Avalon Waterways Shines Light Onto River Cruise Market

With Nina Slawek

Cocktails at Toronto’s Radisson Admiral Hotel rooftop patio on the waterfront, on what felt like the first sunny day of 2011, was the ideal setting to talk about river cruising. Figuratively speaking, it was also a reflection of an undeniable sparkle which now permeates the newly minted Globus family of brands.

The family’s Stephanie Bishop and Patrice Geske convened a group of journalists to give an update on Avalon Waterways, the family’s river cruise division. And agents, if you are not selling river cruises you may be missing the boat.

Up front was news about a brand new class of ship -- the Panorama class. The aptly named vessels feature staterooms with 11 foot wide picture windows which open a full 7 feet, inviting Europe right into your suite.

The concept has been so well received that there are two more Panorama-class ship being built to be launched next spring.

The line has also introduced L’Occitane amenities in the marble-countered bathrooms and now offers robes and slippers for passengers as well (perfect attire, it would seem, for slipping along to the coffee lounge where a €6,000 coffee machine dispenses delish cappuccinos 24/7).

Another interesting number: 98. That’s the satisfaction rating reported by Avalon passengers. And they book well in advance, with 2012 sales apparently moving briskly.

“We find a lot of our passengers are experienced big-ship cruisers,” Stephanie Bishop told the crowd. “They are ready on their travel journey to come to small ship cruising and appreciate the intimacy.”

Another figure? 250. Dollars that is. When paid in conjunction with a cruise deposit or a cruise/air package, it will guarantee your client’s airfare pricing, no matter what hapapens with fuel prices.

Beyond Europe, new itineraries are being introduced along the Nile and Mekong rivers which are pure bucket list material.