LITTLETON, Colorado – April 9, 2009 – Avalon Waterways will unveil the Avalon Affinity, its newest river cruise ship in Europe and the second of five new ships planned between 2008 and 2010, on May 9th in a special, Dutch-themed christening event.  Christening attendees will arrive in Volendam, a Netherlands fishing village, in a 1910 Royal Dutch Marine steamship, as the new Avalon Affinity appears on the water in the distance.

Suzanne Hall, senior director at Ensemble Travel Group, will serve as the vessel’s godmother.  The first American to christen an Avalon Waterways ship, Hall has more than 30 years of industry experience.  Currently, she is responsible for the creation and marketing of several of Ensemble Travel Group’s private-label product lines and helps oversee the organization’s preferred supplier partnering process.   As the vessel’s godmother, Hall will don traditional Dutch dress, including wooden clogs, before baptizing the Avalon Affinity with Champagne in preparation for its maiden voyage.

Post-christening, the Avalon Affinity will sail eight itineraries in 2009: The first, sold-out cruise is the new Windmills, Vineyards & Paris vacation, departing on May 11th from Amsterdam (passengers will board the new ship on May 10th).  Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 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.  


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, 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.  All staterooms measure 172-square feet and 90 percent boast floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors, while our Junior Suites are a spacious 258-square feet,” 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, complete with 360-degree views, of the Avalon Affinity’s sister ship, the Avalon Scenery. 

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About Suzanne Hall
In addition to her role as senior director of marketing and development of land programs, Suzanne Hall serves on the Luxury and Marketing Committees of Ensemble Travel Group as well as presides over the Ensemble Hotel & Resort Collection Advisory Council. In addition, she co-chairs the Ensemble Travel Group Preferred Supplier Advisory Council. Her extensive background in the travel industry includes management roles with several tour operators, including CIT Tours and IST Cultural Tours where she launched "Collectibles for the Inquisitive Mind" and "Beyond Cruising."  While at Air France, Hall helped launch the carrier’s first tour subsidiary, Jet Vacations, and created the exclusive product line for the Air France Concorde.

Known for her adventuresome spirit, Hall has traveled the world searching for authentic, real-life experiences. For her, these discoveries, from both mainstream and off-the-beaten-path destinations, have helped Hall craft programs that help others better understand and appreciate our world’s many diverse cultures and complexions.
   
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.