Avalon Waterways Unveils Big Choice of River Cruises for 2009

Avalon Waterways has released its biggest ever program of river cruises, introducing six new itineraries and two new ships amid unprecedented demand for holidays on the world’s great rivers.

With current bookings up 86 per cent on last year, Avalon is offering a total of 25 itineraries in its River Cruises 2009 brochure, featuring luxury voyages on the mighty waterways of Europe, Egypt and China, as well as among the isles of the Galápagos.

To celebrate, Avalon is offering early booking discounts of $450* per couple on all 2009 cruises, for bookings made by September 30, 2008.

The 2009 program includes Australia’s best-selling river cruises through central and eastern Europe on the Rhine and Danube, as well as Avalon’s new Rhône cruises through the south of France, a sell-out success since their introduction in April.

New cruises for 2009 include Avalon’s longest itinerary – a 23-day voyage through nine countries from Amsterdam to Bucharest.  The North Sea – Black Sea Cruise travels the Rhine and Danube through some of Europe’s grandest cities and best-preserved medieval towns, priced from $4058 per person twin share.

Another addition, the 13-day Windmills, Vineyards and Paris, begins in the French capital and travels by high-speed train to Luxembourg, then a cruise through Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, from $4024 per person twin share.

In Asia, the new Fascinating China & Mongolia with Yangtze River Cruise offers 18 days among the wonders of China, including Shanghai, Beijing, the terracotta soldiers of Xi’an and a four-night cruise on the Yangtze, from $6279 per person twin share.

With the expanded program come two new custom-built ships to sail the rivers of Europe, Avalon Affinity and Avalon Creativity. The small-scale, state-of-the-art vessels are the most modern available and will join the youngest fleet operating in Europe when they begin operations in mid 2009.

Avalon Waterways Marketing Manager Australasia Christian Schweitzer said river cruising was among Australia’s fastest-growing holiday choices.

“It’s a spectacular way to travel, it’s easy and it’s great value,” Mr Schweitzer said. “You can cruise through beautiful scenery, all the logistics are handled for you, most of your meals are included along with entrance fees and tours, and you still have plenty of free time to shop, relax and explore.”

For bookings and a copy of the new Avalon Waterways River Cruises 2009 brochure, visit licensed travel agents.  See www.avalonwaterways.com.au for more information.

*Early booking discount of $450 per couple is a combination of a cash saving ($300 per couple) and a free SafetyNet Protection Policy (valued at $150 per couple).

A report by The Mole