AVALON WATERWAYS LAUNCHES NEW WORLDWIDE CRUISES

Following the success of its European river cruise programme in the UK market, Avalon Waterways has launched a range of worldwide river and ocean itineraries to include the Mississippi, the Nile and the Galapagos.

Offering the same high standards of service, cuisine and luxurious onboard facilities as the European cruises, the new cruises will be bookable from the UK and packaged with return flights, a private home pick-up service and overseas airport transfers.

The newly featured Mississippi cruises, the 13 day ‘Music City to the Big Easy’ (from £3699pp) and the 12 day ‘Mississippi in the Fall’ (from £3429pp) are available on the American Queen, a classic style paddlewheel steam boat capturing the essence of the 19^th century and offering a luxurious and stylish river cruise experience. With traditional plush décor, the ship offers spacious outside staterooms, modern facilities, a choice of dining options, regular showboat style entertainment in the Grand Saloon and includes shore excursions.

The ‘Music City to the Big Easy’ itinerary includes 2 nights in Nashville and 1 night in Memphis with guided sightseeing before cruising the Mississippi with visits to Helena, Vicksburg, Natchez, St Francisville, Baton Rouge, Housmas House and New Orleans.

Launching a range of three different itineraries on the Nile with departures available from January to December, Avalon Waterways features the 5 star MS Mayfair, one of the newest vessels on the Nile. The ship offers a range of facilities including pool and jacuzzi, spa with steam & sauna, fitness centre, mezzanine lounge and nightclub. The itineraries include the 9 day ‘Highlights of Egypt’ (from £2519pp); the 12 day ‘Pyramids, Lake Nasser & Nile Highlights’ featuring a four night Lake Nasser cruise on MS Kasr Ibrim (from £3529 pp) and 13 day ‘Egypt & the Nile in Depth’ with optional Lake Nasser cruise extension (from £3053pp). All itineraries are combined with overnight stays in Cairo with guided city sightseeing.

To meet demand for cruising in the Galapagos Islands, two new itineraries have been launched to sail aboard the Santa Cruz ship featured with first class facilities and 43 staterooms. The itineraries include the 11 day ‘Ecuador & the Galapagos’ (£3,965pp) with 2 nights in Quito, 2 nights on the Baltra Island as well as 4 nights cruising the Galapagos National Park before returning for an overnight stay in Quito. Also on sale is the 16 day ‘Discover the Galapagos & Peru’ (from £5249pp) including visits to Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito, and 4 nights cruising the Galapagos National Park. Both itineraries can be extended with a three night Amazon stay.

Karen Woods, Avalon Product Manager, commented: “Customers who have experienced the high level of service and facilities on an Avalon river cruise in Europe are now keen to travel further afield and experience the culture, history and natural wonders of worldwide destinations.”

She added: “Cruising the Mississippi aboard the American Queen will be a fantastic experience combining the traditional style of an American cruiser with all modern and luxurious facilities. Those wanting to combine Central America with a visit to the Galapagos Islands can enjoy spacious and well appointed staterooms, a high standard of cuisine as well as a sun deck, observation are for whale or dolphin watching and even a fitness area or sundeck.”

www.avaloncruises.co.uk