Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier). Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. 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. Relaxed luxury. The Amazon River in South America is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world. Wine, beer and soda are available at lunch and dinner on both Viking and Avalon. What are single room supplements? We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out. 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. Mother Nature (water levels and weather conditions), as well as man-made conditions (maintenance or repair of locks that all ships must pass through), as well as logistical obstacles due to labor strikes or natural elements can create unforeseen disruptions to river navigation. 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. 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 Rivers of Avalon. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest." Beverages Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance. Galpagos: Complimentary coffee and tea are available throughout the day. 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. Amazon: Complimentary coffee, tea, select soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day. Thanks to the canal, it is now possible to navigate from the Rhine Delta at Rotterdam, Holland, to the Danube Delta at the Black Seaa stretch of 2,200 miles. avalon waterways robberykologische und konventionelle landwirtschaft im vergleich. 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). This special meal is available on a complimentary basis to each passenger once per voyage, and usually reflects regional specialties. 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. Even at 275 square feet, Viking's Veranda Suites are two rooms -- and the two 445-square-foot Explorers Suites Suites at the stern (with full balcony) are among the largest on the rivers. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations. A sailor who drank too much grog was "groggy." Taking care of a few simple steps before you cruise makes for smooth sailing! 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. Learn more about dining in Europe. When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow. 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. The best way to decide is to look at the specific itinerary and compare ports, dates and rates. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. CUT AND RUN He will be "under the weather.". 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. Before your cruises docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. On either cruise, you might spend an afternoon sampling Austrian wine while your vessel sails on the Danube. 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. In Ecuador: Can I save if I book as a group? Shipboard accounts may be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), cash, or traveler's checks. Another nicety: a variety of lighting options, including reading lights cleverly recessed into the headboard of the bed. Neither line includes gratuities in the fare. Hairdryers 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 travel agent called the office and was put on HOLD every time for 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours before getting to talk to the, Had 7-previous AVALON river cruises. It was not until September 1992 that the present-day Main-Danube Canal was opened for traffic. 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. 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. Internet cafes can be found in many towns in Western Europe, generally with reasonable charges. It took an experienced seaman to know the ropes. 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. All ships have hair dryers for passenger use. Whichever table setting you choose, youll savor local flavors as well as the familiar favorites you love. Avalon River Cruises offers discounts up to $2,000 per couple and additional discounts at Pavlus Travel. What's the onboard technology - Wi-Fi, Electricity, Telephone and TV? Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Viking's cabins are no slouch either. All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs and consist of local food prepared for North American tastes. Asia: Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day. Traveler's checks are not accepted. Avalon shares the flavors of the world with the freshest local ingredients prepared by our talented chefs and served in your choice of venues on board. Simply awful and small portions. Cruise the world's legendary rivers in style with Avalon Waterways. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. While Avalon isnt interested in cramping your style with a dress code, some excursions may require one (no knees or shoulders in some holy places; or no shorts during some evening events in ports-of-call, for instance). Complimentary specialty coffees, tea, and filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. While Avalon also has the 300-square-foot Royal Suite on its ships, the space is technically not a true suite. Most of the countries you will be visiting in Europe use the Euro. If space at the hotel is not available, alternative accommodations will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Library [3], Avalon Waterways has earned river cruise operator awards including "Best European river line" in 2019. Experience a world beyond your expectations. The ships staff was friendly and always ready to serve us. In South America, you can cruise the Amazon River or around the Galapagos Islands. It was outstanding all the way! [7][8][9][10][11], Avalon has offered a range of special interest cruises including culinary-, beer- and Christmas-themed itineraries. In India: The challenge facing the early navigators was how to tame the rivers and make them navigable along their entire lengths. "Suite Ship" with 66, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. Some guests do prefer to dress up for celebratory evenings onboard including the Captains Reception or Farewell Dinner. No two travelers are alikeso Avalon would never expect you to enjoy the same cruise experiences as everyone else. Some examples: The "welcome aboard" lunch was noodles and hamburger. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. OVER THE BARREL Avalon Waterways Amazon River Cruises The Amazon River Is situated mainly in Brazil and Peru. The fact that we could add three days in London was a bonus. 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. Book your vacation as a group of 16 or more to save. 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. Viking Longships do not have spas or fitness facilities onboard, but concierges can arrange services while you're in port. Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier). On the 3rd day, told us that they think they found it and it should arrive by that eveningIt didn't. Active excursions have also been added as for-fee choices in some ports. 10 uses. We had two night stay in Amsterdam prior to the cruise. 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. On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. This category is where Viking and Avalon diverge paths. DRESSING DOWN [2], Avalon Waterways started operations in 2004 with just one initial ship, called Avalon Artistry. [3], As of 2019, the company operates ships on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhone, Seine and Saone in Europe;[3] The Mekong River in Southeast Asia,[4][5] as well as on the Yangtze (in China), the Ganges (in India) and the Amazon River (in Peru). First "Suite Ship" with 66, 200-square-foot (19m. Owned. The identical nature of the Longships means that there really is no one ship thats better than others. Cruise Director If your vacation includes a hotel stay, every effort will be made to reserve extra nights at the hotel where your vacation stays. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways. A small few overnight destinations do not offer hotels in these categories, in which case we choose the best available (BA) hotels available. Your single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x21"x11" and a weight not exceeding 50 lbs. 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. Receive valuable rebates when forming your own group for travel on river cruises: one person travels free in a group of 16. Telephone Service:On the Mekong and Ganges, a phone is available in each suite which may be used to call between suites. 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. Mountain ranges such as the Swiss Alps, the French Vosges, Germany's Fichtelgebirge and Black Forest region have given birth to the great rivers of Europe which have provided most important transportation links since ancient times. Learn moreabout group river cruises. For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. Whether its your first Avalon Waterways river cruise, or youre joining us again, youre sure to have a few questions about what to expect on your cruise. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. FOOTLOOSE The bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. Once the vessel is moored inside the lock chamber, the lock operator closes the lock gates behind the vessel. River Cruising with Avalon - Avalon Waterways Experience a world beyond your expectations. .m-player__divider { Bathroom sockets are solely for razors (and/or battery chargers for digital cameras, mobile phones). The meal is a four-course affair; five if it's a special captain's dinner. 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. The currency on board is also the Indian rupee. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company with a fleet of 'Suite Ships' that ply the major rivers in Europe and Asia. Our, We chose Avalon Panorama for our first ever river cruise. Both Avalon and Viking have enrichment activities and lectures that focus on the destinations visited. 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. A fee is charged for the use of checks. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship. Both lines sail the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine and Rhone rivers. Locks employ a fixed chamber in which water levels can be varied to accommodate a vessel. 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. Neither ship is designed for families; Viking actively discourages guests under the age of 18. Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. Egypt uses Egyptian Pound (EGP) as its official currency. Reminded me of school lunch - not a good start to an expensive cruise. 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. Avalon utilizes bulk contracts for our air services, which includes intra-vacation air offered on many of our vacations. Both cruise lines serve buffets at breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of made-to-order items. 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. All purchases on board are charged to your room account. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Neither line includes gratuities in the fare. Electricity Staterooms are also equipped with USB outlets which are useful for charging phones, tablets, cameras, etc. In 1740 British Admiral Vernon (whose nickname was "Old Grogram" for the cloak of grogram which he wore) ordered that the sailors' daily ration of rum be diluted with water. The specific hotels we have selected for you are listed separately for each vacation. Rates are per person, per night, and include a room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. 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. Before, during, and after your Avalon Waterways cruise, we are dedicated to your safety, comfort, and convenience. Avalon is similarly non-fussy. Wall sockets take a European 2-prong plug. There is no shop on board ships in the Galpagos. Frequently Asked Questions Before You Cruise Travel Protection Air Arrangements Frequently Asked Questions AvalonGO App Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. All 14 Deals 14 For Free Avalon Waterways Apply all Avalon Waterways codes at checkout in one click. Pavlus Travel guarantees the lowest prices on all Avalon River Cruises on every Europe River Cruise. You can learn about the optional excursions available on your Avalon vacation by logging in to https://my.avalonwaterways.com/. All Longships have a choice of French balconies and veranda cabins, the latter having actual outdoor space. In Peru/Amazon: During particularly busy periods, hotel space in certain cities can become so limited that we may be unable to sell extra nights. And, of course, bring your favorite, most comfortable, walking or athletic shoes to keep your feet happy and your heart pumping. The currency on board is the U.S. dollar. Discover the world's great rivers on an Avalon Waterways river cruise and uncover the true essence of each destination. All Aboard! The meals were so beautifully prepared and presented - with all the wine you want from the local region. Our vacations are pricedper person, based on double occupancy, and do not include airfare except as noted on the itinerary pages. Prices are subject to increase without notice, subject to the guarantees set forth below. TourRadar offers 438 Avalon Waterways tours through many destinations including Budapest and Vienna. We know why you travel. With Avalon, the views are as wide open as the possibilities. 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. Gentlemen who enjoy feeling sporty in sports coats, are welcome to pack them but they are not required. These group rebates do not apply to any international or intra-vacation flights. On our Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galpagos cruises, we recommend that guests forgo dressier attire completely due to warm, humid climates. Not a fan of (ocean) cruises, I went on my first river cruise several years ago and I was hooked! And both river lines charge about the same amount for their cruises. Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. Avalon hotel ratings follow the standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. A project of this magnitude caused a lively debate over the environmental and economic consequences of its construction. Television: Each stateroom has color satellite TV and will receive some English programming. From ship amenities to travel tips, were here to make preparing for your cruise simple and easy. Overall, the decor on both Viking and Avalon can be described as contemporary and modern, with a boutique hotel feel. Innovative, transformative, original. Air Conditioning and Heating Avalon Waterways Destinations Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise. Read on to see our look at Avalon vs. Viking. Onboard Language Email and Internet: All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. The only way to keep track of and to know the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. 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 ship was spotless and our beds comfortable. Cruises on both Avalon and Viking are designed to be destination intensive, which means you won't find a lot of extras such as casinos or pools. Whether you like to paddle a kayak or paint a canvas, each day on an Avalon river cruise is an adventure of the mind, heart, or heart rate if you prefer. AS THE CROW FLIES 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.