WHY IT RATES: AmaWaterways hopes to ignite a passion for travel for these students starting at a young age.-Codie Liermann, Associate Editor
Encouraging the younger generation to make the world their classroom, AmaWaterways has partnered with AAA-The Auto Club Group (ACG), to gift 56 deserving eighth-grade students a seven-night "Discovery Crew" European river cruise.
The winning students were selected as a result of an essay contest, which was open to all eighth graders in AAA-ACG's 11 states. Departing March 27, students and chaperones will enjoy a custom-designed itinerary through the Netherlands and Belgium, highlighting the region's rich art and history, local cuisine and storied landmarks.
To enter the contest, students were asked to answer essay questions and submit a selfie demonstrating their passion for travel.
"We are proud to honor these passionate and exemplary students with a truly unforgettable river cruise and are certain they will create memories that will last a lifetime," said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways.
"We welcome many multi-generational families on our ships and see first-hand how traveling at a young age is so important to foster an understanding and acceptance of different cultures. We hope these students will gain valuable and life-changing experience as they travel through these legendary regions of Northern Europe."
Sailing March 27 through April 4, the "Discovery Crew" cruise will immerse students in European culture through a sampling of local flavors, visits to historic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and active hiking and biking tours near sites such as the world-famous Holland windmills. Students will also experience life as a local eighth grader with visits to two schools in Belgium and the Netherlands.
"We were amazed by the passionate responses from the many students who expressed their interest in going on this trip," said Deborah Haas, vice president of travel products and services at the AAA-The Auto Club Group.
"This is the first time we have held a contest like this, and we're so happy to partner with AmaWaterways to offer these inquisitive and motivated students an incredibly memorable and educational experience."
Winners and chaperones will fly to Amsterdam to embark on their AmaWaterways river cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands. Besides offering the seven-night all-inclusive cruise, AmaWaterways also partnered with AAA-The Auto Club Group and Allianz Global Assistance to provide the flights, travel insurance and money for passports.
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