2027 Tulip Time River EduCruise

 

CREDIT UNION WINDS OF CHANGE FORUM

April 15th – 22nd 2027

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – ‘Avalon Passion’
Amsterdam - Round-trip

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

Planning for the future can be a frightening and risky process. Participants in this credit union cruise/conference will be given a better understanding of what changes are coming, and how to strategically plan for future success.

This educational cruise/conference will focus on challenges, opportunities and changes that will impact BOARD, COMMITTEE MEMBERS and YOUR MEMBERSHIP.

Take in the beauty of Tulip Time with CU EduCruises as this springtime river cruise begins in Holland’s colorful capital, Amsterdam. This 700year-old city offers an abundance of classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants to explore before embarking on your journey through Holland and Belgium.

Sail through Rotterdam’s impressive harbor, often cited as one of the world’s busiest ports. Garden lovers will delight in a visit to Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe,” where 70 acres of parkland and lakes showcase nearly seven million flowering bulbs in a spectacular display of color.

Continue to Antwerp, Belgium’s secondlargest city, renowned for its centuries-old diamond-trading heritage, where historic buildings and monuments blend seamlessly with striking modern architecture.

In Ghent, join a local expert for a guided city tour, including a visit to St. Baaf’s Cathedral, home to remarkable works of art and rich history.

Your cruise then returns to Holland for a visit to Middelburg, once an important trading center. Its historic prosperity is still evident today in landmarks such as the Gothic Town Hall, the Abbey Tower, and the lively Market Square.

This beautiful springtime 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
• 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 Robinsonhas 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 Passion

The ‘Avalon Artistry II’ 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 OpenAir 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.

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: April 15 – Welcome to Amsterdam!

Your Avalon Suite Ship, Avalon Passion, is ready for boarding.

Relax and discover this delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants and lively marketplace.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

Flights to Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm and guests should be on board by 5:00 pm.


Day 2: April 16 - Rotterdam

Your choice excursions today include a half-day guided tour of breathtaking Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe” with its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes and the world’s largest flower gardens!

Stroll through the fields of seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths!

Walking and bike tours in Rotterdam are available too.

Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor with live entertainment onboard.


Day 3: April 17 - Antwerp

You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.

Pick from your choice excursion or join a Guided Optional Excursion to the nearby capital, Brussels, considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.


Day 4: April 18 - Ghent

Another night of sailing brings you to Ghent where you choose how you would like to explore from Active to Classic Excursions.

Alternatively, choose to join a full day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.

You’ll see its crisscrossed canals, the 13th-century belfry of Market Square, and charming Patrician houses.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.


Day 5: April 19 - Middleburg & Veere

Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere.

During lunchtime enjoy a short sailing from Middelburg to Veere to learn more about this historic town and view its Scottish houses.


Day 6: April 20 - Willemstad

Discover this small, historic town with your choice of excursion.

Later, prepare for your overnight cruise to Amsterdam.


Day 7: April 21 - Amsterdam

Arriving back in Amsterdam allows free time to explore the colorful streets and canal houses of this beautiful city once more.

After your choice of excursion, enjoy an overnight docking for your final night on this relaxing cruise conference.


Day 8: April 22

Your fabulous cruise conference comes to an end this morning.

Enjoy breakfast before disembarking and transferring to Amsterdam Schiphol airport to head home.

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 P with French Balcony: $6562.00 per person
• Panoramic Suite A with French Balcony: $6510.00 per person
• Panoramic Suite B with French Balcony: $6407.00 per person

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

Early Bird Conference Fee Discount

• Before 6/1/2026 - $150.00 pp
• 6/2/2026 - 9/1/2026 – $50.00 pp

Payment Information

Initial Deposit:
$400.00 per person (non refundable)

Final Payment Date:
December 28, 2026

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

Cancellation Penalties

From date of deposit to December 25, 2026:
Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox cancellation fee

December 26, 2026 to February 12, 2027:
50% of package price + Fox cancellation fee

February 13, 2027 to time of departure:
No refunds + 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 Passion
  • Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with Comfort Collection beds, Egyptian cotton linens, L'Occitane bath products, robes, slippers, hairdryer, safe, and flat-screen TV
  • 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
  • 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

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