Adventures by Disney Announces New Themed European River Cruise Vacations in 2018

Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, Adventures by Disney river cruises offer a new way for families to explore the heart of Europe in a way that is active, immersive and easy. In 2018, Adventures by Disney will offer exciting new experiences on its European river cruises, including special experiences celebrating Beauty and the Beast on the popular Rhine river sailings.

Adventures by Disney Rhine river cruises aboard the AmaKristina give travelers the opportunity to revel in the beauty of four countries – France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. Whether riding a toboggan and hiking in the Black Forest, exploring the famous storybook Heidelberg Castle, or sampling wine in a medieval basement wine cave, these eight-day, seven-night vacations pair unforgettable adventures in port with luxurious river cruise accommodations and amenities onboard.

On six departures in 2018, travelers will celebrate the quaint villages and culture that inspired the Beauty and the Beast films and savor special experiences. They'll be immersed in a tale as old as time during a Beauty and the Beast themed dinner, as well as other unique culinary experiences inspired by the film. Families can enjoy screenings of both the live-action and animated versions of the film onboard, then become part of this beloved story as they tour Riquewihr, an idyllic French village that is as picturesque as Belle's hometown from the movie.

Adventures by Disney will also double the number of popular food and wine themed sailings along the Rhine in 2018, offering two epicurean sailings during the fall. Hosted by renowned chefs and sommeliers, these adult-exclusive sailings will serve up extraordinary food and beverage experiences both on and off the ship. Highlights include activities such as wine tasting, gourmet demonstrations and workshops, culinary walking tours in several ports, a French patisserie class, local beer and wine pairings, craft cocktail blending seminars and more. These cruises were inspired by popular food and beverage offerings throughout Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, such as the fan-favorite Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.

Danube River Cruises Offering Something for Everyone

In 2018, Adventures by Disney will also offer six departures of its popular Danube river cruises aboard the AmaViola. In addition to bringing back another season of summertime and themed holiday sailings, there will be an all-new adult-exclusive Oktoberfest sailing in September 2018. This special itinerary will visit Germany during the iconic yearly Oktoberfest celebration, and will include festive themed parties and culinary treats both on and off the ship.

These eight-day, seven-night vacations will visit iconic locations and hidden gems in four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. From revisiting scenes from the movie "The Sound of Music" in Salzburg and exploring Devin Castle in Bratislava to taking a traditional Austrian folk dancing lesson in Melk, the opportunities for exploration on these Danube adventures are seemingly endless.

Designed with guests of all ages in mind, each Adventures by Disney river cruise sailing focuses on variety and flexibility, allowing travelers to customize their trip by choosing from a wealth of activity options offered both in port and onboard.

"For 2018, we looked to find exciting new ways to make our incredibly popular river cruises even more enticing to every type of traveler," said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. "By increasing the number of special themed sailings along the Rhine and Danube rivers we now offer more choices than ever for our guests. Whether you're looking to explore the storybook setting of Beauty and the Beast, wine and dine on local specialties during interactive epicurean workshops, stroll charming European Christmas Markets or celebrate during rousing Oktoberfest festivities, Adventures by Disney has carefully crafted personalized vacation experiences to suit your interests and tastes."

Adventures by Disney guests sail aboard river cruise ships that were custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. Design elements include sets of connecting staterooms and suites, some of which accommodate three- and four-person families. Adventures by Disney also worked closely with AmaWaterways to reimagine shipboard spaces and activities, offering unique programming for kids, teens and adults.

"AmaWaterways is excited to expand our relationship with Adventures by Disney and looks forward to welcoming the family travel market to some of Europe's most unforgettable river cruise destinations in 2018," said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. "A river cruise with AmaWaterways and Adventures by Disney gives families the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Europe's most breathtaking destinations, and children, parents and grandparents will have meaningful and magical experiences together!"

These new river cruises complement a lineup of more than 30 other Adventures by Disney guided group land-based vacations to destinations on six continents. Adventures by Disney trips take guests off the beaten path in search of the culture, art and unique stories intrinsic to each destination visited.

Bookings for 2018 river cruise vacations open on March 2, 2017. To book, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.

About Adventures by Disney
Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free group guided vacation experiences to destinations on six continents. Families traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary experiences at locations including: the South African plains, the great cities of Europe, Costa Rica's rich rainforest, the ruins of Pompeii and Machu Picchu, Australia's Outback, the Great Wall of China and some of America's most iconic destinations.

Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its excellence in family tourism. In Cruise Critic's 2016 Editors' Picks, Adventures by Disney river cruises were honored as the Best River Cruise Line for Families. It was also recently voted Top "Adventure" Tour Operator in the Travel Weekly 2015 Readers Choice Awards, and was previously named North America's Leading Tour Operator at the 2014 World Travel Awards. Adventures by Disney was also named World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator in the 2012, 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards, and ranked No. 1 among Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters for Families in 2011 by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards.

Offering Disney-trained Adventure Guides on each trip, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney vacations are crafted to excite and delight everyone. Visit AdventuresByDisney.com to learn more.

About AmaWaterways
A family-owned company celebrating 15 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 19 ships that sail Europe's Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch and Belgian Waterways and Douro rivers, Southeast Asia's Mekong and Africa's Chobe River. The company is renowned for its innovative stateroom design featuring unique "twin balconies"; its wide choice of included shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options for the active traveler; and its award-winning dining – including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant as well as complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.  Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, each ship carries less than 164 guests and features onboard amenities such as hair and massage salons and a fitness room and many have heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars.  AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry with a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, offering group or chartered sailings geared towards active travelers and families. 

With the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the 2016 edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including 2016 Cruise Critics Editors' Pick Award as "Best River Cruise Line" and Town & Country River Cruise Awards as "Best Overall," "Best For Food," "Best For Onboard Activities" and "Best For On-Shore Activities."

SOURCE Adventures by Disney