LITTLETON, Colorado – April 21, 2009 – With nearly 100 departure dates from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea on the country’s newest river cruise ships, Avalon Waterways is making waves in France in 2010.  This award-winning small ship cruise company is increasing its Western European cruise itineraries and departures by 200 percent to meet demand for vacations along the Rhône, Saône and Seine Rivers.  

“Sixty-five years after American, British and Canadian troops invaded the Normandy beaches, we’re offering travelers the chance to explore some of the poignant sites of D-Day such as the Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument and American cemetery as part of our new eight-day Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches cruise,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.  “Cruisers will begin this vacation aboard the new Avalon Creativity in the City of Light, docked within a 15-minute walk of the Eiffel Tower.”

Also new in 2010 is Avalon Waterways Grand France river cruise getaway.  This unique 16-day vacation cruises from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, offering travelers the chance to sail aboard two ships - the Avalon Scenery and Avalon Creativity – from Paris to Côte d’Azur.  “Everything on this cruise vacation is ‘grand,’” said Clark.  “On one portion of the journey, travelers will explore the City of Lights in all its splendor and enjoy such quaint destinations as Auvers-sur-oise where Van Gogh lived and died as well as Vernon to see Monet’s home and stunning gardens.  And, the second portion is a food- and wine-lover’s dream getaway as cruisers travel through Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and the wine region of Beaujolais.”

With her christening planned later this year, the Avalon Creativity will sail exclusively in France in 2010 on the Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches and Grand France itineraries.  This new ship features 68, 172-square-foot staterooms – the largest in France – and two suites as well as floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies, a new Club Lounge, whirlpool and sundeck.  Also new, the Avalon Scenery (christened in 2008) is sailing one of the small ship company’s most popular cruises, Burgundy & Provence, along the Rhône River.


To celebrate its 2010 offerings, and to encourage travelers to book the cruise of their dreams, Avalon Waterways is offering early booking incentives: Receive $150 off per person 2010 any Egypt, China, Galapagos or Taste of the Danube cruise/land-only vacation OR $300 off per person when booking air on the same itineraries.  For most Europe cruise vacations, the deal increases.  Receive $250 off per person select Europe river cruise/land-only vacations or $500 off per person when booking air on the same itineraries.*   Visit www.avalonwaterways.com for details.

Details of Avalon Waterways’ 2010 France Cruises:

• NEW Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches – On this new vacation, travelers can combine time in France’s splendid capital with discoveries of small and quaint towns northward along the Seine, as well as the picturesque Normandy region and the moving Landing Beaches.  They’ll discover Van Gogh’s little Auvers-sur-Oise, Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny and Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen.  Cruisers will also taste the apple cider, Calvados and Camembert for which northern France is famous.  Eight days priced from $2,049 land/cruise only.
• NEW Grand France – On this comprehensive, 16-day getaway, travelers can combine two exciting cruises and get a taste of the variety that France has to offer, not only in scenery but in food and drink.  They’ll experience the Seine and the picturesque and tranquil Normandy region, as well as the charming and historic cities along the Saône and Rhône rivers.  From apple trees in Normandy to vineyards in Provence and the elegance of Paris to Côte D’Azur, this vacation is grand in every way.  Sixteen days priced from $4,329 land/cruise only.
• Burgundy & Provence – Cruisers can see France at its scenic best on this charming getaway.  Guided sightseeing will help them get acquainted with vibrant Paris and Nice, the “Queen of the Riviera,” while a deluxe, seven-night cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers takes travelers into the heart of this beautiful country.  They will enjoy orientation walks in Tournon and Beaune and see the sights of Avignon, Arles and Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital.  Opportunities abound on this grand vacation to learn about and taste the sumptuous wines and local cuisine.  Eleven days priced from $2,669, land/cruise only.
  

*Book a select 2010 Europe Globus or Avalon River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $500 off per person offer.  Select Europe Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $250 off per person offer.  Book a 2010 Globus or Avalon A Taste of the Danube, Egypt, China or Galapagos River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer.  A Taste of the Danube, Egypt, China or Galapagos cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $150 off per person offer.  must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between March 25 and June 30, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2010.  Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit.  Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Additional restrictions may apply.  


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.