In Egypt: The Rivers of Avalon. If youre feeling fit for fun, we also want you to know that an Adventure Host will be your guide, at the ready for fitness activities, on all European cruises. More are on the way for 2020 and beyond. This was called "dressing down." Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Bathroom sockets are solely for razors (and/or battery chargers for digital cameras, mobile phones). Viking also offers pre- and post- options, but their expertise is really on the rivers instead of with land tours. When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways have quite a bit in common. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share. Before the advent of highways and road transportation, the rivers were the only efficient method of carrying goods from one place to another. The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, a mast, or over the barrel of a deck cannon. Other theme cruises include culinary, art, beer, wine, golf, opera, jazz, wellness, Jewish history and World War II -- all complete with special lectures, excursions and activities. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. In Europe: The language on board is English. Neither line includes gratuities in the fare. ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. Suite Ships also have a salon for hair services and manicures. All ships have non-smoking interiors. Our global network of seasoned travel experts, tour operations team, and local liaisons are always looking out for our guests with timely updates and seamless logistical solutions when the unexpected happens before and during your cruise. He will be "under the weather.". One of the Reservation clerks was extremely rude to me. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. The meal is a four-course affair; five if it's a special captain's dinner. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Ask about special services available to help you celebrate. News & Information 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). Log In Create new account Amazon Pick. Avalons 100% Suite Ship fleet will often make it possible to transfer our guests to a sister ship when water level disruptions are unchanged after 48 hoursfor seamless accommodations and expedited continuation of your journey. It was outstanding all the way! 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. Some examples: The "welcome aboard" lunch was noodles and hamburger. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company owned by the Globus family of brands and offers cruises in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, South America, India and the Galpagos Islands. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Avalon Amazon River Cruises Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europes rivers. My room attendant, Nemo, brightened my day, I selected this Cruise company because it fit our plan to see the Oberammergua Passion Play with a Danube River Cruise. In keeping with its Norwegian owner, Viking's ships have Scandinavian influences with lots of pale wood and clean lines. Avalon Waterways. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Brandy and whisky . Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Europe. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan. Experience a world beyond your expectations. Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and is only available when booked in conjunction with a land/cruise vacation. The morning exercises and a walk to a mountaintop monastery led by, This was our first River Cruise, though we have done many Ocean Cruises. The meal is a four-course affair; five if it's a special captain's dinner. Reminded me of school lunch - not a good start to an expensive cruise. Cruising the Baltic Where Small and Friendly is the Way To Go. We ask that you return them before your cruise ends. 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. In short, wear exactly what suits you and the discoveries you make onboard and off best! The ship was spotless and our beds comfortable. Some guests do prefer to dress up for celebratory evenings onboard including the Captains Reception or Farewell Dinner. What are single room supplements? Exceptions are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania; they all have their own currencies, but the Euro is accepted in many establishments. Mother Nature (water levels and weather conditions), as well as man-made conditions (maintenance or repair of locks that all ships must pass through), as well as logistical obstacles due to labor strikes or natural elements can create unforeseen disruptions to river navigation. Upon arrival, after check in we were greeted with a welcome reception in the Panorama Lounge. In Peru/Amazon: The fact that we could add three days in London was a bonus. To complement the view, the line decided to go with sliding glass doors that open the full width of the room, creating an extensive open "French balcony" effect. Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility-impaired travelers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Its European ships also boast complimentary bicycles onboard that passengers can use while in port. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. Wine, beer and soda are available at lunch and dinner on both Viking and Avalon. [2] History and ship design [ edit] Television: Treasure of Galpagos provides a TV in the ship's library for playing DVDs only. Simply awful and small portions. OVER THE BARREL Experience a world beyond your expectations. Your host will not only lead daily workouts but can also help you pave your own path to wellness with biking, hiking and other, on-your-own adventures. Avalon Waterways is a leader in deluxe river cruises. Once the water levels are equalized, the gates at that end are opened and the vessel can continue on its way. Avalon Waterways gets props for good tours (it organizes everything; no need for a guidebook) and creative special interest cruises on topics including golf, wellness, wine, and beer. The Amazon River runs right through the Amazon Rainforest, and way beyond. Each circumstance is assessed as unique, based on our more than 90 years of experience in travel touring. Each ship has a shop area offering souvenirs and some select personal and toiletry items. If your reason for cancellation does not qualify for a cash refund, you would instead receive a Cancel for Any Reason travel certificate equal to the cancellation penalty amount. Innovative, transformative, original. Electricity on board in Treasure of Galpagos is 110v. The Indian rupee is the currency used throughout the country. You can find the perfect trip spanning across 4 day to 28 day itineraries with prices starting from just USD 311 per day! Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. Viking Longships do not have spas or fitness facilities onboard, but concierges can arrange services while you're in port. Overall, the decor on both Viking and Avalon can be described as contemporary and modern, with a boutique hotel feel. Whether its your first Avalon Waterways river cruise, or youre joining us again, youre sure to have a few questions about what to expect on your cruise. Some in walking distance and that feels really . Passengers celebrating special occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, should alert ship personnel upon boarding the ship. Rates are per person, per night, and include a room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. On its Suite Ships, Avalon rejiggered most of the cabins to give them something unique within river cruising: beds that face the water, not the wall. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough on the Observation Lounge, theres never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. While both lines have nice-size bathrooms (and, happily, glass-enclosed showers), Viking's come with anti-fog mirrors and heated floors -- a bonus if you're traveling in the offseason or on a Christmas markets cruise. These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. Electricity We encourage full deposit early to secure your space and to protect the price of your vacation. We unpacked & quickly returned for the lunch being served in the upstairs lounge. On either cruise, you might spend an afternoon sampling Austrian wine while your vessel sails on the Danube. 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. A sailor who drank too much grog was "groggy." Avalon Waterways offers you a river cruise unlike any other thanks to the youngest, most innovative ships and inspired itineraries in river & small-ship cruising. Onboard Language Are Avalon river cruises handicap accessible? Avalon Waterways own 19 river cruise ships, 14 of these are sailing European Rivers, 2 in Asia, 2 in South America and 1 on the Nile. Air Conditioning and Heating Email and Internet: On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. The men called the mixture "grog." Another nicety: a variety of lighting options, including reading lights cleverly recessed into the headboard of the bed.