The AVALON Experience
Newest Ships
Avalon sets a new standard in river cruising Europe's newest ships; you cruise in amazing, one-of-a-kind travel comfort. Sleek and elegant, they are part of a new generation of river cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, private facilities, satellite television, and much more, including email or internet access, and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in many staterooms. Travellers will enjoy a fitness centre, hair salon and massage services.
The Most Enriching Experiences
Our 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.
Created for the English Speaking Market
These new ships are built for the English Speaking Market, with non-smoking interiors and English speaking crew. They feature larger staterooms than most other river cruise vessels with comfortable beds and large windows to view the passing scene. Meals are European cuisine tailored to western tastes with coffee and tea available at no extra charge throughout the day. The Enrichment Program is geared towards those that like to travel with lively itineraries, time for individual discovery, and onboard entertainment.
Fine Dining
Whether you savour time-tested recipes or experiment more boldly, with Avalon you'll taste the true flavours of Europe, Egypt and China. Meals enjoyed in the company of your travelling 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.
Quality Hotels
On several itineraries, you'll either begin or end your experience with a stay on land. We understand the importance of hotel quality to your vacation; that's why any hotels included in your itinerary are rated first class (F) or above (SF). Look for the exact ratings on the itinerary pages.
Unbeatable Value
We include all the main features of a destination without extra cost. Our volume buying power saves you money. And we handle all the logistics and details, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your cruise. Plus we provide all meals on board, a rich land excursion program and much more!
A selection of 2008 Avalon Waterway river cruises - CLICK HERE »
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OVERVIEW
From the minute you step on board you know these vessels are different. The gleaming two-story lobby, lit by a central glass skylight, is a preview of the light, airy feel and the spectacular views you'll enjoy. Built to the highest standards and equipped with state of the art technology, these modern and spacious ships will make river cruising a delight! Add the friendliness and unsurpassed personal service of the English-speaking staff on board, and you'll immediately feel welcome and at home.
The interiors are designed by the well-known interior architect, Hans Sabert. There are four junior suites on the Avalon Poetry and two on the Avalon Artistry (258 square feet) and the vessels boast some of the largest staterooms (at 172 square feet) of any river cruiser; they are all outside staterooms. Some have picture windows, while 70% have a floor to ceiling sliding glass door from which to enjoy the passing scenery. The Avalon Poetry accommodates 176 passengers in 84 staterooms and four junior suites; the Avalon Artistry 178 passengers in 87 staterooms and two junior suites.
The dining room, lounge and other recreation areas are spacious and airy with both the dining room and lounge offering floor to ceiling windows so passengers can enjoy panoramic views. Unique to these two vessels is the glazed lobby that is open through to the Sky Deck with a central glass cupola-a sparkling welcome to passengers. Each vessel has an exercise room outfitted with fitness equipment and a whirlpool that can accommodate six people. There is also a hair salon on board. |
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OVERVIEW
New in 2006, the Avalon Tapestry is a new type of ship for river cruising, offered exclusively by Avalon Waterways on the English-speaking market.
Contrary to other vessels on the rivers today, the navigational bridge is located in the stern, behind the passenger section, thereby allowing for more spacious and gracious interior designs. The lounge and restaurant, located in the front of the vessel, give unimpeded views on three sides of the passing river landscape. The Sky Deck is a vast area for sunning, taking your pictures, or just relaxing!
The Avalon Tapestry provides a complete break from the pressures of every day. The public rooms are elegant, and the dining room is extra spacious. The cuisine and wines on board will surpass your expectations. Pampered by our crew, our guests will make new friends and enjoy the casual camaraderie that leisurely cruising creates. You unpack only once, then enjoy life by lazing on the Sky Deck as timeless landscapes pass before you.
Avalon Tapestry features the Silent Drive System (SDS) created to enhance guest experiences. SDS features ship engines located at the stern, separating it from the passenger compartment, allowing for a quieter cruise experience than traditional small ships. |
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Seeing the Galápagos Islands on board the La Pinta goes beyond the concept of traditional cruising, evolving into an expedition approach in order to authentically discover and explore the natural wonders of this region. The La Pinta is built to luxurious standards and encourages an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
New for 2008, the La Pinta yacht features snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and kayaks for guests. While on board, work out in the fitness center or relax on the Sun Deck. The La Pinta's expert crew and knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides delight passengers with diverse natural history explanations, superb on-deck talks, and fascinating lectures on this amazing archipelago.
The 24-stateroom La Pinta each feature a Jacuzzi and an observation platform for dolphin and whale watching on the top deck. Each ship's dining room, lounge, and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. All staterooms are outside and feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hairdryers, and safety deposit boxes. |
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Seeing the Galápagos Islands on board the M/V Santa Cruz goes beyond the concept of traditional cruising, evolving into an expedition approach in order to authentically discover and explore the natural wonders of this region. The M/V Santa Cruz is built to luxurious standards and encourages an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
The 46-stateroom M/V Santa Cruz features a Jacuzzi and an observation platform for dolphin and whale watching on the top deck. Each ship's dining room, lounge, and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. All staterooms are outside and feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hairdryers, and safety deposit boxes.
The M/V Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides, and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes. |
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