Before Shopping For A River Cruise Consider Creating A Checklist
“Price is clearly a part of it, but within that price are a lot of things that can add value,” observes Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “I would look at the age of the ship, the size of the cabin. A lot of prices starting at the lowest category look very similar, but on a newer ship you may be getting 35 percent more space in your cabin.”
Other questions to tick off: Are there nice bathroom amenities? What is storage like? Can you fit luggage under your bed? What are the optional tours, and how much do they cost?
“If you don’t have a list of things to ask about,” Clark adds, “you may get a similar price at two operators, but one of them may be giving you a lot more in terms of value.”
Netherlands Luxembourg Switzerland France Germany
The Rhine runs from the Netherlands to Switzerland, along the French border, and through eastern Germany. Cruises from Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa, are on this river.
The Moselle flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany and is known for excellent viewing of castles and wine tasting of local varieties such as Riesling. Cruises that do a pre or post-Paris land tour usually cruise the Moselle.
Scenic Luxury Cruises And Tours
Price range: Less than $2,000 to $23,000 per person
Sails to: Europe, Asia
From the Danube to the Mekong, Australian travel company Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers lavish, all-inclusive river sailings with an emphasis on customization. The more upscale sister brand of Emerald Cruises, Scenic affords travelers the opportunity to do as much or as little as they want while on board and ashore.
Enrichment activities are hand-picked by the line’s “Journey Designers,” and vessels provide a top-notch level of service thanks to their high crew-to-passenger ratios. In fact, each passenger receives a designated butler who can complete nightly turndowns and make laundry arrangements, among other tasks. Spacious suites on board are larger than those on most other riverboats , and high-tech balcony controls allow lodgers to let in as much or as little sun as they’d like with the touch of a button. Cruisers will also enjoy special in-room touches like pillow menus.
When it comes to dining, Scenic sources local ingredients from the ports visited on the itinerary to provide an authentic experience. All meals are included in the base cruise fare, along with beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, shore excursions and electric bicycle rentals in select destinations.
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Reasons Why You Should Board An Avalon Cruise In Europe
TD Editor
The popularity of Avalon Waterways in Europe has proved that river cruising on the continents waterways is growing. In the last 10 years, river cruising has grown by 250%. Avalon Waterways is the leading operator that fuses luxury cruising, unforgettable destinations, and bespoke experiences.
Now that travel is making a comeback, people are rekindling their romance with travel. Proving that cruising is safe, Avalon Waterways puts the safety and overall happiness of guests as top priorities. The companys Cruising with Confidence policy features new health and safety procedures from the moment the guests arrive until the moment they leave while making that they have the time of their life.
Apart from commitment to safety, here are some of the reasons why you should join an Avalon cruise in Europe now that travel is pretty much on.
Why Choose Avalon Waterways
Rooms with a ViewDesigned to bring the outside in Avalons staterooms have the unique aspect of positioning the beds to face the view. Uniquely featuring the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. Think of it as your own personal room with a view!
Relaxed LuxuryEnjoy meandering along the worlds most scenic waterways, leaving the rules behind but not the luxury. Enjoy free time ashore to explore on your own or take an optional excursion, offering each guest the personalised opportunity to enjoy your river cruise at your own pace and in your own way.
Taste the WorldShare in a truly exceptional culinary experience as you taste decadent local delicacies, fresh regional wine and produce. Onboard your Avalon River Ship, regional & seasonal dining is part of the journey.
Unpack OnceAvalon Waterways have truly mastered the art of relaxed luxury combined with personal comfort. Unpack once and its smooth sailing throughout your river journey as you share in the crews welcoming spirit across the entire the ship.
Reach out to My Cruises Holiday Experts now and inquire about our exclusive Avalon Waterways packages.
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What About Young Travelers And Children
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. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
When Can I Purchase Optional Excursions
You can learn about the optional excursions available on your Avalon vacation, including cruises with Monograms extensions, by logging in to . A complete listing will also be available in your travel documents. These are available to purchase in advance online from 90-4 days prior to departure. We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out. When adding a Globus tour to your cruise, you may purchase the Globus excursions online 90-4 days prior to the start of the Globus departure by going online to www.GlobusJourneys.com/MyGlobus.
NOTE: Optional activities and excursions are subject to change and may not be available as described please visit our website for up-to-date information, including Terms & Conditions and details regarding payment.
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How Does Avalon Support Sustainable Travel And Protect The Environment
Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.Avalon maintains a policy of “Leave Only Footprints and Take Only Photos.” 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. Our cruise directors educate passengers on our “do no harm” code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance.
Getting Active Feeling Healthy
These days many travellers are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle balance while on holiday, rather than ending their cruise feeling like a stuffed turkey. On my Danube cruise I was able to try some of the new Active Discovery excursions such as canoeing and cycling which were great fun and a good way to bond with other guests. Cycling in a group, we took the path by the river which curved through pretty villages and vineyards, until the impressive monastery at Melk came into view. After cycling the 30km from Durnstein to Melk I was really looking forward to my dinner that evening and felt I deserved every mouthful!
Cycling by the Danube with Avalon
I also tried a canoe excursion from Durnstein where we were taken up river and then could canoe back to the ship, taking in the beautiful river views of the castle on the cliff and the picturesque village. Any fears of getting wet in an unstable canoe were dispelled as the two canoes were put together with boards, to create a stable arrangement that could take six people, so we could all chat and have fun together.
Canoeing on the Danube with Avalon Waterways
The Danube at Durnstein in Austria
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Avalon Waterways Cruise Price Inclusions
All meals onboard are included in your fares . Also included are:
- Captain’s welcome and farewell parties
- Welcome Aboard dinner, Farewell dinner
- Afternoon Tea, Night Fare
- Local destination chef dinner
- Meals and complimentary drinks – breakfast , lunch , dinner .
- Staterooms amenities – 2 twin beds that convert to queen-size, 3-door ample closets , 1 private bathroom , a hairdryer, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, 2-seater sofa, coffee table, smart TV , a vanity desk, individual room climate control, direct-dial phone, mini-fridge, personal safe, deluxe pillow menu , 1,5L complimentary bottled water. Standard occupancy in all staterooms is 2 guests.
- Other features – panoramic windows, contemporary design of public spaces, headsets , premium coffees-cappuccinos-lattes, coffee self-serve station, a lounge for premium spirits, modern fitness center, premium bedding , luxury bath amenities , early- and late-riser breakfast, full buffet breakfast, Alfresco lunches , regional food recipes, 4-course dinners , English-speaking crew, non-smoking environment, large modern bathrooms , flat TVs , 3-door closets. Alternative dinners with regional specialties are served at the Panorama Bistro , complimentary maps and Nordic walking sticks .
River Cruise Basics: Deposits & Final Payment
May 30, 2013
PLEASE SEE OUR UPDATED POST: Deposit Policies Across Major European River Cruise Lines
Every river cruise line has policies in place that govern what kind of deposit or down payment youll need in order to secure your reservation, and when the balance of your cruise fare is due. While the vast majority of lines require payment in full no less than 90 days prior to departure, a few extend this window to 60 days.
Where there is no consistency, however, is how much money youll have to dole out up-front in order to make your booking. While these numbers shouldnt be a surprise to anyone who has cruised before, the difference in required deposit amounts between cruise lines can add up to some major coin.
Heres how some of the most popular river cruise lines handle deposits and final payments:
AmaWaterways: A deposit of $400 per person is required within seven days of making the initial reservation, or within three days for voyages departing in 90 days or less. Final payment is due no less than 90 days prior, or within one business day for voyages departing in less than 90 days.
A-ROSA: A total of 20 percent of the cost of the cruise is due within seven days of booking three days for voyages under 90 days out. Along with Tauck, A-ROSA allows guests to make their final payments 60 days out. Reservations made less than 60 days until departure require full payment within 24 hours of booking.
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Amazon River Cruise Prices
The Amazon, winding through Peru and Brazil, is the most expensive river in the world to cruise, in large measure due to the cost of getting there. The big takeaway for this river? When pricing the , it’s essential to do an apples-to-apples comparison. Lindblad and Avalon both charter small vessels that were built to navigate remote areas of the Amazon in Peru. These tours, especially in Lindblad’s case, will spend days on the river itself.
Some oceangoing passenger lines, including Regent Seven Seas and Oceania, offer itineraries in Brazil that are two weeks or longer and take in far more destinations than an Amazon-centric tour offered by lines like Aqua Expeditions or Avalon, but the latter offers a more immersive, “on-the-ground” style of travel.
The actual Amazon sailing experience itself is scant, with the region explored instead by way of shore excursions. Per-person, per-night fares are competitive, with Amazon River cruise fares starting as low as $416 — but don’t expect a European-style river cruise with days spend lazily drifting down the river.
Amazon cruises take place all year long, and there isn’t a lot of play in pricing when it comes to departures. The best way to snag savings: Look for Wave promotions at the start of a new year for both international airfares and cruise fares.
Nile River Cruise Prices
Nile River cruise prices aren’t cheap on average, they’re $500 per person, per night. But they offer up a good mix of itineraries — three-, four- and six-night river cruises with as many as six nights in Cairo. Some of the lines also sail on Lake Nasser. Peak demand is between October and early January, with the shoulder season spanning from mid-January through early April. The low — and hottest — season is between May and the end of September. The variance in pricing between high and low seasons can be as much as 25 percent, though prices have been at historic lows as many lines look to entice travelers back to the Nile.
The good news: The price of airfare to Egypt tends to stay pretty stable, even when purchased last minute. Otherwise, plan to travel in low season or at the end of the shoulder. What to watch out for: Many of the tours include domestic flights, which are an extra cost. Egypt also requires a visa, which can be obtained at the Cairo airport upon arrival for $25. Flights from the U.S. to Egypt aren’t as frequent or as convenient as flights to Europe, but theycan be cheaper. Round trip fares start at around $700 from the Midwest and East Coast and $900 from the West Coast.
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When Will I Receive My Digital Travel Documents
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
Arrival & Departure Details
You can add pre/post tour accommodation to your reservation inconjunction with Avalon. This price will include breakfast. Please note that hotels are subject to change but by booking your pre accommodation with Avalon this ensures that if the meeting location changes Avalon we will try to change your pre accommodation to the same hotel. On the rare occasion that there is no availability then alternative accommodation will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. If this does occur than the transfer between the hotels will be at Avalon’s expense.
Transfers from the meeting location to the ship on embarkation day is included in the river cruise price. Airport transfers can be added your reservation as long as they link in with the start/end dates of your tour or with pre/post tour accommodation booked with us. Avalon’s Airport transfer service is from $49 per person one way.
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Included With Avalon River Cruises:
- Spacious accommodation
- Wine and beer with lunch and dinner
- Guided excursions and daily sightseeing tours
- Gratuities and port charges
Life on board is relaxing and settled, with plenty of room to stretch your legs. Quiet libraries let you escape into a great read. The Sky Deck offers a beautiful setting in which to sip cocktails. Everything you could ask for is at your disposal, making your time on board as memorable and enthralling as your time ashore.
You even get the VIP car service on your way home, making your whole river cruise experience an exceptional one.
Passenger Shipping Pause 2020
Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Avalon Waterways suspended its entire fleet’s passenger shipping operations canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through late-July 2021.
Operations were planned to resume on October 1, 2020, but the fleet’s pause was eventually extended through 2021 July .
All affected Avalon river cruise and cruisetour bookings received a full monetary refund, including on prepurchased through Avalon Waterways packages and services.
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More Is Included In The Price
When booking any cruise, one thing you need to check is whats included in the price you pay, since the extras can really add up. Thats fine if you know in advance and have budgeted for it, but not so great when you find yourself stung for unexpected costs.
Guided tour in Vienna with Avalon Cruises
With Avalon you get a lot included in the price and could probably get away with paying hardly anything above the holiday price if you wanted to. Heres whats included
Cycling excursion with Avalon
So what extras will you need to budget for?
- Some specialist excursions, for instance a cookery class or cycling excursion.
- Drinks from the bar before or after dinner.
- Laundry services if required as there are no self-service laundry or ironing facilities on board.
- There was a hairdresser on board where you can also have a manicure.
Thats not a huge amount of extras and depending on how you like to spend your cruise, you could get away without spending much above the holiday price. The item that would probably add most to your bill are the special excursions and to give you an idea of the cost, on my cruise these ranged from around â¬50-60 per person for a half day or around â¬70 for a full day excursion.
Avalon Visionary at Grein
Reasons To Take A River Cruise With Avalon Waterways
Id always enjoyed my holidays in Austria, but on my Danube river cruise with Avalon Waterways, I think I fell in love with Vienna most of all. I was seduced by the rich architecture and culture of Austrias capital, for centuries the heart of the Habsburg empire. I lingered in the elegant Viennese coffee shops and browsed the vibrant markets selling everything from flowers to found-in-the-attic antiques.
Our river cruise continued on the Danube with stops at the pretty villages of Durnstein and Grein with its 18th century theatre and castle on the hill. At Melk we visited the magnificent baroque abbey, before ending our mini-cruise at Linz, Austrias former European city of culture. There was plenty to discover in the scenery and places we visited, but the experience of being on board Avalon Visionary was also most enjoyable.
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Beautiful architecture in Vienna, Austria
Since many different river cruise companies offer a similar Danube itinerary, here are some of the reasons you might consider booking your Danube Cruise with Avalon Waterways.
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