More Family River Cruising
Speaking of river cruising, A-Rosa River Cruises has revealed plans for two new ships designed 
specifically for family and multi-generational cruises beginning in 2021. These 140-cabin ships will offer large family cabins — some sleeping up to five — a dedicated kid’s club, separate children’s pool and an area set aside in the restaurant if children want to eat together with their siblings and friends. For the parents, there will also be an enlarged spa and wellness area. The German-owned line, which offers English-speaking cruises, was one of the pioneers of family-friendly itineraries. The ships will sail primarily on the northern Rhine, departing from Cologne and calling at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Bruges and Antwerp. On all cruises, children aged 15 and under travel free.
European Waterways for Families
Responding to what it says has been 60% growth in barge charters by families this year, European Waterways has added more excursion options for multigenerational groups. Families can now pick from a mix of activities and tours that include theme parks, water parks and laser tag for children, as well as wine tastings, golf and other sports for adults. There are also options designed to appeal to the whole family, including wildlife parks, archery lessons, swimming, tours of prehistoric caves and canoeing. Your family will be truly pampered with a hotel barging experience throughout the waterways of Europe!
Captain Minnie Mouse Debut
We are so excited that Disney Cruise Line is creating new initiatives that are not princess related. Their latest program is to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the maritime industry. The debut of Captain Minnie Mouse, along with a new nautical youth program and scholarships are designed to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in the cruise industry and chart a course for success. Captain Minnie Mouse will make her rounds on ships and also visit local children while in port. She will appear in an all-new youth activity where young captain hopefuls practice STEM skills in a fun maritime-themed activity with a series of engaging and hands-on activities. The cruise line will also sponsor four scholarships at the LJM Maritime Academy in The Bahamas for female cadets who aspire to be ship captains and shipboard leaders. The scholarships, one for each of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, include two years of study at the academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.
Luxury Cruising for Families
On select summer voyages in Alaska and throughout Europe on Regent Cruises, children ages 17 or younger sail 
for free or for as little as $499! Rates also include free and unlimited shore excursions. Regent’s Club Mariner Youth Program is also available for children ages 5 to 17 and includes a range of specialized activities, from mini-putt tournaments to dance parties to movie nights. Each program is designed and supervised by friendly and professional youth counselors. Call now for more details and sailing options.
Value Packed Holland America
Through May 15, Holland America is offering a Pack These Values promotion with prepaid tips and reduced fares for children as well as 50 percent off your deposit. This deal is valid on select cruises in 2019 and 2020. Choose from sailings in Alaska, Caribbean, Europe and South America through May 2020. Where will your family explore next with Holland America?
Disney Cruise News
Disney Cruise Line announced it will call on five ports in Greece during three special Mediterranean 
voyages departing from Rome in the summer of 2020. This marks the first time in five years a Disney cruise ship has stopped in Greece. Next summer, one 12-night and two nine-night cruises aboard the Disney Magic will call on Piraeus (Athens), Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete. Departure dates have not yet been announced. New European ports next year include Gdynia, Poland; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Plymouth, England; and Zeebrugge, Belgium. In other Disney Cruise Line news, the Bahamas has approved a plan for the cruise line to buy 746 acres of land on the island of Eleuthera, known for its pink sand beaches and surf for an experience similar to Castaway Cay. Three new ships are planned for the cruise line by 2023.
Star Wars and Marvel Day at Sea
Disney Cruise Line is extending its popular Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea. They are offering sailings through March 2020 with an additional 18 themed cruises; nine of each. The Star Wars cruises will sail from Port Canaveral in January and February for seven nights on the Disney Fantasy with both Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Marvel cruises will sail from January to early March on the Disney Magic out of Miami for five-nights to the Bahamas or Caribbean. Activities range from live shows and themed family and kids’ games to unique food and beverage options and special merchandise.
Free Air from Celebrity to Galapagos
Celebrity Cruises is giving away free air (up to $1,500/person) on their all-inclusive land and sea 
packages to celebrate the launch of the Celebrity Flora. This 100 passenger ship (the largest allowed in Galapagos) that will sail weekly around the islands. Choose from departures between May 26, 2019-June 30, 2020. The 10-, 11- and 16-night packages include time in Quito or Machu Picchu with meet and greet airport transfers, luxury hotels with meals and drinks, fully escorted tours, round-trip flights to The Galapagos, national park fees and more. Just book by April 30 for this great offer!
Disney Adds the Rhone
Next year Adventures by Disney will offer more European river cruise sailings than ever before adding the Rhone River for the first time. The itinerary through southern France includes Provence, a region rich in cultural, artistic, historical and culinary delights. Your family will explore ancient cities, hilltop villages, castles, vineyards and much more. This new itinerary joins Adventure by Disney’s existing line-up of river cruises along the Seine, Rhine and Danube rivers. These all-inclusive vacations all sail on an AmaWaterways ship. Each river cruise features up to eight Adventure Guides, who are the hosts in each destination and on board the ship. Disney’s team of trip developers have curated a diverse line-up of active, hands-on activities and engaging cultural experiences in every location, and all that family fun is balanced by special activities designed just for children and for adults.
Save with Star Clippers
For week long sailings from mid-February to early April, your family can save up to a 65% on Star Clipper’s four different Caribbean
itineraries departing from either Barbados or St. Marteen. You will also receive $400 per cabin in shipboard credits and prepaid gratuities! Star Clippers offers an authentic, tall sailing ship experience that is relaxed and casual. An open dining format, climbing the mast, Thai massages, beach BBQ’s and more awaits your family. Here is your chance to visit a variety of smaller islands such as Dominica, Bequia, Isles des Saintes and St. Barts. The Royal Clipper sails through the Windward or Grenadine Islands with up to 227 passengers while the Star Flyer sails through the Leeward and Treasure Islands with 170 passengers.
