Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Once your ships docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address. Europe. These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. 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. It is advised that you check with your bank to ensure your card will work; otherwise, we recommend you bring all the currency youll need from home. Please refer to your travel documents for more information. Avalon vs. Viking - Cruise Critic The possibilities are as wide open as the views. Cons: It is also important that this information be provided correctly at the time of booking, as any changes to your air booking, which includes correct spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties, higher fares, new schedule, and/or cancellation. 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. Locks employ a fixed chamber in which water levels can be varied to accommodate a vessel. Avalon had local guides meet us every step of the way from the airport until dropoff. Not a fan of (ocean) cruises, I went on my first river cruise several years ago and I was hooked! what happened to quincy's tavern fingers Avalon Waterways is a leader in deluxe river cruises. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Chief among these: Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube and Rhine, where you leave the coach behind and. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world . All 14 Deals 14 For Free Avalon Waterways Apply all Avalon Waterways codes at checkout in one click. All Aboard! So what makes these two lines, both considered moderately priced for river cruises, different? 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. 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. Avalon Waterways Cruise Reviews - Cruise Critic 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. During particularly busy periods, hotel space in certain cities can become so limited that we may be unable to sell extra nights. Neither ship is designed for families; Viking actively discourages guests under the age of 18. 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. On 2nd day, the tour guide told us they had video of the suitcase being loaded on the bus in Paris and it was probably stolen. Cleaned daily and nothing was a bother for the cleaning team. The ship is well staffed, friendly and spotlessly clean. Avalon is not responsible for additional baggage fees imposed by air carriers. News & Information The bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. For single travelers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested. As you set sail down the worlds most legendary waters, weve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in both on board and off. On either cruise, you might spend an afternoon sampling Austrian wine while your vessel sails on the Danube. Avalon's Deluxe staterooms on lower decks are also larger than Viking's, with 172 square feet compared to 150 square feet. Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. TourRadar offers 438 Avalon Waterways tours through many destinations including Budapest and Vienna. All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs and consist of local food prepared for North American tastes. If you have already made a booking and need to apply a payment, please login to access your booked cruise vacation. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. With our contact-information policy at the time of your booking, to swift resolution protocols during your cruise, to ease of post-cruise communication with Traveler Services, your satisfaction and comfort remain our commitment to you. 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. 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. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galpagos. See some answers to frequently asked questions to make your cruise experience ship shape! Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. How do I make a payment on a cruise I already booked? All rooms are 245-square-foot suites. Avalon Waterways' Romancing The Rhine: 6 Perfect Getaways for Different Types of Cruisers in 2021 February 9, 2021 The second-longest river in Central and Western Europe, the Rhine flows 800 miles from the white-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps to the rainbow-hued blossoms of the Netherlands. Experience a world beyond your expectations. Some in walking distance and that feels really . But its only because weve taken such pride in bringing you river cruisings only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. With your Avalon travel documents, you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers for your vacation. Exceptions are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania; they all have their own currencies, but the Euro is accepted in many establishments. 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. The river cruise wins hands down. Avalon Waterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper When this is the case, the transfer to and from the included hotel is at our expense. We received a huge welcome on board and this continued on returning from day trips. Another nicety: a variety of lighting options, including reading lights cleverly recessed into the headboard of the bed. This was our 3rd river cruise. Avalon is proud to be associated with some of the finest establishments worldwide. Avalon vs. Viking - Cruise Critic It's the Avalon difference, and it doesn't get much better than that. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. Avalon Waterways - River Cruise Advisor 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. 30K views 4 years ago Avalon Waterways River Cruise Ship Tour Of Their Signature Suite River Ships. A vessel enters through the open gates. Clothing & Dress Code Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. Galpagos: Complimentary coffee and tea are available throughout the day. If space at the hotel is not available, alternative accommodations will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship? Some vacations have more restrictive regulations than these listed above, such as cruises on the Galpagos, Mekong, and Ganges. We had two night stay in Amsterdam prior to the cruise. Most of the countries you will be visiting in Europe use the Euro. Viking and Avalon are almost the same when it comes to inclusions and pricing, although the latter can vary depending on itinerary and promotions. The ship was spotless and our beds comfortable. Why am I asked to give my passport name, gender, and date of birth when booking a flight? The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to . Another feature of an Avalon sailing is a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairings, held several times per cruise. Viking does, however, occasionally offer river cruises that can connect with one of the lines ocean sailings (Viking began offering ocean cruises back in 2015 with the introduction of Viking Star). Check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. 5% Off. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan. If this information is not obtained, either the intra-vacation air or the entire vacation will be cancelled. Please note that Avalon reserves the right to ticket passengers upon receipt of full land and air deposit. 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. Another nicety: a variety of lighting options, including reading lights cleverly recessed into the headboard of the bed. Avalon Waterways Reviews, Ships & Photos - Cruiseline.com Filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. Experience a world beyond your expectations. [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). Complimentary specialty coffees, tea, and filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day. We know why you travel. Avalon Waterways' Paris River Cruise With 'Sex and the City' Creator ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galpagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes. Onboard Shopping In contrast, Avalon has a fleet of 19, including 14 "Suite Ships" in Europe that carry between 128 and 166 passengers, on vessels that are the same size as Viking's. Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Avalon has signed a partnership with the Wrenkh brothers, noted Austrian chefs, who specialize in vegetarian and vegan dishes as part of the line's "Avalon Fresh" initiative. Viking does not have bikes onboard, with the (not unreasonable) logic that in many European cities, rental bicycles are plentiful and inexpensive. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship. Staterooms are also equipped with USB outlets which are useful for charging phones, tablets, cameras, etc. Or you might hear a folk music ensemble one evening while docked. And both river lines charge about the same amount for their cruises. With Avalon, the views are as wide open as the possibilities. 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. There may be times when unforeseen events beyond our control impact travel schedules and potentially disrupt your vacation. Although Viking's Veranda staterooms are technically larger at 205 square feet, that figure includes the balcony. The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. AvalonWaterways - YouTube Some countries also require a visa. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galpagos. Avalon ships have a small fitness room with a treadmill, elliptical machines and free weights. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, theyre actually river cruisings only OpenAir Balcony with nothing between you and the view. Our staff and major service providers strive to ensure that no removal of any natural or cultural artifacts or materials occurs to ensure each environment looks and functions the same before and after our visit. The Amazon River runs right through the Amazon Rainforest, and way beyond. Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. It was outstanding all the way! 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. Started in Deggendorf, Germany ended in Budapest, Hungary. Traveler's checks are not accepted. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Avalon's bathrooms also seem larger, due to the cabin's configuration at a slight angle (to give cruisers that river view mentioned earlier). Viking's glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace, where the line serves lighter lunches and dinners, can open to the elements in nice weather. All purchases on board are charged to your room account. Internet cafes can be found in many towns in Western Europe, generally with reasonable charges. The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, and tour departure times. Routes: In Europe, you can sail the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, and Rhne rivers. This was called "dressing down." Viking also offers pre- and post- options, but their expertise is really on the rivers instead of with land tours. Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. On an Avalon cruise, dining is part of the journey. If you want to step outside your cabin and sit on a "proper" balcony, or want a suite that lives up to its name and is made up of two rooms rather than one large space, then go for Viking. Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly.