Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. }. Call for single room supplements. Rates are per person, per night, and include a room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. Discover fascinating history and authentic experiences, with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. (22 kg). Economic planners gravely overestimated its potential, while environmentalists largely underestimated the positive aspects of its construction for the biotopeand the fact that the canal actually provides 1.25 million cubic meters of water to the dry Northern Bavarian region every year. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. 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. Innovative, transformative, original. Our state room was perfect and met all our needs. All Longships have a choice of French balconies and veranda cabins, the latter having actual outdoor space. How does Avalon handle itinerary disruptions? The planning of the present canal dates back to 1922. 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. 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. Because Avalon is owned by Globus, which also runs land tours, your river cruise has a host of options for pre- and post-tours. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. With Avalon, your days are filled with exciting excursions and soaking up picture-perfect landscapes, so dress for enjoyment and practicality. Get the answers you need about passports, visas, travel IDs, and itinerary documents. 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. 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). On the 3rd day, told us that they think they found it and it should arrive by that eveningIt didn't. Yet, the Ludwig-Main-Danube Canal as it was called, with its 101 water locks was rather narrow and its practical use for shipping was highly limited. Additionally, the care and safety of our guests is our highest priority. Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. An officer or sailor who was reprimanded received a "dressing down." FOOTLOOSE 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. Avalon is a cruise vacation with a Cruise Director and on-shore included and optional excursions, while Globus is an inclusive escorted tour with a Tour Director, both of which follow a set itinerary. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. In Southeast Asia: Electricity: Onboard electricity is 220v. 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. Awaken the senses on a 6 day Danube River cruise from Germany to Hungary with our Cruise of the Month: Danube Symphony. 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. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Cosmos tours are designed for value-minded travelers looking for budget-friendly vacations with the excellence delivered by the Globus family of brands. 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. 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. All ships have hair dryers for passenger use. Credit cards are accepted in Egypt, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms. The best way to decide is to look at the specific itinerary and compare ports, dates and rates. 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. Avalon is similarly non-fussy. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. 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. This includes name changes or name alterations. 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. 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. Your host will not only lead daily workouts but can also help you pave your own path to wellness with biking, hiking and other, on-your-own adventures. The pre-trip was TERRIBLE. 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. Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. This category is where Viking and Avalon diverge paths. You will need an adapter or converter to use in other outlets in the stateroom for any small personal items such as a razor, curling iron, or alarm clock. The challenge facing the early navigators was how to tame the rivers and make them navigable along their entire lengths. Enjoyed it immensely. 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. There is a shipboard information channel and a channel with a wide selection of movies and music. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. Avalon utilizes bulk contracts for our air services, which includes intra-vacation air offered on many of our vacations. 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. Normally, water levels on each side of a navigation lock are different, so a lock has to work like an elevator. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. You can find the perfect trip spanning across 4 day to 28 day itineraries with prices starting from just USD 311 per day! 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 Amazon River Cruises Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways Tracker Itineraries Deck plans Avalon Saigon Current cruise: 7 days, one-way from Saigon to Phnom Penh Avalon Waterways Itineraries Deck plans Avalon Imagery II Current cruise: N/A Avalon Waterways Tracker Itineraries Deck plans Avalon Passion Current cruise: N/A Avalon Waterways Tracker Itineraries Deck plans Avalon Myanmar All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. Smoking Policy Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. The sheer size of Viking's fleet means that it's easier to find the exact cruise on the exact river that you want, precisely when you want to go. But, the info may not be correct as it just our guess, but, we will update the exact date when the information will be available. Egypt uses Egyptian Pound (EGP) as its official currency. He will be "under the weather.". Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Hairdryers Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. 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. It really does make a difference. 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. What about international currency and payment methods? River Cruising with Avalon - Avalon Waterways Experience a world beyond your expectations. Relaxed luxury. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. Both lines also have alternative light dining at breakfast and lunch. How do Cosmos and Globus vacations differ from Avalon? 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. Neither ship is designed for families; Viking actively discourages guests under the age of 18. In South America, you can cruise the Amazon River or around the Galapagos Islands. We had two night stay in Amsterdam prior to the cruise. Ships provide in-room safes. Learn moreabout group river cruises. Avalon had local guides meet us every step of the way from the airport until dropoff. 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. Avalon's Deluxe staterooms on lower decks are also larger than Viking's, with 172 square feet compared to 150 square feet. 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). Simply awful and small portions. Suite Ships also have a salon for hair services and manicures. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. All rooms are 245-square-foot suites. Thus any changes at your request made after receipt of your full deposit are subject to airline-imposed change fees and/or changes in airfare price. 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. Viking and Avalon are almost the same when it comes to inclusions and pricing, although the latter can vary depending on itinerary and promotions. In Europe: The meal is a four-course affair; five if it's a special captain's dinner. Taking care of a few simple steps before you cruise makes for smooth sailing! 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. Learn more about dining in Europe. ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. But knowing the right amount of anticipation, the right amount of attention and the right amount of space to give each guest is an art. Wine, beer and soda are available at lunch and dinner on both Viking and Avalon. How does Avalon support sustainable travel and protect the environment? In these cases and for incidentals or small vendors, you will need some local currency. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Avalon takes special care of each and every guest to ensure only good surprises await you on your cruise. On either cruise, you might spend an afternoon sampling Austrian wine while your vessel sails on the Danube. When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow. Read 1 more review about Avalon Waterways. Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and is only available when booked in conjunction with a land/cruise vacation. (more) Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. Avalon is proud to be associated with some of the finest establishments worldwide. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Another nicety: a variety of lighting options, including reading lights cleverly recessed into the headboard of the bed. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company with a fleet of 'Suite Ships' that ply the major rivers in Europe and Asia. Our Avalon FlexDiningapproach to onboard dining experiences has tossed out the idea of restrictive seating times in limited settings. Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. Avalon ships have a small fitness room with a treadmill, elliptical machines and free weights. The answer lies in the details. 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. And, of course, bring your favorite, most comfortable, walking or athletic shoes to keep your feet happy and your heart pumping. 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. It took an experienced seaman to know the ropes. The sheer size of Viking's fleet means that it's easier to find the exact cruise on the exact river that you want, precisely when you want to go. The ship is well staffed, friendly and spotlessly clean. We regret that we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits on any Avalon vacation outside of Europe. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan. Why is my contact information collected when I book? Email and Internet: Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galpagos. Neither line includes gratuities in the fare. This was our 3rd river cruise. Traveler's checks are not accepted. Both Avalon and Viking offer a comprehensive catalog of river cruises that offer superb value; the differences are really quite slight. The river cruise wins hands down. Would definitely do it again. While other river cruise cabins are designed with beds against a wall for a view of another wall, our Comfort Collection BedsSM actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. This year, those have included two new options on the Moselle and Seine rivers; departures are also available for 2023 and beyond too. These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. SE Asia. Onboard bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. Laundry service is not available in the Galpagos. Gentlemen who enjoy feeling sporty in sports coats, are welcome to pack them but they are not required. 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. AS THE CROW FLIES [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). Additional notes to consider: Cuisine Cruising the Baltic Where Small and Friendly is the Way To Go. In short, wear exactly what suits you and the discoveries you make onboard and off best! We unpacked & quickly returned for the lunch being served in the upstairs lounge. The men called the mixture "grog." Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance. The ships staff was friendly and always ready to serve us. 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. More are on the way for 2020 and beyond. They lost my wife's suitcase for FOUR DAYS on their transfer from Paris to Saint Malo. Presentation, taste. Both lines sail the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine and Rhone rivers. 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. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. Avalon Waterways traces its roots back to 1928, when Antonio Mantegazza used a rowboat to transport goods across Switzerland's Lake Lugano. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan. 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. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 250+ Avalon Waterways trips View Map River Cruise Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2023 Destinations The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. Both cruise lines serve buffets at breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of made-to-order items. While Avalon has a similar glass lounge, it only has snacks; the alternative dining is in the main lounge, which does not offer alfresco dining. 16 water locks facilitate safe passage of vessels. Because the phone system for ship-to-shore calls function via satellite, there may be times, depending on routing, when reception (and, therefore, calling) is not possible. On our Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galpagos cruises, we recommend that guests forgo dressier attire completely due to warm, humid climates. Upon arrival, after check in we were greeted with a welcome reception in the Panorama Lounge. From purchasing flights through Avalon to international currency to purchasing optional excursions, weve got the answers to make preparing for your cruise a breeze. Marvel at the sights on a guided city tour of . What should I know about locks and canals? The Rivers of Avalon. Complimentary specialty coffees, tea, and filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Viking's cabins are no slouch either. Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. 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. Can I save if I book as a group?
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