Disney’s First Expedition Cruises.
By Anne Kalosh.
Expedition cruising is booming. And now Disney is helping families get into the action with its first expedition voyages that provide carefully curated programming.
Trips to Patagonia, Antarctica and the Galápagos will be offered as part of Adventures by Disney’s guided group vacations.
Antarctica voyages begin in late 2021 in partnership with Ponant, while Galápagos sailings are sprinkled throughout 2022 on the boutique expedition ship Galápagos Legend.
Travelers will embark on exhilarating adventures across breathtaking, remote landscapes while enjoying a leisurely voyage with family-focused activities.
Family-friendly activities include snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
They’ll sail aboard intimate, purpose-built ships designed to access remote destinations, with nature at the heart of every experience.
Naturalists and Disney-trained Adventure Guides will lead engaging programming for adults and junior adventurers alike. Plus, Disney animal and photography experts will host conversations and hands-on workshops about wildlife, conservation and travel photography.
The minimum age for the Antarctica trips is 10, however Disney suggests kids be 12 and older. In the Galápagos, the minimum age is 8.
Antarctica
Disney’s first expedition cruises include a pair of 11-night Antarctica and Patagonia expedition voyages offered on Ponant’s Le Boréal (Dec. 21, 2021) and Le Lyrial (Jan. 31, 2022).
Disney’s Antarctica expedition cruises will be aboard Ponant’s Le Boréal and Le Lyrial. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
Following an overnight stay at Buenos Aires, the adventure begins at Ushuaia in the southern tip of Argentina. Over two days in Patagonia, families will visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, ride the rails of the world’s southernmost functioning railway, tour the historic Harberton Settlement and sail in a catamaran through the Beagle Channel.
In Antarctica, travelers will embark on daily Zodiac excursions and hike along the snowy shorelines to see seabirds, penguins, seals and whales up close. Guided kayaking excursions will be available for an extra charge.
Guided kayaking excursions will be available for an extra charge. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
Prices start at $11,209 for children (under 12 at time of travel) and $12,459 for adults, including flights within Argentina.
As a pre-cruise add-on, a three-night guided group stay in Buenos Aires will explore the Argentine capital, including experiences like tango dancing and horseback riding at an estancia. Prices start at $1,849 for children and $1,949 for adults.
The Galápagos
During eight-night Galápagos trips, there will be abundant opportunities for viewing wildlife such as albatross, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Galápagos penguins during hiking, snorkeling and kayaking (in transparent kayaks!) adventures.
Giant tortoises are among the spectacular wildlife seen in the Galapagos Islands. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
Families will also get a taste of archipelago culture as they try their hand at making fresh sugar cane juice at a family farm, discover local crafts with artisans-in-training at a bazaar, demonstrate their fancy footwork in a game of soccer and visit a coffee plantation.
Five departures of three itineraries are scheduled throughout 2022.
Departing Feb. 9, the north and south Galápagos route includes excursions to San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa and Santa Fe. Departing March 6, July 10 and Aug. 7, the south and east Galápagos itinerary visits South Plaza, North Seymour, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana and Santa Cruz. And the Dec. 18 north and west Galápagos itinerary includes excursions to Baltra, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Mosquera, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela and Fernandina.
Prices start at $5,579 for children (under 12) and $6,279 for adults.
Close encounters with wildlife in the Galapagos Islands. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
River Cruises With AmaWaterways Continue
Returning in 2022 are Adventures by Disney’s family river cruises with itineraries along the Danube, Rhine and Seine rivers in partnership with AmaWaterways.
Disney adventures in port include guided bike rides. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
New next year for AmaWaterways are specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine featuring photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers.
RELATED: AmaWaterways’ Rudi Schreiner Talks about When Europe River Cruising will Resume. By Anne Kalosh.
RELATED: AmaWaterways Wellness Program is a Good Fit. By John Roberts.
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HEIDI SARNA
