Take It Easy
Keen to try cruising but don’t want a big ship with lots of people? The combination of slow travel and more exploring aboard Avalon Waterways’ European river cruises may be just the adventure you’re looking for.
The surge in popularity of river cruises is creating waves across the industry. Globally Avalon Waterways is coming off its strongest first quarter sales season ever, with sell-out cruises on the Seine, Rhône, Rhine and Moselle Rivers, as well as their exceptional special interest cruises, including celebrity-hosted Storyteller Series as well as beer, wine, history, photography and festive cruises. In response, Avalon Waterways is adding new departures to meet increased 2023 and 2024 river-cruise demand, as well as launching its new Suite Ship the Avalon Alegria on the Douro River in 2024.
“River cruising offers travellers a luxurious, carefree way to travel to bucket-list destinations. Now more than ever, people are craving dream destinations and seeking hassle-free holidays that don’t miss a beat on delivering the best of travel. An Avalon Waterways’ river cruise ticks all of these boxes,” says Chris Fundell, Head of Marketing Asia Pacific, Globus family of brands. “Right now, demand for Europe has never been higher and this shows no sign of slowing down for 2024. A river cruise offers fantastic value for money, varied cruise styles to suit every type of traveller, and, with Avalon Waterways’ no hidden costs, it’s a great way to experience the ultimate European escape.”
The ease, access and intimacy certainly make river cruising so appealing. From the start to end of a river cruise, everything is taken care of. “Travellers can step onboard Avalon Waterways, unpack once, experience luxury fine-dining and paired wines, 5-star service and the latest luxury design onboard, whilst sailing through multiple countries on a show-stopping itinerary.
“River cruising gets guests closer to hidden gems along the way, cruising through picturesque countryside to visit smaller towns, which are some of my favourite travel memories on previous cruises. It also really leans into the ever-popular trend of slow travel – we’re seeing an increase in demand for our two-week and three-week itineraries, as travellers look to spend longer and explore more,” says Fundell.
“While the Rhine River is leading this wave of interest, our most popular destination for 2023 is France,” says Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways. According to Hoffee, Avalon is also experiencing a rise in off-season travel. The company’s Festive Season cruises are almost sold out for 2023 so the company has added two new cruises featuring some of Europe’s best Christmas Markets on the Danube, between Budapest and Vienna, in late November to provide cruisers more availability and options.
Avalon Waterways’ wine-themed cruises are also proving to be extremely popular so Avalon has added two more wine-themed cruises that take cruisers along the postcardperfect Rhône River through Burgundy and Provence in early and mid-November. With all the extra demand, Avalon Waterways is extending its 2024 cruising season into November on the Seine and Rhône Rivers while also adding a plethora of additional departures on the Rhine and Danube Rivers.
UNPARALLELED VIEWS
Founded in 2004 and part of leading tour operator Globus family of brands, Avalon Waterways is known for delivering unparalleled experiences as they cruise the world’s best waterways in their modern, best-in-class boutique ships. Most ships have around 150 guests – some much less – with a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio. Avalon Waterways’ Suite fleet of ships feature open-air balconies – with the widest opening windows in cruising – comfort collection beds and elegant décor.
“Avalon truly offers an elevated cruising experience,” says Fundell. “Onboard, our Panorama Suites really set us apart. More than 30 per cent larger than the industry standard and offering the industry’s only open-air balconies, the wall-to-wall, floor-toceiling windows and our signature window-facing beds make for the
grandest views in river cruising.” Avalon Waterways is also known for their stunning cuisine. From locally crafted Burgundies to inspired menus and artisanal dishes created with local and fresh produce, Avalon Waterways fuel every gastronomical journey with a beautiful balance of local flavour and worldly flair in their beautiful dining venues, whether that’s in the elegant Panorama Dining Room, the cosy Panorama Bistro, or the comfort of room service.
ACTIVE OR DISCOVERY?
In 2017 Avalon Waterways launched their highly popular Active & Discovery cruises on the Danube River, which have expanded to include itineraries to every major European waterway they sail. On these allinclusive cruises, travellers can choose from a selection of included ‘Active’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Classic’ excursions, so guests can choose from a hike up to a castle one day, a painting class the next or a guided tour of the beautiful town. These itineraries give guests more choice and allow them to curate their itinerary to exactly what they want to do.
Want to do a cooking class? Get an insider’s tour of the city? Or take an e-bike around the town? It’s all included. “Our Avalon Choice Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer the widest range of excursions in river cruising, with up to 28 excursions included in the cruise price, from classic sightseeing to immersive discoveries and active adventures,” explains Fundell. “Flexibility onboard Avalon Waterways is key. Variety of included excursions Avalon offers is unparalleled in river cruising, and compared to other types of travel.”
VISIT MiNDFOOD.COM
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