The Adventures by Disney tour company and AmaWaterways are bringing pixie dust to European river cruises. Family-oriented, luxury river cruises have Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities for a variety of ages, behind-the-scenes tours and after-hours cultural experiences at Europe’s most popular ports.
The trips are all-inclusive, too, so there are no surprises when it comes to paying for a truly immersive and hassle free experience. Let’s look at this partnership.
Adventures by Disney Guided Tours
For nearly 15 years, Adventures by Disney (ABD) has provided guided tours with a Disney flair to destinations in Europe, China, North America, South America, South Africa, Peru and Australia. Billed as the “ultimate in escorted family tours,” these upscale trips are designed to thrill anyone who appreciates the company’s skills at storytelling, customer service and yes, making magic.
For Disney fans, “family” is a very broad term, and we’ve heard an average one-third of participants are taking these trips without children.
Their ABD formula has been a winning one, with new destinations such as Iceland and Switzerland — and new activities like horseback riding — added all the time. In fact, Adventures by Disney was honored with awards from both Cruise Critic in 2018 and a Reader’s Choice Award from the travel agents of Travel Weekly in 2017.
AmaWaterways is a European Cruise Leader with a Global Reach
AmaWaterways is an equally decorated river cruise company, snagging Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award, Cruise Critics Editors’ Pick Award, and an overall 4-Star Plus rating in the inaugural “Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe” guide.
AmaWaterways has been running luxury cruises around the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa, since 2006.
It turns out that river cruising is a very popular vacation option for Disney fans and, since launching in 2016, ABD AmaWaterways river itineraries have expanded — a sure sign of success.
River Itineraries Designed with Families in Mind
AmaWaterways and Disney executives talk about the Danube as “the starter cruise” most likely to appeal to first-time travelers. Most trips make a total of eight ports of call in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, with pre- and post-cruise stays available in Prague. The minimum suggested age for sailors is 8 but the ABD team says families with children age 4 and up are welcomed.
Combining the service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the family travel expertise of Adventures by Disney, the river cruises explore Europe from the inside out. Planned activities range from visiting Salzburg filming locations from “The Sound of Music,” riverfront bike tours, and goulash cooking classes in Hungary, to exploring Devin Castle in Bratislava and taking a traditional Austrian folk dancing lessons in Melk.
In keeping with AmaWaterways tradition of customizing each guest’s experience, there are eight Adventures by Disney Adventure Guides on board each sailing. Their job is to help families decide among a choice of planned activities, whether to join organized shore excursions, or whether to explore on their own during days and nights in port.
Fun River Cruise Itineraries in 2019
Adventures by Disney family sailings typically depart during the summer and winter school holidays. The special holiday themed sailings also include special visits to the renowned Christmas markets in Budapest and Vienna, and / or a Vienna Boys Choir Christmas performance in the Hofburg Palace Chapel and a special holiday menu lunch.
There are no costumed characters on board, yet there is time to show movies, play games, and share Disney storytelling with kids while adults enjoy special Chef’s Table meals and the wine bar. At shore, active play areas for younger children are incorporated into excursions which are led by local experts at each port.
Depending on the season, all river cruises have active excursion options for the whole family which may include including biking, canoeing, horseback riding or hiking.
In 2019, Adventures by Disney guests will launch a brand-new itinerary along the Seine River in France. The 10-day, nine-night Seine river cruise vacation combines two days exploring Paris on land (guided tours of Paris icons including Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre) with eight days of cruising to picturesque French destinations such as Conflans, Vernon and more.
Plus, Adventures by Disney guests can add on an extension package at Disneyland Paris Resort.
The Future is Looking Fun in 2019 and 2020
In 2020, Disney and AmaWaterways European river cruises sail more often than ever before, including 27 departures along the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhone rivers. To complement the increased selection of family vacations in 2020, 10 river cruise departures are reserved exclusively for adults.
Also new in 2020, Adventures by Disney guests can add guided three-day, two-night short escapes in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest, Hungary, which can be booked as pre- or post-cruise stays or as standalone trips.
For more details and to book reservations, visit AdventuresByDisney.com, call 800/543-0865 or contact a travel agent to learn more.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
It sounds like a statement that emphasizes the importance of adults having access to things that are valuable. It could be interpreted as a reminder that adults should not be denied the opportunity to enjoy things that are considered precious or valuable. It’s a good reminder that everyone deserves to have access to things that bring them joy and happiness, regardless of their age.
Summer is a great time to plan a family vacation. There are many options to choose from, such as visiting national parks, theme parks, water parks, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, group trips, or staycations. Happy travels!
Greek island cruises are a great way to explore the most alluring Greek islands, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete and Paros. You can witness world-famous sights, charming seaside tavernas, and crystal-clear waters while island-hopping.
Renting a houseboat on Lake Powell is a great way to enjoy scenic beauty and water adventures. You can explore the 1.25 million-acre geologic playground of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which straddles northern Arizona and southern Utah, while unwinding amid the comforts of home. Book your trip now and discover the ultimate vacation experience!
Cruise lines are offering more immersive experiences for kids, such as go-karting, ice skating, sushi making, and wine tasting, to name a few. These experiences are designed to draw in a wider audience and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Travel professionals have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to handling travel disasters. They can provide you with tips and tools to help you prepare for any kind of travel disaster, whether it’s a canceled flight, a natural disaster, or a medical emergency. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected, and travel professionals can help you do just that.
Family cruising experiences are a great way to bond with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories. They offer good value, variety, entertainment, and all-inclusive amenities, and appeal to all ages. So, why not gift everyone an unforgettable experience?
This is a great travel destination ideas, although it seems outdated. Do you have a more updated travel guides, I believe some locations are not the same due to the pandemic
Nice post. This wasn’t what I was searching for but I still enjoyed reading it.
I think this content needs updating. I am interested in looking for new winter destinations after the pandemic hits.
Planning a winter getaway is an adventure in itself. The snowy landscapes add a magical touch to the family bonding experience. You nailed it. meticulous planning is key, and being ready for unexpected twists, like a surprise blizzard, keeps the excitement alive. Any memorable winter destinations you’d recommend?
Fantastic article post.Really thank you!
Thanks for finally talking about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My
Family Travels <Liked it!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
The Information your provides its very useful for making a trip.
Thanks for finally writing about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel
Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My Family Travels <Liked it!
I have no doubt about that.
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with
us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m
bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Great blog and terrific style and design.
Hi there, I found ykur web site by the use of Google while searching for a similar topic, your site came up, it seems to be good. I have bookmarked it in my googpe bookmarks.
Cheers!
This post is priceless. How can I find out more?
Hello.Thiis post wwas extremely interesting, especially since I was looking for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
Very good post! We will be linking tto this great content on our
site. Keep up the goood writing.
You got a very superb website, Glad I noticed it through yahoo.
Some really fantastc content on this site, thanks for contribution.
Thank you foor helping out, great information.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your
next write ups thank you once again.
You reported that exceptionally well!
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as
long as I provide credit and sources back to
your website? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of
the information you provide here. Please let me know
if this alright with you. Appreciate it!
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having
problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
I take pleasure in, cause I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Good post, I certainly love this website. Keep doing good things. 224034904
Thank you for this info
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
it’s time to be happy.
It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
Great place for kids. My 2 and 4 year old tried every water slide, pool, and toy. They loved the beach as well with the calm, warm waters. It was far from a relaxing trip but this one was all about the kids.
I was more than happy to find this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new things on your web site.
I live in Jacksonville and there is no longer a ‘lively waterfront’. The shops and restaurants were demolished after a mass shooting at one of the establishments. Head to the beach not downtown!! There is a lovely historic district called Avondale/Riverside area. It is absolutely beautiful with shops and restaurants and a beautiful park with a kick a** playground! The neighborhoods sit on the St John’s River. The old homes are big and beautiful. I walk that area regularly and have lived there. Stunning!!!
Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have got right here on this post.
I am returning to your site for more soon.
I agree with every word in this blog, I tried to travel to Saudi Arabia with this topic in mind. I thought a lot about choosing a sustainable activity. So I texted Ootlah website to ask them about sustainable activities and they recommended enjoying the desert in Jeddah, which causes almost no harm to the environment. I booked and tried it and it was significant.
Thank you. We might get there, and we might not. Hope so.