| Avalon unveils ‘personalised’ cruises

IN 2013 Avalon Waterways will launch Avalon
Choice, claimed to be an ‘entirely new concept
in river cruising’.
Guided bike excursions, on-shore dining and
alternative sightseeing options are among the
changes to be introduced by Avalon next year.
The company has employed a new guest
services team to help passengers choose places
to eat and enjoy the local culture off-ship.
They will also be offered Avalon Choice
Excursions, available in three tour types: the
new ‘Essential Sightseeing’, as well as
‘Traditional’ and ‘Leisurely’ sightseeing options.
Essential Sightseeing provides a basic
orientation of the must-sees, then free time
for passengers to explore on their own.
Guided bike excursions will be organised in
several European ports, as well as Nordic
walking sticks.
Also new for 2013, clients can select an
alternative sightseeing experience, with help
Avalon unveils ‘personalised’ cruises
from the guest services team, allowing them to
focus on special interests.
Avalon Choice Dining will also allow greater
options at every meal, including the addition
of a bistro, “tastings” of the destinations’
delicacies, and local chefs coming on board to
prepare local dishes.
Also new for the coming season is the
Culture & Cruise program featuring activities
such as beer tastings, demonstrations by local
artisans and talks by local experts.
Avalon Waterways said these developments
would “elevate Avalon beyond the ordinary
river cruise experience by helping our
travellers create an extraordinary small ship
cruise vacation”.