Can I stay extra nights before and after my vacation? The Amazon River runs right through the Amazon Rainforest, and way beyond. Think of it as a view with a room! Improve this listing Similar Experiences LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Full-Day Small-Group White Cliffs of Sussex Tour from London 125 Bus Tours from $112.64 Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. River Cruise Holidays & Packages with Avalon Waterways A world beyond. Because Avalon is owned by Globus, which also runs land tours, your river cruise has a host of options for pre- and post-tours. Viking's cabins are no slouch either. We ask that you return them before your cruise ends. While his construction effort failed, parts of the canal are still visible in southern areas of central Franconia. There were miles of cordage in the rigging of a square rigged ship. What about international currency and payment methods? 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. Credit cards are accepted in Egypt, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. The crow would fly straight toward the nearest land (aka, "as the crow flies"), thus giving the vessel some sort of navigational fix. There may be times when unforeseen events beyond our control impact travel schedules and potentially disrupt your vacation. Viking does not have bikes onboard, with the (not unreasonable) logic that in many European cities, rental bicycles are plentiful and inexpensive. Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance. All Aboard! The Travel Protection Plan offers important services to help protect your vacation purchase. Viking also offers pre- and post- options, but their expertise is really on the rivers instead of with land tours. For payment of shipboard accounts, Euro and U.S. dollars are accepted as well as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club. Avalons 100% Suite Ship fleet will often make it possible to transfer our guests to a sister ship when water level disruptions are unchanged after 48 hoursfor seamless accommodations and expedited continuation of your journey. Book your vacation as a group of 16 or more to save. 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. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest." Avalon Waterways. If your reason for cancellation does not qualify for a cash refund, you would instead receive a Cancel for Any Reason travel certificate equal to the cancellation penalty amount. 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. Each circumstance is assessed as unique, based on our more than 90 years of experience in travel touring. 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. 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. Clothing & Dress Code The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to . 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. A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. You may check out books from the ship's library free of charge. See some answers to frequently asked questions to make your cruise experience ship shape! The identical nature of the Longships means that there really is no one ship thats better than others. To be "pooped" is to be swamped by a high, flowing sea. The possibilities are as wide open as the views. We had a very tasty lasagne, a vegetarian rice dish was, We had never been to Europe but decided before COVID that our first trip would be a river cruise. Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Call for our Avalon Waterways Reviews. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. 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 Waterways Promo Codes March 2023 - 20 OFF Treat yourself to huge savings with Avalon Waterways vouchers: promo codes, and 14 coupons for March 2023. 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. We enjoyed the 24/7 hot chocolate, water, and sweets. A small few overnight destinations do not offer hotels in these categories, in which case we choose the best available (BA) hotels available. Rates are per person, per night, and include a room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. Simply awful and small portions. In addition, for your comfort and that of your fellow cruisers, we do request that shorts not be worn in the Dining Room or Panorama Lounge in the evenings, and if you fancy a dip in the whirlpool, bathing suits are worn only on the Sky Deck. Safes Wall sockets take a European 2-prong plug. Viking and Avalon are almost the same when it comes to inclusions and pricing, although the latter can vary depending on itinerary and promotions. [1] The company became a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in August 2009. Viking Longships do not have spas or fitness facilities onboard, but concierges can arrange services while you're in port. This category is where Viking and Avalon diverge paths. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. 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). Coupert automatically finds and applies every available code, all for free. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. DRESSING DOWN Television:Each stateroom has color satellite led TV and will receive some English programming. So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. [1] The company became a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in August 2009. First river cruise following a ocean cruise. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. 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. Chief among these: Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube and Rhine, where you leave the coach behind and explore the destination through hiking, kayaking, biking, tasting and language lessons. CUT AND RUN Both lines operate first-rate cruises on most of Europe's major rivers, as well as in Asia. In Vietnam (Dong) and Thailand (Bhat), local currency is used primarily while in Cambodia U.S. dollars are widely accepted in addition to the local currency (Riel). If your vacation includes a hotel stay, every effort will be made to reserve extra nights at the hotel where your vacation stays. How do I make a payment on a cruise I already booked? Discover fascinating history and authentic experiences, with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. In case of emergency, a phone is available at reception for ship-to-shore calls. Beverages Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. OVER THE BARREL The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, and tour departure times. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. 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. Read on to see our look at Avalon vs. Viking. U.S. cruises sail the Mississippi River. Offering over 100 itineraries . The meal is a four-course affair; five if it's a special captain's dinner. The fact that we could add three days in London was a bonus. My wife's main course at the "gala dinner" was sole (fish). The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, a mast, or over the barrel of a deck cannon. 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. Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. If space at the hotel is not available, alternative accommodations will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. Converters must be EU certified. Ask about special services available to help you celebrate. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Medical Services Avalon takes special care of each and every guest to ensure only good surprises await you on your cruise. The trip itinerary and pace was wonderful. To use any small personal appliance such as an electric razor, curling iron, or electric plug-in type alarm clock, you will need an adapter to plug in to the wall sockets for dual voltage appliances and a converter as well as an adapter for appliances that are not dual voltage. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan. Laundry Peru uses Nuevo Sol (PEN) as their official currency; however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Both cruise lines serve buffets at breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of made-to-order items. [2], Avalon Waterways started operations in 2004 with just one initial ship, called Avalon Artistry. This special meal is available on a complimentary basis to each passenger once per voyage, and usually reflects regional specialties. Our state room was perfect and met all our needs. Please contact the reception desk if your stateroom is without one. Our crew is devoted without being daunting, focused but not fussy and supportive minus the smother. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industrys only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Are Avalon river cruises handicap accessible? Electricity on board the Treasure of Galpagos is 110v. Avalon Waterways ships are intimate and inviting and guests receive unsurpassed exceptional and personal service. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships rafted together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Discover the world's great rivers on an Avalon Waterways river cruise and uncover the true essence of each destination. [18], The Ship That Sails to Yesterday: Exploring Myanmars Hidden Corners,, 8 Reasons to Skip Thailand & Head to Myanmar Instead,, "Sail Away: These Are the Most Popular Cruise Destinations," CNN, "The River Cruise Boom: Cruising through Europe,", "New Avalon Waterways ship christened in Europe", "Judy Bailey christens Rhine cruise ship", "Avalon Waterways plans two new ships for 2016", "Avalon sailing a third river ship in Southeast Asia: Travel Weekly", Avalon Waterways Adds Christmas Cruises,, Eat Pray Love Your Way Down the Danube with Elizabeth Gilbert,, International Best-Selling Author Diana Gabaldon Named Godmother of Avalons Newest Suite Ship,, Avalon Waterways Names Jann Arden Godmother of Avalon Tranquility II,, "Avalon Expression christened by Patricia Shultz | All Things Cruise", New Avalon Waterways Ship Christened in Europe,, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Avalon_Waterways&oldid=1020171846, Owned. Wine, beer and soda are available at lunch and dinner on both Viking and Avalon. Television: Treasure of Galpagos provides a TV in the ship's library for playing DVDs only. Gentlemen who enjoy feeling sporty in sports coats, are welcome to pack them but they are not required. 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. If you want to step outside your cabin and sit on a "proper" balcony, or want a suite that lives up to its name and is made up of two rooms rather than one large space, then go for Viking. Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship? In South America, you can cruise the Amazon River or around the Galapagos Islands. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Avalon Amazon River Cruises Electricity:Onboard electricity is 220 volt. On an Avalon cruise, dining is part of the journey. Cruise Critic named Avalons staterooms the best in the business, and yes, were blushing a bit. Viking Longships do not have spas or fitness facilities onboard, but concierges can arrange services while you're in port. Telephone Service: Each stateroom includes a direct dial telephone which may be used to call between staterooms. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. The canal is 180 ft. wide and 13 ft. deep. Once the water levels are equalized, the gates at that end are opened and the vessel can continue on its way. While Avalon has a similar glass lounge, it only has snacks; the alternative dining is in the main lounge, which does not offer alfresco dining. Weve brought back the question, Where should we eat? to the cruise experience. .m-player__divider { The food was amazing, the crew friendly, the staff very helpful. GROGGY 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. A complete listing will also be available in your travel documents. The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. This was called "dressing down." Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Suite Ships also have a salon for hair services and manicures. Email and Internet: All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. The ships staff was friendly and always ready to serve us. 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. You can learn about the optional excursions available on your Avalon vacation by logging in to https://my.avalonwaterways.com/. The ship is very nice, with a cozy feeling. Read 1 more review about Avalon Waterways. 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. On our Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galpagos cruises, we recommend that guests forgo dressier attire completely due to warm, humid climates. On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. With your Avalon travel documents, you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers for your vacation. Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. Both lines sail the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine and Rhone rivers. Cosmos tours are designed for value-minded travelers looking for budget-friendly vacations with the excellence delivered by the Globus family of brands. Due to the satellite system, there may be times when reception is poor or falls away altogether for short periods. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns; in smaller towns, cash is recommended. Avalon Waterways traces its roots back to 1928, when Antonio Mantegazza used a rowboat to transport goods across Switzerland's Lake Lugano. 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. The best way to decide is to look at the specific itinerary and compare ports, dates and rates. It is advised that you check with your bank to ensure your card will work; otherwise, we recommend you bring all the currency youll need from home. The ship is well staffed, friendly and spotlessly clean. Aboard Avalon Waterways, our job is to make you feel Home Suite Home as you wind and bend your way through the worlds most beautiful landscapes. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. On either cruise, you might spend an afternoon sampling Austrian wine while your vessel sails on the Danube. 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. Some guests do prefer to dress up for celebratory evenings onboard including the Captains Reception or Farewell Dinner. [7][8][9][10][11], Avalon has offered a range of special interest cruises including culinary-, beer- and Christmas-themed itineraries. Laundry service is not available in the Galpagos. With real-time updates via social media, we provide complete transparency and valuable information for our guests. They lost my wife's suitcase for FOUR DAYS on their transfer from Paris to Saint Malo. We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out. The staff were super friendly & within a few minutes of arriving we were told our cabin was ready for us. The planning of the present canal dates back to 1922. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. 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. For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. Some countries also require a visa. We unpacked & quickly returned for the lunch being served in the upstairs lounge. This river line operates approximately two dozen comfortable, classy, well-designed ships in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Amazon for a mostly age 55-plus crowd. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Literally. The entire trip, from arrival in Paris to departure in, I wish I could give Avalon's ship, crew, and itinerary 10 stars because it was outstanding in every way. Our staff and major service providers strive to ensure that no removal of any natural or cultural artifacts or materials occurs to ensure each environment looks and functions the same before and after our visit. Why is my contact information collected when I book? Additionally, the care and safety of our guests is our highest priority. The lock starts with one set of gates open, and the water level in the chamber is the same as the water in the channel on that side. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. It was not until September 1992 that the present-day Main-Danube Canal was opened for traffic. If you are. Devoted to reducing, recycling and repurposing at every turn, our list of green practices is longer than the blue Danube. Date of experience: February 28, 2023. 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.
Complimentary specialty coffees, tea, and filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. In these cases and for incidentals or small vendors, you will need some local currency. If it is not secured, it is "footloose" and dances randomly in the wind. Avalon Waterways offers you a river cruise unlike any other thanks to the youngest, most innovative ships and inspired itineraries in river & small-ship cruising. Under the Trip Cancellation Waiver, you can cancel your trip any time up to departure for several eligible reasons as listed in the plan and receive a refund of the normally non-refundable Globus cancellation penalty amount. The pre-trip was TERRIBLE. Neither ship is designed for families; Viking actively discourages guests under the age of 18. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. With Avalon, the views are as wide open as the possibilities. Electricity: Onboard electricity is 220v. This year, those have included two new options on the Moselle and Seine rivers; departures are also available for 2023 and beyond too. When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways have quite a bit in common. 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. The following year, the company added the Avalon Poetry to its fleet. 11 water locks were needed to overcome the ascent of 574 ft. between the Main in Bamberg and the apex and 5 additional locks facilitate descent from the apex. 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. Viking does, however, occasionally offer river cruises that can connect with one of the lines ocean sailings (Viking began offering ocean cruises back in 2015 with the introduction of Viking Star). Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. One of the Reservation clerks was extremely rude to me. We have our 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio down to a science. It was outstanding all the way! While Avalon has a similar glass lounge, it only has snacks; the alternative dining is in the main lounge, which does not offer alfresco dining. Air Conditioning and Heating The identical nature of the Longships means that there really is no one ship thats better than others. Suites on Avalon Waterways Ships AvalonWaterways 1.75K subscribers Subscribe 171 170K views 9 years ago Learn what sets Avalon Waterways ships apart from the rest:. (more) 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. If youre feeling fit for fun, we also want you to know that an Adventure Host will be your guide, at the ready for fitness activities, on all European cruises. Electricity on board the Delfin III is 220v. Here, There & Every-WEAR What to Wear on an Avalon Cruise? Due to increased travel security around the world, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires airlines to collect information in accordance with the Secure Flight Program enacted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Avalon is similarly non-fussy. 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. Experience a world beyond your expectations. Connecting the Rhine River with the Danube via its tributary, the Main, was a dream of Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, who began the first attempt at construction of the "Fossa Carolina" more than 12 centuries ago. But we're not ones to rest on our laurels. With Avalon, your days are filled with exciting excursions and soaking up picture-perfect landscapes, so dress for enjoyment and practicality. Reminded me of school lunch - not a good start to an expensive cruise. 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. In India: Receive valuable rebates when forming your own group for travel on river cruises: one person travels free in a group of 16. While we were busy delivering first-rate service to our guests on Avalon Waterways, it seems a few people noticed. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company owned by the Globus family of brands and offers cruises in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, South America, India and the Galpagos Islands. Whether you're looking for a romantic river cruise past Europe's rolling, vine-clad countryside or a cultural exploration of Southeast Asia, Egypt or See more 200,051 people like this 202,110 people follow this http://www.avalonwaterways.com/ The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. Each ship has a shop area offering souvenirs and some select personal and toiletry items. [6], Since its launch in 2004, Avalon Waterways has christened 23 new ships in Europe and three new ships in Southeast Asia. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Avalon ships have a small fitness room with a treadmill, elliptical machines and free weights. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms. Cleaned daily and nothing was a bother for the cleaning team. One of the answers was the invention and development of the locka device used for raising and lowering boats, ships and other watercraft between stretches of water of different levels on river and canal waterways. Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier).