Modern travelers are seeking more than cookie-cutter vacation experiences, and Avalon Waterways has positioned itself to meet these evolving demands with a cruise experience that prioritizes choice, flexibility and personalization.
Understanding What Travelers Want
When Avalon surveyed more than 41,000 past guests, the results revealed what today's cruisers truly value: 69 percent said flexibility on tour is important to them, while an overwhelming 93 percent consider having a choice of excursions crucial to their vacation experience. These travelers want freedom without the burden of extensive planning, seeking someone to orchestrate memorable experiences without the associated hassles.
Exploring with Avalon (Photo Credit: Globus family of brands)
The Avalon Choice Solution
Avalon's response centers on its innovative Avalon Choice program, which presents guests with three distinct excursion categories daily.
Classic options feature culturally rich guided tours and historical highlights for traditional explorers. Active excursions cater to guests who prefer hiking, biking or canoeing through scenic landscapes. Discovery experiences offer hands-on activities such as cooking classes and painting workshops for those seeking immersive local connections.
This approach addresses a key traveler desire: more than 51 percent want to venture off the beaten path, craving local stories, hidden gems and the ability to shape their journey around personal interests.
Avalon eliminates the one-size-fits-all mentality that has dominated group travel, instead creating itineraries that feel less like rigid schedules and more like authentic experiences.
Traveling with Avalon (Photo Credit: Globus family of brands)
Spacious Accommodations, Intimate Atmosphere
The cruise line's commitment to personalization extends beyond shore excursions to onboard accommodations.
Avalon's award-winning Panorama Suites span 200 square feet with industry-exclusive Open-Air Balconies, creating 30 percent more space than standard river cruise accommodations.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and beds positioned to face ever-changing scenery ensure guests remain connected to their surroundings throughout their journey.
Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships averages just 150 guests, fostering an intimate atmosphere where travelers receive personalized attention rather than being lost in crowds. This smaller scale enables the "make yourself at home" environment that distinguishes Avalon from larger cruise operations.
Receive $299 per person air from select US cities on select 2018 Avalon Waterways Mekong cruises.* (Photo Courtesy of Avalon Waterways)
Global Destinations
The company's geographic reach spans beyond European rivers to include South America's Amazon, Asia's Mekong, the Galapagos Islands and Egypt's Nile.
On the Mekong River, Avalon's capacity drops to just 36 guests, creating an even more exclusive experience for discovering Southeast Asia's hidden treasures.
By combining flexible itineraries, spacious accommodations and intimate ship sizes, Avalon has crafted a cruise experience that empowers travelers to captain their own adventures while enjoying the convenience of professional planning and execution.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
