Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways

Type	Private
Industry	Travel, Tourism, River cruise company, Cruise line
Founded	2004
Headquarters	Lugano, Switzerland and Littleton, Colorado
Products	River cruises
Parent	Globus family of brands

Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company owned by the Globus family of brands and offers cruises in Europe, China , Southeast Asia, the United States, South America and the Galápagos Islands.^[1] The company became a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in August 2009.^[2]

History and Ship Design

Avalon Waterways debuted its first ship – the Avalon Artistry – in 2004. The following year, the company added the Avalon Poetry to its fleet.^[3] They were the first European river cruise ships to include two full decks of staterooms with French balconies and sliding glass doors.^[3] During this time, Avalon Waterways also became known for offering the largest cabins on Europe’s Rivers.^[3]

Eight (8) more ships followed, placing Avalon’s young fleet of ships on every major river in Europe.^[1]

In 2011, Avalon Waterways introduced the industry’s first Suite Ship - the Avalon Panorama - ^[4][5] which became the first in a long line of Avalon's now-signature Suite Ships. With a focus on bringing the outdoor experience inside, two full decks of Suite Ship staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that slide open (7-feet) to create a balcony-like exterior wall for broader views of Europe's passing landscapes.^[6][3] Another exclusive feature of every Panorama Suite on all of Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ships are beds that face the views for which river cruising is famous.^[7][8]

Avalon Waterways' Suite Ships design has earned the river cruise operator countless awards including, “Best Cabins in River Cruising,” according to USA Today and “Cruise Critic.” ^[7][8]

Today, the river cruise company operates ships on every major river in Europe, specifically, the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhone, Seine and Saone Rivers.^[3] Avalon Waterways also offers travelers the opportunity to sail aboard Suite Ships on the Mekong and Irrawaddy Rivers in Southeast Asia,^[9][10] as well as on the Yangtze (in China) and the Amazon River (in Peru).^[3]

Fleet

Since its launch in 2004, Avalon Waterways has christened 22 new ships in Europe and three (3) new ships in SE Asia.^{[11][12][13][14][15]}

Avalon Fresh

In 2016, Avalon Waterways announced plans to partner with Vienna-based chefs Karl & Leo Wrenkh to offer its guests Avalon Fresh menu items: Vegetarian and healthy food choices available at breakfast, lunch and dinner.^[16][17]

Special Interest Cruises

Known for its diverse offerings that cater to the growing trend of “passion travel,”^[18] Avalon Waterways has grown its luxury Special Interest cruises. In 2016, the river cruise company announced that it would introduce Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube River.^[19] From hiking to canoeing along the Danube River to waltzing in Vienna, Avalon’s Active Discovery cruises encourage travelers to immersively experience each destination.^[16] In 2017, Avalon announced plans to extend its Active Discovery options to include the Rhine River.^[20] Other “Special Interest” cruises include Culinary- ,Beer- and Christmas-themed itineraries.^[17][21][22] In 2017, the company also announced plans for a special Author cruise, featuring internationally best-selling author Diana Gabaldon.^[23]

Godmothers

Throughout its history, Avalon Waterways has invited some notable godmothers to christen its Suite Ships in Europe, including Outlander Author Diana Gabaldon,^[24] Singer/Songwriter Jann Arden,^[25] 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Author Patricia Schultz^[26] and U.S. Women’s National Team Coach Jill Ellis.^[27]

References

External links

More information about Avalon Waterways can be accessed through the company Web site or blog.

• www.AvalonWaterways.com
• Blog.AvalonWaterways.com
• Cruise Critic review

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