'Suite Ship' Success Reflects Increasing Demand for Avalon Luxury River Cruising

BEDFORD, England, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Avalon Waterways' newest addition to its modern fleet, Avalon Panorama, due to launch in May 2011, is already 75% sold after only 5 months on sale in the UK demonstrating the current demand for the ultimate in luxury European river cruises.

The first of its kind in the industry, offering two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall sliding panoramic windows, the Panorama Suites are 200 square feet, 30% larger than the industry standard. The Royal Suites will measure 300 square feet and offer a king-size bed and full size designer bathroom and separate WC.

Alan MacLean, Avalon Waterways' UK Managing Director commented: "We are delighted with how well our new concept suite ship has been received by the UK market so quickly after going on sale.

It is a true reflection of the growing demand for the next level in luxury river cruising. This success is also endorsed by our significant increase in sales across the programme for next year."

He added: "We intend to build on this success by planning fleet wide upgrades in 2011 to all our ships with specific dining and onboard comfort enhancements to make our cruise experience even more special and ensure our standard remains consistent."

Featured in the 2011 Avalon Waterways' brochure, the Avalon Panorama will operate a number of Avalon's European river cruises including the 15 day 'Magnificent Europe' cruise (Amsterdam to Budapest and reverse) from May to November 2011 priced from 2249 pounds Sterling in a Panorama Suite and from 4022 pounds in a Royal Suite. The ship will also operate the 13 day Blue Danube Discovery (from Budapest to Prague) on 14 November priced from 1949 pounds in a Panorama Suite and 2836 pounds in a Royal Suite.

New for 2011 are two new itineraries (the 8 day 'Tulip Time' from 1429 pounds and the 13 day 'Upper Rhine to the City of Music' from 2355 pounds) and one additional themed cruise in addition to a selection of three cruises available as 'no fly' options.  The 'Arts & Impressionist' themed departure on the 8 day 'Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches' itinerary on 1 November is priced from 1565 pounds per person and complements the existing selection of wine and music themed cruises.  The cruise includes visits to Paris' Musee d'Orsay, Claude Monet's Giverny home and Rouen's cathedral, his favourite subject, as well as a range of onboard lectures.

Cruises offered as 'no fly' options are operated in conjunction with Eurostar departures from London's St. Pancras or Ebbsfleet including the 8 day 'Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches' and the 11 day 'Burgundy & Provence'.  Newly introduced is the opportunity to book 'cruise only' and therefore provides the flexibility to tailor-make holiday arrangements before and after the cruise.  

Also new for 2011 is the ability to pre-purchase a drinks package (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) which complements the existing free regional wine, beer or soft drinks served with dinner.

All holidays include a free door-to-door home pick-up service within a 75 radius of the chosen airport or Eurostar station.  Prices in the 2011 brochure start from 999 pounds per person based on the 4 day 'Taste of the Danube' from Vienna to Budapest on board the Avalon Tapestry departing on 16 October from London Heathrow or from a range of UK airports at a supplement.

Other itineraries featured in the brochure include the 'Legendary Danube' (Prague to Budapest, 10 days from 1869 pounds), the 'Romantic Rhine' (Basel to Amsterdam, 8 days from 1295 pounds), 'Burgundy & Provence' (Cote d'Azur to Paris, 11 days from 1915 pounds), 'European Splendour' (Amsterdam to Vienna, 13 days from 1985 pounds) and the 'Central European Experience' (Paris to Prague, 12 days from 2215 pounds).

For further information on the full range of itineraries available or to request a brochure, telephone 0800 668 1801 or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk.

Note to editors:

Avalon ships and launch dates:  Avalon Panorama (May 2011), Avalon Felicity (2010); Avalon Luminary (2010); Avalon Affinity (2009); Avalon Creativity (2009); Avalon Scenery (2008); Avalon Imagery (2007); Avalon Tranquility (2007); Avalon Tapestry (2006).

SOURCE Avalon Waterways