Avalon Waterways

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Avalon Waterways: Luxurious River Cruises and Unforgettable Travel Experiences

Welcome to the world of Avalon Waterways, one of the leading river cruise lines worldwide. In this comprehensive blog post, we dive into the fascinating world of river cruises and discover what makes Avalon Waterways so special. From breathtaking routes to luxurious ships, here you will find everything you need to know about this unique way of traveling.

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The History of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways was founded in 2004 and is part of the Globus family of brands, a renowned company with over 90 years of experience in the travel industry. Since its inception, the cruise line has developed into one of the most innovative and popular providers of river cruises.

The philosophy of Avalon Waterways is based on the concept of "Slow Travel". This means viewing travel as a holistic experience and taking the time to truly experience and enjoy the culture, history, and landscape of the regions visited.

Milestones in the Development of Avalon Waterways

• 2004: Founding of Avalon Waterways
• 2008: Introduction of the first Suite Ships in Europe
• 2012: Expansion to Asia with cruises on the Mekong
• 2015: Introduction of "Active & Discovery" cruises
• 2019: Launch of the Avalon Choice® program options
• 2022: Introduction of new sustainable initiatives

This continuous innovation has made Avalon Waterways a pioneer in the industry and secured the cruise line a firm place among the top providers of river cruises.

The Fleet of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways has a modern fleet of 14 ships specifically designed for river cruising. The ships are characterized by their innovative design and comfort:

• Suite Ships: Most of the fleet consists of "Suite Ships" with particularly spacious cabins.
• Panorama Suites: A hallmark of Avalon Waterways are the panorama suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be transformed into an open-air balcony.
• Modern Amenities: All ships feature contemporary amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness rooms, and wellness areas.

Detailed Look at the Suite Ships

The Suite Ships of Avalon Waterways offer a unique travel experience:

1. Panorama Suites:

   • 30% larger than standard cabins in the industry
   • 11-foot high wall windows that open to an open-air balcony
   • Beds facing the river

2. Public Areas:

   • Spacious lounges with panoramic windows
   • Outdoor decks with whirlpool and shaded areas
   • Club Lounge for more intimate gatherings

3. Dining Options:

   • Main restaurant with panoramic views
   • Bistro for lighter meals
   • Sky Grill on the sun deck (weather permitting)

4. Wellness and Fitness:

   • Fitness room with modern equipment
   • Whirlpool on the sun deck
   • Opportunities for yoga and stretching classes

Popular Routes and Destinations

Avalon Waterways offers a variety of tours on the most beautiful rivers in Europe, Asia, and South America. Here are some of the most popular routes:

1. Rhine Cruises: From Amsterdam to Basel, passing picturesque vineyards and medieval castles.
2. Danube Cruises: From Germany through Austria and Hungary to the Black Sea.
3. Seine Cruises: Discover the beauty of northern France, including a stay in Paris.
4. Mekong Cruises: Experience the fascinating culture and history of Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong.
5. Douro Cruises: Enjoy the wine regions of Portugal on the picturesque Douro River.

Sample Routes from Avalon Waterways

Rhine Cruise: "Romantic Rhine"

This 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel offers an insight into the beauty and history of the Rhine Valley:

• Day 1: Amsterdam - Embarkation and welcome dinner
• Day 2: Cologne - Visit the famous cathedral and old town
• Day 3: Koblenz and Rüdesheim - Visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• Day 4: Mainz - Gutenberg Museum and wine tasting
• Day 5: Strasbourg - City tour of the picturesque old town
• Day 6: Breisach - Excursion to the Black Forest
• Day 7: Basel - City tour and farewell dinner
• Day 8: Basel - Disembarkation

Mekong Cruise: "Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River"

This 13-day journey combines a river cruise with land stays:

• Day 1-3: Ho Chi Minh City - City tour and Cu Chi Tunnels
• Day 4-8: Mekong Cruise - Visit floating markets, traditional villages, and temples
• Day 9-10: Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and National Museum
• Day 11-13: Siem Reap - Visit the temples of Angkor Wat

The Avalon Waterways Experience

A cruise with Avalon Waterways is more than just a journey from A to B. It is a holistic experience that appeals to all the senses:

Culinary Delights Onboard

The cuisine onboard Avalon ships is a highlight of every journey. Regional specialties are combined with international dishes to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Fresh, local ingredients and a selection of fine wines complete the offer.

Sample Menu

• Starter: Smoked salmon with dill mustard sauce and blini
• Main Course: Beef fillet with truffle mashed potatoes and glazed carrots
• Dessert: Crème Brûlée with fresh berries

Shore Excursions and Activities

Shore excursions are an integral part of every Avalon cruise. The cruise line offers a variety of excursions that allow you to get to know the regions visited intensively:

• Guided city tours
• Wine tastings at renowned wineries
• Bike tours through picturesque landscapes
• Cooking classes with local specialties
• Concerts in historic buildings

Avalon Choice®

With the Avalon Choice® program, you can choose from different excursion categories:

1. Classic: Traditional tours to the main attractions
2. Discovery: Interactive experiences such as cooking classes or wine tastings
3. Active: Sporting activities such as hiking or kayaking

Active & Discovery Cruises

For active travelers, Avalon Waterways offers special "Active & Discovery" cruises. These trips combine classic sightseeing with active experiences such as hiking, kayaking, or yoga classes. Other offers include:

• Guided jogging tour through historic cities
• Canoe trip through picturesque river landscapes
• Visit to a local farm with tasting of regional products
• Archaeological hike to ancient sites
• Evening cooking class with a local chef

Sustainability and Responsibility

Avalon Waterways places great importance on sustainable travel. The cruise line has launched various initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of its cruises:

• Use of eco-friendly fuels
• Reduction of plastic onboard
• Support for local communities along the routes
• Use of energy-efficient technologies on the ships

Specific Sustainability Measures

1. Reduction of Plastic Use:

   • Replacement of single-use plastic bottles with reusable water bottles
   • Use of biodegradable straws

2. Energy Efficiency:

   • Installation of LED lighting on all ships
   • Use of solar panels for energy generation

3. Waste Management:

   • Implementation of a comprehensive recycling program onboard
   • Composting of organic waste where possible

4. Support for Local Communities:

   • Purchase of local products for the onboard kitchen
   • Collaboration with local guides and service providers

5. Education and Awareness:

   • Offering lectures on environmental protection and local ecosystems
   • Encouraging guests to participate in environmental protection projects during shore excursions

Avalon Waterways Cruises 2025

For the year 2025, Avalon Waterways plans to expand its offerings with new, exciting routes and improved services. Some highlights of the planned cruises for 2025 include:

• New routes on the Amazon in South America
• Expanded "Active & Discovery" programs on all European rivers
• Special themed cruises, e.g., wine or art cruises
• Improved technology onboard for an even more comfortable travel experience

New Amazon Cruise

The planned Amazon cruise promises a unique adventure:

• 10-day journey from Iquitos through the Peruvian rainforest
• Visits to indigenous communities
• Night safaris to observe nocturnal animals
• Kayak tours through tributaries of the Amazon
• Lectures by nature experts on the unique ecosystem

Expanded Themed Cruises

For 2025, various themed cruises are planned, including:

1. Wine & Culinary:

   • Focus on the wine regions along the European rivers
   • Cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs
   • Exclusive wine tastings at renowned wineries

2. Art & Culture:

   • Visits to world-famous museums
   • Workshops with local artists
   • Classical music concerts in historic locations

3. Wellness & Mindfulness:

   • Daily yoga and meditation classes
   • Workshops on healthy eating
   • Spa treatments with local products

Comparison with Other River Cruise Providers

To provide you with a well-founded basis for decision-making, here is a comparison of Avalon Waterways with other well-known providers:

This comparison shows that Avalon Waterways stands out particularly in the areas of cabin size, panoramic windows, and selection of shore excursions.

Conclusion

Avalon Waterways offers a unique opportunity to travel the world's most beautiful rivers. With its combination of luxury, comfort, and authentic experiences, the cruise line has established itself as one of the leading providers of river cruises.

Whether you want to explore the wine regions of Europe, discover the exotic landscapes of Asia, or experience the historic cities along the great rivers - Avalon Waterways cruises offer something for every taste.

The strengths of Avalon Waterways can be summarized as follows:

1. Innovative ship designs with spacious panorama suites
2. Diverse range of shore excursions and activities
3. High-quality culinary experience with regional specialties
4. Strong focus on sustainability and responsible travel
5. Flexibility through the Avalon Choice® program
6. Continuous innovation and expansion of offerings

Plan your next trip with Avalon Waterways and experience for yourself why river cruises are among the most popular forms of travel today. With avalonwaterways, you can be sure that every aspect of your journey is well thought out and designed to the highest standard.

Book your Avalon Waterways cruise

Whether you are an experienced cruiser or planning a river trip for the first time - Avalon Waterways offers you the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and cultural experience. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of river cruises and be enchanted by the beauty of the landscapes, the richness of the cultures, and the luxury onboard.