It must feel like going back to the roots for the Disney organization, since Mickey Mouse’s first starring role was as Steamboat Willie, a riverboat captain. Just a few weeks ago, Disney announced its first venture into river cruising (Gumbo news, 4/15), and the response was strong enough that Disney is adding two more cruises to the five it started with.
The trips are all 8-days, 7-nights, with stops in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, all on the Danube. Ship movements will be at night, leaving maximum day-time for going ashore. The cruises alternate between east-bound and west-bound; the east-bound ones can be paired with an optional 3-day, 2-night package in Prague that can be added before or after the cruise.
Disney is partnered with AmaWaterways, an experienced hand in the business, for the cruises between Budapest and Vilshofen, Germany, in southern Bavaria. The cruises start next year, using a new purpose-built ship, AmaViola, that features family-sized cabins. Onboard activities and shore excursions are all family-oriented. The two December sailings will include stops at Christmas Markets along the Danube and a private performance in Vienna at the Spanish Riding School.
More info on Disney’s Adventures by Disney site.
