LITTLETON, Colorado – June 20, 2007 – There’s no doubt – river cruising is here to stay. With more than 50 percent growth last year according to the United States Tour Operator Association, river cruising is one of the fastest growing forms of leisure travel. Travelers are responding to the convenience of river cruising, the small ship ambiance and the proximity of attractions afforded. Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus family of brands, is gearing up for further expansion. Today, the river cruise operator announced its 2008 offerings, which include new destinations and departures, as well as the addition of another ship to its European fleet.
Avalon Waterways is launching its first river cruise through the heart of French wine country along the Saône and Rhône rivers. “The Flavors of Burgundy and Provence” combines the sights of Paris and Nice with a seven-night river cruise through the picturesque countryside and past charming villages, while enjoying gourmet food and wine sampling in the south of France. This new vacation enables travelers to cruise in style and comfort while experiencing Europe’s picturesque rivers and coastline culture.
Also in response to the influx of eager river explorers, Avalon’s newest edition to its young European fleet – the third ship in two years – will come next year. Currently in construction, the Avalon Scenery will feature Avalon’s signature modern, contemporary design and cutting-edge on-board technology. The Scenery will boast floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks, a Fun Pool on the Sky Deck, elevator, additional rear lounge and Avalon’s spacious 170 sq. ft. staterooms with standard appointments that include: hotel-style beds with duvets, Egyptian cotton linens, flat-screen satellite televisions, mini-bars, safes, modern bathrooms and large wardrobes.
“Travelers’ interest in river cruising has no sign of slowing, and introducing itineraries that align with their personal passions is one of our primary objectives,” said Patrick Clark, managing director for Avalon Waterways. “With new destinations, new niche themes and new, luxurious ships, we’re giving travelers all that they dream of in a river cruise vacation.”
Avalon Waterways is making the decision to book a river cruising getaway even easier with a limited-time deal. Travelers who book a 2008 Avalon River Cruise air-inclusive vacation between now and September 30, 2007 will receive a $500 discount per couple*.
Below are several highlights from Avalon’s 2008 offerings:
New! Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (11 days) – Take a wine country adventure through the region’s finest vineyards and luscious countryside. You’ll begin the vacation in Paris, with plenty of good food, good wine and good sightseeing. Then you’ll drive south to Chalons-sur-Saône, where you’ll board the new, luxurious Avalon Scenery. On the seven-night cruise to Arles, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to cultivate your wine knowledge, with rich history lessons and gastronomic delights doused along the way. You’ll visit several wineries and explore the folklore collection of the Burgundy museum, located in an old family mansion. While in Provence, you’ll experience the city of Avignon – often referred to as the “City of Popes” – before arriving in your final destination of Nice. (Priced from $2,059; cruise/land-only)
Ecuador & The Galápagos (11 days) – With expanded departure dates, travelers now have a year-round opportunity to sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands on this 11-day vacation. Your trip begins in Quito with guided sightseeing of the Legislative Palace and the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, impressive paintings at the workshop and museum of Oswald Guayasamin, and visit to the Equatorial Monument. Next, fly over the Pacific to Baltra Island to embark on an expanded seven-night cruise aboard the new luxury yacht, La Pinta. During your cruise, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and enjoy more time to experience the amazing sites throughout the Galápagos Islands. (Priced from $5,179; cruise/land-only)
More theme cruise departures this Fall/Winter – See the south of France with a new “Festive France” departure that includes local holiday attractions on “The Flavors of Burgundy and Provence” river cruise during December. More wine and music theme departures are shown in the 2008 brochure. These departures, with all the standard inclusions, provide passengers “extra” features at no additional costs while enjoying their favorite special interest.
Avalon’s expanding river cruising itineraries and the launch of the Avalon Scenery are just the most recent additions to this highly popular category. In April, the brand christened two new ships, the Avalon Tranquility and Avalon Imagery, just days before their inaugural 2007 season on Europe’s waterways. All Avalon itineraries and land programs have been designed for guests by Globus. With 80 years of travel experience, more than 200 staff in Europe and 30 offices around the world, the Globus family of brands helps to ensure travelers have a memorable vacation.
Consumers can book reservations or request
Avalon Waterways’ River Cruises 2008 brochure or Globus’ Worldwide River Cruising 2008 brochure by seeing a preferred travel agent, calling toll free 877.380.1535 or visiting
www.avalonwaterways.com.
Travel Agents can request
Avalon Waterways’ River Cruises 2008 brochure or Globus’ Worldwide River Cruising 2008 brochure by calling toll free 800.221.0090 or visiting
www.avalonwaterways.com/agents.
* Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between June 20 and September 30, 2007 for travel commencing by December 31, 2008. Value of discount based on double-occupancy. Not applicable with any other discounts, and applies to new 2008 bookings only. Not redeemable for cash value. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Offer reliant on space availability, and additional terms and restrictions may apply.
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