Viking does, however, occasionally offer river cruises that can connect with one of the lines ocean sailings (Viking began offering ocean cruises back in 2015 with the introduction of Viking Star). Why am I asked to give my passport name, gender, and date of birth when booking a flight? The entire trip, from arrival in Paris to departure in, I wish I could give Avalon's ship, crew, and itinerary 10 stars because it was outstanding in every way. Extra hotel nights are only available immediately prior to or after your vacation and are not available on some cruise-only vacations or in some cities. Unfortunately my partner injured knee several days prior to the trip, so we were grateful for the short ride from the hotel to the ship (it normally would have been an easy walk}. Safes On either cruise, you might spend an afternoon sampling Austrian wine while your vessel sails on the Danube. We know why you travel. Avalon's Deluxe staterooms on lower decks are also larger than Viking's, with 172 square feet compared to 150 square feet. You will need an adapter or converter to use in other outlets in the stateroom for any small personal items such as a razor, curling iron, or alarm clock. The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, and tour departure times. Ecuador uses U.S. dollars as their official currency. Avalon's ships in Asia also carry fewer passengers than their similarly sized Viking counterparts do. Electricity on board the Treasure of Galpagos is 110v. The best way to decide is to look at the specific itinerary and compare ports, dates and rates. Avalon shares the flavors of the world with the freshest local ingredients prepared by our talented chefs and served in your choice of venues on board. These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. 5% Off. You may check out books from the ship's library free of charge. Reminded me of school lunch - not a good start to an expensive cruise. Single room supplements and triple room reductions are listed where applicable; not all accommodation types are available on all vacations. Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship? Internet access In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships. While Avalon also has the 300-square-foot Royal Suite on its ships, the space is technically not a true suite. Please refer to your travel documents for more information. Please see the Terms & Conditionsfor full information on our Pricing Policy. In addition, Viking sails in France's Bordeaux region, Germany's Elbe and Portugal's Douro, as well Russias Volga, Ukraines Dnieper, Egypts Nile, and Chinas Yangtze, while Avalon offers voyages on the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam; on Indias Ganges River; and charters ships (not river ships) on the Amazon and in the Galapagos Islands.Both lines run popular Christmas market cruises throughout Europe. avalon waterways robbery. Because they have French balconies instead of outdoor space, the 200-square-foot Panorama cabins on Avalon's "Suite Ships" feel bigger than most river cruise cabins. [2] History and ship design [ edit] Some vacations have more restrictive regulations than these listed above, such as cruises on the Galpagos, Mekong, and Ganges. Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europes rivers. If you'd like to add extra hotel nights, we will try to make arrangements for you at our contracted rates. Connecting the Rhine River with the Danube via its tributary, the Main, was a dream of Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, who began the first attempt at construction of the "Fossa Carolina" more than 12 centuries ago. The sheer size of Viking's fleet means that it's easier to find the exact cruise on the exact river that you want, precisely when you want to go. More are on the way for 2020 and beyond. GROGGY It was not until September 1992 that the present-day Main-Danube Canal was opened for traffic. Internet cafes can be found in many towns in Western Europe, generally with reasonable charges. Avalon Waterways Destinations Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Since our critical review was based largely upon the slow 6 month delay did finally pay a satisfactory amount, we wish to amend our review up to 4 stars. Amazon Pick: See Today's Theme Cruises Deals at Amazon.com (w/Free Shipping for Prime) Get This Deal. Avalon has the addition of karaoke and a movie night once per cruise, while Viking offers up a veritable feast once per cruise that is themed for the region the ship is sailing through (think Bavarian Feast for cruises on the Danube). Both lines sail the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine and Rhone rivers. In addition, Viking sails in France's Bordeaux region, Germany's Elbe and Portugal's Douro, as well Russias Volga, Ukraines Dnieper, Egypts Nile, and Chinas Yangtze, while Avalon offers voyages on the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam; on Indias Ganges River; and charters ships (not river ships) on the Amazon and in the Galapagos Islands.Both lines run popular Christmas market cruises throughout Europe. Electricity:Onboard voltage is 220v with combination outlets to accommodate modern dual voltage electronics with no adapter/converterUSB charging ports are available on the Mekong. Because Avalon is owned by Globus, which also runs land tours, your river cruise has a host of options for pre- and post-tours. The Indian rupee is the currency used throughout the country. All traffic water locks are 40 ft. wide and 623 ft. long. When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways have quite a bit in common. 11 water locks were needed to overcome the ascent of 574 ft. between the Main in Bamberg and the apex and 5 additional locks facilitate descent from the apex. On the evening of the 4th day, the suitcase, Pros: Nice balcony room, comfortable bed, excellent excursions, the lady playing violin was really great and entertaining, too. Even at 275 square feet, Viking's Veranda Suites are two rooms -- and the two 445-square-foot Explorers Suites Suites at the stern (with full balcony) are among the largest on the rivers. This river line operates approximately two dozen comfortable, classy, well-designed ships in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Amazon for a mostly age 55-plus crowd. Welcome aboard your new home suite home! All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out. This was called "dressing down." These group rebates do not apply to any international or intra-vacation flights. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. This includes name changes or name alterations. 48 competitor promo codes - Last used 2h ago. If your vacation includes a hotel stay, every effort will be made to reserve extra nights at the hotel where your vacation stays. Medical Services Our expectations were exceeded. The currency on board is the U.S. dollar. Europe. Viking does not have bikes onboard, with the (not unreasonable) logic that in many European cities, rental bicycles are plentiful and inexpensive. Check the price list in your stateroom. We're humbled and happy to share kudos we've received from some of the industry's most respected experts in river cruising, including readers and editors of Cruise Critic, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, and TravelAge West. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. The vast majority of them are rated Deluxe (D), Moderate Deluxe (MD), Superior First-Class (SF), or First-Class (F) establishments. Our state room was perfect and met all our needs. We know why you travel. Avalon hotel ratings follow the standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. Europe. No two travelers are alikeso Avalon would never expect you to enjoy the same cruise experiences as everyone else. Amazon: Complimentary coffee, tea, select soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms as this is a safety hazard. Normally, water levels on each side of a navigation lock are different, so a lock has to work like an elevator. CUT AND RUN If you have already made a booking and need to apply a payment, please login to access your booked cruise vacation. TourRadar offers 438 Avalon Waterways tours through many destinations including Budapest and Vienna. FOOTLOOSE A sailor who drank too much grog was "groggy." In case of emergency, a phone is available at reception for ship-to-shore calls. Viking Longships do not have spas or fitness facilities onboard, but concierges can arrange services while you're in port. Both Avalon and Viking have enrichment activities and lectures that focus on the destinations visited. He will be "under the weather.". The Rhine-Main-Danube Canal runs between the German towns of Bamberg and Kelheim via the historic city of Nuremberg, transporting thousands of river cruise ship passengers every year between the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Exceptions are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania; they all have their own currencies, but the Euro is accepted in many establishments. Get the answers you need about passports, visas, travel IDs, and itinerary documents. [18], The Ship That Sails to Yesterday: Exploring Myanmars Hidden Corners,, 8 Reasons to Skip Thailand & Head to Myanmar Instead,, "Sail Away: These Are the Most Popular Cruise Destinations," CNN, "The River Cruise Boom: Cruising through Europe,", "New Avalon Waterways ship christened in Europe", "Judy Bailey christens Rhine cruise ship", "Avalon Waterways plans two new ships for 2016", "Avalon sailing a third river ship in Southeast Asia: Travel Weekly", Avalon Waterways Adds Christmas Cruises,, Eat Pray Love Your Way Down the Danube with Elizabeth Gilbert,, International Best-Selling Author Diana Gabaldon Named Godmother of Avalons Newest Suite Ship,, Avalon Waterways Names Jann Arden Godmother of Avalon Tranquility II,, "Avalon Expression christened by Patricia Shultz | All Things Cruise", New Avalon Waterways Ship Christened in Europe,, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Avalon_Waterways&oldid=1020171846, Owned. "Suite Ship" with 67, 200-square-foot (19m, Owned. While the quality of food is subjective, both Viking and Avalon make sure that cruise passengers have a wide variety of dishes, both familiar and local to the region at breakfast, lunch and dinner.