Down by the River: Our take on River Cruising with Adventures by Disney
River cruises with Adventures by Disney bring guests to the shores of some of Europe’s most historic cities and landmarks.
Gone are the days of just daydreaming about storied destinations, imagining yourself in exotic cities, surrounded by history and culture.
Today, those daydreams are becoming reality for more and more travelers who choose to explore the world with Adventures by Disney.
Adventures by Disney is a branch of the Walt Disney Company that specializes in giving guests the most memorable experiences in destinations both domestic and abroad. Through Land Adventures, Expedition Cruises, Escapes and River Cruises, you don’t just see new places, you become immersed in them.
MVT Agents Samantha, Candice and Jessica have all experienced AbD River Cruising for themselves, and have shared what makes these excursions stand apart from the rest.
AbD River Cruises sail along the Rhine, Seine or Danube Rivers, bringing guests to some of Europe’s most transcendent and historic cities. The smaller ships allow for a more intimate experience not only with other passengers and crew, but also with the cities themselves.
“Because you are close to the shore the whole time, you see some amazing scenery,” Samantha said. “They can pull right up to the town so you can walk right off the ship and into some amazing villages.”
Samantha, who sailed the Rhine River Cruise in July 2018, also pointed out that, thanks to the ship’s size, she was also able to avoid long lines getting on or off the boat and spent more time exploring the port cities.
“Traveling by river gives you a different perspective on the land around you, and going through the locks on the river was so fascinating,” said Jess, who sailed the Rhine with Candice in the summer of 2022.
Each of these agents had previously sailed on a variety of ocean cruises, and were quick to point out how the difference of scale also reflected in the atmosphere while on board. Since there are far fewer guests, the trip is much more personalized, especially when it comes to dining and food influenced by where you are in the world.
“Unlike large cruise ships, there is only one dining room, but it serves a wide variety of options for each meal, and the menus change to match the locale you visit each day,” said Candice.
“The staff shop for fresh in season ingredients are at each stop, and the food was the best I have ever had on vacation,” added Samantha. “It was far better than the ocean cruise food.”
Entertainment onboard is also very different compared to the shows and events on larger cruise ships. Instead of Broadway-style spectaculars and bright casino lights, guests are treated to nightly performers or activities like bingo, karaoke, dance parties and cooking demonstrations.
Off of the ship, part of the beauty of an Adventures by Disney vacation is not having to plan your experiences. Almost all excursions are included with your fare, and the details are sorted for you.
“The best part about river cruising with Adventures by Disney is that everything is already taken care of!” said Candice. “All of the excursions are included, and expertly curated. The meals, cocktail hour, and special snacks are included, and thoughtfully put together. It truly is a full experience where you are taken care of and treated like royalty!”
Our agents lauded the level of service they received. As busy moms, they all appreciated the break from having to be “in charge.” Instead, they would simply get dressed and show up for the day’s adventures.
“The other big difference between AbD and other river cruises is that all of your excursions are included in the cost, and those excursions are always just a tiny bit better,” said Candice. “For instance, having costumed, in-character guides leading you around the castle in Heidelberg, or having a skip-the-line pass for the gondola in Rudesheim!”
The standout perk – and what guests rave about time and time again – are Disney’s Adventure Guides.
Specially-trained Adventure Guides accompany you every step of the way. They’re the ones making sure your excursions are planned and needs are met – offering personalized recommendations and stories from their own travels to make your trip that much more memorable.
“Adventure Guides are the ultimate concierge,” said Jess, they take care of EVERYTHING – from leading you on your excursions, to handling behind-the-scenes logistics so everything runs smoothly, all while also acting as a trip photographer and carrying snacks!”
Adventure Guides are truly what make Adventures by Disney stand out among other vacations. They go above and beyond in every way to make your vacation as smooth and memorable as possible.
Samantha explained how her Adventure Guide went above and beyond in multiple ways, helping her book tickets for an excursion that wasn’t otherwise included in the trip, even assisting with directions to get there.
“They even went out of their way to get a souvenir I forgot to get while in Germany,” she said. “One of the guides went back to the shop before we sailed, and it was in our room after dinner.”
Guests are treated like VIPs the moment they choose to travel with Adventures by Disney. In addition to the expertise and care provided by Adventure Guides, your vacation is chock full of extras that make these itineraries worth their weight in gold.
Jess explained that the fare includes airport transfers, where you’re met by an AbD representative and given luxury transportation to the ship or hotel, as well as all photos and a video montage of your trip. “Also, for the river cruises, your gratuities for everyone from luggage handlers, dining room servers, even your Adventure Guides, is included in your cost,” she said.
Even still, once you’re aboard these ships and exploring these cities so intimately, the extras and perks are just that.
Adventures by Disney itineraries are designed to bring guests to parts of the world worthy of the pages of a storybook. You get to see cities and taste cultures as locals do, and often how other tourists can’t. These aren’t simple getaways. Instead, they transport you to another place, another time, that you and your family or friends will never forget. For river cruises especially, this means gliding along the water, surrounded by the sights and sounds of cities with rich history and locals ready to share their culture.
“Adventures by Disney is great for someone who has an Adventurous spirit, but likes the convenience of having it all planned out for you,” said Jess. “It’s an active vacation, not for someone who wants to sit on the beach all day, but there are a wide variety of activities so everyone will have fun!”
