2027 Romantic Rhine River With 2 Nights Lucerne, Switzerland

 

CREDIT UNION LEADERSHIP GROWTH FORUM

September 30th – October 9th 2027

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – ‘Panorama’
Basel, Switzerland - Amsterdam, Netherlands

EXPLORING LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR CREDIT UNION’S SUCCESS

Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This exclusive credit union cruise and conference is designed to inspire, inform, and prepare participants for what’s next — delivering powerful insights, forward-thinking strategies, and meaningful discussions that support long-term success. Together, we’ll explore the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends shaping the future of BOARD and COMMITTEE MEMBERS, as well as your MEMBERSHIP.

Your unforgettable European conference adventure begins with a two- night stay in beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland, before boarding your luxurious Rhine River cruise. Stroll through Lucerne’s charming Old Town on a guided walking tour featuring the iconic Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Jesuit Church, and an unforgettable excursion to majestic Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn, depending on seasonal accessibility).

From there, your breathtaking Rhine River journey unfolds through Switzerland, France, Germany, and Holland. Discover the enchanting Black Forest from Breisach, marvel at Strasbourg’s magnificent Gothic cathedral and colorful murals, and experience Heidelberg with either a scenic hike up Philosopher’s Way or a visit to the stunning Schwetzingen Castle. Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, where ancient castles and dramatic cliffs tower 400 feet above the river, before exploring Koblenz and Cologne. Your journey concludes in vibrant Amsterdam with a picturesque canal cruise through one of Europe’s most colorful and captivating cities.

This beautiful river cruise concludes with additional time in Amsterdam, highlighted by a scenic canal cruise along the elegant grachten, lined with homes dating back to the Golden Age.

SESSION TOPICS

This Credit Union EduCruise is packed with powerful topics and useful information, focused around these key strategic areas of concentration:

• Questions that Board & Committee Members Need to Ask
• Leadership Principles for Today’s & Tomorrow’s Volunteers
• Effective CEO, Board & Committee Member Relationships
• Regulatory & Economic Impacts on the Credit Union's Success Key
• Key Issues and Concerns Impacting your Leadership Strategy
• Why Some Credit Unions Fail: Learning from Others Mistakes
• And much more …

All Sessions are very interactive. Questions, discussion, and exchange of ideas are highly encouraged. Plenty of networking opportunities throughout this educational journey.

Benefits To You & Your Credit Union:

• Receive Free Consultation with our on-board industry leader
• Participate in several networking opportunities
• Review new concepts that can make a difference
• Discover how an effective Board/CEO Team equals future success
• Learn from others about their Credit Unions
• Discover how your credit union can thrive in times of change
• Find solutions to problems your CU is facing today
• Share with other CU volunteers and management staff

SPEAKERS FOR THE SYMPOSIUM

Tony Robinson

Tony Robinson is President & Founder of Credit Union EduCruises, an international  destination conference and training organization located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tony has presented credit union educational sessions in numerous states across America, and also in 24 countries. His sessions include such topics as Credit Union Leadership, Board/CEO Communication, Creating World Class Member Service, Understanding Why Some Credit Unions Fail, Credit Union Board/Management Succession Planning, and much more.  

 

 

KATHY ROBINSON

Kathy Robinson has been involved in the credit union industry for over 35 years. Kathy is the President/CEO of EduQuest LLC, a training and consulting firm specializing in Credit Union leadership development.  Kathy has presented programs for the World Council of Credit Unions, CUNA, CUES, numerous credit union leagues across the country and in over 15 countries. In addition, she has served on multiple non-profit boards in a position of leadership. In addition, Kathy is a Certified John Maxwell Leadership speaker.  

 

ABOUT THE SHIP

Avalon Panorama

The ‘Avalon Panorama’ is a true haven on the river - two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities and services include complimentary computer use in public areas and free Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, a hair salon, elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare.

CABIN CHOICES

Avalon Waterways has mastered the art of blending luxury with comfort, and now - blurring the line between outside and in. Not only are our Panorama Suites on our Suite Ships 30% larger than the industry standard staterooms, our wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other, creating river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony and an open invitation to discover and dream. And speaking of dreaming in our Panorama Suites we've turned our beds to face the window, giving you a bed with a view for the sweetest visions ever. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Imagine a TV screen measuring 11 ft. wide and 7 ft. tall. That's what we deliver...only better! Every Avalon Waterways' stateroom on two full decks of our Suite Ships features wall-to-wall windows, giving you panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of Europe's awe-inspiring landscapes. These wall-to-wall windows - in every Panorama Suite - open 7-feet wide and invite the outside to come in. And unlike traditional balconies, you can enjoy them year round - at any time of the day, in any weather condition.

Peering through the looking glass to determine how we can continue to improve our cruisers on-board experiences, we have invested in the finest bathroom appointments available and such luxury touch-points such as L'Occitane toiletries, quality robes and slippers in each room, fleet-wide. We've also designed contemporary staterooms with the most available storage space, and plenty of 'comfort touches' like complimentary bottled water.

We've also designed contemporary staterooms with the most available storage space, and plenty of "comfort touches" like complimentary bottled water.

DAILY ITINERARY

Because river conditions are always subject to change, exact meeting days and times can also change on a daily basis.

Meeting Times will be announced each evening by your CU EduCruise Group Leader.

Day 1: Thursday, September 30 – Lucerne, Switzerland

Welcome to Switzerland! The day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time enjoying some shopping in the city center.
Hotel: Radisson Blu (or similar)

Day 2: Friday, October 1 - LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Lovely Lucerne.
CLASSIC TOUR - Join a guided walking tour, which includes the Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church.
Hotel: Radisson Blu (or similar)
(Breakfast)

Day 3: Saturday, October 2 - LUCERNE-SWISS ALPS-BASEL

(EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
CLASSIC TOUR - En route to Basel, enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (weather permitting, a visit to the Swiss Transport Museum may be substituted). Continue to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Sunday, October 3 - BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your adventure host.
ACTIVE TOUR - Take a guided e-bike tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR
CLASSIC TOUR - Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR

CLASSIC TOUR - Join a guided tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Monday, October 4 - KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
ACTIVE TOUR - Discover Strasbourg by bike with your host, OR
CLASSIC TOUR - Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace’s wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Tuesday, October 5 - LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
ACTIVE TOUR - Join your Avalon adventure host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR
CLASSIC TOUR - Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR
CLASSIC TOUR - Join a guided visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.

This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Wednesday, October 6 - RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE - KOBLENZ

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE TOUR - Enjoy a hike with your adventure host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR
CLASSIC TOUR -Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR
DISCOVERY TOUR -Take a guided visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

KOBLENZ
Travel through 2000 years of monumental history. Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Thursday, October 7- COLOGNE

Prost, celebrate in the Rhineland! Join your adventure host for today’s special activities. Later, spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! An afternoon/overnight cruise brings you to Amsterdam.
ACTIVE TOUR - Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your
adventure host, OR

CLASSIC TOUR - Choose a guided walking tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR
CLASSIC TOUR -Take a guided city walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! +
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Friday, October 8 – AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

The canals of colorful Amsterdam call as you reach your final stop on this amazing itinerary.
ACTIVE TOUR - Start your day joining your adventure host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR
CLASSIC TOUR - Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off- the-beaten-path guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR
CLASSIC TOUR - Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Saturday, October 9 – AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your fabulous cruise conference comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast before disembarking and transferring to the Amsterdam airport.
Meal: Breakfast
Daily Itinerary is subject to change. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

 

Daily Itinerary is subject to change. In the event of water level problems or any
problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by
motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are
subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

RATES

Package Pricing: Based on Double Occupancy

  • Panoramic Suite B: $8,085.00 per person, double occupancy
  • Panoramic Suite A: $8,195.00 per person, double occupancy
  • Panoramic Suite P: $8,250.00 per person, double occupancy
  • Deluxe Stateroom D and E: $5,998.00 per person, double occupancy

Single pricing is available upon request. Triple accommodations are not
available.

CREDIT UNION EDUCRUISE FORUM REGISTRATION FEE

$1,950.00 registration fee per meeting attendee if paid by credit card
$1,750.00 registration fee per meeting attendee if paid by check

CREDIT UNION EDUCRUISE FORUM REGISTRATION FEE DISCOUNTS:

• Register before March 1, 2027 - $150 per forum attendee
• Register from March 2, 2027 – June 1, 2027 - $50 per forum
attendee

Payment Information

Initial Deposit:
$400.00 per person (non refundable)

Final Payment Date:
June 12, 2027

Requirements:
A valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return.

Cancellation Penalties

Cancellation Penalties:
Date of deposit to June 12, 2027 - Initial deposit of $400.00 per person,
plus Fox cancellation fee*

June 13, 2027 – July 31, 2027 - 50% package price plus Fox cancellation
fee*

August 1, 2027, to day of departure - No refunds, plus Fox cancellation
fee*

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties.

To attend the conference and/or to take advantage of these low group rates, all cabin reservations must be booked through “FOX WORLD TRAVEL”, our designated travel affiliate.

The cabin deposit of $400 (non-refundable) per person, and the Conference Registration Fee, is immediately payable upon first booking this cruise/conference.

Cruise Rates subject to change by the cruise line.

What Your Rate Includes

  • Deluxe 7-Night Avalon River Cruise onboard the Avalon Panorama
  • Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with Comfort Collection beds, Egyptian cotton linens, L'Occitane bath products, robes, slippers, hairdryer, safe, and flat-screen TV
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast
  • Regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch & dinner included daily onboard
  • Evening Happy Hour with a select menu of house beer, wine, cocktails, and drink of the day
  • Daily excursions hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • Complimentary pre-paid gratuities for shipboard staff, cruise director, and coach drivers
  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
  • Remarkable service from your English-speaking crew and onboard cruise director
  • Avalon Waterways travel documents with trip details and planning information
  • All meals onboard with Chef-inspired regional recipes:
    • Daily four-course à la carte dinner in the main dining room
    • Daily breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
    • Daily lunch with pasta or carving stations

Not Included

  • Airline flights and luggage fees
  • Transfers in destination
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Medical services
  • Gratuities for airport porters or transfer drivers
  • Personal items

Optional Transfers

Airport transfers are $55.00 per person (subject to change) each direction, available only on the trip arrival and return dates.

A flight itinerary is required to add transfers.

Trip Insurance

For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance.

Your travel advisor can discuss options including:

  • Medical expense coverage
  • Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers
  • Trip cancellation and delay
  • Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage

Premiums are impacted by your age.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact our FOX World Travel Team at:

educruises@foxworldtravel.com

Toll Free: 1-888-367-2571