Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises' Family Friendly Sailings with Special Dates


These cruises have been developed around summer vacations, so planning a family holiday is always easy. Plus, someone else has organized all the details with special shore excursions tailored specifically for the family. Add in the special family pricing with young people between 4 and 18 traveling at 50% off the cruise price when traveling with an adult, all meals, entertainment, special signature lectures and demonstrations onboard, exciting shore excursions, fully hosted by local guides, complimentary use of bicycles, and transfers of departure and arrival days-ALL of which are included, and you have the ideal, hassle-free, value-packed family vacation.

Castles Along the Rhine Family-Friendly River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam, 9 days

Once upon a time on one of Europe's mythical rivers where castles magically appear and legends have been told through songs, art, stories, and poetry from the likes of Bryon, Dumas, Hugo, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Schubert, Wagner, and Turner, a river cruise was born; Uniworld calls it Castles Along the Rhine.

With its countless castles strung like pearls on the ledges of the river, Medieval towns with legends of knights and damsels in distress, and famous myths like Lorelei, you'll soon understand why Uniworld has chosen two special family-friendly dates, July 10 and August 7, 2010, for you to experience the special magic of this region with the entire family. Unpack only once as you and your family settle into the comfort of your home-away-from home, River Ambassador, for eight glorious days of fun and adventure. From Switzerland to the colorful canals of Amsterdam, it's almost as if the entire Rhine River has been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. In fact for over 40 miles, you'll enjoy the enchanting UNESCO-designated upper Rhine River Valley with over 40 castles and fortresses.

Travel through the Black Forest, entrance way to charming old world villages such as Breisach and Colmar. Sail through the canals of Strasbourg, simply described as pure enchantment, as you pass half-timbered houses and ancient watchtowers. While in Medieval Koblenz, enjoy the many river front cafes-the perfect place to people watch some of the town's residents who like to dress up in funny costumes and wander throughout the streets entertaining onlookers. Then there are the grand cathedrals-in Speyer, you'll encounter the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in Cologne, you'll be amazed by another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic cathedral, the largest cathedral in Germany, as well the tallest Gothic structure in the world.

Of course, there's plenty of intrigue with inside visits to discover some of the finest museums in the region, including Rudesheim's Siegfried Mechanical Music Museum, showcasing one of the world's best collection of mechanical musical instruments, and Speyer's Technick Museum with a walk-in Boeing 747, and a U9 German Navy submarine. There's also a special visit to a Chocolate Factory where you'll learn how chocolate is made, and you'll have plenty of opportunity to sample the chocolate itself. And if you want to venture to Europe's biggest theme park, Europa-Park, we have added this optional treat in for you.

Onboard, there's plenty to do and see. Participate in a dessert-making class where kids can make their own desserts, as well as enjoy a special scavenger hunt culminating in treats for the entire ship. Spend time with the Captain learning about river cruising and the special network of river locks that ships pass through. Watch movies, learn German, play games, or simply spend time enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Rhine River Valley with your entire family.


Castles Along the Rhine Family-Friendly Cruise Highlights include:

-7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stylish River Ambassador
-All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
-A children's menu available during dinners onboard with free sodas at lunch and dinner
-A special children's walking tour in Koblenz with funny characters, a special scavenger hunt, and an ice cream treat
-Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
-A visit to the Technik Museum in Speyer with more than 3,000 exhibits including walk-in exhibits of aircrafts and a German submarine
-A visit to the unique Siegfried Mechanical Music Museum in Rudesheim, showcasing one of the world's best collections of mechanical musical instruments
-A visit to the Chocolate Factory Museum in Cologne
-A cooking class onboard with the pastry chef where the kids can make their own desserts
-A special ship tour for the children and their family members with the Captain
-Games and movies - a playroom with a PlayStation is available throughout the cruise
-Complimentary use of bicycles
-German language classes onboard
-Chess and Shuffleboard on Sun Deck
-Captain's Welcome & Farewell Dinners
-Epicurean Adventurer Program
-An optional excursion to Europa-Park will be offered for purchase onboard. Europa-Park is Germany's most popular theme park and is located in Rust, Germany. Click here to view more information on the Europa Theme Park, in PDF format. (The excursion will depart from Strasbourg.)
Paris & Normandy Family-Friendly Cruises: Paris to Paris, 9 days

Let the pages of history books, famous paintings inspired by the luminous countryside and seaside villages, and the great classics come to life on this fun-filled adventure as you and your family sail the Seine River from Paris, past the luminous and inspirational countryside of Northern France, to the nostalgic beaches of Normandy and then back to Paris.

Relive the classic tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame as you climb the bell tower made famous by Quasimodo. Perhaps climb the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognized symbols in the world, as you discover the adventurous city of Paris. Or how about taking a helium balloon ride offering unobstructed views of Paris? Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Monet as you sail through the countryside of Northern France and enjoy family-friendly guided tours of Honfleur and Giverny. See the site where Joan of Arc was martyred while in Rouen, and participate in a scavenger hunt looking for the special chocolate candies called, Joan of Arc tears. Also while in Rouen, tour behind the dials of the town's famous Clock tower, led by Narcisse Eugene Osmont, the former governor of the Clock tower, as well as hear the tales of the bishop and the horrible gargoyle. Hike the Stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, Chateau Gaillard while in Les Andelys, and discover why he picked this spot high above the Seine to build his fortress. Enjoy "Sun and Fun" in Honfleur, along with a boat ride from the port to the pillars of the Normandy bridge. And while in Normandy, stand on the beaches where the Allied forces landed during World War II's D-Day invasion and share as a family the meaningful events that forever changed the world.

Onboard, there's added treats to be enjoyed by all. Join a pastry maker to prepare your own special desserts. Spend time with the Captain in the wheelhouse learning about river cruising. Watch movies, learn French, play games, or simply spend time enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Seine River with your entire family. All this and more awaits you and your family on two special family-friendly dates on July 3 and July 17, 2010.

Cruise Highlights include:

-7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stylish River Baroness
-All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
-A children's menu available during dinners onboard with free sodas at lunch and dinner
-Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
-Air balloon ride at Parc Andre Citroen
-Visit Gros Horloge, a medieval clock, for an escorted tour behind the dials. You'll also climb the 100 steps to discover a breathtaking view of the city
-A scavenger hunt in Rouen to find chocolate candies called "Joan of Arc's tears"
-In Honfleur, take a boat ride under the Normandy Bridge
-Enjoy a hike to Chateau Gaillard in Les Andelys
-Spend a full day at the Normandy Landing Beaches
-Partake in a cooking class onboard with the pastry chef where the young and young at heart can make their own desserts
-Take a special ship tour with the Captain
-Games and movies - a playroom with a PlayStation is available throughout the cruise
-Chess and Shuffleboard on the Sun Deck
-Complimentary use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
-Captain's Welcome & Farewell Dinners
-French language classes onboard
-All transfers on arrival and departure days

For more information, please contact your Preferred Travel Professional. Call Uniworld at 800-733-7820 or visit http://www.uniworld.com/.

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