More are on the way for 2020 and beyond. Therefore, in addition to pre-trip contact information, we also require an emergency contact name and number, as well as an on-trip phone number for all [$travelers]. Some airlines also charge fees for checked baggage, and these fees are not included in our vacation or airfare package price. 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. 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. Frequently Asked Questions Before You Cruise Travel Protection Air Arrangements Frequently Asked Questions AvalonGO App 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. My wife's main course at the "gala dinner" was sole (fish). Chief among these: Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube and Rhine, where you leave the coach behind and. While his construction effort failed, parts of the canal are still visible in southern areas of central Franconia. Or you might hear a folk music ensemble one evening while docked. Once Avalon has received your full non-refundable land/cruise deposit your vacation price is guaranteed and you are protected against any base land/cruise price increase due to currency surcharge. 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. The answer lies in the details. 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). Europe: Choice of complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with dinner & lunch and sparkling wine with breakfast. 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. Staterooms are also equipped with USB outlets which are useful for charging phones, tablets, cameras, etc. Our Avalon FlexDiningapproach to onboard dining experiences has tossed out the idea of restrictive seating times in limited settings. 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. Both lines operate first-rate cruises on most of Europe's major rivers, as well as in Asia. All traffic water locks are 40 ft. wide and 623 ft. long. Electricity:Onboard voltage is 220v with combination outlets to accommodate modern dual voltage electronics with no adapter/converterUSB charging ports are available on the Mekong. Can I stay extra nights before and after my vacation? Review for .css-nczv9q{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;font-weight:500;}.css-nczv9q:hover,.css-nczv9q[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nczv9q:focus-visible,.css-nczv9q[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Avalon View to Europe - River Cruise, Review for Avalon Tranquility II to Europe - River Cruise, Cabin Type: Outside Stateroom with French Balcony, Review for Avalon Expression to Europe - River Cruise, .css-5j432c{font-style:normal;font-weight:400;}.css-5j432c::before{content:"\e0fc";display:inline-block;font-style:normal;line-height:1;speak:none;-ms-transform:rotate(-0.001deg);-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;} Traveled with disabled person, Review for Avalon Panorama to Europe - River Cruise, Review for Avalon Tapestry II to Europe - River Cruise, Review for Avalon Imagery II to Europe - All, Review for Avalon Passion to Europe - All, Cabin Type: Panorama Suite with French Balcony, Review for Avalon Artistry II to Europe - River Cruise. Get the answers you need about passports, visas, travel IDs, and itinerary documents. Taking sustainability to greater depths, we are conserving energy, saving water and limiting waste production across operations, dining and housekeeping on each and every ship. What should I know about locks and canals? 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. 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. Prices are subject to increase without notice, subject to the guarantees set forth below. Would definitely do it again. With Avalon, your days are filled with exciting excursions and soaking up picture-perfect landscapes, so dress for enjoyment and practicality. The morning exercises and a walk to a mountaintop monastery led by, This was our first River Cruise, though we have done many Ocean Cruises. It seems we've struck the right note with our award-winning Panorama Suites, Open-Air Balconies, Panorama Windows, exceptional shore excursions, and flexible dining options. 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 into the wall sockets for dual voltage appliances and a converter as well as an adapter for appliances that are not dual voltage. The itinerary was as, My partner and I have wanted to do this trip for several years. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Avalon Waterways traces its roots back to 1928, when Antonio Mantegazza used a rowboat to transport goods across Switzerland's Lake Lugano. When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways have quite a bit in common. In most cases, youll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. On an Avalon cruise, dining is part of the journey. But we're not ones to rest on our laurels. What about international currency and payment methods? Before the advent of highways and road transportation, the rivers were the only efficient method of carrying goods from one place to another. First "Suite Ship" with 66, 200-square-foot (19m. Owned. This term also meant to cut the anchor cable and sail off in a hurry. putter loft and lie adjustment; you my baby daddy i want child support; apartments for rent in gander nl; Search 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. Avalon Waterways Destinations Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise. The Rhine-Main-Danube Canal runs between the German towns of Bamberg and Kelheim via the historic city of Nuremberg, transporting thousands of river cruise ship passengers every year between the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Discover the world's great rivers on an Avalon Waterways river cruise and uncover the true essence of each destination. These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. Avalon Waterways. Theres a reason our ships are the critics darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Ships provide in-room safes. 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. The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to . avalon waterways robbery. 48 competitor promo codes - Last used 2h ago. [3], Avalon Waterways has earned river cruise operator awards including "Best European river line" in 2019. You can find the perfect trip spanning across 4 day to 28 day itineraries with prices starting from just USD 311 per day! First river cruise following a ocean cruise. 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. [1] The company became a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in August 2009. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), or with cash. Avalon Waterways gets props for good tours (it organizes everything; no need for a guidebook) and creative special interest cruises on topics including golf, wellness, wine, and beer. Cosmos tours are designed for value-minded travelers looking for budget-friendly vacations with the excellence delivered by the Globus family of brands. Avalon Waterways 4 32 #1 of 3 Tours & Activities in Bromley Sightseeing Tours Write a review See all photos About Bromley, Greater London, England Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. Avalon maintains a policy of "Leave Only Footprints and Take Only Photos." On 2nd day, the tour guide told us they had video of the suitcase being loaded on the bus in Paris and it was probably stolen. Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier). Avalon takes special care of each and every guest to ensure only good surprises await you on your cruise. Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. Not a fan of (ocean) cruises, I went on my first river cruise several years ago and I was hooked! All purchases on board are charged to your room account. Avalon Waterways own 19 river cruise ships, 14 of these are sailing European Rivers, 2 in Asia, 2 in South America and 1 on the Nile. 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. Asia: Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day. Avalon Waterways is a leader in deluxe river cruises. The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The possibilities are as wide open as the views. Comfort is the only code we go by for cruise attire. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. We chose Avalon because it seemed to include everything that we wanted in a vacation, including a great choice of excursions, plus additional options. Television: Treasure of Galpagos provides a TV in the ship's library for playing DVDs only. Wine is included with lunch & dinner. Email and Internet: Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galpagos. Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. The canal is 180 ft. wide and 13 ft. deep. We regret that we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits on any Avalon vacation outside of Europe. A vessel enters through the open gates. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captains seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the worlds most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. Both lines sail the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine and Rhone rivers. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship. So, go ahead, pick up a paintbrush, a paddle, or the perfect vintage. This special meal is available on a complimentary basis to each passenger once per voyage, and usually reflects regional specialties. Offering over 100 itineraries . Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. Experience a world beyond your expectations. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 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. Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. This page was last edited on 27 April 2021, at 16:01. Our, We chose Avalon Panorama for our first ever river cruise. UNDER THE WEATHER Learn moreabout group river cruises. The following year, the company added the Avalon Poetry to its fleet. Dinner attire on board is casual with typical guests donning open-neck shirts and slacks, skirts and dresses. The meals were so beautifully prepared and presented - with all the wine you want from the local region. We had two night stay in Amsterdam prior to the cruise. Our expectations were exceeded. Active excursions have also been added as for-fee choices in some ports. 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. 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. Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. 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. Here, we trade formality for friendly; white gloves for welcomes and suits and gowns for suites and get-up-and-go! Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. There is a full buffet breakfast, and in Europe a buffet lunch including choice of soups and main courses with starter, salad or sandwich, and dessert. All ships have hair dryers for passenger use. In Ecuador: One of the Reservation clerks was extremely rude to me. In these cases and for incidentals or small vendors, you will need some local currency. Avalon is similarly non-fussy. 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. The largest river cruise line by far, Viking has a fleet of over 70 vessels that includes 54 identical Viking Longships that sail in Europe and carry 190 passengers. Why am I asked to provide my airline ticket number for flights booked independently of Avalon? The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, and tour departure times. Here, There & Every-WEAR What to Wear on an Avalon Cruise? "Suite Ship" with 52, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. Viking's cabins are no slouch either. Read on to see our look at Avalon vs. Viking. Passengers celebrating special occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, should alert ship personnel upon boarding the ship. A complete listing will also be available in your travel documents. Because weather can be unpredictable, layers are always recommended when out and about. This was called "dressing down." Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. The Amazon River in South America is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world. When this is the case, the transfer to and from the included hotel is at our expense. Receive valuable rebates when forming your own group for travel on river cruises: one person travels free in a group of 16. A fee is charged for the use of checks. He would order the crew to cut the lashings on all the sails and run away before the wind. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. 1) Food. The currency on board is the U.S. dollar. Each ship has a shop area offering souvenirs and some select personal and toiletry items. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. See some answers to frequently asked questions to make your cruise experience ship shape! We encourage full deposit early to secure your space and to protect the price of your vacation. Why am I asked to give my passport name, gender, and date of birth when booking a flight? Telephone Service:On the Mekong and Ganges, a phone is available in each suite which may be used to call between suites. Avalon has the addition of karaoke and a movie night once per cruise, while Viking offers up a veritable feast once per cruise that is themed for the region the ship is sailing through (think Bavarian Feast for cruises on the Danube). Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier). Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan. Both lines operate first-rate cruises on most of Europe's major rivers, as well as in Asia. With Avalon, the views are as wide open as the possibilities. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns; in smaller towns, cash is recommended. 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. We know why you travel. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travelers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details and contact usto learn more. Read 1 more review about Avalon Waterways. Viking does not have bikes onboard, with the (not unreasonable) logic that in many European cities, rental bicycles are plentiful and inexpensive. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. In Peru/Amazon: USB charging ports are available on the Mekong. 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. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough on the Observation Lounge, theres never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. The Amazon River runs right through the Amazon Rainforest, and way beyond. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. The food was amazing, the crew friendly, the staff very helpful. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company with a fleet of 'Suite Ships' that ply the major rivers in Europe and Asia. Free land and cruise arrangements are credited at the twin rate; single room and stateroom supplements must be paid in full. Avalon is a cruise vacation with a Cruise Director and on-shore included and optional excursions, while Globus is an inclusive escorted tour with a Tour Director, both of which follow a set itinerary. It stretches for a length of 106 miles from Bamberg, in Germany, via Nuremberg to Regensburg. Viking also offers pre- and post- options, but their expertise is really on the rivers instead of with land tours. We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the itinerary pages with hotels of equivalent standard. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. Credit cards are accepted in Peru, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. An officer or sailor who was reprimanded received a "dressing down." Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Literally. Are Avalon river cruises handicap accessible? Both lines also have alternative light dining at breakfast and lunch. Brandy and whisky . Laundry Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. We unpacked & quickly returned for the lunch being served in the upstairs lounge. Both Avalon and Viking offer a comprehensive catalog of river cruises that offer superb value; the differences are really quite slight. Viking Longships do not have spas or fitness facilities onboard, but concierges can arrange services while you're in port. Check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. Wine is included with dinner. Ask about special services available to help you celebrate. 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. In keeping with its Norwegian owner, Viking's ships have Scandinavian influences with lots of pale wood and clean lines. All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. 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. 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. 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:. There is no television service on the Amazon or Galpagos cruises. Presentation, taste. 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. Travel certificates are valid for travel within two years from the original canceled vacation start date. Television: Each stateroom has color satellite TV and will receive some English programming. On Amazon and Galpagos ships, first-aid-trained staff is available. If your vacation includes a hotel stay, every effort will be made to reserve extra nights at the hotel where your vacation stays. A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. We know why you travel. 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. Ecuador uses U.S. dollars as their official currency. Depending on the destination, our contracts require us to provide the international ticket number in order to issue the intra-vacation air tickets. Both cruise lines serve buffets at breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of made-to-order items. But its only because weve taken such pride in bringing you river cruisings only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. Air Conditioning and Heating Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or with cash. The currency on board is also the Indian rupee. It was not until September 1992 that the present-day Main-Danube Canal was opened for traffic. If a captain of a smaller ship encountered a large enemy vessel, he might decide that discretion was the better part of valor. It took an experienced seaman to know the ropes. From the sleepy hamlets of Germany to the special hideaways of Austria and Hungary to the soaring cliffs and castles of France to the captivating colors of Holland or the exotic ports of call in South . Personal checks cannot be cashed on board. Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. The Rivers of Avalon. 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. 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. Economic planners gravely overestimated its potential, while environmentalists largely underestimated the positive aspects of its construction for the biotopeand the fact that the canal actually provides 1.25 million cubic meters of water to the dry Northern Bavarian region every year. Some countries also require a visa. Some guests do prefer to dress up for celebratory evenings onboard including the Captains Reception or Farewell Dinner. Dinners are usually at 7 p.m., and you can sit wherever you want, although tables for two are hard to come by on both ships. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world . 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. 5% Off. Avalon Waterways launched in 2004 as part of the long-established Globus family of travel brands. 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. 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. 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). Avalon ships have a small fitness room with a treadmill, elliptical machines and free weights. 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. Our guests cherish the warmth of our crew members. All Longships have a choice of French balconies and veranda cabins, the latter having actual outdoor space. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. Amazon: Complimentary coffee, tea, select soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day. Credit cards are accepted in Egypt, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. Egypt uses Egyptian Pound (EGP) as its official currency. If it is not secured, it is "footloose" and dances randomly in the wind. Rates are per person, per night, and include a room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. In addition to the above, the plan offers Travel Insurance benefits including Trip Cancellation for independent air arrangements, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, medical expense, emergency medical transportation, baggage loss, theft, damage or delay coverage, etc. 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. [2], Avalon Waterways started operations in 2004 with just one initial ship, called Avalon Artistry. The food was the most delicious we have ever eaten on a cruise. Locks employ a fixed chamber in which water levels can be varied to accommodate a vessel. Electricity on board the Amazons Delfin III is 220v. Bathroom sockets are solely for razors (and/or battery chargers for digital cameras, mobile phones). [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. All ships have non-smoking interiors. FOOTLOOSE We're humbled and happy to share kudos we've received from some of the industry's most respected experts in river cruising, including readers and editors of Cruise Critic, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, and TravelAge West.