Email and Internet: All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. All Aboard! UNDER THE WEATHER The cruise was DELIGHTFUL. All Longships have a choice of French balconies and veranda cabins, the latter having actual outdoor space. All ships have hair dryers for passenger use. All traffic water locks are 40 ft. wide and 623 ft. long. avalon waterways robbery. A fee is charged for the use of checks. Neither ship is designed for families; Viking actively discourages guests under the age of 18. All ships have non-smoking interiors. 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. Each circumstance is assessed as unique, based on our more than 90 years of experience in travel touring. 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. For payment of shipboard accounts, Euro and U.S. dollars are accepted as well as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club. So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? Avalon Waterways' Romancing The Rhine: 6 Perfect Getaways for Different Types of Cruisers in 2021 February 9, 2021 The second-longest river in Central and Western Europe, the Rhine flows 800 miles from the white-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps to the rainbow-hued blossoms of the Netherlands. On Amazon and Galpagos ships, first-aid-trained staff is available. A small few overnight destinations do not offer hotels in these categories, in which case we choose the best available (BA) hotels available. He will be "under the weather.". 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. 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. River Cruising with Avalon - Avalon Waterways The only way to keep track of and to know the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. If space at the hotel is not available, alternative accommodations will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. 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. My favourite Avalon Waterways excursions | Velvet Escape Viking's cabins are no slouch either. Clothing & Dress Code It really does make a difference. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galpagos. 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. 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 ships are intimate and inviting and guests receive unsurpassed exceptional and personal service. 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 . You can find the perfect trip spanning across 4 day to 28 day itineraries with prices starting from just USD 311 per day! Cruise the world's legendary rivers in style with Avalon Waterways. Traveler's checks are not accepted. And both river lines charge about the same amount for their cruises. Telephone Service: Each stateroom includes a direct dial telephone which may be used to call between staterooms. The challenge facing the early navigators was how to tame the rivers and make them navigable along their entire lengths. Ecuador uses U.S. dollars as their official currency. Some guests do prefer to dress up for celebratory evenings onboard including the Captains Reception or Farewell Dinner. Offering over 100 itineraries . Or you might hear a folk music ensemble one evening while docked. Call for single room supplements. GROGGY Welcome aboard your new home suite home! Ships provide in-room safes. The Travel Protection Plan offers important services to help protect your vacation purchase. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. With Avalon, your days are filled with exciting excursions and soaking up picture-perfect landscapes, so dress for enjoyment and practicality. 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. Relaxed luxury. Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. 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. In these cases and for incidentals or small vendors, you will need some local currency. Personal checks cannot be cashed on board. My wife's main course at the "gala dinner" was sole (fish). Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. Viking does not have bikes onboard, with the (not unreasonable) logic that in many European cities, rental bicycles are plentiful and inexpensive. Additional notes to consider: Cuisine Active excursions have also been added as for-fee choices in some ports. To be "pooped" is to be swamped by a high, flowing sea. River Cruising | Avalon Waterways River Cruises Avalons extraordinary expertise in river cruising keeps us prepared for all such unlikely disruptions or delayswith your comfort and convenience always our paramount priority. Cons: The answer lies in the details. First river cruise following a ocean cruise. [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). 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. 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. Europe. 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. Overall, the decor on both Viking and Avalon can be described as contemporary and modern, with a boutique hotel feel. DRESSING DOWN Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Safes Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. The following year, the company added the Avalon Poetry to its fleet. [7][8][9][10][11], Avalon has offered a range of special interest cruises including culinary-, beer- and Christmas-themed itineraries. USB charging ports are available on the Mekong. Ship-to-shore calls are also available in Europe. 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. Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship? ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. Avalon Waterways Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of We ask that you return them before your cruise ends. Get answers to common questions about a number of thingsfrom adding a vacation to your cruise to packing the right-sized suitcase! We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. 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. Suite Ships also have a salon for hair services and manicures. This page was last edited on 27 April 2021, at 16:01. Get the answers you need about passports, visas, travel IDs, and itinerary documents. Exciting new Danube River Cruise and Rhine River Cruise itineraries for European River Cruises are featured. 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. Electricity on board the Treasure of Galpagos is 110v. Can I stay extra nights before and after my vacation? Complimentary specialty coffees, tea, and filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Cruise Critic named Avalons staterooms the best in the business, and yes, were blushing a bit. Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. Hairdryers TOE THE LINE The beauty of River Cruising with Avalon Waterways is that River Cruise Ships get you closer to to towns, villages and even cities such a Budapest, Vienna and Paris. Library 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. Experience a world beyond your expectations. Would definitely do it again. The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, and tour departure times. The food was amazing, the crew friendly, the staff very helpful. Book your vacation as a group of 16 or more to save. Read on to see our look at Avalon vs. Viking. Are Avalon river cruises handicap accessible? Avalon Waterways (Bromley) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europes rivers. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. 250+ Avalon Waterways trips View Map River Cruise Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2023 Destinations Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. They lost my wife's suitcase for FOUR DAYS on their transfer from Paris to Saint Malo. 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. Internet cafes can be found in many towns in Western Europe, generally with reasonable charges. 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). 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. All Aboard! Electricity on board the Delfin III is 220v. Presentation, taste. Avalon Waterways River Cruise Ship Tour. How Compare To Other River Avalon hotel ratings follow the standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. 1) Food. "Suite Ship" with 52, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. In keeping with its Norwegian owner, Viking's ships have Scandinavian influences with lots of pale wood and clean lines. Experience a world beyond your expectations. Those most important trading centers located on a river soon grew into some of Europe's most important citiesBudapest and Vienna on the Danube, Strasbourg and Cologne on the Rhine, Mainz and Frankfurt on the Main, Coblenz and Trier on the Moselle, to name but a few! Before the advent of highways and road transportation, the rivers were the only efficient method of carrying goods from one place to another. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, theyre actually river cruisings only OpenAir Balcony with nothing between you and the view. Here, we trade formality for friendly; white gloves for welcomes and suits and gowns for suites and get-up-and-go! These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. Both lines have small dance floors in their lounges, although whether or not they'll be used depends on the passengers and the sailing. 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. Travel certificates are valid for travel within two years from the original canceled vacation start date. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. The Amazon River runs right through the Amazon Rainforest, and way beyond. 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. Due to the satellite system, there may be times when reception is poor or falls away altogether for short periods. In Southeast Asia: Avalon Waterways Ships By Size And Age, 2022 - Cruising For All We enjoyed the 24/7 hot chocolate, water, and sweets. Rates are per person, per night, and include a room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. 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. Upcoming Avalon Waterways Cruises: 2023 Prices, Itineraries Avalon takes special care of each and every guest to ensure only good surprises await you on your cruise. How do Cosmos and Globus vacations differ from Avalon? Laundry service is not available in the Galpagos. Please note that Avalon reserves the right to ticket passengers upon receipt of full land and air deposit. Telephone Service:On board your ship, each stateroom has its own telephone that may be used to call room to room and ship to shore. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company with a fleet of 'Suite Ships' that ply the major rivers in Europe and Asia. Europe: Choice of complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with dinner & lunch and sparkling wine with breakfast. You can learn about the optional excursions available on your Avalon vacation by logging in to https://my.avalonwaterways.com/. If you are. Free land and cruise arrangements are credited at the twin rate; single room and stateroom supplements must be paid in full. If this information is not obtained, either the intra-vacation air or the entire vacation will be cancelled. When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways have quite a bit in common. Europe River Cruise - Avalon Waterways Small Ship All Longships have a choice of French balconies and veranda cabins, the latter having actual outdoor space. Why am I asked to give my passport name, gender, and date of birth when booking a flight? Our crew is devoted without being daunting, focused but not fussy and supportive minus the smother. While Avalon also has the 300-square-foot Royal Suite on its ships, the space is technically not a true suite. Avalon is similarly non-fussy. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Starting in in Vilshofen, Germany, sail to the lovely city of Linz, explore Ybbs, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley, before arriving in to Viennathe City of Music. Email and Internet: Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galpagos. 16 water locks facilitate safe passage of vessels. We know why you travel. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest." Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. U.S. cruises sail the Mississippi River. 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. Avalon River Cruises offers discounts up to $2,000 per couple and additional discounts at Pavlus Travel. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Avalon Waterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper 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 a captain of a smaller ship encountered a large enemy vessel, he might decide that discretion was the better part of valor. 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's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the itinerary pages with hotels of equivalent standard. In South America, you can cruise the Amazon River or around the Galapagos Islands. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. 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. [1] The company became a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in August 2009. 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. Please see the Terms & Conditionsfor full information on our Pricing Policy. In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. We had two night stay in Amsterdam prior to the cruise. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so youll never feel crowded anywhere on board. Avalon Waterways' Paris River Cruise With 'Sex and the City' Creator 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. And, of course, bring your favorite, most comfortable, walking or athletic shoes to keep your feet happy and your heart pumping. Avalon vs. Viking - Cruise Critic Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), or with cash. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. Our vacations are pricedper person, based on double occupancy, and do not include airfare except as noted on the itinerary pages. When this is the case, the transfer to and from the included hotel is at our expense.