Both Avalon and Viking offer a comprehensive catalog of river cruises that offer superb value; the differences are really quite slight. 30K views 4 years ago Avalon Waterways River Cruise Ship Tour Of Their Signature Suite River Ships. My room attendant, Nemo, brightened my day, I selected this Cruise company because it fit our plan to see the Oberammergua Passion Play with a Danube River Cruise. 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 only way to keep track of and to know the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. It's the Avalon difference, and it doesn't get much better than that. All Aboard! Avalon Waterways - Things You Need To Know Before European - YouTube To adjust the water level in the lock chamber to match the water level of the waterway on the opposite end, water is allowed to enter into the chamber from the high-water side, or drained out of the chamber to the low-water side, thus raising or lowering the ship. In addition to the above, the plan offers Travel Insurance benefits including Trip Cancellation for independent air arrangements, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, medical expense, emergency medical transportation, baggage loss, theft, damage or delay coverage, etc. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company owned by the Globus family of brands and offers cruises in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, South America, India and the Galpagos Islands. The bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. 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. This category is where Viking and Avalon diverge paths. And both river lines charge about the same amount for their cruises. To use any small personal appliance such as an electric razor, curling iron, or electric plug-in type alarm clock, you will need an adapter to plug into the wall sockets for dual voltage appliances and a converter as well as an adapter for appliances that are not dual voltage. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Avalon River Cruises FAQ - Avalon Waterways Avalon's Deluxe staterooms on lower decks are also larger than Viking's, with 172 square feet compared to 150 square feet. The canal reaches its apex 1,332 ft. above sea level. The cruise was DELIGHTFUL. We regret that we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits on any Avalon vacation outside of Europe. Television: On the Mekong, each stateroom has color satellite TV and will receive some English programming and a selection of movies. We enjoyed the 24/7 hot chocolate, water, and sweets. avalon waterways robbery. Avalon Amazon River Cruises The meal is a four-course affair; five if it's a special captain's dinner. }. Avalon Waterways - River Cruise Advisor For single travelers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested. 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 itinerary was as, My partner and I have wanted to do this trip for several years. Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance. Reminded me of school lunch - not a good start to an expensive cruise. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest." 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. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. 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. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. How does Avalon handle itinerary disruptions? The meals were so beautifully prepared and presented - with all the wine you want from the local region. [2], Avalon Waterways started operations in 2004 with just one initial ship, called Avalon Artistry. Television: Treasure of Galpagos provides a TV in the ship's library for playing DVDs only. Other theme cruises include culinary, art, beer, wine, golf, opera, jazz, wellness, Jewish history and World War II -- all complete with special lectures, excursions and activities. They were a great team. Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises All Aboard! The entire trip, from arrival in Paris to departure in, I wish I could give Avalon's ship, crew, and itinerary 10 stars because it was outstanding in every way. 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. The river cruise wins hands down. This category is where Viking and Avalon diverge paths. Here, we trade formality for friendly; white gloves for welcomes and suits and gowns for suites and get-up-and-go! River Cruising with Avalon - Avalon Waterways 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. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Avalon Waterways - Expert Cruise Reviews - | ShermansTravel Experience a world beyond your expectations. To complement the view, the line decided to go with sliding glass doors that open the full width of the room, creating an extensive open "French balcony" effect. Our Avalon FlexDiningapproach to onboard dining experiences has tossed out the idea of restrictive seating times in limited settings. Dinner attire on board is casual with typical guests donning open-neck shirts and slacks, skirts and dresses. When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways have quite a bit in common. All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs and consist of local food prepared for North American tastes. Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel The identical nature of the Longships means that there really is no one ship thats better than others. If you have already made a booking and need to apply a payment, please login to access your booked cruise vacation. Frequently Asked Questions Before You Cruise Travel Protection Air Arrangements Frequently Asked Questions AvalonGO App River Cruising | Avalon Waterways River Cruises Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. But we're not ones to rest on our laurels. 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. Electricity on board the Treasure of Galpagos is 110v. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. We encourage full deposit early to secure your space and to protect the price of your vacation. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Additional notes to consider: Cuisine Most of the countries you will be visiting in Europe use the Euro. If space at the hotel is not available, alternative accommodations will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. How does Avalon support sustainable travel and protect the environment? (22 kg). 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. Cruise Critic named Avalons staterooms the best in the business, and yes, were blushing a bit. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways. 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. These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. Mother Nature (water levels and weather conditions), as well as man-made conditions (maintenance or repair of locks that all ships must pass through), as well as logistical obstacles due to labor strikes or natural elements can create unforeseen disruptions to river navigation. Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Electricity on board the Amazons Delfin III is 220v. Both lines have small dance floors in their lounges, although whether or not they'll be used depends on the passengers and the sailing. All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. Avalon Waterways 4 32 #1 of 3 Tours & Activities in Bromley Sightseeing Tours Write a review See all photos About Bromley, Greater London, England Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. Please contact the reception desk if your stateroom is without one. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. In addition, for your comfort and that of your fellow cruisers, we do request that shorts not be worn in the Dining Room or Panorama Lounge in the evenings, and if you fancy a dip in the whirlpool, bathing suits are worn only on the Sky Deck. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. Coupert automatically finds and applies every available code, all for free. TOE THE LINE This river line operates approximately two dozen comfortable, classy, well-designed ships in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Amazon for a mostly age 55-plus crowd. 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. 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. With your Avalon travel documents, you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers for your vacation. Not a fan of (ocean) cruises, I went on my first river cruise several years ago and I was hooked! The possibilities are as wide open as the views. So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? Cheap, non-certified converters may damage your appliance and are a fire hazard on the ship. Check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. 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. And the feeling is mutual. Chief among these: Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube, where you leave the coach behind and explore Austria through hiking, kayaking, biking, tasting and language lessons. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company with a fleet of 'Suite Ships' that ply the major rivers in Europe and Asia. Because Avalon is owned by Globus, which also runs land tours, your river cruise has a host of options for pre- and post-tours. Offering over 100 itineraries . Telephone Service: Each stateroom includes a direct dial telephone which may be used to call between staterooms. 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. Both lines sail the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine and Rhone rivers. The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. Viking's glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace, where the line serves lighter lunches and dinners, can open to the elements in nice weather. Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. "Suite Ship" with 66, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. 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. Cons: We flew from the UK to Basel, stayed the night before in St Louis & joined the ship next day. Beverages Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and is only available when booked in conjunction with a land/cruise vacation. Our biggest reward is making our cruise guests feel happy from the first throw of the bowlines to the last drop of the anchor. This was our 3rd river cruise. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. The daily excursions with knowledgeable local guides were educational and inspiring. We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out. (Avalon does have a barbecue on the top deck at least once per cruise, weather permitting.). Avalon vs. Viking - Cruise Critic Europe River Cruises ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. Avalon takes special care of each and every guest to ensure only good surprises await you on your cruise. 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. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so youll never feel crowded anywhere on board. So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. Viking also offers pre- and post- options, but their expertise is really on the rivers instead of with land tours. 11 water locks were needed to overcome the ascent of 574 ft. between the Main in Bamberg and the apex and 5 additional locks facilitate descent from the apex. Both Avalon and Viking have enrichment activities and lectures that focus on the destinations visited. 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. Check the price list in your stateroom. Once the water levels are equalized, the gates at that end are opened and the vessel can continue on its way. Electricity:Onboard voltage is 220v with combination outlets to accommodate modern dual voltage electronics with no adapter/converterUSB charging ports are available on the Mekong. The currency on board is also the Indian rupee. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Upcoming Avalon Waterways Cruises: 2023 Prices, Itineraries While his construction effort failed, parts of the canal are still visible in southern areas of central Franconia. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company owned by the Globus family of brands and offers cruises in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, South America, India and the Galpagos Islands. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Safes Bathroom sockets are solely for razors (and/or battery chargers for digital cameras, mobile phones). We just returned from our first river cruise on the Avalon Passion. What's the onboard technology - Wi-Fi, Electricity, Telephone and TV? The men called the mixture "grog." Email and Internet: Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galpagos. 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. Avalon Waterways (Littleton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Well planned excursions, good food, superb service & great scenery on Avalon Panorama, Some Good -- but MANY Problems and Issues. We had a very tasty lasagne, a vegetarian rice dish was, We had never been to Europe but decided before COVID that our first trip would be a river cruise. "Suite Ship" with 52, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. 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. King Ludwig I of Bavaria built the first fully functioning Main-Danube Canal in only 10 years of construction from 1836-1846. 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. This was called "dressing down." The currency on board is the U.S. dollar. 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. Please refer to your travel documents for more information. Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions or contact us any time you have questions. Avalon has added a number of cruises geared toward people with specific interests. Avalon Waterways Ships By Size And Age, 2022 - Cruising For All UNDER THE WEATHER We're humbled and happy to share kudos we've received from some of the industry's most respected experts in river cruising, including readers and editors of Cruise Critic, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, and TravelAge West. The fact that we could add three days in London was a bonus. 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. On either cruise, you might spend an afternoon sampling Austrian wine while your vessel sails on the Danube. Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. The Indian rupee is the currency used throughout the country. [7][8][9][10][11], Avalon has offered a range of special interest cruises including culinary-, beer- and Christmas-themed itineraries. Once the vessel is moored inside the lock chamber, the lock operator closes the lock gates behind the vessel. Onboard Language Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. Ask about special services available to help you celebrate. Many of them belong to famous chains such as Westin, InterContinental, and Hilton-- Deluxe, Superior First-Class & First-Class hotels nearly everywhere we travel. There were miles of cordage in the rigging of a square rigged ship. Our crew is devoted without being daunting, focused but not fussy and supportive minus the smother. Under the Trip Cancellation Waiver, you can cancel your trip any time up to departure for several eligible reasons as listed in the plan and receive a refund of the normally non-refundable Globus cancellation penalty amount. The planning of the present canal dates back to 1922. Weve brought back the question, Where should we eat? to the cruise experience. Both lines also have alternative light dining at breakfast and lunch. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns; in smaller towns, cash is recommended. 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. Internet access Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galpagos. Started in Deggendorf, Germany ended in Budapest, Hungary. Since our critical review was based largely upon the slow 6 month delay did finally pay a satisfactory amount, we wish to amend our review up to 4 stars.