Our, We chose Avalon Panorama for our first ever river cruise. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Windstar Yachts vs. Windstar Sailing Ships, Holland America's Koningsdam vs. Nieuw Amsterdam, 8 Things You'll Love About Celebrity Edge, 9 Reasons to Get Excited About Marella Cruises' Marella Explorer 2. Because weather can be unpredictable, layers are always recommended when out and about. River Cruise Holidays & Packages with Avalon Waterways A world beyond. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. The language on board is English. Laundry service is not available in the Galpagos. Yet, the Ludwig-Main-Danube Canal as it was called, with its 101 water locks was rather narrow and its practical use for shipping was highly limited. The best way to decide is to look at the specific itinerary and compare ports, dates and rates. Under such circumstances, it is critical that Avalon be able to contact you immediately and reliablyincluding nights, weekends, and holidaysto make sure you are informed of any possible changes to your travel. A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. If your vacation includes a hotel stay, every effort will be made to reserve extra nights at the hotel where your vacation stays. All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs and consist of local food prepared for North American tastes. Europe. Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Shipconsists of 80% Panorama Suitesoffering the widest view in river cruising. Awaken the senses on a 6 day Danube River cruise from Germany to Hungary with our Cruise of the Month: Danube Symphony. 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. Avalon Waterways is a leader in deluxe river cruises. In South America, you can cruise the Amazon River or around the Galapagos Islands. Wine is included with lunch & dinner. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. And, of course, bring your favorite, most comfortable, walking or athletic shoes to keep your feet happy and your heart pumping. You may check out books from the ship's library free of charge. Because they have French balconies instead of outdoor space, the 200-square-foot Panorama cabins on Avalon's "Suite Ships" feel bigger than most river cruise cabins. While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns; in smaller towns, cash is recommended. Dress for your own fitness success. Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship? Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. We know why you travel. All Longships have a choice of French balconies and veranda cabins, the latter having actual outdoor space. Mountain ranges such as the Swiss Alps, the French Vosges, Germany's Fichtelgebirge and Black Forest region have given birth to the great rivers of Europe which have provided most important transportation links since ancient times. ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. Please see the Terms & Conditionsfor full information on our Pricing Policy. Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Presentation, taste. Adventure is knocking. The ship is very nice, with a cozy feeling. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. All Longships have a choice of French balconies and veranda cabins, the latter having actual outdoor space. Some countries also require a visa. Offering over 100 itineraries . 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). [3], As of 2019, the company operates ships on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhone, Seine and Saone in Europe;[3] The Mekong River in Southeast Asia,[4][5] as well as on the Yangtze (in China), the Ganges (in India) and the Amazon River (in Peru). NOTE: Optional activities and excursions are subject to change and may not be available as described; please visit our website for up-to-date information, including Terms & Conditions and details regarding payment. To complement the view, the line decided to go with sliding glass doors that open the full width of the room, creating an extensive open "French balcony" effect. The canal reaches its apex 1,332 ft. above sea level. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. Other theme cruises include culinary, art, beer, wine, golf, opera, jazz, wellness, Jewish history and World War II -- all complete with special lectures, excursions and activities. A sailor who drank too much grog was "groggy." Our global network of seasoned travel experts, tour operations team, and local liaisons are always looking out for our guests with timely updates and seamless logistical solutions when the unexpected happens before and during your cruise. 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. If you purchase air through Avalon, an additional non-refundable air deposit ($300 per person for departures) is required to protect your air fare price. Amazon: Complimentary coffee, tea, select soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day. 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. All traffic water locks are 40 ft. wide and 623 ft. long. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest." Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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). If this information is not obtained, either the intra-vacation air or the entire vacation will be cancelled. Avalon utilizes bulk contracts for our air services, which includes intra-vacation air offered on many of our vacations. There are not many lounge areas, just two, but given that this is a River Ship I guess it is to be expected that there are not many areas to hang out. Why am I asked to give my passport name, gender, and date of birth when booking a flight? In this video you will discover the five things Avalon Waterways does the same as other European river cruise lines, and the seven things that are different about Avalon Waterways. All ships have non-smoking interiors. On the evening of the 4th day, the suitcase, Pros: Nice balcony room, comfortable bed, excellent excursions, the lady playing violin was really great and entertaining, too. Avalon is not responsible for additional baggage fees imposed by air carriers. Cruise the world's legendary rivers in style with Avalon Waterways. In keeping with its Norwegian owner, Viking's ships have Scandinavian influences with lots of pale wood and clean lines. On Amazon and Galpagos ships, first-aid-trained staff is available. Both lines have small dance floors in their lounges, although whether or not they'll be used depends on the passengers and the sailing. We ask that you return them before your cruise ends. If you'd like to add extra hotel nights, we will try to make arrangements for you at our contracted rates. 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. Peru uses Nuevo Sol (PEN) as their official currency; however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. SE Asia. Television: Treasure of Galpagos provides a TV in the ship's library for playing DVDs only. Staterooms are also equipped with USB outlets which are useful for charging phones, tablets, cameras, etc. [12][13], Godmothers of its ships in Europe have included Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert,[14] Outlander author Diana Gabaldon,[15] singer/songwriter Jann Arden,[16] 1,000 Places to See Before You Die author Patricia Schultz[17] and U.S. Womens National Team coach Jill Ellis. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company with a fleet of 'Suite Ships' that ply the major rivers in Europe and Asia. We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the itinerary pages with hotels of equivalent standard. U.S. cruises sail the Mississippi River. The sheer size of Viking's fleet means that it's easier to find the exact cruise on the exact river that you want, precisely when you want to go. During particularly busy periods, hotel space in certain cities can become so limited that we may be unable to sell extra nights. Credit cards are accepted in Egypt, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. Cruises on both Avalon and Viking are designed to be destination intensive, which means you won't find a lot of extras such as casinos or pools. Viking's glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace, where the line serves lighter lunches and dinners, can open to the elements in nice weather. Avalon's Deluxe staterooms on lower decks are also larger than Viking's, with 172 square feet compared to 150 square feet. Get answers to common questions about a number of thingsfrom adding a vacation to your cruise to packing the right-sized suitcase! Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance. Marvel at the sights on a guided city tour of . Here, we trade formality for friendly; white gloves for welcomes and suits and gowns for suites and get-up-and-go! Chief among these: Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube, where you leave the coach behind and explore Austria through hiking, kayaking, biking, tasting and language lessons. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. [6], Since its launch in 2004, Avalon Waterways has christened 23 new ships in Europe and three new ships in Southeast Asia. Because Avalon is owned by Globus, which also runs land tours, your river cruise has a host of options for pre- and post-tours. Since our critical review was based largely upon the slow 6 month delay did finally pay a satisfactory amount, we wish to amend our review up to 4 stars. Email and Internet: On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. In keeping with its Norwegian owner, Viking's ships have Scandinavian influences with lots of pale wood and clean lines. Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. He will be "under the weather.". But knowing the right amount of anticipation, the right amount of attention and the right amount of space to give each guest is an art. To celebrate the new series of cruises, Avalon Waterways also unveiled three ways to save on trips including a couple's option to save $500 per person, a go solo and save option for those. It is also important that this information be provided correctly at the time of booking, as any changes to your air booking, which includes correct spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties, higher fares, new schedule, and/or cancellation. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships. Gentlemen who enjoy feeling sporty in sports coats, are welcome to pack them but they are not required. Wine is included with dinner. Viking offers casual dining in its stunning Aquavit Terrace for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Avalon offers a special multi-course tasting menu held in the ships main lounge on select evenings. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. Overall, the decor on both Viking and Avalon can be described as contemporary and modern, with a boutique hotel feel. And the feeling is mutual. Competitor Discount Codes: Get Up To $100 Off With These Avalon Waterways Competitor Coupons for Theme Cruises (January 2023) See Competitor Codes. Onboard bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. We know why you travel. The crow would fly straight toward the nearest land (aka, "as the crow flies"), thus giving the vessel some sort of navigational fix. Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. Discover the world's great rivers on an Avalon Waterways river cruise and uncover the true essence of each destination. Avalon hotel ratings follow the standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. Theres a reason our ships are the critics darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. With Avalon, your days are filled with exciting excursions and soaking up picture-perfect landscapes, so dress for enjoyment and practicality. Both Avalon and Viking offer a comprehensive catalog of river cruises that offer superb value; the differences are really quite slight. And both river lines charge about the same amount for their cruises. Because they have French balconies instead of outdoor space, the 200-square-foot Panorama cabins on Avalon's "Suite Ships" feel bigger than most river cruise cabins. Shipboard accounts may be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), cash, or traveler's checks. Condo located at 7755 E Quincy Ave, Denver, CO 80237. usarestaurants.info cannot be held responsible or liable for the accuracy, correctness, usefulness or reliability of the data. Neither ship is designed for families; Viking actively discourages guests under the age of 18. Avalon takes special care of each and every guest to ensure only good surprises await you on your cruise. This page was last edited on 27 April 2021, at 16:01. So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan. If a passengers name on an airline reservation does not match the name exactly as it appears on his or her passport or other government-issued ID used at the time of travel, boarding may not be allowed. Log In Create new account Television: Each stateroom has color satellite TV and will receive some English programming. Before, during, and after your Avalon Waterways cruise, we are dedicated to your safety, comfort, and convenience. Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility-impaired travelers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. Its European ships also boast complimentary bicycles onboard that passengers can use while in port. Avalon had local guides meet us every step of the way from the airport until dropoff. The Amazon River in South America is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world. In addition, Viking sails in France's Bordeaux region, Germany's Elbe and Portugal's Douro, as well Russias Volga, Ukraines Dnieper, Egypts Nile, and Chinas Yangtze, while Avalon offers voyages on the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam; on Indias Ganges River; and charters ships (not river ships) on the Amazon and in the Galapagos Islands.Both lines run popular Christmas market cruises throughout Europe. The Travel Protection Plan offers important services to help protect your vacation purchase. Ask about special services available to help you celebrate. With your Avalon travel documents, you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers for your vacation. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. How do I make a payment on a cruise I already booked? We received a huge welcome on board and this continued on returning from day trips. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise themefrom Wine Masters to History Experts. Please contact the reception desk if your stateroom is without one. Avalon ships have a small fitness room with a treadmill, elliptical machines and free weights. So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways have quite a bit in common. AS THE CROW FLIES Routes: In Europe, you can sail the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, and Rhne rivers. 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. Amazon Pick. At Avalon, were committed to enhancing your cruising experience while reducing our own impact on the world. Avalon has signed a partnership with the Wrenkh brothers, noted Austrian chefs, who specialize in vegetarian and vegan dishes as part of the line's "Avalon Fresh" initiative. You will need an adapter or converter to use in other outlets in the stateroom for any small personal items such as a razor, curling iron, or alarm clock. Cruise Director Wife and I did the Avalon Waterways 17 night Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with Galapagos Cruise in Feb/Mar 2022. It stretches for a length of 106 miles from Bamberg, in Germany, via Nuremberg to Regensburg. But its only because weve taken such pride in bringing you river cruisings only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. Both lines have just the right amount of inclusions to make the trip more enjoyable, such as shore excursions in every port and modern ships with a boutique feel. Both lines have just the right amount of inclusions to make the trip more enjoyable, such as shore excursions in every port and modern ships with a boutique feel. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. 16 water locks facilitate safe passage of vessels. Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. Avalon has signed a partnership with the Wrenkh brothers, noted Austrian chefs, who specialize in vegetarian and vegan dishes as part of the line's "Avalon Fresh" initiative. Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. The ships staff was friendly and always ready to serve us. It was not until September 1992 that the present-day Main-Danube Canal was opened for traffic. Because Avalon is owned by Globus, which also runs land tours, your river cruise has a host of options for pre- and post-tours. Traveler's checks are not accepted. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. In contrast, Avalon has a fleet of 19, including 14 "Suite Ships" in Europe that carry between 128 and 166 passengers, on vessels that are the same size as Viking's. On its Suite Ships, Avalon rejiggered most of the cabins to give them something unique within river cruising: beds that face the water, not the wall. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. 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. As you set sail down the worlds most legendary waters, weve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in both on board and off. Viking does not have bikes onboard, with the (not unreasonable) logic that in many European cities, rental bicycles are plentiful and inexpensive. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galpagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes. So, go ahead, pick up a paintbrush, a paddle, or the perfect vintage. Viking and Avalon are almost the same when it comes to inclusions and pricing, although the latter can vary depending on itinerary and promotions. Our expectations were exceeded. From purchasing flights through Avalon to international currency to purchasing optional excursions, weve got the answers to make preparing for your cruise a breeze. There is a shipboard information channel and a channel with a wide selection of movies and music. Learn more about dining in Europe. Suite Ships also have a salon for hair services and manicures. Unfortunately my partner injured knee several days prior to the trip, so we were grateful for the short ride from the hotel to the ship (it normally would have been an easy walk}. Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. Comfort is the only code we go by for cruise attire.
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