Sunday, March 31, 2024

River Cruising with Avalon

avalon water cruise

ACTIVE programs target more energetic passengers and include options like guided jogging tours, cycling, hiking, paddling. CLASSIC programs are based on lectures (history- and culture-themed) and walking tours guided by professional local experts. In 2019, Avalon Waterways added 6 new options, including the company's first "Ganges River Cruise" in India. With the new itineraries are also introduced all-suite newbuild riverboats (with open-air, floor-ceiling balconies) and new shore excursions and onboard activities.

Mastering the Art of French Cruising with Avalon Waterways - Drift Travel Magazine

Mastering the Art of French Cruising with Avalon Waterways.

Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:45:42 GMT [source]

An Adventure in Luxury

No two travelers are alike—so Avalon would never expect you to enjoy the same cruise experiences as everyone else. Whether you like to paddle a kayak or paint a canvas, each day on an Avalon river cruise is an adventure of the mind, heart, or heart rate if you prefer. So, go ahead, pick up a paintbrush, a paddle, or the perfect vintage. Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon shares the flavors of the world with the freshest local ingredients prepared by our talented chefs and served in your choice of venues on board. Our Avalon FlexDining® approach to onboard dining experiences has tossed out the idea of restrictive seating times in limited settings. Choose from options like a breezy al fresco lunch at the Sky Grill, an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, or a more casual culinary setting in the Panorama Bistro. Whichever table setting you choose, you’ll savor local flavors as well as the familiar favorites you love.

10 of 1,090 Avalon Waterways Cruise Reviews

There are no special arrangements or activities for children on the ships, and no children under the age of eight are allowed on the company’s cruises. Avalon caters to English-speaking travelers from North America, the U.K. The average age of passengers is mid-50s to 60s, but the mix varies by itinerary, and on four- and five-night cruises, you'll find more 40-something travelers and others trying out river cruises for the first time. Children ages 8 and older are welcome onboard, but there is no formal youth program. Avalon Waterways itinerary options are categorized into 3 classifications (CLASSIC, ACTIVE, DISCOVERY) allowing customers to tailor their cruise according to personal preferences, special interests, and activity level. The DISCOVERY programs target specific interests (like painting workshops and cooking classes) themed on the region's culture.

Avalon Waterways adding new departures to meet 2023-2024 river cruise demands

That’s because no other river cruise fleet offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships®. Featuring the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising, your Avalon Panorama Suite is actually river cruising’s only Open–Air Balcony® — with living space that’s 30% larger than the industry standard. River cruise types include classic European river cruises, active itineraries, holiday season cruises, and cruises focused on interests including cuisine, wine, photography, gardens and nature, and history.

When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Passengers can relax in spacious staterooms featuring satellite television, private bathrooms and hotel-style beds with Egyptian cotton sheets. Each ship highlights a variety of resort-style amenities, including gourmet dining and quality entertainment from local musicians. Panoramic picture windows on every ship provide magnificent views of passing landscapes.

Avalon has continued enhanced cleaning procedures that include daily disinfecting, air-filtration practices, the use of electrostatic and UV disinfecting technologies, and hand sanitizing stations when entering the ship and dining venues. For even more peace of mind, you can purchase Avalon’s Travel Protection Plan that includes a cancel-for-any-reason benefit and covers trip interruption expenses. If some water level problems occur, or any technical problems, Avalon Waterways may operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to change the entire cruise tour program.

10 of 1,090 Avalon Waterways River Cruises Reviews

avalon water cruise

Other company executives include Scott Nisbet (CEO-Chief Executive Officer), Steve Born (CMO-Chief Marketing Officer), Camille Olivere (CSO-Chief Sales Officer).

Wake Up to a New View

avalon water cruise

Innovation and technology - in 2011, Avalon introduced the Panorama ship - industry's first Suite-class riverboat. On Avalon's "suite ships", ~80% of all staterooms are in Suite categories, sized 1/3 larger than the industry's average, with slide-opening wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, window-facing beds for a unique river cruising experience. This is CruiseMapper's page that reviews and lists all Avalon Waterways river cruise ship itineraries, destinations, and ports of departure. We have all Avalon riverboat schedules (sail calendar with dates and prices PP). Another feature is the Avalon Waterways ships tracking service integrated into each page. This feature shows on a map the ship's location now (current position on the river).

Avalon staterooms are relaxing and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, satellite TV, hotel-quality beds, bathrooms with full-sized showers, and even private balconies. The expansive sun decks, modern fitness equipment, and beauty salons are another extra. Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus Family of Brands, which offers a Welcome Back Credit for returning guests. Each time you travel with a Globus Family of Brands operator, you can earn up to a $250 per person Welcome Back Credit to use toward your next vacation.

Typical itineraries range from eight to 16 days, but there are also options for shorter four- to six-day trips and sailings of three weeks or longer. The company uses small ships, and their guests do receive personalized service in absolutely no crowd. Avalon makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of destinations, as they include guided sightseeing tours and shore excursions in the basic fares. We’ve transformed ordinary cruise cabins into our one-of-a-kind Open-Air Balcony featuring the only bed with a view in river cruising. Our floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic windows eliminate the need for a space-wasting balcony, giving you more room to stretch out with 30% more living space than the industry standard.

Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company with itineraries on some of the world’s most well-known rivers and the cities on their banks. Excursions and activities onboard and off the company’s 14 ships immerse passengers in the local culture and cuisine and include options like guided walking tours, canoe trips, and cooking classes. Here are the shortcuts to all the Avalon Waterways river cruise line ships. The company operates a young fleet of mostly European riverboats aimed at North American, Australian and New Zealand passengers in their 50s or older. Avalon river cruises deals as itineraries and destinations extend to Egypt’s Nile River and China’s Yangtze River - from Hong Kong and Tibet to Ulaanbaatar.

Guided sightseeing tours are included as part of your cruise, but you can also explore on your own if you prefer. Shore excursions are at the heart of activities on any Avalon sailing. Options can range from active excursions, such as canoeing the Danube or jogging through Amsterdam, to cultural experiences, like following the life of an Austrian worker or taking part in an Amsterdam painting class. Passengers who prefer to explore on their own can use the AvalonGO app loaded with a list of nearby attractions and hours of operation, historical facts, maps and directions as well as local cafes, restaurants, bars and entertainment options. Avalon Waterways launched in 2004 as part of the long-established Globus family of travel brands. The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to-ceiling window wall with sliding glass doors that that open to turn the accommodations themselves into a balcony in good weather.

Avalon Waterways Ships and Itineraries 2024, 2025, 2026

avalon water cruise

The company’s Active & Discovery Cruises are popular for multigenerational travel and its Storyteller Cruises that feature celebrity hosts drawing in many first-time river cruisers. The Avalon cruise company became known worldwide with its unprecedented fleet expansion (see in the itinerary section / at least one new ship per year). The reason for so many newbuilds is Avalon's parent company Globus Group.

Tour Guides

avalon water cruise

All affected Avalon river cruise and cruisetour bookings received a full (100%) monetary refund, including on prepurchased through Avalon Waterways packages and services. You can't wear shorts at dinner, but, other than that the dress code is casual. At dinner you'll see mostly open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts or dresses for women. Some people op to dress up a bit nicer, though still relatively casual, for the welcome and farewell dinners (only on Europe river cruises). Avalon ships have English-speaking crews, and while the ship is in port, expert guides point out famous tourist spots as well as hidden gems.

What are Avalon Waterways’s most popular activities?

Founded in 1928, the Globus group of companies manages over 30 businesses in the fields of tourism and aviation, offering annually over departures on over 300 unique itineraries. Avalon Vacation Planners are available by phone, email, and online chat from booking through travel. Avalon also provides access to its AvalonGO app 30 to 40 days prior to departure, which includes information on the destination and excursions, schedules, and interactive maps. Food is a big focus at Avalon, and ships feature multiple dining venues where passengers can take advantage of the company’s FlexDining program. Another initiative, Avalon Fresh, incorporates local ingredients to create dishes that are both healthy and inventive.

Avalon Waterways expanding Storyteller Series to include an “All For You” cruise

Avalon Waterways Avalon Tranquility II Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Avalon Waterways Avalon ... - Cruise Critic

Avalon Waterways Avalon Tranquility II Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Avalon Waterways Avalon ....

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Avalon Waterways also operate the Galapagos Islands destination. In this section, you will find all their ships, itinerary information, complete sailing schedules with dates and prices to compare. The premium travel brand and river cruise line Avalon Waterways (avalonwaterways.com) offers exceptional personalized services, with experience in guided vacations and cruising itineraries of over 80 years. Avalon travel experts are constantly thinking of their passengers and always put them first. It’s hard to know where Avalon Panorama SuitesSM end and the view begins!

When you retreat to your suite, you’ll never miss a moment of the ever-changing views. So dream on before you drift off in a bed with the dreamiest views in river cruising. Avalon river cruises also appeal to solo travelers, and the company waives the single supplement on a select number of staterooms on every departure.

Trip ratings on this site are based on the quality of accommodations, the number of included meals and activities and the level of service delivered. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). Local experts, a focus on sustainability, and immersive small group experiences help set Intrepid Travel apart from other tour operators. Award-winning small-group adventure-travel tours are the G Adventures specialty.

Guests have two years to book a vacation using their credit with Avalon Waterways, Globus, or Cosmos. Avalon Waterways has received a slew of awards and accolades, including being named a top river cruise line by Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure. It has a Cruise Critic user ranking of 4.7 out of 5 and rates 4.7 out 5 on TravelStride. Avalon's Douro cruisetour prices in 2024 started from GBP 2730 (EUR 3180/USD 3450) per person with double occupancy. The Avalon Waterways cruise company was founded in 2004 and is a brand name owned by Group Voyagers Inc (also known simply as "Globus family of brands" and "Globus Travel Group").

Avalon Waterways introduces new “Short & Suite” river cruise itineraries

You'll pay extra for gratuities, salon or spa treatments, laundry, onboard shop purchases and some special excursions. The company's headquarters (as part of the Globus family) are in the USA (Littleton, Colorado). Avalon's current President is Pam Hoffee (promoted from Managing Director in May 2022).

10 of 1,090 Avalon Waterways River Cruises Reviews

These boats are usually chartered for up to 5 years, with the option the company to refurbish them or give them back to the owner. This way Avalon easily maintains one of the youngest and most modern fleets on this market. A member of the Globus family of brands, Avalon Waterways operates river cruises aboard sleek ships with state-of-the-art engineering that allows for smooth, comfortable sailing. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site.

Avalon has continued enhanced cleaning procedures that include daily disinfecting, air-filtration practices, the use of electrostatic and UV disinfecting technologies, and hand sanitizing stations when entering the ship and dining venues. For even more peace of mind, you can purchase Avalon’s Travel Protection Plan that includes a cancel-for-any-reason benefit and covers trip interruption expenses. If some water level problems occur, or any technical problems, Avalon Waterways may operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to change the entire cruise tour program.

Avalon Waterways has undertaken numerous sustainability efforts, including supporting environmental organizations like Trees4Travel and The Ocean Cleanup. The company has eliminated single-use plastics onboard its ships, installed LED lighting fleet-wide, reduced paper waste by 80% onboard, and committed to using shore power while docked wherever available to reduce emissions. Avalon has longer-term goals to reach zero emissions and unveil the first, fully electric river cruise vessel. And street directions, restaurant recommendations, and other information are always on hand in the the AvalonGO mobile app. As an alternative to owning river cruise ships, Avalon leases them. The company partners with shipowner companies with operational ships in a particular destination and brand one or more boats as "Avalon Waterways".

Check the visa requirements with your travel agent - visas are the client's responsibility. Inaugurated in 2020, the company's "Your Way" program allows Avalon cruise passengers to "chart their own course, at their own pace". Avalon Waterways is one of the Globus Family of Brands, which also include tour companies Globus and Cosmos. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. In 2019, the company introduced the so-called FlexDining on all boats in the fleet. For more than a century, Collette has been leading award-winning tours.

In 2024 the company introduced the newbuild boat Avalon Alegria which is deployed year-round on the Douro River in Portugal. Departures are from Lisbon, with land travel/bus transfers to Oporto/Leixoes. Avalon Alegria has scheduled two different itineraries - a classic 7-day roundtrip cruise from Oporto (visiting Regua, Pocinho, Aregos) and a 10-day cruisetour itinerary inclusive of three nights (hotel stay) in Lisbon. Avalon Waterways cruise prices also Include city tours and excursions (with a local guide), but these visits and their features are subject to change (a substitute will be offered). All Avalon cruise rates in our articles are per passenger (double occupancy, airfare not included). On some of the Avalon cruises, mid-vacation flights are required.

In 2019, the Avalon fleet left the 138-passenger riverboats/sisterships Affinity, Felicity, Luminary and Creativity. Due to the COVID pandemic, Avalon Waterways suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all riverboats) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through late-July 2021. Avalon's FlexDining allows all passengers to choose dining venue and times, an alfresco lunch (Sky Grill), less formal Panorama Bistro, 4-course dinner in the dining room restaurant. In 2019, the Avalon fleet left four 138-passenger riverboats - the sisterships Affinity, Felicity, Luminary and Creativity. All Avalon riverboats feature a quiet propulsion system and outside accommodations - among the largest of the river fleets.

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