Disney River Cruise a Reality

By on April 14, 2015

Disney River Cruise Begins in 2016

Disney River Cruise Danube

Holy chocolate Mickeys. Disney is entering the river cruise business. Oh my gosh, this is big news.

Adventures by Disney today announced the introduction of its first-ever river cruising itineraries. Disney is teaming up with AmaWaterways to offer a new way for families to experience the heart of Europe.

Four sailings along the Danube River in the summer of 2016 will be the first Disney river cruises. Travelers will experience iconic locations and hidden gems in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

And you can bet a dwarf’s diamond mine that the Disney customer service will be through the roof. Disney is adding eight Disney Adventure Guides on each sailing on to the already renowned crew of AmaWaterways, creating an unprecedented level of support for guests.

Hohenwerfen Castle Disney River CruiiseHohenwerfen Castle

“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.”

Disney River Cruise on the Newest Vessel from AmaWaterways

The initial Disney river cruises will be aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaViola. The ship is being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. New family-friendly design elements include specific room configurations to accommodate families.

Disney River CruiseTree Path Kopfing in Austria

“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.”

Disney River CruiseApple Strudel making at Schönbrunn Palace in Austria

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. Kids can enjoy special activity nights, movies, karaoke, relay games, life-size chess lessons, video games and more.

Disney River Cruise Along the Danube

It’s smart that Disney is sailing the Danube first. The Danube is the most popular river for river cruises.

Sailings will take place July 7-14, July 14-21, July 21-28 and July 28 – Aug. 4, 2016.

Highlights of the 8-day/7-night Disney river cruise include a Nighttime Illuminations Cruise in Budapest. A falconry show at Hohenwerfen castle. Culinary activities such as goulash and strudel making. Bikes in every port. And I’m hoping for some interactive Disney princess activities.

Disney River CruiseParliament building in Budapest

There will also be a special holiday themed sailing, departing Dec. 22, 2016. The sailing will include the Christmas markets in Budapest and Vienna, a Vienna Boys Choir Christmas performance in the Hofburg Palace Chapel and a special holiday menu lunch.

Extend Your Disney River Cruise Experience

Disney is also unveiling river cruise add-ons. 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. Activities include 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 Cesky Krumlov, and more.

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