Avalon Waterways Set to Focus On France In 2010
Avalon Waterways Set to Focus On France In 2010
Avalon Waterways plans to make waves in France in 2010 by increasing its Western European cruise itineraries and departures by 200 percent to meet demand for vacations along the Rhône, Saône and Seine rivers. “Sixty-five years after American, British and Canadian troops invaded the Normandy beaches, we’re offering travelers the chance to explore some of the poignant sites of D-Day such as the Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument and American cemetery as part of our new eight-day Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches cruise,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Cruisers will begin this vacation aboard the new Avalon Creativity in the City of Light, docked within a 15-minute walk of the Eiffel Tower.”
Also new in 2010 is Avalon’s “Grand France” river cruise, a 16-day vacation from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. It lets travelers sail aboard two ships -- the Avalon Scenery and Avalon Creativity -- from Paris to the Côte d’Azur. “Everything on this cruise vacation is grand,” said Clark. “On one portion of the journey, travelers will explore the City of Light in all its splendor and enjoy such quaint destinations as Auvers-sur-oise where Van Gogh lived and died as well as Vernon to see Monet’s home and stunning gardens. And, the second portion is a food- and wine-lover’s dream getaway as cruisers travel through Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and the wine region of Beaujolais.”
With its christening later this year, the Avalon Creativity will sail exclusively in France in 2010 on the “Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches” and “Grand France” itineraries. The new ship features 68 staterooms measuring 172 square feet and two suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies. The Creativity will also boast a Club Lounge, whirlpool and sundeck. The Avalon Scenery, christened in 2008, will sail through Burgundy and Provence on the Rhône River.
Avalon is offering early-booking incentives. Guests can receive $150 off per person any 2010 Egypt, China, Galapagos or “Taste of the Danube” cruise- and land-only vacation, or $300 off when booking air on the same itineraries. For most Europe cruise vacations, the deal increases to $250 off per person on select Europe river cruise- and land-only vacations or $500 off when booking air on the same itineraries.
The new “Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches” cruise sails from Paris northward on the Seine to Auvers-sur-Oise, Giverny and Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen. The eight-day trip is priced from $2,049 land- and cruise-only. The 16-day new “Grand France” itinerary includes a cruise on the Seine to the Normandy region and one on the Saône and Rhône rivers. The trip is priced from $4,329. For more information, call 877.530.5699