Not a fan of (ocean) cruises, I went on my first river cruise several years ago and I was hooked! We're humbled and happy to share kudos we've received from some of the industry's most respected experts in river cruising, including readers and editors of Cruise Critic, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, and TravelAge West. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns; in smaller towns, cash is recommended. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. The Rhine-Main-Danube Canal runs between the German towns of Bamberg and Kelheim via the historic city of Nuremberg, transporting thousands of river cruise ship passengers every year between the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. There is a shipboard information channel and a channel with a wide selection of movies and music. Avalon Waterways traces its roots back to 1928, when Antonio Mantegazza used a rowboat to transport goods across Switzerland's Lake Lugano. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industrys only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery. While Avalon also has the 300-square-foot Royal Suite on its ships, the space is technically not a true suite. Avalon had local guides meet us every step of the way from the airport until dropoff. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Both lines also have alternative light dining at breakfast and lunch. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. They lost my wife's suitcase for FOUR DAYS on their transfer from Paris to Saint Malo. Read 1 more review about Avalon Waterways. Extra hotel nights are only available immediately prior to or after your vacation and are not available on some cruise-only vacations or in some cities. [2], Avalon Waterways started operations in 2004 with just one initial ship, called Avalon Artistry. The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so youll never feel crowded anywhere on board. If you want to step outside your cabin and sit on a "proper" balcony, or want a suite that lives up to its name and is made up of two rooms rather than one large space, then go for Viking. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Both cruise lines serve buffets at breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of made-to-order items. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest." In case of emergency, a phone is available at reception for ship-to-shore calls. All ships have hair dryers for passenger use. Viking's cabins are no slouch either. Credit cards are accepted in Egypt, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. From purchasing flights through Avalon to international currency to purchasing optional excursions, weve got the answers to make preparing for your cruise a breeze. Hairdryers Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. News & Information Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. Simply awful and small portions. Check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. TOE THE LINE Weve brought back the question, Where should we eat? to the cruise experience. And the feeling is mutual. If you'd like to add extra hotel nights, we will try to make arrangements for you at our contracted rates. An officer or sailor who was reprimanded received a "dressing down." The currency on board is the U.S. dollar. Cruising the Baltic Where Small and Friendly is the Way To Go. (Avalon does have a barbecue on the top deck at least once per cruise, weather permitting.). Viking and Avalon are almost the same when it comes to inclusions and pricing, although the latter can vary depending on itinerary and promotions. Avalon ships have a small fitness room with a treadmill, elliptical machines and free weights. Credit cards are accepted in Peru, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. On our Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galpagos cruises, we recommend that guests forgo dressier attire completely due to warm, humid climates. While both lines have nice-size bathrooms (and, happily, glass-enclosed showers), Viking's come with anti-fog mirrors and heated floors -- a bonus if you're traveling in the offseason or on a Christmas markets cruise. 16 water locks facilitate safe passage of vessels. Viking's glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace, where the line serves lighter lunches and dinners, can open to the elements in nice weather. He would order the crew to cut the lashings on all the sails and run away before the wind. Both lines offer a daily complimentary shore excursion, as well as options you can pay for; complimentary wine, beer and soda at dinner and lunch; enrichment onboard and free WiFi. Electricity: Onboard bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. Both cruise lines serve buffets at breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of made-to-order items. Because weather can be unpredictable, layers are always recommended when out and about. The itinerary was as, My partner and I have wanted to do this trip for several years. Chief among these: Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube and Rhine, where you leave the coach behind and explore the destination through hiking, kayaking, biking, tasting and language lessons. There were miles of cordage in the rigging of a square rigged ship. While the quality of food is subjective, both Viking and Avalon make sure that cruise passengers have a wide variety of dishes, both familiar and local to the region at breakfast, lunch and dinner. It really does make a difference. Check the price list in your stateroom. It seems we've struck the right note with our award-winning Panorama Suites, Open-Air Balconies, Panorama Windows, exceptional shore excursions, and flexible dining options. While his construction effort failed, parts of the canal are still visible in southern areas of central Franconia. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. The only way to keep track of and to know the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. Our crew is devoted without being daunting, focused but not fussy and supportive minus the smother. In short, wear exactly what suits you and the discoveries you make onboard and off best! Avalon Waterways is a leader in deluxe river cruises. Awaken the senses on a 6 day Danube River cruise from Germany to Hungary with our Cruise of the Month: Danube Symphony. Laundry These are available to purchase in advance online from90 days prior to departure to 3 days prior to the excursion operation date (exceptions may apply). They were a great team. He will be "under the weather.". There may be a need to contact you during your trip or to contact your designated family member or friend in the event of unforeseen circumstances while you are traveling. While Avalon isnt interested in cramping your style with a dress code, some excursions may require one (no knees or shoulders in some holy places; or no shorts during some evening events in ports-of-call, for instance). Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. All ships have non-smoking interiors. Additionally, the care and safety of our guests is our highest priority. [18], The Ship That Sails to Yesterday: Exploring Myanmars Hidden Corners,, 8 Reasons to Skip Thailand & Head to Myanmar Instead,, "Sail Away: These Are the Most Popular Cruise Destinations," CNN, "The River Cruise Boom: Cruising through Europe,", "New Avalon Waterways ship christened in Europe", "Judy Bailey christens Rhine cruise ship", "Avalon Waterways plans two new ships for 2016", "Avalon sailing a third river ship in Southeast Asia: Travel Weekly", Avalon Waterways Adds Christmas Cruises,, Eat Pray Love Your Way Down the Danube with Elizabeth Gilbert,, International Best-Selling Author Diana Gabaldon Named Godmother of Avalons Newest Suite Ship,, Avalon Waterways Names Jann Arden Godmother of Avalon Tranquility II,, "Avalon Expression christened by Patricia Shultz | All Things Cruise", New Avalon Waterways Ship Christened in Europe,, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Avalon_Waterways&oldid=1020171846, Owned. Both lines sail the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine and Rhone rivers. Avalon Waterways launched in 2004 as part of the long-established Globus family of travel brands. Avalon Waterways Promo Codes March 2023 - 20 OFF Treat yourself to huge savings with Avalon Waterways vouchers: promo codes, and 14 coupons for March 2023. 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. Our state room was perfect and met all our needs. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships rafted together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Mother Nature (water levels and weather conditions), as well as man-made conditions (maintenance or repair of locks that all ships must pass through), as well as logistical obstacles due to labor strikes or natural elements can create unforeseen disruptions to river navigation. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough on the Observation Lounge, theres never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. Dress for your own fitness success. Our travel agent called the office and was put on HOLD every time for 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours before getting to talk to the, Had 7-previous AVALON river cruises. Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europes rivers. Think of it as a view with a room! How does Avalon support sustainable travel and protect the environment? The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. For payment of shipboard accounts, Euro and U.S. dollars are accepted as well as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club. Before your cruises docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Our expectations were exceeded.