LITTLETON, Colorado – April 28, 2009 – In the coming year, Avalon Waterways is doing more than just increasing itineraries and departures worldwide and growing its European fleet, the award-winning cruise company is providing the widest range of small ship cruise choices available to create the perfect getaway for an equally varied group of travelers.   

“We cruise internationally for different reasons,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.  “Some of us go to learn about new cultures, some for inspiration and enrichment and others for a stress-free getaway.  From adding distinct destinations and abbreviated cruises to our vacation portfolio to creating themed travel and pre- and post-cruise combination opportunities, we’ve put together all-inclusive experiences to fit luxury and budget-focused cruisers, Boomers, GenXers, families and first-timers to Europe.”

Making waves in France in 2010, Avalon Waterways is featuring nearly 100 departure dates from the English Channel to Mediterranean Sea in response to growing interest in cruising Western Europe.  Among its new French offerings are two new ships – the Avalon Creativity (2009) and Avalon Scenery (2008) – and Avalon is now cruising Normandy and Côte d’Azur.  Other popular small ship cruise destinations include Austria, Hungary, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Egypt, China and the Galápagos.

Developing shorter itineraries to reach first-time river cruisers, time-starved travelers and those wanting a more value-centered small ship cruise vacation is also a focus for Avalon Waterways in 2010.  The company just unveiled four- and five-day itineraries on the Danube River.  Starting at less than $1,000, Avalon Waterways’ new Taste of the Danube river cruise sails between Vienna and Budapest.  “Our Taste of the Danube vacation is phenomenally priced and well-balanced, offering travelers the perfect introduction to river cruising, the fastest-growing style of travel,” said Clark.

And, for those travelers looking for a more in-depth cruise experience, pursuing a passion while at sea, or adding time to explore a destination, pre- or post-cruise, Avalon Waterways has options.  

In 2010, the company is continuing its popular tradition of food-, wine- and music-themed vacations, while introducing nearly 20 chances for cruisers to experience a once-in-a-decade travel experience: Adding a three- or four-day extension to their cruise to visit Oberammergau to view the Passion Play.

In addition, Avalon Waterways and Monograms have put together seven- to 10-day pre- and post-cruise packages for a plethora of river cruise itineraries in London, Paris, Nice, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Munich, Zürich, Interlaken, Lucerne and Berlin.

And, regardless of a traveler’s interest or time and budget constraints, Clark says the experience Avalon Waterways affords travelers is unparalleled, thanks to the best land programs and most modern ships and amenities in the industry.  “Our ships – averaging just two years in age – feature awe-inspiring, contemporary design and cutting-edge on-board technology, as well as all of the personal touches American travelers look for in a boutique hotel,” said Clark.  

Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks, a “fun pool” on the sky deck, elevator and Club Lounge, Avalon’s ships also showcase its signature, spacious 172-square-foot staterooms with premium standard amenities that include hotel-style beds with duvets, Egyptian cotton linens, flat-screen satellite televisions, mini-bars, safes, modern bathrooms and large wardrobes.

“Cruising with us provides travelers big benefits including a more intimate, small ship experience, close proximity of attractions and great value,” said Clark.  “Our prices include accommodation, meals, unlimited complimentary local wine with all on-board dinners, regional entertainment and unparalleled land excursions.  Not only do travelers appreciate knowing what their vacation will cost before they go, agents benefit with strong commissions from this all-inclusive style of travel.”

To celebrate its 2010 offerings, and to encourage travelers to book the cruise of their dreams, Avalon Waterways is offering early booking incentives: Receive $150 off per person 2010 any Egypt, China, Galapagos or Taste of the Danube cruise/land-only vacation OR $300 off per person when booking air on the same itineraries.  For most Europe cruise vacations, the deal increases.  Receive $250 off per person select Europe river cruise/land-only vacations or $500 off per person when booking air on the same itineraries.*   Visit www.avalonwaterways.com for details.

*Book a select 2010 Europe Globus or Avalon River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $500 off per person offer.  Select Europe Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $250 off per person offer.  Book a 2010 Globus or Avalon A Taste of the Danube, Egypt, China or Galapagos River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer.  A Taste of the Danube, Egypt, China or Galapagos cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $150 off per person offer.  Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between March 25 and June 30, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2010.  Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit.  Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Additional restrictions may apply.  


ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS
Avalon Waterways is an award-winning small ship cruise company.  In addition to countless trade accolades, Avalon Waterways has garnered some of the industry's most prestigious honors:  Among them, Avalon Waterways was featured in Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Gold List, voted a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in the publication's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards and listed as a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in Travel+Leisure's World's Best Awards in 2007.  The fastest growing cruise company in the industry, Avalon Waterways is making waves in river and small ship cruising by offering travelers the newest, most luxurious ships in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos, The company's ships feature state-of-the-art design and technology and house the largest staterooms, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors.  Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, a travel industry leader with 80 years of international travel expertise

Consumers can book an Avalon Waterways vacation or request 2009 brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.877.380.1535.  For more information, please visit www.avalonwaterways.com. Travel agents can request Avalon Waterways brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.