LITTLETON, Colorado – July 23, 2009 – In an economic environment where bad news often outweighs the good, Avalon Waterways is taking a moment of pause to celebrate recent “wins.”

On July 10th, Travel + Leisure unveiled the results of its 14th annual World’s Best Awards readers’ survey.  Avalon Waterways was recognized as the No. 2 Small-Ship Cruise Line in 2009.*  When announcing honors, Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure, said, “This year’s results reflect our readers’ travel interests in this challenging economic reality – value, intimacy, service, and discovery are top priorities.”

“Value, intimacy, service and discovery are all things we stand by at Avalon Waterways,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of the cruise line.  “In five short years, Avalon has established itself as a major river and small ship cruise operator with the newest and most luxurious fleet of ships and the best land programs available.”

In early August, Avalon will launch its eighth new ship on Europe’s waters since 2004 when the Avalon Creativity is christened in Volendam.  Two additional ships – the Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary – will be unveiled in 2010.  “Our growth indicates the intensified popularity and growth of small ship cruising. Increasingly, travelers who enjoy cruising are looking for new, different and more intimate experiences: Experiences that come with an all-inclusive price tag and great value.”

According to Clark, in the last 10 weeks, Avalon Waterways has witnessed a 15 percent growth in bookings year over year.  Some of the company’s most popular cruises in 2009 are Romantic Rhine, Flavors of Burgundy & Provence, The Legendary Danube and Magnificent Europe.  Other favorites for 2010 include the NEW Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches and the three- or four-night Taste of the Danube.

“It’s no secret this has been a down year for the travel industry – for agents, suppliers and tourism offices around the world,” said Patrick Clark.  “One bright shining star in a sea of gray has been river and small ship cruising.”

To celebrate, the company is extending savings on 2009 and 2010 itineraries:  Travelers can receive 50 percent off air on 2009 Avalon Waterways European River Cruise vacations booked by August 4, 2009.**  Or, for travel in the New Year, cruisers can save up to $1,000 per stateroom on 2010 Avalon Waterways vacations booked before September 1, 2009.***

Visit www.avalonwaterways.com for more information or www.avalonwaterways.com/difference to get a virtual tour of our new ships.

*Travel + Leisure cruise line rankings are based on readers’ ratings in the following categories: Cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value.  Complete survey methodology can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest.

**Book a qualifying 2009 air-inclusive Europe Avalon Waterways or Globus River Cruise and each passenger will receive 50% off the base airfare (including any fuel surcharges).  Globus Portugal river cruise is not eligible.  Valid on all ticket inventories and classes, excluding first-class and business-class. Certain government-imposed taxes and fees of up to $200, including a September 11th Security fee of up to $10, are additional and must be paid by each traveler.  Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between March 25-August 4, 2009, and travel must be completed by December 31, 2009.  Offers not valid with any other offer except Journey's Club and applies to new 2009 bookings only.  Cancellation penalties of up to $250 will apply. Blackout dates, travel date restrictions, and advance purchase requirements may apply.  Change fees of up to $250 per person, plus any difference in airfare, may be charged, and some fares may be non-refundable. Additional restrictions and carrier baggage fees may apply.

***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 September 1, 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 voted the No. 2 Best Small-Ship Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure’s  2009 World’s Best Awards, featured in Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Gold List  and voted a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in the publication's 2008 Reader's Choice.  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. The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).

Consumers can book an Avalon Waterways vacation or request 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.