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. They were a great team. Please note that air carriers, cruise lines, and other forms of transportation may have other restrictions and requirements, including weight, and we recommend that you contact the suppliers directly for additional information. 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. Please see the Terms & Conditionsfor full information on our Pricing Policy. [1] The company became a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in August 2009. as well as 24-hour emergency assistance services. 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. Neither line includes gratuities in the fare. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns; in smaller towns, cash is recommended. Your single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x21"x11" and a weight not exceeding 50 lbs. 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. We flew from the UK to Basel, stayed the night before in St Louis & joined the ship next day. The food was amazing, the crew friendly, the staff very helpful. The currency on board is the U.S. dollar. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Offering over 100 itineraries . Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received. display: none !important; 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. Single room supplements and triple room reductions are listed where applicable; not all accommodation types are available on all vacations. In Ecuador: Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. 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. It really does make a difference. Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Cheap, non-certified converters may damage your appliance and are a fire hazard on the ship. Marvel at the sights on a guided city tour of . The entire crew did their job with a smile and couldn't do more for each one of the passengers. Its European ships also boast complimentary bicycles onboard that passengers can use while in port. Avalon River Cruises offers discounts up to $2,000 per couple and additional discounts at Pavlus Travel. Or you might hear a folk music ensemble one evening while docked. Both Avalon and Viking have enrichment activities and lectures that focus on the destinations visited. Electricity: Onboard electricity is 220v. 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. Avalon's Deluxe staterooms on lower decks are also larger than Viking's, with 172 square feet compared to 150 square feet. On its Suite Ships, Avalon rejiggered most of the cabins to give them something unique within river cruising: beds that face the water, not the wall. Ask about special services available to help you celebrate. 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. Why am I asked to provide my airline ticket number for flights booked independently of Avalon? All ships have non-smoking interiors. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. For payment of shipboard accounts, Euro and U.S. dollars are accepted as well as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. For single travelers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested. TOE THE LINE The Indian rupee is the currency used throughout the country. (Avalon does have a barbecue on the top deck at least once per cruise, weather permitting.). 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. Extra hotel nights are only available immediately prior to or after your vacation and are not available on some cruise-only vacations or in some cities. For the 2022 and 2023 cruise seasons, Avalon Waterways has unveiled four new "Active and Discovery" itineraries. While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table. "Suite Ship" with 66, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. Upon arrival, after check in we were greeted with a welcome reception in the Panorama Lounge. Safes 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). By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Cons: 30K views 4 years ago Avalon Waterways River Cruise Ship Tour Of Their Signature Suite River Ships. The Rivers of Avalon. [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. The poop is the stern section of a ship. And both river lines charge about the same amount for their cruises. You can learn about the optional excursions available on your Avalon vacation by logging in to https://my.avalonwaterways.com/. Avalon had local guides meet us every step of the way from the airport until dropoff. 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). Clothing & Dress Code We regret that we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits on any Avalon vacation outside of Europe. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Both Avalon and Viking offer a comprehensive catalog of river cruises that offer superb value; the differences are really quite slight. While we were busy delivering first-rate service to our guests on Avalon Waterways, it seems a few people noticed. The itinerary was as, My partner and I have wanted to do this trip for several years. We had two night stay in Amsterdam prior to the cruise. Our expectations were exceeded. USB charging ports are available on the Mekong. 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. 48 competitor promo codes - Last used 2h ago. Avalon hotel ratings follow the standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. Cruise Director Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Viking's cabins are no slouch either. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Our vacations are pricedper person, based on double occupancy, and do not include airfare except as noted on the itinerary pages. Electricity on board the Amazons Delfin III is 220v. The bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. 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. The food- OMG- Beyond amazing. We have our 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio down to a science. Some in walking distance and that feels really . Coupert automatically finds and applies every available code, all for free. Log In Create new account There is no television service on the Amazon or Galpagos cruises. 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. The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to . AS THE CROW FLIES Ship-to-shore calls are also available in Europe. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. What should I know about locks and canals? The challenge facing the early navigators was how to tame the rivers and make them navigable along their entire lengths. 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. Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility-impaired travelers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so.