05/17/2026
[BOOK LUXURY BLACK CULTURE CRUISES]. “WE must give our flowers to , the creator of the Soulful Experience with Ama Waterways.
She saw Black travelers getting overlooked in luxury travel and said “nah, we deserve this too.” Then she created riverboat cruises across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America where Black history and culture ARE the story—not some footnote.
For 7 days [My Wife and I] sailed through the Netherlands—Amsterdam, Utrecht, Zierikzee—and Belgium—Ghent, Antwerp, Tervuren, Rotterdam, and Brussels.
We learned about the Moors, the colonial trade that built Amsterdam’s wealth, and the Congolese people who were taken by King Leopold and placed in his human zoo. We even had the surprise gift (not on the itinerary) of visiting Marilyn Nance Spirit, Grace, Faith, Rage exhibit in Rotterdam. The exhibit felt like looking into a family album.
It wasn’t all history lessons, y’all. We danced on the first night with champagne flowing. Had cousin walks to hip-hop clubs in Amsterdam. Ate a Juneteenth dinner by Chef Alexander Smalls that had us in a CHOKEHOLD. Did karaoke and performed “Knuck If You Buck” with the conviction of the ancestors. And yeah, Kim Fields and Carla Hall were on the boat with us.
This felt like the best family reunion experience. It’s one of those trips you’ll never forget and wish it didn’t have to end. You can tell from the moment you step on the boat that this was curated FOR US because everything—the food, the music, the activities—felt intentional and familiar.
The Soulful Experience proved what we already knew: There’s Black history everywhere. We just needed someone brave enough to center it.
Thank you, Jasmine. You did your BIG ONE on this”
Creator:
Note: Ama Waterways is not Black-owned but this initiative is definitely Black-led and shows what happens when are in the room! Our culture and history are celebrated!
