Adventures By Disney Expands Popular River Cruise Offerings, Adds New Food & Wine Themed Sailing

New Rhine River Sailing is the Latest Addition to the Adventures by Disney River Cruise Portfolio,

 Allowing Travelers to Savor the Unique Culinary History of Four Countries.

 Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide, recently announced an expansion

 of their popular river cruising vacations with AmaWaterways for 2017, offering an extended second

 season of cruises along Europe's Danube River, as well as launching new sailings along the Rhine River. 

 Adventures by Disney has announced the addition of a food and wine themed sailing along the

 Rhine River to next year's itinerary line-up.

Disney Culinary Director John State and Master Sommelier Brian Koziol worked hand-in-hand with

 Adventures by Disney to masterfully craft a new eight-day, seven-night epicurean sailing through

 Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. State and Koziol have a proven track record of

 curating food and beverage experiences for popular Disney theme park events, such as the renowned

 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which draw foodies from around the globe to visit Disney

 parks. Now they're bringing these same talents to Adventures by Disney, sailing aboard a river cruise 

ship through the heart of Europe with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line.

Offering extraordinary food and beverage experiences both on and off the ship, this adult-exclusive

 vacation, which sets sail from Basel, Switzerland on Oct. 21, 2017, offers the following highlights:

• Learn about wine tasting and blending during vineyard tours and onboard seminars hosted
•  by Brian Koziol, one of only 230 Master Sommeliers in the world.
• Share in the history and culinary mastery of the authentic dishes of Europe during intimate
•  gourmet demonstrations and workshops with John State, culinary director for the Disneyland Resort.
• Stroll through charming Riquewihr, France on a guided walking tour that incorporates local
•  gastronomic delights, including sausages and French macarons.
• Discover the art of the Strasbourg specialty, tart flambé, during an interactive class, complete
•  with local beer and Alsatian wine pairings.
• Get hands-on during a French patisserie class in Strasbourg.
• Explore German vineyards and visit festive pubs while sampling the hearty cuisine of the
•  Alsace region.
• Tour the Heineken Factory, savor a special caramel waffle demonstration and learn how to
•  blend craft cocktails during a private workshop in Amsterdam.
• 
  

This new Rhine adventure is just the latest expansion of the successful Adventures by Disney vacation

 portfolio, which now includes 15 sailings along Europe's Danube and Rhine Rivers in 2017.

 Combining the award-winning service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the proven travel expertise

 of Adventures by Disney, these river cruise sailings offer a vacation experience that is all-inclusive

 and hassle-free. Travelers can customize their trip to fit their needs by choosing from a variety of

 activity options offered at ports and onboard each day.

"At Adventures by Disney we've had an incredibly successful first season of European river cruise

 vacations," said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. "For 2017 we dreamt

 even bigger, expanding our offerings to include not only our already popular Danube sailings, but

 also exciting new experiences along the Rhine River. By adding this new food and wine themed

 sailing we're able to give our adult guests an even more customized way to travel with us, and the

 line-up of experiences we've planned for this epicurean adventure allow us to showcase the rich

 culinary stories of this region in a luxuriously delicious way."

Guests will sail on the Rhine River aboard the all-new AmaKristina, a river cruise ship being custom

 built by AmaWaterways. While the food and wine sailing is exclusively for adults, the Adventures by

 Disney river cruise portfolio offers vacation options for families as well. Designed with guests of all

 ages in mind, these sailings along the Danube and Rhine rivers allow families to explore Europe as

 a family in a way that is active, immersive and easy.

"AmaWaterways is thrilled to expand our relationship with Adventures by Disney and present

 additional options for family and adult travelers that are looking for a unique way to explore

 Europe," said Kristin Karst, co-owner and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. "Sailing

 aboard the exquisite AmaKristina, guests will enjoy flavorful dishes, perfectly paired wines and

 beautiful ports of call, while completely immersing themselves in the culture of a destination.

 October is also a fascinating time to cruise, as fall colors appear and the vineyards turn brilliant

 shades of yellow, orange and red. The food and wine sailing will truly be a magical experience for all!"

Bookings for the Adventures by Disney Rhine Food & Wine River Cruise are open now. For more

 details and to book reservations, 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. It was 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.

Adventures By Disney Announces First-Ever River Cruising Itineraries

Additional Dates Added as Disney's Guided Group Travel Experts
Sail with AmaWaterways to Create Innovative New Style of Family Vacationing

Just one month after the introduction of its first-ever river cruising itineraries, Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide, announced additional sailings have been added to the 2016 river cruising lineup. Sailing with AmaWaterways, the travel industry’s premier luxury river cruise line, Adventures by Disney river cruises offer a new way for families to experience the heart of Europe in a way that is active, immersive and easy. Now, five sailings along the Danube River in the summer of 2016, as well as two holiday themed sailing in December 2016, will give adventurous travelers the opportunity to experience iconic locations and hidden gems in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Combining the award-winning service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the proven family travel expertise of Adventures by Disney, this new style of vacationing will deliver an unmatched experience that is immersive, all-inclusive and hassle-free. The Adventures by Disney river cruise departures will take guests off the beaten path in search of the culture, art and unique stories intrinsic to each European city and town visited. 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 are seemingly endless.

River cruises also offer maximum port time in each city, arriving at dawn and departing late night. That means more time for travelers to discover the destination through guided activities and individual exploration for a completely tailored and customizable vacation experience. Eight Adventures by Disney Adventure Guides on each sailing add to the already renowned crew of AmaWaterways, creating an unprecedented level of support for guests. It’s a degree of service unique to Disney, with guides serving as hosts in each destination and onboard the ship. Local experts will also be on hand at each port to bring the authentic culture to life for visiting guests.

“Celebrating 10 years in the family tourism industry, Adventures by Disney is always looking for new ways to deliver extraordinary vacation experiences that are both memorable and effortless for our guests,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. “Recognizing the untapped potential and broadening appeal of the river cruising market, we worked with AmaWaterways to provide families with an immersive, personalized experience unlike anything we’ve presented before.”

River Cruising on the Newest Vessel from AmaWaterways

Adventures by Disney guests will sail aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaViola, a river cruise ship that is being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. New family-friendly design elements include specific room configurations, including six sets of connecting staterooms, as well as some rooms and suites that accommodate three- and four-person families, and other unique details that lend themselves to luxury family vacations. Shipboard spaces are being reimagined to provide for specially designed activities geared towards kids, teens and adults. The small size of the river cruising vessel allows for an intimate and deeply immersive cruising experience, ensuring guests’ needs are not only met but exceeded.

“We are so very excited to bring the beauty of river cruising to the family market through these special sailings with Adventures by Disney,” said Kristin Karst, co-owner and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “River cruising presents a terrific opportunity for immersion into the sights, history and culture of the world’s most magical destinations. We look forward to working together with Adventures by Disney to offer innovative experiences that help families create unforgettable memories.”

Shipboard activities will offer something for everyone. Adults can enjoy wine tasting, music, dancing and an onboard fitness center, along with some of the finest cuisine and service available. Special Adventures by Disney activities for Junior Adventurers include activity nights, movies, karaoke, relay games, life-size chess lessons, video games and more. Teens will also find activities and themed nights created specifically for them.

Joining an existing line-up of more than 30 other guided group vacations to destinations on six continents, river cruising is a natural extension for Adventures by Disney, a brand known for providing exceptional service and hands-on, active experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages. The new Adventures by Disney river cruising departures are designed to meet the needs and interests of all participating family members – allowing grandparents, parents and children alike to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Adventures by Disney exclusive sailings will take place July 7-14, July 14-21, July 21-28, July 28 – Aug. 4 and Aug. 4-11, 2016. Highlights of the 8-day/7-night adventures include:

·       Tour of Mirabell Gardens and adventures through a salt mine (Austria)

·       Nighttime Illuminations Cruise (Budapest)

·       Horse show at Lazar Equestrian Park (Hungary)

·       Medieval activities at Devin Castle in Bratislava (Slovakia)

·       Private marionette performance and strudel making demo at Schonbrunn Palace (Austria)

·       Falconry show at Hohenwerfen castle (Austria)

·       Walk along the tree tops at a unique outdoor adventure center in Kopfing (Germany)

·       Oktoberfest event at a local brewery (Germany)

·       Themed meals and culinary activities, such as interactive goulash and strudel making

·       Biking in every port

The special holiday themed sailing departing Dec. 15, 2016, will also include visits to the renowned Christmas markets along the Danube, a private performance and cocktail reception at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, a private visit to Schlosshof and more. The Dec. 22, 2016, holiday sailing will include visits to Christmas markets in Budapest and Vienna, a Vienna Boys Choir Christmas performance in the Hofburg Palace Chapel, a special holiday menu lunch and more.

Guests looking for even greater immersion into local culture can add an Adventures by Disney 3-day/2-night pre- or post-stay experience in Prague, Czech Republic, that includes a variety of active experiences, such as a cultural immersion tour of Prague with a local guide, dinner at Folklore Garden with traditional music and dance, a Prague river cruise featuring monuments and architectural highlights, a guided walking tour of the charming medieval UNESCO World Heritage site Český Krumlov, and more.

For more details and to book reservations, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.

About Adventures by Disney

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia. Adventurers traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary and customized 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, from big cities to big sky country and beyond.

Over the past ten years, Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its excellence in family tourism. Adventures by Disney was recently named North America’s Leading Tour Operator at the 2014 World Travel Awards, and was previously named the World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator in the 2012, 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards. Adventures by Disney was also 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, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent to learn more.

About AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers award-winning river cruises around the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. The company has received numerous honors and accolades over the years, including Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick Award and an overall 4-Star Plus rating in the inaugural Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe. AmaWaterways’ European fleet includes AmaStella (2016), AmaViola (2016), AmaVista (2015),AmaSerena (2015), AmaReina (2014), AmaSonata (2014), AmaPrima (2013), AmaCerto (2012), AmaVerde (2011), AmaBella (2010), AmaLyra (2009),AmaDolce (2009), AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008), AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The company’s “The Exotics” division featuresAmaPura (2014) on the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal, AmaLotus (2011) and AmaDara (2015) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.

River Cruise Myths Dispelled

With more than 40 new river cruise ships launching in 2015, travelers have even more choice of onboard offerings, destinations and ships. To help holidaymakers learn more about this rapidly expanding sector, Cruise Critic® the world's largest cruise reviews site and cruise community, breaks down some of the myths and misconceptions of river cruising.

"With so many new ships offering better facilities, exciting itineraries and excursions, river cruise lines are really improving the overall experience to appeal to a broader audience. This is a great time for anyone interested in this type of travel, and we want to help dispel some of the long-standing assumptions people have that may deter them from trying a river cruise," explains Cruise Critic editor, Jamey Bergman.

1. Bring the kids - river cruising is great for the whole family
A river cruise may not provide the wealth of kids' activities that many ocean cruises or family resorts do, but provides a more traditional holiday experience. Children can become immersed in new cultures and share memorable experiences with the whole family.

For example, Tauck River Cruising offers all-inclusive river cruise packages tailored to families, which include cultural activities, such as dinner served in a castle and a visit to a French ranch. This week, Adventures by Disney, announced the launch of its first river cruising itineraries in a partnership with AmaWaterways. In 2016, Adventures by Disney will take families through Europe to experience cultural, immersive experiences, such as visiting scenes from the "The Sound of Music" in Salzburg and exploring Devin Castle in Bratislava. There are onboard activities catering for everyone, with wine tasting, music, dancing, and fine cuisine for adults. For children, offerings include movies and karaoke, while teens will also find events tailored to them. CroisiEurope is another family-friendly line, and has cruises during school holidays to Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia, with children aged 16 and under invited to travel free-of-charge on these sailings.

2. River cruising isn't limited to Europe
Brand-new itineraries in more far-flung and adventurous destinations, such as Burma and the Amazon, have expanded river cruising beyond Europe, and even within Europe the options continue to grow.

Many of the river cruise lines now have ships in Asia, such as AmaWaterways, Viking and Avalon. South America is an emerging river destination, and Lindblad Expeditions, for example, offers sailings aboard Delfin II enabling passengers to participate in kayaking, hikes and view the wildlife of the Amazon.

3. You can explore the rivers in luxury
Luxury is increasingly being incorporated within the river cruise experience – making it easier to pamper yourself. Luxury river cruise operators include Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Belmond. For the ultimate lavish experience, Sanctuary Retreats has some of the largest suites on the rivers, and top-tier cabins all offer butler service. Meals include local produce hand selected by the ship's chefs, and guests can even opt for a private dining experience in the ship's library.

4. A river cruise can offer excellent value
River cruises are highly inclusive, making it easy to stay within a budget. River cruises include transport between destinations (via ship), daily onboard meals or packed lunches, some drinks (most include alcohol with lunch and dinner), and many incorporate tours and excursions. Do bear in mind, however, that while river cruise lines serve a good (and usually plentiful) three meals a day, many don't include free snacks outside of meal times. When booking your cruise, if something initially seems pricey, do clarify exactly what is included within that price – you may be pleasantly surprised.

5. River cruising is making changes to suit all ages
Traditionally, a river cruise was all about the destination and scenery, with the entertainment simple, and activities fairly limited. However, this is changing as operators and agents target promotions to attract a wider market. While the itinerary remains important, cruise lines are adapting ships to provide an enhanced onboard experience, and appeal to younger cruisers.

AmaWaterways is improving the onboard experience to encourage a wider range of guests. New additions, on select ships, include heated pools with swim-up bars on the top deck, new spa areas and cabins with interconnecting doors, popular with groups and families. Following the recent launch of Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn, Emerald Waterways' portfolio now comprises four ships which all include a dual-purpose area that transforms from an indoor, heated pool with retractable roof during the day, to a cinema at night.

Adventures by Disney Introduces New European Vacations to Tuscany and Spain in 2015

Experience the tastes and traditions of the Italian countryside and the cultural treasures of Spanish art

 and history on these two new itineraries

 Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide,

 continues to offer exceptional vacation itineraries to the world's most treasured destinations. Now adventure seekers

 can tour two new European itineraries that bring the rich culture and stories of Tuscany and Spain to life.

In 2015, travelers can explore iconic landscapes and exquisite Italian culture on a mouth-watering Tuscan culinary

 adventure with Adventures by Disney. This trip brings out the best of Tuscany, delighting foodies and adventurers 

alike. To add even more excitement, Adventures by Disney is also launching an amazing new itinerary that takes

 guests on a journey through the hidden treasures of Spain. From classic castles to breathtaking beaches, this tour 

of Spain includes a vibrant variety of unique activities in exciting cities such as Barcelona, Seville and Marbella.

Tuscany Culinary Adventure

The distinctive tastes and timeless traditions of Italy come together on a new food-focused 7-day, 6-night Tuscany

 tour. Guests can immerse themselves in the local culture and spectacular settings of the Italian countryside as they

 enjoy private and hands-on culinary experiences. Relax in lush accommodations while taking in the rolling hills and

 charming vineyards on this memorable adventure of a lifetime. Key highlights of this trip include:

• Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime truffle hunting experience, a native tradition of San Miniato.
• Learn how to make Italian dishes during hands-on cooking lessons, including crafting uniquely classical
•  Tuscan pasta, and learning the art of making authentic Italian pizza and bruschetta.
• Walk along an ancient cypress-lined path to the charming hilltop hamlet of Borgo San Felice, followed by
•  a classic Tuscan country picnic.
• Savor a private dining experience in the garden of Castello di Spaltenna, as well as an adult-only gourmet
•  Tuscan dinner at the renowned Contrada Restaurant.
• Learn the art of honeycomb candle making while enjoying fresh Tuscan cheeses.
• Explore a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti district and delight in new flavors during an adult-exclusive
•  wine blending activity as Junior Adventurers experiment with olive oil infusion and participate in a biscotti-
• making activity.

Spain Adventure

The new Adventures by Disney 9-day, 8-night Spain tour takes guests off the beaten path on an unforgettable trip

 that explores Spanish culture, art and history. Dance to the rhythm of strumming guitars with private Flamenco 

lessons, be inspired by Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona and enjoy privately guided tours to landmark monuments

 that make Spain a vacation destination unlike anywhere else. Trip highlights include:

• Take pleasure in privately guided visits to landmark monuments including Madrid's Royal Palace and Prado
•  Museum, and Córdoba's Grand Mosque.
• Relax, unwind and take in the azure waters of the Mediterranean during a 2-night stay at a stunning resort
•  facing Marbella's famed beach, and delight in other plush accommodations throughout your vacation.
• Test your dancing skills during a private Flamenco lesson and a dinner show in Seville, and delight in a
•  Catalan Rumba dinner performance in Barcelona.
• Enjoy a glass blowing demonstration in La Granja and a self-guided tour of the famous Picasso Museum in
•  Barcelona.
• Learn sangria mixing during a special session for adults while Junior Adventurers savor a gourmet chocolate
•  tasting.
• Join a renowned Paella master who teaches the art of making Spain's national dish.
• Skip the lines at La Sagrada Família and visit Gaudi's other masterpieces in Barcelona.
• Enjoy a special tour of the famous Santiago Bernabéu Fútbol Stadium and lunch at El Asador de la Esquina
•  high atop the stadium.

With more than 30 itineraries around the globe, Adventures by Disney travels to some of the world's most exciting 

destinations. Two Disney-trained Adventure Guides, along with local experts, ensure that every detail of the vacation 

is taken care of so guests can create everlasting memories without the stress of planning.

For more details and to book reservations, call 1-866-543-0865 or contact a travel agent. For more information on the

itineraries offered and activities included on an Adventures by Disney vacation, visit AdventuresByDisney.com.

About Adventures by Disney

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided family

 vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia.

 Adventurers traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary and

 customized 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, from big cities to big sky country and beyond.

Over the past nine years, Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its

 excellence in family tourism. Adventures by Disney was recently named North America's Leading Tour Operator a

t the 2014 World Travel Awards, and was previously named the World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator in the 2012,

 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards. Adventures by Disney was also ranked No 1 among Tour Operators and Safari

 Outfitters for Families in 2011 by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards.

With two Disney-trained Adventure Guides on each trip, engaging and unique activities, VIP experiences and

 personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney vacations are crafted to excite and delight everyone. Visit

 AdventuresByDisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.