Avalon Waterways Introduces New Ships to Keep Fleet Youngest on Europe's Rivers

LONDON, ENGLAND, November 25, 2010 (Press-News.org) Avalon Waterways continues to be the UK's fastest growing river cruise company with the youngest fleet on Europe's waterways as ships average 2 years in age. This year saw the launch of two new ships, the MS Avalon Felicity and MS Avalon Luminary, with another due to come into service in 2011, MS Avalon Panorama.

Avalon Felicity and Luminary feature the same contemporary and innovative design as their sister ships, offering the most spacious and well-appointed staterooms in European river cruising. Sized at 172 square feet, the staterooms are the largest on Europe's rivers, with most featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic sliding glass doors. Junior suites are sized at a spacious 258 square feet each. The Avalon Felicity and Luminary are two of the smaller ships in the fleet with a maximum of just 138 passengers, featuring 65 staterooms and four junior suites. Both new ships feature the innovative Silent Drive System (SDS), which separates the ships' passenger and propulsion compartments reducing noise and vibrations and making cruising more relaxing and enjoyable.

Luxurious touches on board these newest members of the fleet include Avalon-branded premium bedding, deluxe woven carpeting, bathrobes and slippers and premium L'Occitane products in all staterooms. Other amenities and features include flat screen televisions, fully equipped modern bathrooms and individual air conditioning. Open-air dining is also available at lunch each day thanks to the Sky Deck Grill.

With the focus very much on service, both ships will offer an attentive team of staff with approximately one staff member to every four passengers making it one of the most relaxing and enjoyable river cruise experiences.

Offered on a full board basis, the onboard chefs will prepare a choice of classic and regional dishes and a selection of the local wines are served throughout the four course dinner.

Both ships are due to sail a wide selection of fascinating itineraries. Avalon Luminary will sail the brand new 'Tulip Time' cruise highlighting Belgium and Holland priced from GBP1429* per person as well as the wine themed cruises on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Avalon Felicity will sail the 8 day 'Romantic Rhine' with visits to Strasbourg, Koblenz and Cologne, priced from GBP1295* per person.

The 'suite ship', Avalon Panorama is 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 with the Royal Suites measuring 300 square feet and offering king-size bed, full size designer bathroom and separate WC.

The Avalon Panorama will operate two of Avalon's hugely popular Danube River cruises, the 15 day 'Magnificent Europe' cruise (Amsterdam to Budapest and reverse) priced from GBP2249* in a Panorama Suite and from GBP4022* in a Royal Suite. The ship will also sail the 13 day Blue Danube Discovery (from Budapest to Prague) priced from GBP1949* in a Panorama Suite and GBP2836* in a Royal Suite.

Alan MacLean, UK Managing Director commented: "With both ships in service, we have underlined our commitment of providing our passengers with the newest ships with state-of-the-art technology and sleek design. Along with the high level of service, attention to detail, we are offering a truly first class river cruise experience."

He added: "Since Avalon Waterways launched its UK operation, just 12 months ago, we have been thrilled with the level of sales to date. 2011 will be a significant and exciting year for the company as we launch, the Panorama, our innovative suite ship, bringing a new standard of luxury river cruising to this growing market. "

*price includes return flights, full board cruise, port charges, transfers and door- to-door home pick up service

For further information on the range of itineraries available or to request a brochure, telephone 0800 668 1801 or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk. For further press information or images of the new Avalon cruise ships please contact Barbara Kurau on 020 8466 8199 or email bkurau@avaloncruises.co.uk