Alums build lasting connections and sail the rivers of Historic Europe with Alumni Travel Program

"Dear Guests."

It was more than a greeting. It was a rhythm.

Each morning aboard the Amadeus Amara, those two words rang out across the decks and through the corridors—an invitation to another day of discovery, connection, and shared experience.

Whether preceding a daily announcement or setting the tone for an evening gathering, “Dear Guests” became the unofficial anthem of the journey—a simple phrase that captured the spirit of hospitality, professionalism, and quiet excellence delivered by the crew and guides who made the trip unforgettable.

For more than 100 travelers sailing the historic rivers of Europe from 2-12 June, that spirit carried them more than 1,000 kilometers through the heart of Germany. 

Among them were Naval Academy alumni and their families, representing multiple generations of graduates, unified by shared experiences in Annapolis and a desire to stay connected—to one another and to the institution that shaped them.

By the end of the journey, that connection would be visible in the most unmistakable way possible: a U.S. Naval Academy flag flying proudly from the forward mast of the Amadeus Amara, hoisted by alumni who—true to form—found a way to make the ship their own.

A Journey Begins in History

The voyage began in Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a fitting starting point for a trip rooted in history, culture, and reflection.

On the first day, guided tours brought alumni face to face with centuries of European heritage. They walked through the towering Porta Nigra gate, a massive Roman structure that has stood for nearly two millennia. They stepped into the Cathedral of Trier, one of the oldest churches in Germany, and explored the remnants of Roman baths and amphitheaters that once served as centers of civic life.

It was immersive, educational, and unmistakably aligned with the types of experiences Naval Academy graduates appreciate—places where history is not simply studied…but felt.

From Trier, the journey unfolded along the Moselle, Main, and Rhine rivers—arteries of commerce, culture, and conflict that have shaped Europe for generations.

Through Castles and Countryside

In Cochem and Koblenz, the group experienced Germany’s natural beauty at its finest. Set at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers, Koblenz offered sweeping vistas, winding streets, and the opportunity to hike and explore at a relaxed, conversational pace.

These were not passive stops. The alumni walked the cobblestones, climbed scenic overlooks, and took in the imposing hilltop castles that seemed to rise directly from the landscape. Conversations unfolded naturally—stories from the Fleet, from careers, from families—woven together with the shared perspective of having once stood on the same Yard.

That pattern continued through Miltenberg, Würzburg, and Bamberg—picturesque towns where medieval architecture meets modern European life. Along the way, the group passed dozens of castles and navigated more than 60 intricate locks, engineering marvels that speak to the precision and foresight required to manage Europe’s river systems.

There was a familiar appreciation among the group for that kind of complexity. For Naval Academy graduates, systems, structure, and teamwork are second nature—and here, those principles were on display in a very different, but equally compelling, environment.

Nuremberg: A Moment of Reflection

In Nuremberg, the trip took on a deeper, more contemplative tone.

The alumni toured the historic sites associated with the post–World War II trials—a sobering reminder of the consequences of global conflict. For many in the group, the experience resonated on a professional level, reinforcing lessons learned through service and leadership.

But Nuremberg also offered moments of levity and cultural immersion. Guided experiences introduced the group to traditional German fare—Riesling wines, regional sausages, sauerkraut—and the simple joy of gathering around a table to share a meal and conversation.

It was a balance that defined the entire journey: meaningful reflection paired with moments of connection and celebration.

Brotherhood & Sisterhood—and Beyond

The Naval Academy contingent on the trip included:

Mark Miller ’76 and his wife Bethlyn

Mike Fierro ’82 and Cindy Thebaud ’85

Andy Newsome ’98 and his wife Paula

Chris Dean ’94 and Maggie Dean ’97

Craig Powers ’82 and Patricia Bergeron

Together, they formed a tight-knit group that extended well beyond their own cohort.

“If you come on these excursions with an alumni connection, even if you don’t know them…at least you have a common thread,” said Mark Miller, who has traveled with the Alumni Association before. “It let’s you connect more quickly with other guests. So, it is a nice niche that the Alumni Travel Program has found with these trips.”

The Amadeus Amara carried travelers from other institutions as well—William & Mary, the University of Texas, Notre Dame, and Purdue—creating a uniquely American blend of alumni communities abroad. Friendships formed naturally across those lines, shaped by shared curiosity, mutual respect, and the easy camaraderie that comes from travel.

One of the most meaningful connections came through Bette Ries, a Naval Academy widow traveling with the Notre Dame group. Her late husband, Stephen Ries ’68, had been part of the Naval Academy family—and on this journey, she found that connection renewed.

“I had no idea there would be a Naval Academy presence on this cruise,” she said. “But it filled my heart so much that I was made a part of the group and could enjoy stories about the Academy and Annapolis.”

It was a reminder that the Naval Academy network extends far beyond its graduates—it is a community that includes families, shared memories, and a deep sense of belonging.

A Shared Perspective on Service

The trip also included a moment of inter-service connection.

Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, USA (Ret.), USMA ’79, traveling with the William & Mary group, delivered a lecture on U.S. military presence and history in Germany. His perspective added depth and context to the regions the group was exploring, reinforcing the broader strategic and historical significance of the journey.

It was a fitting addition to a trip that, at its core, was about understanding the world—its history, its people, and its connections to American service and leadership.

The Power of Connection

While the landscapes and landmarks were unforgettable, the most enduring impact of the trip was something less tangible: connection.

Throughout the journey, Naval Academy alumni gathered for informal discussions and structured briefings about the work of the Alumni Association & Foundation. Updates on programs, priorities, and the upcoming capital campaign offered insight into how the institution continues to evolve—and how alumni can play a role in shaping its future.

These were not formal boardrooms or scheduled conferences. They were conversations over coffee, reflections during excursions, and shared moments on the deck of a river ship drifting through the European countryside.

It was, in many ways, the ideal setting for engagement—authentic, personal, and grounded in relationships.

A Voyage Worth Repeating

As the ship made its final approach into Passau, two hours east of Munich, the journey came to a close—but the experience did not.

Friendships had been formed. Stories had been shared. And a group of Naval Academy alumni had once again demonstrated what makes that community unique: a willingness to engage, to include, and to carry the spirit of the Academy wherever they go.

“I would love to travel again with the Alumni Travel Program,” said Andy Newsome. Being around other Naval Academy alumni – no matter their class year – is a great opportunity to talk about and re-live our shared experiences in Annapolis, talk about the relationships we formed and vacation in some of the most beautiful parts of the world.”

From the first “Dear Guests” to the final farewell, the trip embodied the very best of the Naval Academy alumni experience.

For those who have yet to take part in the Alumni Travel Program, the message is clear:

Opportunities like this are not just about seeing the world — they are about seeing it together.

For more information on traveling with other USNA Alumni, visit: www.usna.com/travel

Source: John Schofield, Executive Director, Communications, USNA AA&F