Category: Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways Unveils Wide Variety of Active River Cruises

5/6/2021

Avalon Waterways takes passengers to gorgeous towns, such as Cochem on the Moselle River in Germany. // Images courtesy Avalon Waterways

By John Roberts
The rivers of Europe offer limitless opportunities for exploration and adventure. And Avalon Waterways continues to craft an excursion program built around thrilling experiences that give travelers a truly unique look at all the special destinations in each country along your route have to offer.
Cruisers can stir-up a dish passed down through generations or try a painting class that lets them inhabit the spirit of the masters. Or, you can begin the day with a morning guided sightseeing walk or paddle amid stunning river scenery, pedal around historic cityscapes or chill-out during a wine tasting.
How about wandering the halls of history or shuffling through the ruins of an ancient castle?
On Avalon Waterways' Active & Discovery cruises, featuring Avalon Choice excursions, every day will be an adventure. In 2022, Avalon Waterways is offering Active & Discovery cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Rhone and Seine Rivers and the waterways of Holland and Belgium, as well as its popular program on the Danube River.
Since launching Active & Discovery cruises on the Danube River in 2017, Avalon Waterways has added these popular itineraries to every major European waterway it sails, increasing its offerings by 600 percent. In 2022, the cruise line is offering travelers six Active & Discovery itineraries with 47 departures.
"Untethered and full of opportunities to infuse interests and passions into each cruise, our Active & Discovery vacations feature extraordinary -- included -- activities that give travelers the choices they crave," said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "On these one-of-a-kind cruises, every day, travelers can choose from a selection of included Active, Discovery and Classic excursions."
Hoffee said the cruise itineraries offer an average of 22 unique Avalon Choice excursions.
Take a look at the program for 2022:
The new eight-day Moselle River itinerary features 21 Avalon Choice excursions, including:
Active:
Paddle a canoe on the mighty Moselle River;
Hike up to Landshut Castle in Bernkastel;
Bike through the Moselle Valley near Cochem;
Soar over Rudesheim on an open-air cable car and hike through the vineyards.
Discovery:
Enjoy a wine-tasting experience in the Moselle Valley;
Take a walk through history, visiting one of Germany's oldest mustard mills;
Visit a famous brewery in Koblenz and taste classic brews;
Meet with an apple farmer and walk through the family's orchard.
Classic:
Walk the winding streets of Cochem and spend the afternoon at Reichsburg Castle;
Visit the medieval marketplace of Bernkastel;
Take a guided tour of the famous Frankenstein castle.

Avalon's new nine-day Seine cruise features 23 Avalon Choice excursions, including:
Active:
Spend the day biking in Le Havre;
Kayak along the Seine river, near Rouen;
Hike up to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard, the historic home of Richard the Lionheart;
Take an e-bike tour to the Chateau de Maisons-Lafitte.
Discovery:
Enjoy a cocktail workshop in Palais Benedictine where world-famous Benedictine liquor is made;
Discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere;
Learn about the Normandy cheese trail and taste traditional pastries;
Visit Chantilly Castle where the experts of the Confrerie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de creme Chantilly will help you prepare Chantilly cream.
Classic:
Visit the WWII landing beaches of Normandy and the American Cemetery;
Learn the history of Joan of Arc on a walking tour of Rouen;
Walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise.

Active & Discovery cruises are also at the center of the company's new Storyteller Series of sailings, featuring celebrity hosts.
Candace Bushnell is hosting "Sex & the City of Lights" -- an Active & Discovery program on the Seine, departing on July 19, 2022; Cheryl Strayed is hosting "Wild & Whimsy on the Water" -- an Active & Discovery sailing on the Danube, departing on July 21, 2022; Gillian Flynn is hosting "Gone Girl!" -- an Active & Discovery cruise on the Danube, departing on September 15, 2022; and Edwin McCain is hosting "I'll Be . . . Romancing the Rhine" on the Rhine itinerary, departing on May 3, 2022.
Active & Discovery sailings include more excursions -- at the same cost -- as other river cruise itineraries, Hoffee said.
â€œThey are the perfect choice for travelers who have a diverse set of interests; those who want to customize their vacation; those returning to a river for a new experience and multi-generational travelers with different passions and pace levels," Hoffee said.

Thanks for reading,
JR

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European River Cruising: What Will It Look Like When It Resumes?

3/19/2021

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AmaWaterways offers memorable sailings on the Danube River on AmaMagna.

Rudi Schreiner

By John Roberts
European river cruising is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. It's perhaps what I've missed the most during the past year.
You can't beat embarking on a voyage with a small group of people who quickly become your new friends while experiencing the delightful sights, sounds and tastes of historic cities and villages along great waterways like the Danube or Rhine rivers.
Well, there is growing hope that we will be able to get back onboard the river ships. I spoke with a handful of cruise line executives and river cruise travel advisors to get a sense of where things stand with river cruising.
Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways, says his line will be starting in May with German cruisers. But 95 percent of the line's passengers comes from North America, so getting those travelers back onboard is vital.
Questions remain, however, for these travelers: What travel restrictions will exist for North Americans? Will vaccines or quarantines we be required?
Since fall 2020, AmaWaterways has seen more and more spring 2021 bookings shifted to fall, winter and 2022 sailings, instead, Schreiner said. He says his gut tells him that August might be the starting point for AmaWaterways cruises in Europe once again for North Americans. However, he says the line remains fully flexible because it has seen how things can change so quickly, whether a new spike in cases prompts enhanced protocols or shutdowns and travel restrictions.
When considering whether to implement rules that crew members be vaccinated, he says he has questions about the availability of vaccines for crew within their home countries. So, there is no plan to require vaccines for crew or passengers at this time.
Everybody wants to get all crew members vaccinated, but Schreiner says the question will be: "Will the governments first vaccinate their elder people. Which side will be vaccinated first?"
He says AmaWaterways has not committed to any requirements for guests of crew to be vaccinated. There are too many questions to be answered still, he said.
Changes onboard are inevitable, though.
"Something we even thought about before this pandemic, was to really change the food service on AmaWaterways ships," Schreiner says. "We really want to go to a full-service standard in all of our restaurants."
This will eliminate the need to keep the full buffet open all the way until the end of the breakfast or lunch times. This will tremendously reduce the food waste and give AmaWaterways' cruisers more choices, he says.
The line also expects to offer more al fresco dining. This was something that was accelerated because of the pandemic.
"Handshakes, social distancing and other interactions among cruisers will probably not go back to the way it was, at least for a while," he says. "I think COVID will stick around for a long time. People will get used to it. We'll get a regular vaccine for it, like the flu. And we will live with it."
Schreiner says he sees "a huge, bright future for river cruising."
There will be a lot of demand for small-ship environments, he said.
"One thing about river cruising: You spend a lot of time off the ship. And you spend a lot of time outdoors in the fresh air and in smaller villages," Schreiner says. "There will be more emphasis on activities like walking, hiking and bicycling. For that, I think we have the right environment."

Scenic Gem // Les Andelys photo

I asked John Gawne, an independent vacation specialist with Cruises Inc. in Virginia Beach, Va., when he thinks river cruising is set to return.
He said that while cruise lines might be offering sailings by summer 2021, "I am currently not booking before October 2021.
"Vaccinations will be a key, if not a requirement, for future European river cruising," Gawne said.
He also said that there is a pent-up demand for European river cruising but the lines will be sailing at reduced occupancy capacity.

I also I put forth a Q&A to two executives that oversee some of the most popular European river cruise lines. Here is what Rob Voss, chief operating officer of Scenic Group Global, which operates Scenic River Cruises and Emerald Waterways and Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways, had to say about the future of river cruising in Europe.

In The Loop Travel: What hurdles remain to overcome before you can return to river cruising in Europe?
Voss (Scenic): The situation in Europe remains the biggest hurdle. The number of cases, the lockdowns, border crossing requirements, each country's specific needs/issues, etc. We must be able to supply the guest experience they are looking for and expect and with numerous venues closed and/or affected by the economic damage caused by COVID, we need to have some level of confidence that there is a consistent and similar process for each country we cruise through on the rivers and port in with the ocean. At this point, Europe is not yet ready for travelers -- whether international or domestic. The other hurdle has to do with the source markets -- Australia, for example, has strict travel restrictions for its citizens; while Canada has shut down its ports to cruises until 2022. So, the issue becomes one of both where we get our guests from and where we can take them.

ITLT: What should your guests expect or plan for before they take their next river cruise in Europe? New health measures and protocols, vaccine requirements, etc.?
Hoffee (Avalon Waterways): Our guests' safety, health and well-being leads every decision. To this end, when travel operations resume, Avalon Waterways will require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 at least 14-days prior to travel or a negative COVID-19 test within 72-hours of travel. Alternatively, guests can provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.
Voss (Scenic): We continue to follow the protocols and suggestions made by the CDC, WHO and CLIA as well as working with multiple countries' health agencies to make sure we go above and beyond for our guests and crew. At this point, as we have seen for the past year, the environment is ever-changing and we will remain flexible in response. The basics are already in place -- PCR testing, new hygiene protocols, adding medical assistance onboard the ships, cabins set aside for quarantine needs, excursions are adjusted and organized to be the safest possible, dining and social events are done with proper protocols, etc.
But we know the COVID safety requirements are still a moving target so we need to see how the roles of each entity involved in the travel experience process plays out. As an example of the complexity of the situation -- even before a guest reaches our ship, they will most likely have to undergo a PCR test before leaving their country (and certainly before they return), possibly be required to have a vaccine passport, and myriad other requirements. All these barriers must be crossed before they arrive at our ship.

ITLT: How do you think cruising will be changed? For the near term, long term?
Voss (Scenic): I think the near term is self-explanatory: Lots of flexibility and patience will be required by both the cruise lines and their guests as new protocols are established and adjusted. I see that being something we will deal with for a couple of years. The more interesting changes may come in the two- to five-year time frame.
I believe we will go back to how it was before but with some clear caveats. Understanding that these health disruptions have been part of the landscape for the past 20 years, we cannot let our guard down and be complacent. Certain health and safety protocols need to remain and we will certainly keep them front and center on our ships. Hygiene, masks where needed, care with social distancing, etc. are part of the future landscape.
On the more positive side of changes, I see the trend from big ship cruising to small ship cruising accelerating. Guests are looking for safety with smaller numbers of people, and the opportunities that are more available with small ship cruising -- whether the ocean or rivers. We believe the luxury market will continue to expand and grow with ships offering more space per guest and more uniqueness of the guest experience.
Above all else is my absolute belief that cruising will not only survive this horrific global tragedy but will continue to grow as a key way to explore the world. We are already seeing strong bookings for 2022 and 2023 as the love of cruising and exploring for so many of our guests is something that becomes part of who they are and what they need in their lives.
Hoffee (Avalon Waterways): While the world has changed a lot in the last year, two very important things have not changed for Avalon Waterways: The importance we place on guest health and safety and our dedication to delivering travelers a wonderful vacation.
In the near term, life onboard our ships will mirror life at home including social distancing, masks when you can't be distanced, hand sanitizer and enhanced cleaning protocols.
Travelers will also enjoy the intimacy that small-ship cruising gives to travelers more than ever before. And, we think new dining options, including a shift from self-serve buffets to a la carte or crew-served meals, as well as more options for in-room dining, will be popular.
Off our ships, outdoor experiences will be big. As a result, we think our Active & Discovery vacations will draw even more travelers thanks to their off-the-beaten-path ports-of-call and wide range of included excursions.
Long-term, we believe that new ports-of-call, undiscovered destinations and immersive excursions -- featuring a wide-range of choice -- will grow in importance.

ITLT: When are you hoping/expecting to be able to offer voyages in Europe once again?
Voss (Scenic): Hoping is the right word. We will offer our voyages as soon as it is safe and makes sense -- and our guests are ready. It is so much more important to get global control of this pandemic.
We are viewing 2021 as a transition year with a slow reopening of the cruise itineraries and guests coming back on board. Our hope/expectation is that as vaccinations grow significantly and safety protocols are put in place, we will see the second half of 2021 be one of carefully getting back into the water. I have no doubt that there will be numerous adjustments to the processes by both cruise lines and governments but we are hopeful they will be tweaks and not major changes. 2022 and 2023 are where we are seeing the strongest growth -- and when we see the cruise industry begin to look more like it did in 2019.
Hoffee (Avalon Waterways): Avalon Waterways is ready to welcome travelers onboard as soon as the world is ready. When borders open in Europe, we will operate. We are encouraged that with vaccine rollout and coordinated testing, that can happen soon.

When do you think you'll be ready for a European river cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading,
JR

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A Look at the River Cruise Experience with Avalon Waterways

5/28/2020

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Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

By John Roberts
Cruising without the crowds.
It's something that I've always preferred.
Now, it seems like this style of travel will be the most palatable choice for many cruise lovers as we navigate a new world and embrace innovative and creative ways to explore in healthy, safe and responsible ways.
River cruising has grown by 250 percent during the past decade as more travelers are turned on to the intimate, fun, flexible and immersive experiences that it offers.
Avalon Waterways has been among the leaders in offering special itineraries throughout Europe and Asia. The line says its voyages provide an unforgettable fusion of distinctive sights, colorful cultures and enduring traditions while sailing aboard innovative and award-winning Suite Ships.
"Our guests know that it's possible to cruise without a crowd, explore new cultures with ease and sail in intimate settings," said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways.
"Aboard our spacious, state-of-the-art Suite Ships, travelers enjoy the company of an expert cruise director, appealing crew-to-passenger ratios, the personalized attention they deserve and seamless dock-and-go sightseeing with insider tips and experiences only the locals can provide.
"River cruising is the perfect way to see and explore the world."
So, what makes river cruising so special? Avalon Waterways lays out six reasons this travel style should appeal to people seeking a more curated, flexible and intimate adventure.

Sensible Size: It matters. River cruise vessels are built to slowly navigate and explore the world's great rivers. Ships pull into port amid storybook settings. They sail under centuries' old bridges and squeeze between 12-meter-wide locks. Avalon Waterways' ships serve as quaint floating boutique hotels, carrying an average of 150 guests, with ships cruising in Asia much, much smaller. Suite Ships on the Mekong River, for instance, have just 18 staterooms, accommodating 36 cruisers.
Travelers on these voyages share a passion for exploration, and fellow passengers become fast friends while enjoying intense discovery in fantastic destinations.
On every ship, the average passenger-to-crew ratio is 3:1, which means you get personalized attention from staff and officers who are happy to engage and help with personal requests to make your experience special.

Scenic Shores: River cruises wind and bend through the heart of fascinating countries providing a panoramic view of the Old World. Because you are always within a few feet of shore on a river vessel, travelers pass clifftop castles, hillside vineyards, ancient villages and gorgeous capital cities. You have quick and easy access to ports-of-call, day and night.

Hassle-Free Daily Activities: River cruise itineraries are destination-focused, with expert guides coming directly from the communities leading daily excursions. These passionate guides help travelers experience -- and connect more fully -- with the destinations. Most river cruise itineraries also venture to off-the-beaten-path attractions, visiting small fairytale villages, quaint town squares and family owned wineries, bakeries and restaurants.
Avalon Waterways' excursions typically accommodate no more than 30 people at a time, providing every traveler an immersive and authentic experience.

A Breath of Fresh Air: On board Avalon's innovative Suite Ships, passengers on two full decks are make their homes in 200-square-foot Panorama Suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that open 7-feet wide. This wall of glass converts into an open-air balcony. Plus, every Deluxe Stateroom and Panorama Suite offers guests natural light and most feature beds facing the views for which river cruising is famous.
Public areas also provide plenty of space to move around, as well as providing great vantage points to take in the views. And, the ships' top area Sky Decks run the length and width of each vessel. These areas are our favorite places for a morning workout, daily walks and just sitting back in the lounge chairs and enjoying a beer or cocktail in the fresh air and sunshine.

A Positive Impact: Avalon engages with communities by hiring drivers, guides and operators for land activities. This "give back" mentality extends to the purchase of produce, wines, beers and even bread, further connecting travelers to people, places and culture.
River cruising benefits exclusively because of the vibrant and beautiful natural surroundings of the world's rivers. So, of course, it is up to river cruise companies to preserve the precious environment and limit their footprint. Avalon Waterways says it takes great strides to improve monitoring and measurement to reduce its environmental impact, to save water, to limit waste and to foster a sustainability culture among its crew and passengers.
This work includes supporting Ocean Cleanup in its unprecedented efforts to clean up the world's rivers and oceans.

Staying Ship-Shape: The world has changed for travelers, but it's refreshing to see that some companies are striving to keep cruising safe and enjoyable. Avalon Waterways has developed its new Avalon Assurance program, with help from its Global Health and Safety team, dedicated to ensuring that the cleanliness of all operations exceeds today's standards -- throughout your entire journey.
This new health program features seven major categories and protocols that span across the passenger experience touch-points -- and all of these items are being shared, explored, reviewed and renewed continuously.

Thanks for reading,
JR

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Avalon Waterways Unveils Wide Variety of Active River Cruises

European River Cruising: What Will It Look Like When It Resumes?

A Look at the River Cruise Experience with Avalon Waterways

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