15 May 2015

Avalon Waterways has launched its European 2016 brochure with new cruises in Holland and Belgium to include the River Meuse for the first time as well as savings of up to £1400* off per couple for bookings before 30 June 2015.

Savings Of Up to £1400 Off Per Couple 

A range of savings are available on 2016 departures with up to £1400 off per couple and at least £400 off per couple.  Prices are from £1495** per person for the 8 day 'Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches' cruise (includes savings of £500 per person). The 11 day 'Burgundy & Provence' cruise is priced from £1,939 (includes saving of £600pp) and 18 day 'Grand Danube' Cruise priced from £2,915 per person (includes saving of £700pp).

David Binns, Avalon's UK General Manager commented: “Demand continues to strengthen for our brand of luxury European river cruises and we have some great value savings for early booking customers to benefit from as well as being able to secure the stateroom category and departure date they want.” 

New Suite Ships

The 2016 European brochure includes cruises aboard the new Suite Ships Avalon Passion and Avalon Imagery II, due for delivery in spring 2016 which will bring the number of Suite Ships to 12 with an overall fleet total of 16 ships.   Avalon Passion will sail the longer river cruise itineraries including the 11 day 'Legendary Danube', the 13 day 'Blue Danube Discovery', the 13 day 'European Splendour' and 14 day 'Blue Danube to the Black Sea'.  Avalon Imagery II will sail the 8 day 'Romantic Rhine'.  All Suite Ships have two decks of Panorama Suites sized at 200 square feet, 30% larger than industry standard representing 80% of staterooms on each Ship, compared to other fleets which feature just a few premium staterooms.  All are well-appointed with wall-to-wall sliding panoramic windows opening to create an open-air balcony as well as large private bathroom with full shower, spacious storage, L'Occitane bath products, luxurious Comfort Collection beds and Egyptian cotton linens.

Newly Features Cruises In Belgium and Holland

The 9 day 'Pride of Belgium' (from £1765pp includes £350pp saving) features poignant visits to the Battlefields of Ypres and Eastern Flanders as well as guided visits to Maastricht, Antwerp and Ghent.  Newly featured is the River Meuse which includes a visit to the charming riverside city of Namur in Belgium's Wallonia region to see the striking Fortress, one of Europe's largest as well as the medieval squares and streets.  Departures are available throughout April.    The 8 day 'Charms of Holland and Belgium' (from £1,719pp which includes £350pp saving) features the picturesque and historical cities of Amsterdam, Antwerp and Ghent and landmark sights of the windmills of Kinderdijk as well as the world-famous and spectacular spring blooms of the Keukenhof Gardens plus pretty towns of Willemstad and Middelburg.

New History Themed Cruises

Two new history themed cruises for 2016 include the newly introduced 'Pride of Belgium' cruise featuring a special WWI themed departure on 4 April aboard Avalon Luminary and the newly named 'Danube Dreams'*** cruise aboard Avalon Artistry II featuring a special themed departure on 13 April on the history of the Hapsburg Empire.  Both feature special on-board lectures.

New Beer Themed Cruises

Three new special 'beer themed' departures have been introduced on Charms of Holland & Belgium (12 April), Danube Dreams (30 March) and 'Blue Danube Discovery' (9 November). All will include discovering more about regional beers with on-board tastings and fascinating lectures, visits to historic breweries and a pairing dinner with beers chosen to complement regional dishes.

The new themed cruises are in addition to the existing choice which includes other European history and politics, golf, beer tasting, wellness, music (jazz, classical music or opera) culinary, wine appreciation, writing, arts and impressionist art, Jewish heritage, Christmas markets and a Presidents Cruise.

Increased Flexibility

The 2016 programme will offer the most flexible choice of travel options with flights from up to 21 UK airports, connecting rail travel from the UK to all European cruises with overnight city stops en-route as well as the choice of making your own travel arrangements.

Ends

*early booking savings are available on bookings made before 30 June 2015

**price includes return flights, a private home pick up service (within 100 miles from departure airport or station), airport transfers,    seven nights full board luxury cruise accommodation, guided excursions, onboard gratuities and all taxes.

***Danube Dreams is the renamed Capitals of Central Europe cruise

Attached is an image of a Royal Suite aboard Avalon Tapestry II, sister ship to Avalon Imagery II (2016) with the same design.

About Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' fully-packaged river cruise holidays with return travel and deluxe accommodation in spacious staterooms also feature a range of benefits in the price; on-board gratuities, a privately chauffeured door-to-door home pick up service, port charges and all airport transfers and complimentary Wi-Fi.  Daily excursions accompanied by expert local guides with individual audio systems as well as complimentary hot drinks throughout the day are also included. Based on full board, the a la carte dining on-board includes a range of international and regional dishes with local wines, beers and soft drinks served on a complimentary basis with dinner.   Pre and post cruise hotels and city stays can be added.  Avalon's flexible approach to river cruising provides passengers with more of a personalised experience.  Included sightseeing with individual audio sets is available at three different levels all led by expert local guides.  Leisurely sightseeing shows the destination's highlights in a relaxed and unhurried way; traditional sightseeing explores a wide range of sights at a moderate pace and essential sightseeing shows the must-see sights, with plenty of time to explore on your own.  Alternative sightseeing options are also on offer for those with different interests or for those who have visited the area before.

Avalon ships and launch dates:  Avalon Imagery II and Avalon Passion (2016); Avalon Tapestry II and Avalon Impression (2015); Avalon Impression, Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Illumination (2014); Avalon Artistry II & Avalon Expression (2013); Avalon Vista & Visionary (2012); Avalon Panorama (2011); Avalon Felicity (2010); Avalon Luminary (2010);  Avalon Affinity (2009);  Avalon Creativity (2009);  Avalon Scenery (2008). 

For further press information or images of Avalon cruise ships please contact: Helen McNaught at the Avalon UK Press Office 

on 020 8315 4520 or email hmcnaught@avaloncruises.co.uk