LITTLETON, Colorado – February 10, 2009 – Continuing to make waves in the river cruise industry by not only growing exponentially but also raising the bar on luxury small ship cruising, Avalon Waterways is preparing to unveil two new ships in Europe in 2009 – the Avalon Affinity and Avalon Creativity.   And now, the company is officially announcing the names of two additional ships joining Avalon’s European fleet in 2010: The Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary.  

With the debut of Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary, Avalon Waterways will have christened five ships since 2008, bringing the award-winning small ship cruise company’s European fleet total to 10.  

“Fed, in part, by a big ship traveler base and the fact that cruisers are looking for new, in-depth experiences, river cruising is the fastest-growing travel style.  Our new ship builds and increased itineraries represent more than $100 million in growth to meet increased demand,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.

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

Dedicated to a “show, don’t tell” marketing philosophy, travelers and agents can now take a virtual tour of the Avalon Scenery, as well as the Avalon Poetry and Avalon Tranquility – three ships that represent the different types of vessels the company sails in Europe – at www.avalonwaterways.com/difference.  There, they can click on various areas of the ship, including the lobby & reception, stateroom, bar & lounge, dining room, sky deck and fitness room to take an online tour which includes information, photos and 360-degree views of Avalon.

“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 the go, agents benefit with strong commissions from this all-inclusive style of travel.”

In addition to its European fleet, Avalon Waterways operates ships in Egypt, China and the Galápagos.



ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS
Chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine as a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in 2007 and voted a 2009 Gold List winner by Condé Nast Traveler readers, Avalon Waterways is the world’s fastest-growing small ship cruise company.  Making waves in small ship and river 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.  The Avalon Waterways team cares about the little things that make a big difference in enhancing a journey abroad, including local wine with all on-board dinners and the best land programs available.  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 2009 & 2010 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.