Ancestry Heritage River Cruising
Published Monday, January 30th 2023 - Updated Wednesday, October 23rd 2024
Have you ever wondered what your ancestors’ lives were like in Europe at the turn of the century? Or imagined how it would feel to walk the same paths they did in your ancestral village? Then we have just the experience for you!
Ancestry® and AmaWaterways have partnered to offer the opportunity to uncover your family history while sailing along European rivers. Two special Heritage on the River itineraries will provide exclusive opportunities to explore your heritage with tailored experiences that educate and immerse you in the destinations your ancestors once called home.
Guests signing up for the heritage-focused program start their river cruise experience with a pre-journey welcome call with an expert genealogist, an AncestryDNA® Kit, and a five-hour Ancestry® research and consultation package. Guests will be accompanied by a genealogist on board throughout the entire journey, providing two historical and genealogical presentations, a private consultation, a hosted lunch or dinner, plus a curated excursion delving further into the heritage of the region.
On the Legendary Danube sailing, the expert genealogist offers guests a unique perspective on the Jewish and Hungarian migration experiences with exclusive enhancements to Budapest and Vienna city tours. During the Captivating Rhine cruise, guests will gain a deeper understanding of their ancestors’ challenging journey to the new world through an exclusive excursion to the historic Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, Belgium.
If your AncestryDNA® results indicate that you will be sailing through an ancestral hometown, adding an Ancestral Home Visit will enhance your journey. Ancestral Home Visits may include the opportunity to see the school or house of worship your family attended, stand in front of a house where one of your ancestors lived, or venture to the cemetery where they are buried.
Legendary Danube – June 17, 2023
A 7-night cruise from Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
Delve into Europe’s history starting in the perfectly preserved medieval city of Nuremberg and concluding in Budapest. In between, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal, across the Continental Divide, and through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. Explore medieval Regensburg and visit Vienna where imperial dynasties built a harmonious blend of architectural wonders. Throughout your journey, get a feel for the land by biking, hiking, and sampling delicate wines and hearty beers.
Optional Land Packages:
Pre-cruise: 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic - Discover fairytale Prague on a city tour or hike, taking in all the key highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, known for its astronomical clock. Plus, join a Czech beer tasting.
Post-cruise: 3 nights in Kraków, Poland - Hear the hourly call of the trumpet at St. Mary’s Church and visit the UNESCO-designated Wawel Royal Castle where a frightening dragon is said to have once wreaked havoc on the town. You will also see Oskar Schindler’s factory and visit Auschwitz.
Captivating Rhine – November 2, 2023
A 7-night cruise from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland
Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Riquewihr. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to historic Cologne’s impressive cathedral to Germany’s Black Forest, journey into the heart of Europe along the Rhine River. Plus, enjoy an exclusive visit to Antwerp’s historic train station and Red Star Line Museum accompanied by an AncestryProGenealogist®.
Optional Land Packages:
Pre-cruise: 2 nights in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Enjoy a walking tour through the charming capital, plus the opportunity to visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be in the Netherlands, filled with well-preserved wooden houses, windmills, barns, and workshops.
Post-cruise: 2 nights in Lucerne, Switzerland and 2 nights in Zurich, Switzerland - Learn more about the Zurich and Lucerne, with its iconic Lion Monument commemorating the lives of Swiss Guards during the French Revolution, on your walking tours in both cities. Plus, take a scenic cruise around Lake Lucerne.
What’s Included with AncestryProGenealogist®
- Complimentary AncestryDNA® Kit sent before to your river cruise
- Pre-journey welcome call, plus a 5-hour consultation and introductory research with your expert genealogist, as well as a summary of their findings
- The services of an expert genealogist throughout your entire river cruise experience
- Two historical and genealogical presentations on board
- One private consultation to review your family tree on board
- Exclusive Ancestry excursion with your genealogist to the historic Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, Belgium for Captivating Rhine sailing or exclusive Ancestry enhancements to Budapest and Vienna city tours on the Legendary Danube sailing
- One hosted lunch or dinner with the genealogist
- The opportunity to accompany your genealogist on select AmaWaterways excursions
This is in addition to what is included on every AmaWaterways river cruise: fine dining in multiple venues, complimentary local wines, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, a variety of included excursions each day, high-quality Wi-Fi, and so much more.
If you have a passion for family, heritage, and travel, I look forward to helping you forge a deeply personal connection to your European roots while creating extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime!
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