travel
connection
European river cruises
offer an intimate and
unique perspective.
Culture cruise
By T. Foster Jones
WHEN PEOPLE THINK of cruise vacations,
the image that typically comes to mind is a
large ocean vessel, a floating “city on the sea.”
While ocean cruising is an amazing experience,
there’s another way to cruise, one that offers a
different approach and a unique way to experience the history and culture of an area: the
river cruise.
If you want to discover the romance, variety and true character of Europe, it’s difficult to
beat a European river cruise. Cruises cover many
of the rivers and waterways of Europe. France,
Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Germany,
Hungary, Romania—nearly every region has
rivers and a choice of riverboats, and Europe’s
waterways take you to the heart of many of the
continent’s cities as well as to some of its most
picturesque small towns and villages.
European river cruise companies offer a
broad range of exciting itineraries, including
popular trips down the Danube River, the
Seine, the Rhine and many more.
about 130 passengers. This has practical applications, of course, for navigating the waterways, but it also means the ships are able to
provide a level of service and elegance that is
hard to match, with stylish staterooms, fine
dining and state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate just about every need.
Typically, a river cruise is available as a
complete vacation—including cruise accommodations in a river-view stateroom, some
shore excursions, all meals and complimentary
wine with dinner aboard the ship, and transfers—for one affordable price.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIWORLD GRAND RIVER CRUISES
Book your 2008
Enchanting Danube
Grand River Cruise
by 9/30/07
and save $300 per person!
(Cruise must be paid in full by 9/30/07.)
Plus, receive a Costco member
exclusive of two complimentary
pre- or post-cruise nights in
a deluxe hotel in Prague,
including daily breakfast
– a value of $479 per person!
Costco Travel and Uniworld
“With its smoke-free environment and all-English-speaking staff, Uniworld is the premier
river cruise and tour company for North Americans abroad,” says Lauren.
On each Uniworld Grand River Cruise ship,
passengers find beauty and comfort at every
turn, from the impressive lobby to the spacious
lounge. Travel from one exciting destination to
the next in the comfort of exquisitely upholstered chairs and sofas, while enjoying expansive views of the ever-changing scenery. At the
end of a busy day, join friends in the lounge for
a cocktail from the full-service bar, dance the
night away or enjoy the nightly entertainment.
Costco Travel and Uniworld Grand River
Cruises invite Costco members to “come early
and stay late!” On most Europe sailings, Costco
members receive an exclusive, complimentary
two-night pre- or post-cruise package including
hotel accommodations, breakfast and transfers.
“Our relationship with Uniworld has
been fantastic,” says Lauren. “Together, we’ve
helped provide Costco members with many
unique travel memories from their river cruise
experience.” C
Your seven-night grand river cruise
from Budapest to Passau includes a
river view stateroom, all meals and
complimentary wine during dinner,
escorted shore excursions
and all transfers.
Executive Members receive a
$50 per-person onboard credit.
Rivers of history
For centuries, Europe’s rivers have been the
lifeblood of towns and villages built along their
banks. History unfolded on these waterways.
On a river cruise today, passengers glimpse
the past and experience this history. You can
view a French château, a German castle, the
tulips of Holland or the intricate locks connecting the waterways from the comfort of a
river cruise ship as you sit on the sundeck and
watch the countryside glide by, or you can go
into town and mingle with the locals.
“River cruising is one of the most enjoyable, comfortable and hassle-free ways to see
the very best of Europe,” says Lauren Anderson
of Costco Travel. “Sailing aboard the newest
and most deluxe ships, you’ll soon discover a
friendly, intimate ambience.”
One of the most significant differences
between river cruising and ocean cruising is
the size of the ship. Designed to provide an
intimate atmosphere, river ships typically hold
The Costco Connection
For more information, call 1-877-849-2730 or
visit costco.com and click on “Travel.”
Visit costco.com or call Costco
Travel toll free at 1-877-849-2730.
*Early Booking discount and pay-in-full discounts apply to 2008
sailings only. Complimentary pre- or post-cruise two-night stay
with breakfast is valid only when purchasing a Uniworld Grand
River Cruise. If complimentary two-night stay is declined, no
cash reimbursement will be given. Price quoted will be per person based on double occupancy and will not include government
taxes/fees and gratuities. Restrictions and blackout dates may
apply. All offers and inclusions are subject to availability, may
change or be terminated without notice and are valid for new
bookings only. Unless otherwise noted, offers are not combinable with select rate codes, coupons or other offers. Transfers
are included in itinerary for dates shown. If deviations are made
to the itinerary, transfers are not included. Travel purchases are
not included in the Executive Membership 2% Reward program.
Offer shown is valid on select dates. Cancellation and change
fees may apply. Costco Travel disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or typographical errors. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.
Costco Travel is a registered seller of travel and travel agency
in the following states: Washington (WST 602042600); Ohio
(8789302); Florida (Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No.ST32555); and
California (CST 2054248-50). Registration as a seller of travel
does not constitute approval by the state of California. Nevada
(Nevada Seller of Travel, Registration No.2007-0060).
