On May 9, Avalon Waterways unveiled the Avalon Affinity in Europe, the second of five new Avalon ships planned for debut between 2008 and 2010. Christening attendees arrived in Volendam, a Netherlands fishing village, and boarded a 1910 Royal Dutch Marine steamship where they enjoyed lunch before the Avalon Affinity appeared on the water in the distance for a special, Dutch-themed christening event.
Suzanne Hall, senior director at Ensemble Travel Group and the first American to christen an Avalon Waterways ship, served as the vessel’s godmother. After a speech by Hall and the official christening ceremony, guests sipped champagne and witnessed a symbolic transfer of ownership from Dr. Ritter, president of shipping company Seehandlung, to Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. Attendees then enjoyed a gala dinner and an evening of entertainment onboard the new ship.
On May 11, Affinity began its first sold-out cruise on the Windmills, Vineyards & Paris itinerary, cruising in France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium and Holland. Major highlights included a guided tour of Paris, travel between Paris and Metz via high-speed train and guided sightseeing in Trier and Cologne. Clients also experienced a canal cruise in Amsterdam, the windmills at famous Knderdijk, a tour of Reichsburg Castle and a wine cellar visit in Bernkastel.
In 2009, the Avalon Affinity will sail a variety of itineraries including the nine-day Romantic Rhine between Amsterdam and Basel, priced from $1,989 per person, and the nine-day Christmas in the Heart of Germany cruise between Frankfurt and Prague, starting at $1,709 per person. The Christmastime on the Danube itinerary is 10 days in length and travels between Prague and Vienna, with prices starting from $1,859 per person, and the new 14-day Windmills, Vineyards & Paris sailings between Paris and Amsterdam are priced from $3,529. The Rhine and Moselle itinerary is 16 days, sailing between Amsterdam and Basel, and is priced from $3,849.
Avalon Waterways’ staterooms aboard the Affinity measure 172 square feet and 90 percent have floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors. Junior Suites are 258 square feet. Amenities and features on the new ships include flat screen televisions, large closets, flexible bed design (beds may be configured as two twins or one queen), Egyptian cotton linens, minibars, safes, laundry and ironing services, a fully equipped fitness room, a library, hair salon and gift shop, as well as a club lounge and large Jacuzzi pool on the Sky Deck.
Avalon Waterways
www.avalonwaterways.com
