Adventures by Disney Offers More Opportunities for Families to Set Sail on European River Cruise Vacations in 2021
by Evily Giannopoulos Peros, Public Relations Manager, Adventures by DisneyHave you heard the news? In 2021, families will embark on more Adventures by Disney river cruise vacations than ever before, with 30 sailings along four European rivers: the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine. And as another exciting update, guests aboard 2021 Rhine River sailings will have the opportunity to travel to Papenburg, Germany for an inside look at the construction of the fifth Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wish!Here’s a look at what guests will discover when river cruising with Adventures by Disney in 2021.
Family Vacations in the Heart of EuropeSailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, these all-inclusive vacations are filled with active, immersive experiences curated by the family travel experts at Disney. A team of specially trained Adventure Guides are master storytellers who bring each destination to life and provide a seamless, authentic experience marked by signature Disney service.
On Rhine River cruises, guests explore storybook villages in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Highlights include a toboggan ride through the black forest, high-adrenaline thrills at an indoor winter park, horseback riding through the French countryside and a voyage through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley offering up-close views of 30 majestic castles.New on the Rhine River itinerary is a unique excursion to Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the newest Disney Cruise Line ships are being built. Guests who book this activity will go behind-the-magic at the building docks on a privately guided hard-hat tour led by a Disney Imagineer. This intimate, limited-capacity experience will be available at an additional charge on all 2021 departures.
Danube River sailings visit eight unforgettable destinations in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, where adventurers roam medieval ruins, scale treetop rope bridges and marvel at the rolling hills made famous in “The Sound of Music.”
Rhone River vacations through the south of France transport guests to sun-soaked Provence, a region celebrated for its colorful culture, charming villages, lush vineyards and world-renowned cuisine. Interactive excursions include an art workshop inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, a private truffle-hunting experience and tasting, and kayaking beneath a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.Seine River cruises celebrate the magnificence of rural France with visits to picturesque provincial towns, the historic beaches of Normandy, Monet’s House and Gardens, the dramatic cliffs of Etretat, and Paris – the “City of Lights.”
Specialty, Seasonal and Themed Departures The 2021 Adventures by Disney river cruise lineup includes a variety of specialty sailings that feature themed offerings onboard and onshore, in addition to the excursions and entertainment already built into each itinerary.Throughout the year, select departures are reserved for families traveling without children. During these adult-exclusive sailings, guests 18 years of age and older enjoy all of the magic of an Adventures by Disney river cruise with the addition of tailored enhancements designed just for them. These dedicated sailings meet the increased demand among adult travelers for Adventures by Disney’s unique blend of sophistication, variety and adventure in a fun, comfortable setting.Special adult-only vacations include themed Oktoberfest sailings on the Danube River and Food and Wine cruises on the Rhine River, each offering an extra serving of refinement and fun for culinary connoisseurs and “foodies” alike. Also on the Danube, festive Christmas Market cruises are a magical way for families to celebrate the holidays like never before. Each of these specialty vacations is offered twice in 2021.Pre- and Post-Cruise Itinerary Enhancements in Paris, Amsterdam and BudapestAdventures by Disney guests can extend their European river cruise vacations with three-day, two-night stays in some of Europe’s most celebrated cities. These guided group itineraries are designed to maximize vacation time, highlighting “must see” attractions as well as lesser-known hidden gems. Two dedicated Adventure Guides lead guests in enriching, exciting activities the whole family can enjoy.
The Paris Escape can be added to Seine and Rhone sailings to round-out vacations in northern or southern France. Guests enjoy spectacular views of the “City of Lights” from their seats at dinner in the Eiffel Tower, a private walking culinary tour, and an immersive visit to the Louvre Museum guided by a local expert and a special art detective activity for Junior Adventurers.
The Amsterdam Escape can be added as a post-cruise stay following Rhine River sailings to complete the cruise’s four-country journey. This itinerary features a bucket-list canal cruise, a culinary tour of the trendy Jordaan neighborhood and a visit to the Van Gogh Museum followed by an interactive painting workshop.
The Budapest Escape can be added to Danube River sailings as the perfect land complement to the Central European tour by water. The itinerary checks off the city’s must-see sites with a focus on enriching cultural experiences like sampling authentic Hungarian cuisine, riding in a tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) and reveling in a performance at the Budapest Opera House.Adventures by Disney Escapes can be booked as standalone getaways or as add-ons to other vacation plans.Bookings for 2021 River Cruise Adventures by Disney itineraries open to the public on Jan. 29, 2020.Want to learn more about Adventures by Disney? Visit adventuresbydisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent to book your family’s next adventure!