Avalon Waterways Cruise LineAvalon Waterways is a river cruise company and is part of the Globus Family of companies. They operate ships in Europe, Egypt, and China. They cater to the American (or English speaking) market. About River CruisingAway from the hustle and bustle of busy highways, great rivers thread through beautiful landscapes. Experienced travelers agree that an Avalon waterways is the most enjoyable and hassle-free way to discover and explore the sights.
On a river journey you'll take in beautiful river landscapes, romantic castles, historic monuments or ancient burial sites, picturesque villages and exciting cities. It's a simple way to travel, but you'll be in the heart of each town, not seeing it from afar. Comprehensive sightseeing, your own exploration, and our abundant enrichment programs add to your authentic experience.
You'll enjoy fine food, impeccable service and lovely scenery while traveling on your river cruise vessel, with no packing and unpacking or worrying about logistics to waste your vacation time. There are plenty of opportunities to unwind. Relax on deck, take photos or enjoy conversation with family or new friends. Think of this as your own personal journey of discovery with an abundance of that precious commodity--leisure time. River Cruising lets you:
Cruising ExperienceThe Most Enriching ExperiencesOur Enrichment Program is among the best in river cruising. Experienced local guides will take you on sightseeing tours of wonderful towns and cities, plus you can spend the evening on shore, if the schedule permits. In addition to fascinating sightseeing on each itinerary, you can choose from a few optional outings, and there's always time to make your own discoveries as well. Back on board, you'll enjoy interactive presentations with area experts, wine tastings, local entertainment, and more. Look on each cruise itinerary page to see the Included Features and Special Highlights listed for each vacation. Local Guides will take you on guided sightseeing tours of wonderful and historic destinations along the great rivers of Europe and China. Normally you'll enjoy half a day of sightseeing on shore, half a day cruising and ideally the evening in town if the schedule permits. The ship will be docked for a longer period in major cities like Vienna and Budapest. One of the greatest advantages of traveling with Avalon Waterways is our experience. Avalon is part of the Globus family of brands. Globus has over 75 years experience operating escorted tours. With over 30 offices around the world, we have support when and where you need it, under any circumstances.
Unbeatable Value Also Included
DiningWhether you savor time-tested recipes or experiment more boldly, with Avalon you'll taste the true flavors of local cuisine. Meals enjoyed in the company of your traveling companions are a major part of your vacation experience. On Avalon's ships, you'll enjoy open seat dining with one sitting, wine included with all onboard dinners, and panoramic views from your restaurant.
Enticing cuisine is a major part of your Avalon cruise experience with wonderful meals throughout the day.
On a typical cruise day the ship departs at dawn. Early risers can watch the sunrise from the Sun or Sky Deck while savoring a cup of freshly brewed coffee, before heading to the panoramic restaurant for the delectable morning buffet.
Early Riser Coffee: 6:00 a.m. Self-service coffee, hot water, tea bags, croissants, cookies or other finger foods.
Breakfast: A buffet table includes a wide variety of breads, cereals, fruit and fruit salad, cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheeses, pastries, yogurts, juices. Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and other hot items can vary from day to day. Your chef will prepare fresh omelets and other egg dishes to order. Breakfast buffet is open 1 1/2 hours from approximately 7:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Treat yourself to a delicious buffet lunch, surrounded by magnificent scenery. In the afternoon, relax on the Sun or Sky Deck and let the world float by or sip your favorite drink at the bar.
Lunch: Usually served at 12:30 p.m., depending on the cruise schedule. It's buffet-style with appetizers, soups, sandwich, cold cuts, breads, salad bar, two main courses (one of which may be a carving station with a succulent roast), dessert table with a delicious variety, a generous cheese board and fresh fruit.
Afternoon Tea: Coffee, tea and cake will be served either in the lounge or on the Sun or Sky Deck.
Dinner: At dinner, the chef will always try to surprise you with a gourmet meal selection and the right choice of wine, which is also included in your cruise fare. Dinner is usually served at 7:30 p.m., depending on the cruise schedule. Sit down; open seating, single sitting; usually four courses with choices including vegetarian. Complimentary red and white wines are served with dinner while on board. ShipsNewest River Cruise ShipsAvalon sets a new standard in river cruising! Built to create a warm and pleasant ambiance, and with the travelers' comfort and safety in mind, our vessels are sleek and elegant and part of a new generation of river cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, modern private facilities, satellite television, floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms and some cabins with private balcony. There's internet access (except on the Isabela II), fitness equipment and much more.
Luxurious Amenities
Depending on the ship, travelers can work out in the gleaming fitness center, walk around the walking track, relax in the whirlpool, play a game with large chess pieces, visit the gift shop for souvenirs, or splash in the fun-pool. For those who want some pampering, there is a salon and massage service. Plus the quality furnishings, bedding and appointments lend a luxurious feel to just lounging around. Each vessel is designed with the passenger's complete comfort in mind.
Created for the North American market Shipsms Artistry - built 2004 and accommodates 178 passengers.ms Poetry - built 2005 and accommodates 178 passengers. ms Tapestry - the newest river cruiser in Europe - to be delivered 2006, accommodates 178 passengers. ms Victoria Anna - built 2007, accommodates 266 passengers and cruises the Yangtze River in China. Tranquility - built 2007 and accommodates 170 passengers. Imagery - built 2007 and accommodates 170 passengers. Royal Lotus - this new, modern river vessel offers spacious accommodations and a range of public areas from where you can absorb the ever-changing panorama between Luxor and Aswan.
DestinationsEuropeBlack Sea Discovery - 10 nights - Budapest to Bucharest - Spend two nights in Budapest, then sail on the Lower Danube to the Black SeaBlue Danube Discovery - Spend two nights in Budapest, seven nights cruising to Nuremberg, and three nights in Prague on this delightful 14-day vacation. Grand Black Sea Cruise - 18 nights - Bucharest to Prague- Spend three nights in Prague and cruise from Nuremberg to the Black Sea Legendary Danube - Spend three nights in Prague, then enjoy a seven-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest on this 12-day vacation. Magnificent Europe - this grand vacation of 16 days takes you from Amsterdam to Budapest. Rhine and Moselle - 14 nights - Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel Romantic Rhine - this seven-night cruise on the Rhine river takes you from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Holland. Tulip Time Cruise - 8 nights - Amsterdam to Amsterdam - Cruise through Holland and Belgium in the Spring. Christmas Cruise - on this 10-day cruise, enjoy the wonderful festive atmosphere as you spend two nights in Prague before driving to Nuremberg. There you board your luxurious river cruise vessel to sail gently down the Danube to Vienna. ChinaHeart of China - 15 nights - Spend three nights in Beijing and cruise from Chongqing to YichangMagic of China - discover the history and culture of China including this 13-day river cruise on the magical Yangtze. EgyptGrand Tour of Egypt - sail through five thousand years of history on this 12-day Cruise & Tour vacation. |