Avalon Affinity. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.
Group Voyagers had been a leader in escorted tours of Europe for more than 75 years — under well-known brands such as Globus, Cosmos and Brennan Vacations — but it was not until 2003 that the company launched Avalon Waterways and its fleet of small river cruisers.
In 2011, Avalon Waterways will operate nine ships in Europe: Imagery, Tapestry, Tranquility, Scenery, Creativity, Affinity, Luminary and Felicity.
One of the spacious Panorama Suites aboard Avalon Visionary. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways
The company’s newest vessel, Avalon Panorama, debuted in May 2011 and features two full decks of new Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create unique Open Air Balconies. The ship’s maiden season has sold so well that the line recently announced plans to expand the fleet further in 2012 with the launch of two additiona “Suite Ships”, Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary.
The Fitness Center aboard Avalon's river vessels. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.
All offer such big-ship amenities as accommodations with hotel-quality beds, satellite TV, bathrooms with full-sized showers, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms, and even some private balconies. Ships also have Wi-Fi Internet access, an expansive sun deck and fitness equipment.
Avalon Creativity, shown here sailing the Rhine in Germany. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.
Avalon Waterways operates on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Mosel, and Rhône rivers.
The company also offers French wine country cruises on the Saône and Rhône rivers, as well as Christmas-market cruises from late November through December. Theme cruises are also on offer. These voyages aim to enhance the overall river cruise experience by providing insight into the incredible history and culture of the surrounding area.
Avalon offers a variety of staterooms to suit every taste and budget. Pictured here is the Avalon Suite aboard Avalon Creativity. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.
In more exotic destinations, Avalon Waterways offers cruises on two vessels in China (Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna), both deployed on the Yangtze River by Victoria Cruises) and one in Egypt (Royal Lotus, cruising the Nile). Avalon also operates the Santa Cruz, a small ocean going ship that cruises the exotic Galapagos Islands
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