Avalon Waterways Expands European Cruising Options

Avalon Waterways has added two brand new ships to its fleet and boosted the number of themed cruises on offer in 2007, making European river cruising more enticing than ever for Australian holidaymakers.

Avalon Tranquility and Avalon Imagery have been purpose-built with a range of special features to enhance the river cruise experience, including a navigation system located at the aft for a quieter cruise and the restaurant and lounge positioned forward to take in the best views of the European landscape. The ships also offer a new outside observation deck at the bow.

With demand for river cruising at record levels, Avalon has also expanded its range of themed cruises in 2007, adding another departure to its wine-themed cruise series and introducing a cruise with a classical music bent.

The themed cruises offer exclusive excursions and activities in addition to the cruise itinerary, from lectures with expert enthusiasts to enhance knowledge to private wine tasting events in the Austrian wine town of Gols and exclusive performances of the women’s chamber orchestra “Aphrodites” in Hungary’s Bratislava.

“We’re delighted with the enthusiastic response of our passengers to our 2007 cruise season, particularly our two new ships. Our research shows our passengers love the convenient nature of river cruising holidays through Europe, from unpacking only once during their voyage to mooring in the heart of cities just waiting to be explored,” Avalon Waterways National Marketing Manager Fiona Watson said.

“The themed cruises add a special dimension to the European cruises, giving our passengers the chance to feel they’re really experiencing the essence of the countries they visit, not simply passing through as tourists,” Ms Watson said.

One of the wine-themed 11-day ‘Legendary Danube’ cruises departs Czech Republic’s Prague on November 8, 2007, visiting six riverside towns in Germany and Austria before arriving in Budapest. Priced from $1849 per person, the cruise includes bonus wine-themed activities such as lectures on wine and food, visits to vineyards in the famous Wachau Valley and tastings of Austrian, German and Hungarian wines.

Each Avalon small-ship cruise includes the services of an English-speaking cruise director and all meals include wine with dinner, while ship staterooms feature individual climate control, in-room safes and colour televisions.

Avalon Waterways has a fleet of eight ships sailing cruises all around the world, including five river ships in Europe, and one ship in each of China, Egypt and Galapagos Islands.

For a copy of the new Avalon Waterways 2007 brochure, visit your licensed travel agent or go to www.avalonwaterways.com.au

A report by The Mole