Let’s be honest—summer vacations aren’t always relaxing. Between crowded theme parks, noisy pool areas, and kid-filled flights, it can start to feel like your “vacation” needs a vacation. So if you’re craving a summer vacation getaway that feels more like a deep exhale than a jam-packed itinerary, this list is for you.
Here are three summer vacation ideas for adults who want actual peace and quiet.
1. An Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort (Think: Sandals Style)
All-inclusive doesn’t have to mean party central. Many of the adults-only Sandals resorts in the Caribbean are built for relaxation, not rowdy crowds. Think swim-up suites, beachfront hammocks, and private cabanas with butler service. Some of their quieter resorts include:
Sandals Halcyon Photo: Sandals Resorts
Sandals Halcyon Beach (St. Lucia) – low-key and lush, with a “garden of Eden” vibe
Sandals Royal Plantation (Jamaica) – smaller, all-butler boutique resort with peaceful energy
Sandals Grenada – upscale and romantic, but not too loud
Sandals Grenada Photo: Sandals Resort
You’ll find plenty of included activities if you want them, but no one’s going to pressure you into pool games or karaoke nights if that’s not your thing.
2. A Boutique River Cruise in Europe
If you love the idea of cruising but not the massive ships, a European river cruise could be your dream vacation. Picture this: floating down the Rhine or the Danube, sipping wine on the sun deck, and docking in storybook villages—all without the crowds.
Viking River Cruises
Lines like AmaWaterways, Viking, and Uniworld cater to grown-ups who love good food, local culture, and a more intimate travel experience. Cabins are cozy but upscale, and the whole vibe is calm, classy, and no-fuss.
Bonus: you only have to unpack once.
3. A Secluded Nature Retreat in the U.S.
If flying international isn’t in the cards, there are so many peaceful places to explore here in the States—especially if you love nature.
A few quiet options to consider:
A luxury cabin in Big Sky, Montana with mountain views and hot tubs under the stars
A quiet lakefront Airbnb in Vermont or New Hampshire, ideal for reading, kayaking, and sipping wine by the fire
A wellness-focused escape in Sedona, Oregon wine country, or the North Carolina mountains
Sedona
You can be as unplugged or pampered as you want—especially if you work with a travel advisor (like me!) who knows how to find the hidden gems.
The Bottom Line
If your soul is craving stillness, connection, and space to breathe, there are vacation options out there that can actually recharge you. You don’t have to book a loud resort or spend your entire vacation on the go. Whether you want a beachfront retreat, a quiet cruise, or a cabin in the woods, I’d love to help you plan something that feeds your joy.
Sandals Halcyon Photo: Sandals Resorts
Ready to find your peace-and-quiet paradise? Just reply or reach out—I’m here to help.
Contact me today to plan the perfect summer vacation for you!
As your Disney vacation specialist, I’m always looking for magical experiences that will delight my Disney-loving clients. Today, I’m excited to share one of travel’s best-kept secrets: European river cruises. These enchanting journeys offer the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and immersive cultural experiences that many Disney fans will absolutely love!
Why Disney Lovers Will Fall for River Cruising
If you’ve enjoyed a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you already understand the magic of unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations. European river cruises take this concept to enchanting Old World settings, where castle-dotted hillsides and storybook villages await around every bend.
What makes river cruising especially appealing to Disney enthusiasts:
Immersive storytelling: Just like Disney brings stories to life, river cruises immerse you in the authentic tales and history of each destination
Exceptional service: The high crew-to-guest ratio rivals Disney’s legendary service standards
Hassle-free exploration: Everything is arranged for you, from guided excursions to dining experiences
Intimate experiences: Most river ships carry fewer than 200 guests, creating a boutique experience
Adventures by Disney River Cruises: Disney Magic on European Waters
Disney fans may already know that Adventures by Disney offers select European river cruise itineraries in partnership with AmaWaterways. These special sailings bring Disney’s renowned service to the rivers of Europe with:
Adventure Guides who create magical moments throughout your journey
Special activities designed for different age groups
Disney-exclusive shore excursions
Storytelling that brings European history to life
Popular Adventures by Disney river cruise itineraries include:
Danube River: Visiting Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary
Rhine River: Exploring Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands
Seine River: Discovering the heart of France including Paris and Normandy
Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise
While these cruises offer the Disney touch you love, they come with a premium price tag and limited sailing dates. The good news? There are many other magical river cruise options to explore!
Beyond Disney: Top River Cruise Lines You’ll Love
After helping my own parents book an Avalon river cruise through Portugal (sailing this fall!), I’ve discovered the incredible variety of river cruise experiences available. Here are some of the best options for Disney fans looking to explore Europe’s waterways:
Avalon Waterways: Panoramic Views & Flexibility
Perfect for: Disney fans who love both structure and freedom to explore Signature features:
Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open
“Active & Discovery” itineraries with multiple excursion choices each day
Flexible dining times and casual dress code
Avalon Tapestry
I recently booked my parents on Avalon’s Vida Portugal cruise through the Douro River Valley, known for its terraced vineyards and charming medieval towns. They were drawn to Avalon’s relaxed atmosphere and those incredible panoramic windows that essentially turn your entire suite into a balcony!
The cruise line Disney chose as their partner for a reason!
Award-winning cuisine with regional specialties
Included small-group shore excursions
Wellness activities including fitness classes and onboard bikes
AmaWaterways
Beyond their Disney partnership sailings, AmaWaterways offers dozens of itineraries with the same excellent ships and service. Their attention to detail and personalized service will remind you of your favorite Disney experiences.
Ama Waterways – Dining
Viking River Cruises: Scandinavian Elegance & Cultural Immersion
Perfect for: Adult Disney fans who appreciate Epcot’s cultural experiences
Signature features:
Sleek, modern Scandinavian design
Cultural enrichment programs including lectures and demonstrations
Included shore excursion in every port
Complimentary wine and beer with meals
Viking’s “longships” are known for their clean design and cultural focus. If you love learning about different cultures at Epcot, Viking’s emphasis on destination immersion will be right up your alley.
Viking River Cruises
Uniworld: Boutique Luxury & Artistic Flair
Perfect for: Fans of Disney’s deluxe resorts and attention to themed detail
Signature features:
Absolutely stunning ship interiors with unique, boutique designs for each vessel
Ultra-inclusive pricing (including premium spirits and gratuities)
Exceptional service with one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios
Exclusive excursions and unique experiences
Uniworld
Uniworld ships are like floating boutique hotels, each designed to reflect the regions they sail through. The attention to detail in their theming would impress even the most ardent Disney design enthusiast!
Emerald Cruises: Contemporary Style & Great Value
Perfect for: Younger Disney fans and families looking for modern amenities
Signature features:
Contemporary ship design with indoor pools that convert to movie theaters
Excellent value for premium experience
Good mix of included activities and personal exploration time
Relaxed atmosphere appealing to younger travelers
Emerald River Cruises
Emerald offers a fresh, contemporary take on river cruising that appeals to younger travelers and those new to river cruising. Their innovative ships include features like infinity pools that transform into cinema spaces for evening movies.
Most Popular European River Cruise Routes
European rivers flow through the continent’s most enchanting regions. Here are the magical journeys that await:
The Rhine River: Castles & Fairytales
Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands
If you love Disney castles, the Middle Rhine will take your breath away with more than 40 castles in a 40-mile stretch! Wind through the famous Rhine Gorge, explore medieval towns, and visit the Black Forest—the setting that inspired many Grimm’s fairy tales (and later, Disney classics).
Europe’s second-longest river flows through the former capitals of the Habsburg Empire. Marvel at Budapest’s illuminated skyline, explore Vienna’s imperial palaces, and discover charming villages nestled along the riverbanks.
Danube River, Budapest
Don’t miss: Budapest’s thermal baths, Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace (a real-life castle!), and the stunning Wachau Valley.
The Douro River: Portugal’s Hidden Gem
Portugal, Spain
Winding through dramatic terraced vineyards and pristine countryside, the Douro offers a more serene river cruise experience. The “River of Gold” delivers stunning natural beauty, delicious port wine, and authentic Portuguese culture.
Duoro River, Porto
Don’t miss: Porto’s colorful riverside district, traditional Fado music performances, and visits to family-owned vineyards.
The Seine River: Parisian Romance
France
Sail from Paris through the heart of Normandy on this art and history-focused route. Visit Monet’s gardens in Giverny, explore D-Day beaches, and enjoy Paris—a city that inspired Disney’s Ratatouille, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the Aristocats.
Seine River
Don’t miss: Evening illumination cruises in Paris, Rouen’s medieval old town, and Normandy’s moving D-Day memorials.
The Rhône & Saône Rivers: Provençal Charm
France
Journey through the South of France from Lyon to Avignon and Arles, exploring lavender fields, vineyards, and the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. This food and wine lover’s paradise will delight anyone who enjoys the French-inspired areas of Epcot.
Rhone River
Don’t miss: Lyon’s culinary scene, Avignon’s Papal Palace, and wine tasting in Beaujolais.
When to Book Your European River Cruise
River cruises typically operate from March through December, with each season offering unique experiences:
Spring (March-May): Blooming flowers, fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Pro tip: Unlike Disney vacations where you often need to book a year or more in advance, river cruises can sometimes offer great deals 3-6 months out. However, for prime summer dates or specific cabins, I still recommend booking 9-12 months ahead.
Perfect for Multi-Generational Travel
One thing I’ve discovered while planning my parents’ river cruise is how perfect these voyages are for multi-generational travel. If you’ve enjoyed bringing grandparents along on a Disney vacation, consider a European river cruise for your next family adventure!
Benefits for multi-generational groups:
Varied excursion options for different activity levels
Convenient unpacking once while seeing multiple destinations
Inclusive pricing that makes budgeting straightforward
Common spaces for family gatherings
Something for everyone: history, culture, food, scenic cruising
Ready to Explore Europe’s Rivers?
As your travel advisor, I can help you navigate the many options to find the perfect river cruise for your travel style, interests, and budget. Whether you want the familiar Disney touch with Adventures by Disney or are ready to explore one of the premium cruise lines like Avalon, AmaWaterways, Viking, Uniworld, or Emerald, I’ll guide you through the process.
River cruising might just be your family’s next magical adventure beyond Disney! Contact me to start planning your journey through Europe’s enchanting waterways.
Have you ever taken a river cruise or are you considering one? What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments below!
Email me today to start dreaming about your PERFECT European River Cruise Vacation!
P.S. I help clients book European river cruises through all major cruise lines including Adventures by Disney, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Viking, Uniworld, Emerald, and more. Contact me for current promotions and personalized recommendations!
