To meet demand for the increase in small groups wanting to travel together, Avalon Waterways is offering an early booking discount of £110 per person on a group booking of eight people or more, as well as, a free place to save even more.   One in ten passengers can travel for free on an Avalon Panorama Suite Ship group booking, and one in eight passengers on an Avalon Deluxe Ship group booking, if booked before 28 April 2017.

Other value added offers for all early bookers include a low deposit offer of just £75 per person to guarantee a chosen cruise departure and itinerary, as well as,  a no mileage restriction on the popular VIP Chauffeur service*.

Avalon's 2018 cruise programme offers a broad range of exciting river cruises in Europe. Customers can choose from Avalon's inspirational river cruises ranging from 7 - 23 nights on Europe's most spectacular rivers and waterways including the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Seine, Saone, and Rhone rivers as well as the Dutch Waterways and festive Christmas themed cruises. 

Prices for 2018 are as low as £1299pp for the popular 8 day 'Romantic Rhine' or 'Tulips of Northern Holland'.  Other longer itineraries to include cruise and city stay options include 10 day 'Danube Dreams' (from £1,599pp), 11 day 'Burgundy & Provence (from £1,999pp) or 13 day 'Blue Danube Discovery' (from £1,898pp). For those with no time restriction, the 24 day 'From the Black Sea to the North Sea' costs from £6,929pp.

David Binns, Avalon's Head of Product commented: “This is a great opportunity for groups of friends who enjoy taking European city breaks together to benefit from low prices whilst trying a river cruise for the first time.  River cruise lends itself to good friends travelling together with the camaraderie of eating, sightseeing and spending time together, without the hassle of making travel arrangements, booking restaurants or deciding who pays for drinks or meals.   Tables seating eight people in the main dining room, or the more relaxed and informal bistro styled dinner menu in the Panorama Lounge means friends can really enjoy dining together.”

“Our customers love to discover towns and cities in Europe which are easily accessible by river, and shared experiences with friends can make it all the more enjoyable.  There's something for everyone, like wine tasting in France, cycling through the Wachau River, learning how to waltz or baking bread in a typical Viennese bakery, playing golf on a spectacular course in Austria and for something to  really brag about when you get home, canoeing on the Danube. ”

Those wanting to combine an interest or hobby with a relaxing Avalon river cruise can choose from a wide range of themes including a new departure for the 8 day 'Paris to Normandy' cruise (23 June departure) with included excursions such as a painting class, hiking tour and visit to a calvados distillery.   This is in addition to the existing choice of fascinating cruises themed with classical, jazz & opera music, golf, history, impressionist arts, culinary, wine tasting, beer tasting, history or gardens & nature.

Avalon's suite-styled staterooms sized at 200 square feet are 30% larger than industry standard, and feature wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open to transform the entire room into an open-air balcony, bringing the beautiful sights of Europe inside. With clever bed positioning to face the panoramic window, guests can enjoy the best views of the passing landscape.

An Avalon river cruise offers the highest level of service from beginning to end, for the most relaxing way to see Europe. Included in the holiday price is a VIP home pick-up service by executive car, providing a smooth journey to and from the UK departure airport, with no mileage restrictions if booked before 28 April 2017.  With a ratio of just three passengers to one staff member, customers can look forward to attentive on-board service as well as deluxe full board dining with a choice of mouth-watering dishes accompanied by regional wines at both lunch and dinner.

Avalon customers experience the heart of a destination as ships moor up in city and town centres, providing the perfect base to enjoy included excursions with expert local guides, or explore on their own. Avalon holidays offer great value for money with return flights, on-board gratuities, full board accommodation, overseas transfers and port charges also included in the price.

Avalon's flexibility gives customers the choice to fly from their local airport (flights from up to 27 UK airports), travel by rail, make their own travel arrangements, or add pre and post cruise hotel stays.  

For the full range of 2018 Avalon cruises, ring Avalon Waterways on 0800 668 1801, visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @avaloncruisesuk

 Ends

*The low deposit and mileage offer is available for bookings made before 28 April 2017.

**Terms and conditions apply.  The free place offer is based on the cruise only part of the booking and doesn't include flights or overseas transfers. 

Avalon ships and launch dates:  Avalon Passion and Avalon Imagery II (2016); Avalon Tapestry II and Avalon Tranquility II, Avalon Siem Reap and Avalon Myanmar (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).

Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, an international travel company with offices worldwide. Launched to the UK market in 2009, the luxury river cruise operator has quickly become one of the most recognised and fastest growing river cruise brands with a 98% customer satisfaction rating and boasting the youngest, quietest and most spacious fleet of ships currently on Europe's rivers. Avalon Waterways features fourteen 'Suite Ships' providing ultimate worldwide river cruises with spacious and modern suites designed to enhance the cruising experience, state-of-the-art facilities, a la carte dining and the highest level of on-board service.

For further press information or images of Avalon cruise ships please contact:

Helen McNaught at the Avalon UK Press Office email: hmcnaught@avaloncruises.co.uk or ring 020 8315 4520