LITTLETON, Colorado – May 12, 2009 – On Saturday, May 9, Avalon Waterways unveiled the Avalon Affinity, its newest river cruise ship in Europe and the second of five new ships planned between 2008 and 2010.  Christening attendees arrived in Volendam, a Netherlands fishing village, and boarded a 1910 Royal Dutch Marine steamship where they enjoyed lunch, before the Avalon Affinity appeared on the water in the distance for a special, Dutch-themed christening event.

Suzanne Hall, senior director at Ensemble Travel Group and the first American to christen an Avalon Waterways ship, served as the vessel’s godmother.  After a speech by Hall and the christening of the Avalon Affinity, guests sipped champagne and witnessed a symbolic transfer of ownership from Dr. Ritter, president of Seehandlung to Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways as well as the Avalon Affinity’s new captain.  Attendees were then treated to a Gala dinner and an evening of entertainment onboard the new ship.

On Monday (May 11), the Avalon Affinity began its first, sold-out cruise on the Windmills, Vineyards & Paris itinerary.  On this vacation, cruisers will experience France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium and Holland on this vacation.  They’ll see the major highlights on a guided tour of Paris, travel between Paris and Metz via TGV high-speed train, as well as enjoy guided sightseeing in Trier and Cologne, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, taking pictures of the windmills at famous Knderdijk, a tour of Reichsburg Castle and a wine cellar visit in Bernkastel.  

In 2009, the Avalon Affinity will sail eight itineraries.

The Avalon Affinity
Arriving from the Den Breejen Shipyard in Holland, the delivery of the Avalon Affinity reinforces Avalon Waterways position as the fastest-growing river cruise company in the world, offering travelers the youngest fleet of ships, averaging just two years in age.

“In five short years Avalon has established itself as a major European river cruise operator,” said Patrick Clark.  “When travelers cruise with us, they not only enjoy the destinations they visit, they fall in love with our modern ships which feature all of the personal touches American travelers look for in a boutique hotel.”

Avalon Waterways’ ships not only showcase contemporary appointments and state-of-the art technology, they also house the largest staterooms available.  All staterooms measure 172-square feet and 90 percent boast floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors.  Junior Suites are a spacious 258-square feet.  Other amenities and features on Avalon’s new ships include: Flat screen televisions, modern bathrooms, large closets, flexible bed design (beds may be configured as two twins or one queen), Egyptian cotton linens, mini-bar, safe, laundry and ironing services, a fully equipped fitness room, library, hair salon and gift shop, as well as a club lounge and large Jacuzzi pool on the Sky Deck.

Visit www.avalonwaterways.com/difference to get a virtual tour, complete with 360-degree views, of the Avalon Affinity’s sister ship, the Avalon Scenery.  



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.