Disney to launch family river cruises
Disney is soon to dip its toes into the river cruising business following news of a partnership with AmaWaterways.
Adventures by Disney, the company’s tour operator unit, will operate family-focused river cruises using AmaWaterways’ new 170-passenger AmaViola ship when it launches in 2016.
It plans seven-night trips between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany on the vessel which is being custom built for families.
Features include several connecting staterooms and rooms and suites able to accommodate up to four people.
Disney will deploy a small team of Adventures by Disney guides on each sailing alongside to the existing AmaWaterways crew.
Sailings will have wine tastings, fine dining, and an onboard fitness center along with movies, karaoke, and themed nights for younger cruisers.
"We think the Disney brand will bring families to the river cruising category, and we think that’s a very exciting development for the industry, said Ken Potrock, senior vice president for Adventures by Disney.
Potrock said the river cruises will not have Disney characters or Disney movie-themed activities and excursions.
"We bring the stories of Europe to life," but not the stories of Disney,’ Potrock said.
Reservations open today for past Adventures by Disney customers and Disney Vacation Club members and then goes on general sale from Wednesday.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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