Avalon Waterways... Fleet of Suite Ships

For the first time, Avalon Waterways’ entire fleet is made up of ‘Suite Ships’ giving guests exclusive access to river cruising’s only open-air balconies and beds facing the sweeping river views. The 2019 cruise programme features seven new itineraries, including a new Active Discovery river cruise on the Rhône and an exotic voyage on the Ganges in India. Also new is ‘Avalon Choice’ — where passengers can personalise daily excursions ensuring the utmost flexibility. 

Giles Hawke, CEO, Avalon Waterways commented, "Stylish, spacious and immensely comfortable, our beautiful staterooms exemplify the Avalon difference. Every one of our guests can now experience the ‘Suite Life’ aboard our pioneering ships. Not only do we have the most diverse collection of river cruises and experiences to choose from, but we can now guarantee, through our Early Booking Price Pledge, that guests who choose to book early will get the best value. If they subsequently find a better Avalon deal on their chosen departure after they’ve booked, we’ll refund the difference.” 

Recently awarded ‘Best River Cruise Line’, ‘Best Cabins’ and ‘Best for Active Cruisers’, the company’s three new types of daily excursions in 2019 include: Discovery - specialist interests such as cooking classes and painting workshops that will provide immersion into local culture; Active - for the most energetic guests with guided jogging tours to cycling as well as paddling and hiking through scenic locations; and Classic – with local experts sharing their knowledge through guided explorations of the history and heritage of Avalon destinations. 

The eight-day ‘Active Discovery on the Rhône’ cruise is a great example of the ‘Avalon Choice’ concept. This cruise sails from Arles to Lyon and is designed for cruisers who want to discover the Rhône in an active way. Beyond enjoying the scenery and sightseeing, guests can choose to hike or bike through the Camargue National Park; canoe through the Gorges de l’Ardéche; visit a local oyster farm; enjoy wine-tasting; tour the Museé des Aromes in Avignon; as well as visiting the Valrhona factory to make their own chocolate bar. 

“Along the Danube, Rhine and Rhône Rivers, Avalon travellers can now hike, bike and engage in their surroundings in unimaginable ways, thanks to our unique ‘Active Discovery’ cruise collection,” continued Hawke. “From action-packed experiences to interactive discoveries, these holidays offer something for all interests, energy and fitness levels, allowing our guests to tailor their holiday to their personal taste and pace.”