Small wonders, big experience

7 reasons you’ll love river cruising

By Martha Chapman

Fairy tale castles. Rolling vineyards. Cobblestone streets, ancient towns. It’s no wonder we love Europe – and why river cruising is such a great way to experience it. Once the domain of older travellers with an insatiable appetite for looking at churches and scenic bridges, river cruising has reinvented itself to appeal to a much wider audience. And when we can at last travel again, it’s poised to be one of the most popular ways to vacation. A river cruise embraces what many Canadians are looking for in a vacation – travelling in a small group, experiencing local food and wines, and connecting with the locals in an authentic, genuine way. Add in the fact you can visit several countries in one trip and need to unpack once, and you can see why so many of us have river cruising on our travel wish list.

1 REMARKABLE VALUE

Most travellers who come to river cruising have a background in “big ship” ocean cruises where there can be a dazzling array of options (often at extra cost) based on accommodation and dining choices, excursions, entertainment and activities. With Avalon, not only are your meals at all three dining venues included – as well as optional continental breakfast delivered to your cabin – but regional wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner.

Shore excursions can rack up a big bill on an ocean cruise, but with Avalon a selection is included at every port of call – all included in your vacation price.

© AVALON WATERWAYS

2 SUBLIME ACCOMODATIONS

Avalon’s Panorama Suites are a trademark of the company and one of the reasons why the company has earned a loyal following. The majority of cabins on each ship are roomy 18.5-square-metre suites, featuring luxurious linens and duvets on window-facing beds, a sitting area with desk, flat-screen TV, stocked bar fridge, and marble bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane toiletries. The light-filled metres to bring in the sights and sounds of the passing landscapes. Solo travellers also like the fact that Avalon sets aside at least five cabins on each sailing with no single supplement. These suites are often the first to sell out. If you are interested, be sure to let your travel advisor know in plenty of time.

AVALON WATERWAYS ©

3 WONDERFUL ITINERARIES

In 2021, Avalon will offer 50 different itineraries, ranging from four to 26 days, and feature cruises along legendary rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Moselle and Seine. suites feature a three-metre window wall which slides open a full two

Each cruise is created with a balance between activity and relaxation. One Danube cruise includes two nights in Vienna, or, depending on the itinerary, stays can be extended to include pre- or post-stays in legendary cities such as Budapest, Prague or Paris. To help quench the thirst for more off-the-beaten-path destinations to support local economies and combat over-tourism, the company has added six towns and villages as ports of call along the Danube in Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Austria. These include medieval town of Ilok in Croatia, known for its 1,000-year history of winemaking. Avalon, part of the Globus family of brands, includes escorted motorcoach touring companies, Globus and Cosmos, and independent tour leader, Monograms. That makes combining a river experience with a land tour super easy.

4 INTIMATE EXPERIENCES

River ships are smaller and more intimate. Avalon, for example, has a maximum of 166 guests. On a river cruise, embarkation and disembarkation can take just minutes (with little queuing) and you are never too far from your cabin.

5 PEACE OF MIND AROUND SAFETY AND SECURITY

In May 2020, Avalon launched Avalon Assurance Program, developed by a team of global experts who continue to review and tweak it. Protocols include mandatory health screenings, luggage disinfection, daily temperature checks and regular health checks for the crew, and new continuous cleaning protocols on each of the 14 ships that be operating in Europe in 2021. “River cruising is the perfect way to see and explore the world – especially now,” says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands, Avalon’s parent company, in Canada. “Cruise without crowds, explore new cultures with ease and sail in intimate settings. You’ll also receive the personalized attention you deserve and seamless dock-and-go sightseeing with insider tips and experiences only the locals can provide.”

© AVALON WATERWAYS

6 FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

From expansive breakfasts (including cooked-to-order hot meals) to casual BBQ lunches on the top deck and elegant dinners in the main restaurant or the low-key bistro, the dining options on board Avalon are always memorable. The crew will even pack you a picnic if you want to explore ashore on your own. Passengers love the quiet lounge where self-serve specialty coffees, teas and snacks are available 24 hours a day. With a passenger to crew ratio of 3 to 1, service is always attentive and polished.

© AVALON WATERWAYS

7 GREAT EXPERIENCES ASHORE

Acknowledging that we travel to Europe for more than “statues and classical music,” Avalon introduced its Active and Discovery range of shore excursions a few years ago. At each port of call, you can choose your preferred type of excursion – Active (with perhaps a guided bike or hiking tour, Discovery (maybe a cooking class or meeting a local vintner), or Classic (usually a walking tour of the town). The walking tours (included in the cruise price) are always escorted by local guides and you don’t even have to decide which one excursion to take until that morning. One of my fondest memories was taking an art class in Amsterdam where we channelled our inner Van Goghs by painting a vase of sunflowers. In our paint-smeared smocks at our easels. We laughed as much as we painted even if the results were not museum quality.