LITTLETON, Colorado – July 17, 2008 – Whatever you call it – river cruising, small ship cruising or internal cruising – it’s one of the hottest travel styles today.  And, that’s why Avalon Waterways is investing millions of dollars to ensure a luxury vacation experience for thousands of cruise enthusiasts around the globe, providing them an intimate way to see and experience the villages and cities that rest along the waterways in the heart of dozens of countries worldwide.  

As part of its multi-million dollar investment in the river cruise category, Avalon Waterways has inked a five-ship deal, over two years, with the renowned Den Breejen Shipyard based in Holland.   The Avalon Scenery, birthed in April 2008, was the first ship delivered as part of this deal, with four sister vessels scheduled for christenings in the next two years: The Avalon Affinity (2009), the Avalon Creativity (2009) and two ships in 2010. With these deliveries, Avalon Waterways reinforces its position as the fastest-growing river cruise company in the world, offering travelers the youngest fleet of ships, including 10 luxury vessels in Europe, averaging just two years in age.

“In five short years Avalon has established itself as a major European river cruise operator,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.  “Our ships are more modern in design, showcasing contemporary appointments and state-of-the art technology.  They also house the largest staterooms available.  Except for our junior suites, all staterooms measure 172-square feet and 90 percent boast floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors,” said Clark.  

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 of the Avalon Scenery).  

With more than 200 support staff in the U.S. and Europe and 37 offices worldwide, the Avalon Waterways team is investing in more than just the style and comfort of its ships.  They’re focused on all of the little things that make a big difference in enhancing a journey abroad.  

“We offer cruisers unparalleled, enriched vacation experiences,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing and customer care for the Globus family of brands.  “Avalon serves passengers unlimited complimentary local wine with all on-board dinners and features regional entertainment, as well as provides the most impressive land programs available, coupled with a ‘best in class’ English-speaking staff that caters to our clients’ desires.  It’s no wonder nearly 100 percent of our cruisers say that we’ve met or exceeded their expectations on trip.”

The company also has focused its efforts on a wide range of cruise itineraries in Europe, Egypt, China and the Galápagos, including themed offerings like music-inspired getaways, holiday vacations and a special “Food & Wine” cruise series, created with Burt Wolf.

“The investments we’ve made in Avalon – from ships and itineraries to staff support – are delivering great returns, not only in customer satisfaction but also in sales,” said Clark.  “Our 2008 bookings are up 20 percent over 2007 and 2009 numbers are looking even better, already up 30 percent, year over year.  We’re raising the bar for the river cruise experience and agents and travelers alike are taking notice.”

To further reinforce its commitment to enriching the cruise experience this travel style affords, earlier this month, Avalon Waterways unveiled Web site enhancements, including a virtual tour of the Avalon Scenery to showcase the “Avalon Difference,” as well as new print advertising that showcases the company’s dedication to providing vacations that transform both the way we travel as well as travelers themselves  – mind, body and soul.

Those booking a cruise between now and August 31, 2008 can receive $300 off the air-inclusive price or $125 off the cruise-only price of a 2009 Globus or Avalon Waterways cruise.*


ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS
Chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine as a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in 2007, Avalon Waterways is the world’s fastest-growing small ship cruise company.  Making waves in river and small ship cruising by offering travelers the newest, most luxurious ships in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos, Avalon Waterways’ 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, an award-wining travel industry leader with 80 years of international travel expertise.

Consumers can book an Avalon Waterways vacation or request a 2009 brochure 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.

*Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied, between now and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009.  To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed.  Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Additional restrictions may apply.