Travellers say “oui” to French river cruising

Avalon responds with new Suite Ships on three French rivers

The river cruise travel style is booming.  That fact is especially evident in France, thanks to the surging interest in seeing and experiencing quaint French villages and metropolitan cities and enjoying wonderful cuisine with world-class wines.  

In response, Avalon Waterways will introduce two of its Suite Ships on the rivers in France next year.  The new Avalon Poetry II (launched in March 2014) will sail the Saone and Rhône Rivers, and Avalon Waterways will unveil a new Suite Ship – the Avalon Tapestry II – on the Seine River in 2015.

“We are nearly doubling our capacity in France next year, giving 95 percent more cruisers the chance to sail that lovely country,” said Avalon’s managing director Patrick Clark.

“More importantly, we’re giving them the opportunity to enjoy the passing French countryside and landscapes from the comfort of the largest staterooms with the biggest windows – and views – in river cruising aboard our two Suite Ships.”

Eighty per cent of the staterooms on Avalon’s Suite Ships are Panorama Suites featuring 200-square-feet of thoughtfully-designed space.  Space that comes complete with Open-Air Balconies, featuring giant, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open 7-feet wide, bringing the outside in.

The company is also unveiling a new itinerary featuring two of river cruising’s most popular and diverse, rivers: The Rhine and the Rhône Revealed.  On this 14-night cruise, travellers will experience two Suite Ships – the Tranquility II and Poetry II – as they sail through the Rhine Gorge and enjoy such picturesque French destinations as Lyon, Avignon and Arles.

Extending travellers’ opportunities to enjoy even more of France, its history and culture, Avalon Waterways is inviting cruisers to indulge in their passions and interests with four in-depth themed cruises in the region: Art & Impressionist, Culinary, Wine and a Jazz Cruise featuring a jazz festival in Vienne.

DEAL ALERT:  To celebrate the launch of the 2015 cruise season, Avalon Waterways is offering travellers THREE WAYS TO SAVE & SAIL: Guaranteed air price with $250 air credit; or save 10% on select “Book Now” sailings; or receive free pre-paid gratuities. Depending on the cruise you book, the best deal will automatically be applied.  All you have to do is book your 2015 cruise by June 24 this year and Avalon will automatically select the deal which represents the greatest savings for you.

For more information, visit avalonwaterways.ca; “like” us on Facebook; call 800-268-3636 or see your travel agent.

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ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS

Award-winning Avalon Waterways offers travellers the youngest, most innovative fleet of ships in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, South America and the United States.  Our travellers have inspired us to utilize nearly 85 years of travel expertise to design the best river cruise experience possible.  We’ve taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better—down to the last detail.  Our views are panoramic and spaces large and inviting; comfort is king and dining both personal and flexible.  And, thanks to our partnership with Globus, our itineraries are legendary. 

By design, Avalon cruisers are privy to all-inclusive access to a destination, including guided sightseeing in every port, VIP entry into key destinations and unparalleled cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors.  In addition to countless trade accolades, Avalon Waterways has garnered some of the industry's most prestigious honors: Among them, the river cruise company was voted the Best River Cruise Line in 2010 by Cruise Critic editors, among the top 5 river cruise lines in Travel + Leisure’s 2011, 2012 and 2013 World’s Best Awards and Condė Nast Traveler’s 2011 and 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards; the river cruse line was also chosen as the “Best Value in River Cruising” by Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel.  Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands.