them ending up on the black market.

The West could also implement a no-fly zone over all or part of Ukraine. Given the poor performance of the Russian air force, this would almost certainly turn the tide of the war in Ukraine's favour.

But is there the political appetite to take such a step - even if it would almost certainly halt Vladimir Putin's brutal war in Ukraine?

The two countries have signed a framework agreement to cooperate in the defence and arms production sectors, officials in Kyiv have said.

The document was signed at a military industry conference in the Ukrainian capital that was attended by about 30 British defence companies.

British firms were there to discuss potential joint ventures with Ukrainian weapons and defence producers.

The UK's minister for trade policy Greg Hands said he hoped the agreement would bring gains for Ukraine on the battlefield and also help its economy in the longer term.

Ukraine has been ramping up efforts to produce its own weaponry as it appears outgunned and outmanned on the battlefield.

It is hoping also to lure major Western producers to set up repair and production facilities in Ukraine, despite the threat of Russian bombardment.

British defence company BAE Systems, one of the first Western producers to set up a local entity in Ukraine, signed an agreement with the UK's defence ministry to conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul of light guns on the ground in Ukraine.

Officials also said they hoped for more projects this year in the drone production sector.

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Black Cruises: What to Know About African-American Cultural Cruises
The black cruises we found aren't sponsored by the cruise lines -- though river cruise line AmaWaterways has a whole offering of cruises that celebrate Black history and culture. They are cruise ...
A Look at AmaWaterways' Black Heritage River Cruises
Soulful Experience: The Enticing Douro: November 13-23, 2024and November 11-21, 2025. Highlights include: 7-night cruise with 3-nights pre-cruise in Lisbon. Dive into the history of the Black and ...
Black History Cruise
THE BLACK HISTORY CRUISE (VOYAGE #3) "Colors of Provence" Cruise Dates: June 17 - 27, 2024 Ports: Paris - Lyon - Vienne - Tournon - Avignon - Arles Colors of Provence Join AmaWaterways in Paris, where many Black artists, writers and entertainers made their mark. Then, board the award-winning AmaKristina in Lyon as we cruise along the Rhône ...
AmaWaterways offering new cruises spotlighting Black history
USA TODAY. 0:04. 1:48. AmaWaterways will sail three new itineraries celebrating Black history in 2024, the river cruise line said this week. The line added new dates for its Soulful Epicurean ...
These New River Cruises Celebrate Black History and Culture Around the
Two of the 2024 cruises will sail the Rhône River in France between Arles and Lyon, with extra time spent in Paris, which the cruise line notes is "a city steeped in the history of famous Black ...
AmaWaterways' first Black heritage cruise hits high notes
ONBOARD THE AMAKRISTINA -- The tears came early on the AmaKristina, on Day 1 of the inaugural Soulful Epicurean Experience cruise, AmaWaterways' first Black heritage river cruise itinerary ...
AmaWaterways will explore Black culture and history on a new France
AmaWaterways is launching a river cruise and land itinerary in France to celebrate and explore Black cultural history. The Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River will make its first departure ...
Review: AmaWaterways' Black Heritage France River Cruise
It was the first night of AmaWaterways' inaugural sailing of the Soulful Epicurean Experience, an 11-day river cruise itinerary designed to explore Black history and culture in southern France along the Rhône River and in Paris during a three-night extension.
AmaWaterways Announces Cruises to Celebrate Black History in 2024
River cruise line AmaWaterways has announced three new opportunities for guests to celebrate the African and Black diaspora on the rivers in 2024.Due to the overwhelming demand for the first-ever ...
This River Cruise Line Is Offering Unique Black History And Cultural
Here's what you'll experience on the cruises. Secrets Of Egypt And The Nile Experiences. The 11-night Secrets of Egypt and The Nile itinerary includes a seven-night cruise from Luxor, plus three nights pre-cruise and one-night post-cruise in Cairo. The city has a long and rich heritage dating back to Black ancestry.
6 Standout Black History Tours in the U.S., from California to
6 Standout Black History Tours in the U.S., From California to Charleston. The walking, driving, and self-guided options that mean supporting Black businesses and diving deep into American culture ...
3 AmaWaterways Tours Explore Black History
AmaWaterways has announced three new opportunities for guests to celebrate the African and Black diaspora on the rivers in 2024.. Following the success of the first Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhone River in France embarking Aug. 24, 2023, the river cruise line has added two new June departure dates for that itinerary. The special journeys includes the Colors of Provence cruise plus ...
The First Black Cruise Experience And Its Inspirational ...
It would be 130+ years after pleasureful cruises were created in 1844, that a cultural experience of this kind would grace the cruise landscape . The journey to creating this experience was one ...
Black History River Cruise (May 2024)
Black History River Cruise (May 2024) Saturday May 25th 1.30pm. 3 hour cruise along the Thames from Temple to Greenwich and back showing the thousands of years of African/Caribbean history on display.
AmaWaterways' New Cruise to Explore Black History and Culture
AmaWaterways France River Cruises Cruise Information. has unveiled its new "A Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River," paired with its "Colors of Provence" river cruise. Additionally, the line is offering a new three-night post-cruise land package in Paris, which commemorates the city's Black history, heritage and culture ...
Black Cruise Events To Book ASAP
Issa party — at sea. African-American cruises have grown in popularity. Here are some to know about that spotlight Black history, jazz music and more.
How Cruise Lines Aim to Be More Welcoming for Black Travelers
The river cruise company this year launched a new Soulful Epicurean Experience river cruise itinerary in France that highlights Black history and culture in Paris and Provence. The 2023 departure sold out almost immediately and AmaWaterways is preparing to announce two new dates for 2024.
11 Inspiring African American History Tours In The U.S
Adults are $37, children 4-12, $27, with children 3 and under free. 3. Black History River Cruise, San Antonio, Texas. Twice a month — on the second Sunday and fourth Saturday — The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum and GO Rio River Cruises offer a 90-minute African American history tour.
AmaWaterways Debuts 'Soulful Epicurean ...
Avignon photo courtesy AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways has announced the debut of A Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River, a unique, first-ever sailing experience paired with its Colors of Provence river cruise. In addition, AmaWaterways is offering a new, specially curated 3-night post-cruise land package in Paris, which commemorates the city's Black history, heritage and culture.
New Cruises in Egypt and France Will Celebrate Black History and
A curated Josephine Baker excursion will offer guests a "Black History of Paris" tour. To learn more about the cruises and the itineraries for each trip, head to AmaWaterways.com. Booking can be ...
Black Cruise Events Calendar 2024
THE BLACK HISTORY CRUISE (VOYAGE #4) Cruise Dates: November 13 - 23, 2024 Ports: Lisbon - Porto - Entre-os-Rios - Régua - Pinhão - Arles Comments: Explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along the breathtaking Douro River. Be treated to authentic Portuguese cuisine and Port during two shoreside dinners at local ...
Take a Black history cruise along the San Antonio River Walk
Take a Black history cruise along the San Antonio River Walk Tour will be offered on Feb. 11, 2023, by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum
11 Best River Cruise Itineraries to Book in 2023 and 2024
Black history and culture in France with Amawaterways. During Amawaterways' Black History cruise, guests aboard the AmaKristina will sail through the South of France along the Rhone River. The ...
Celebrate Black History Month 2024
Our museum celebrates Black History Month 2024 by highlighting the "art of resistance" and the artists who used their crafts to uplift the race, speak truth to power and inspire a nation. View Our Digital Toolkit. Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization's radical voice.
The Beautiful History Of Cruises Over Time
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Russia-Ukraine war latest: Sharp increase in civilian casualties as
The UN has said civilian casualties increased dramatically in Ukraine last month as Russia stepped up its bombardment. Moscow has accused Ukraine of attacking a nuclear plant for three days in a row.