Arlene B.’s Unforgettable Journey on the Rhine with Her Grandchildren – And Why She’s Eager to Repeat It

 

Arlene B., a devoted patron of AmaWaterways, wasn’t swayed by her children’s pleas to reconsider her idea of taking her six grandchildren on a Rhine River cruise, sans parents. Arlene was determined to create an exclusive experience for herself and her grandchildren, whose ages ranged from 16 to 27. “The parents even tried to offer incentives, but I was steadfast. I wanted the trip to be solely about the grandchildren and me,” shared Arlene.

 

Given that her grandchildren are scattered across various US states – from Ohio and Kansas to Maryland and Connecticut – Arlene, who resides in Florida, relished the idea of reuniting them. “The main reason I was so set on this trip was to allow the six of them to form closer bonds. And watching that happen was truly heartwarming.”

 

 

The Thrill of Planning and Choices

In the run-up to their inaugural European trip, younger granddaughters Brooke and Brynne were visibly enthusiastic. However, orchestrating travel logistics from several states was a formidable challenge. Thankfully, technology allowed for a group conference call where they debated their preferred shore activities. Surprisingly, Arlene delegated the planning entirely to the young travellers.

 

Drew, the eldest grandchild at 27, said that the family had some heated discussions but eventually found common ground. Save for one cycling tour, the group committed to experiencing all the excursions together to make the most of their time with their grandmother.

 

“I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in the constant company of one or two of my grandchildren,” Arlene admitted. “The entire experience exceeded my expectations; it was nothing short of splendid.”

 

Embarking on AmaLucia

Once they touched down in Amsterdam, they were eager to board the AmaLucia, the latest addition to AmaWaterways’ European fleet. The ship’s tasteful design and affable crew immediately made Arlene feel at home. Her grandchildren quickly found their own spaces, sharing two separate staterooms.

 

Though Drew had experienced large ocean cruises before, he found the intimate atmosphere of the AmaLucia’s twin-balcony stateroom quite engaging. He expressed his amazement at the changing scenery, stating, “The ever-changing landscape of every town, mountain, and castle we passed was truly remarkable.”

 

While sailing through Germany’s Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the young adults were particularly enthralled by the more than 40 historic castles visible from the ship. “My grandsons, who are history enthusiasts, were over the moon when they heard the Cruise Manager narrate the history of each castle,” Arlene recollected.

 

 

Dining and Destinations

Dinner time on the ship offered a moment for everyone to reminisce about their day’s adventures and enjoy the regional fare. Yet, it was the freshly baked rolls that stole the show. “Brooke, my youngest granddaughter, simply couldn’t get enough of them. The staff soon realised we required more than a couple of baskets every evening!”

 

During their week-long journey, the family explored several enchanting destinations, from meeting distant relatives in Strasbourg to marvelling at Cologne’s majestic Gothic cathedral. Drew was especially moved by a visit to Rüdesheim, Germany, where locals thrilled him with a unique coffee preparation involving flaming brandy.

 

 

Looking Ahead

As the cruise came to a close and the ship approached Basel, Switzerland, Arlene’s grandchildren were unanimous about their eagerness to plan another family cruise within a couple of years. “I didn’t hesitate for a second. I’m all in,” Arlene enthusiastically agreed.

 

Though selecting the next destination may not be straightforward, Drew summed up the essence of their shared experience: “What matters most is not where we go, but that we’re all there together.”

 

For those interested in learning more about Rhine River cruises, please contact your trusted travel advisor at Art of Travel Group to ensure that your next family holiday is as unforgettable as Arlene’s.