New From Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways has launched its full programme of 2012 river cruises with the announcement of two new ‘suite’ ships, Avalon Visionary and Avalon Vista, both due for delivery in 2012.

Following high demand for the industry’s first ‘suite ship’ Avalon Panorama (launched in May), the new ships will offer the same state-of-the-art sleek design, spacious suites and focus on service as their sister ship. Two full decks of suites; Panorama suites (200 sq ft), Royal Suites (300 sq ft) and deluxe staterooms (172 sq ft) will be available on both new ships.

Continuing to revolutionise river cruising, the suites will feature the same 11ft wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open to create unique ‘open air balconies’, as well as king-sized beds facing the windows, full sized bathrooms and upgrades and enhancements throughout. New for next year, Royal Suite guests will have access to in-room Apple iPads.

Avalon Vista will sail on the 11 day ‘Legendary Danube’ (from £2,199pp), the 13 day ‘Blue Danube Discovery’ (from £2,445pp) and the 15 day ‘Magnificent Europe’ cruise (from £2,749pp). The Visionary will be sailing the 8 day ‘Romantic Rhine’ (from £1,665pp) as well as the new Festive cruises.

New itineraries include the 10 day ‘Paris, Moselle & the Rhine’ (from £2,059pp), 12 day ‘Upper Rhine to the City of Music’ (from £2,519pp), 13 day ‘Rhine & Moselle’ (from £2,599pp) and Jewels of Central Europe (prices from £3,389).

The 2012 programme features 36 river cruise itineraries with prices starting from £999 for ‘A Taste of the Danube’ to the 19 day ‘Danube & Black Sea Coast’ cruise from £3,379pp. Festive cruises to see Europe’s spectacular and atmospheric Christmas markets have been added with four itineraries to choose from in December. Prices lead in at £1,099pp with the ‘Christmas in Alsace & Germany’ from Basel to Frankfurt.

As well as onboard gratuities, a privately chauffeured door-to-door home pick up service (within 75 miles radius of the airport/Eurostar station), port charges and all transfers are included. With a choice of flexible travel arrangements on offer, there is a choice of regional flights and Eurostar options to make the journey as easy as possible.

For more info, visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk or the specialist river-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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