The language on board is English. Exceptions are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania; they all have their own currencies, but the Euro is accepted in many establishments. These include, but are not limited to, severe weather conditions, acts of nature, and government travel advisories. So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. The following year, the company added the Avalon Poetry to its fleet. He will be "under the weather.". Viking's cabins are no slouch either. Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. If you have already made a booking and need to apply a payment, please login to access your booked cruise vacation. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. "Suite Ship" with 66, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. The food was amazing, the crew friendly, the staff very helpful. 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. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. With eighteen ships Avalon Waterways cruises all of the major rivers in Europe, Asia, and Egypt as well as sailing in the Galapagos. 250+ Avalon Waterways trips View Map River Cruise Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2023 Destinations Its European ships also boast complimentary bicycles onboard that passengers can use while in port. 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. Experience a world beyond your expectations. Some guests do prefer to dress up for celebratory evenings onboard including the Captains Reception or Farewell Dinner. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so youll never feel crowded anywhere on board. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. Europe. Credit cards are accepted in Peru, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. Each circumstance is assessed as unique, based on our more than 90 years of experience in travel touring. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. (22 kg). The challenge facing the early navigators was how to tame the rivers and make them navigable along their entire lengths. U.S. cruises sail the Mississippi River. Discover fascinating history and authentic experiences, with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. 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. UNDER THE WEATHER With real-time updates via social media, we provide complete transparency and valuable information for our guests. This term also meant to cut the anchor cable and sail off in a hurry. We ask that you return them before your cruise ends. Some vacations have more restrictive regulations than these listed above, such as cruises on the Galpagos, Mekong, and Ganges. If youre feeling fit for fun, we also want you to know that an Adventure Host will be your guide, at the ready for fitness activities, on all European cruises. Both lines offer a daily complimentary shore excursion, as well as options you can pay for; complimentary wine, beer and soda at dinner and lunch; enrichment onboard and free WiFi. Avalon Waterways Promo Codes March 2023 - 20 OFF Treat yourself to huge savings with Avalon Waterways vouchers: promo codes, and 14 coupons for March 2023. 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. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. We flew from the UK to Basel, stayed the night before in St Louis & joined the ship next day. [2] History and ship design [ edit] [1] The company became a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in August 2009. Overall, the decor on both Viking and Avalon can be described as contemporary and modern, with a boutique hotel feel. Amazon Pick. All rooms are 245-square-foot suites. The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to . Laundry service is not available in the Galpagos. 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). 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. The entire crew did their job with a smile and couldn't do more for each one of the passengers. 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 takes special care of each and every guest to ensure only good surprises await you on your cruise. 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. Viking and Avalon are almost the same when it comes to inclusions and pricing, although the latter can vary depending on itinerary and promotions. Internet access In this video you will discover the five things Avalon Waterways does the same as other European river cruise lines, and the seven things that are different about Avalon Waterways. A complete listing will also be available in your travel documents. Most of the countries you will be visiting in Europe use the Euro. Choose from options like a breezy al fresco lunch at the Sky Grill, an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, or a more casual culinary setting in the Panorama Bistro. It stretches for a length of 106 miles from Bamberg, in Germany, via Nuremberg to Regensburg. We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out. 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. Are Avalon river cruises handicap accessible? 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 . [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. Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. Useful. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. Cruising the Baltic Where Small and Friendly is the Way To Go. While both lines have nice-size bathrooms (and, happily, glass-enclosed showers), Viking's come with anti-fog mirrors and heated floors -- a bonus if you're traveling in the offseason or on a Christmas markets cruise. All 14 Deals 14 For Free Avalon Waterways Apply all Avalon Waterways codes at checkout in one click. Amazon Pick: See Today's Theme Cruises Deals at Amazon.com (w/Free Shipping for Prime) Get This Deal. 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 . 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. Telephone Service: Each stateroom includes a direct dial telephone which may be used to call between staterooms. Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier). The pre-trip was TERRIBLE. Pavlus Travel guarantees the lowest prices on all Avalon River Cruises on every Europe River Cruise. The vast majority of them are rated Deluxe (D), Moderate Deluxe (MD), Superior First-Class (SF), or First-Class (F) establishments. 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. Smoking Policy Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. Dinner attire on board is casual with typical guests donning open-neck shirts and slacks, skirts and dresses. 16 water locks facilitate safe passage of vessels. Or you might hear a folk music ensemble one evening while docked. Avalon is similarly non-fussy. Rates are per person, per night, and include a room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. 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. The only way to keep track of and to know the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. There are not many lounge areas, just two, but given that this is a River Ship I guess it is to be expected that there are not many areas to hang out. Our dedicated ground team, fleet of comfortable motorcoaches, long-term relationships with quality hotels, and a global tour operations network allow us to quickly address any changes (other than minor deviations stated in our Terms and Conditions) that require alternative plans during your cruise. There is no television service on the Amazon or Galpagos cruises. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. 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. Bathroom sockets are solely for razors (and/or battery chargers for digital cameras, mobile phones). 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. Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier). 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. They lost my wife's suitcase for FOUR DAYS on their transfer from Paris to Saint Malo. How do Cosmos and Globus vacations differ from Avalon? Simply awful and small portions. Europe: Choice of complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with dinner & lunch and sparkling wine with breakfast. In South America, you can cruise the Amazon River or around the Galapagos Islands. Amazon: Complimentary coffee, tea, select soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Windstar Yachts vs. Windstar Sailing Ships, Holland America's Koningsdam vs. Nieuw Amsterdam, 8 Things You'll Love About Celebrity Edge, 9 Reasons to Get Excited About Marella Cruises' Marella Explorer 2. Cosmos tours are designed for value-minded travelers looking for budget-friendly vacations with the excellence delivered by the Globus family of brands. How do I make a payment on a cruise I already booked? Some examples: The "welcome aboard" lunch was noodles and hamburger. Once your ships docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address. Electricity:Onboard electricity is 220 volt. In Egypt: 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. 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. We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the itinerary pages with hotels of equivalent standard. The Indian rupee is the currency used throughout the country. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Shipboard accounts may be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), cash, or traveler's checks. Both cruise lines serve buffets at breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of made-to-order items. The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, and tour departure times. Not a fan of (ocean) cruises, I went on my first river cruise several years ago and I was hooked! 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. Viking's glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace, where the line serves lighter lunches and dinners, can open to the elements in nice weather. Personal checks cannot be cashed on board. Date of experience: February 28, 2023. Why is my contact information collected when I book? An officer or sailor who was reprimanded received a "dressing down." 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]. 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. The specific rating for each contract hotel is determined by our quality controllers. 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. 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. 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. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). "Suite Ship" with 67, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. Avalon Waterways. }. A sailor who drank too much grog was "groggy." There is a shipboard information channel and a channel with a wide selection of movies and music. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galpagos. Its European ships also boast complimentary bicycles onboard that passengers can use while in port. 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. In Vietnam (Dong) and Thailand (Bhat), local currency is used primarily while in Cambodia U.S. dollars are widely accepted in addition to the local currency (Riel). What should I know about locks and canals? Here, There & Every-WEAR What to Wear on an Avalon 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. Each ship has a shop area offering souvenirs and some select personal and toiletry items. All purchases on board are charged to your room account. What are Avalons onboard guidelines and services? Experience a world beyond your expectations. Electricity on board the Treasure of Galpagos is 110v. Avalon hotel ratings follow the standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. 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. Normally, water levels on each side of a navigation lock are different, so a lock has to work like an elevator. Both lines have small dance floors in their lounges, although whether or not they'll be used depends on the passengers and the sailing. 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. 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. What about international currency and payment methods? Thats our philosophy. 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. Check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. Converters must be EU certified. With the vessel securely tied up and the gates closed, the lock operator can then open the valves at the opposite end of the lock.