River cruise line Avalon Waterways, is experiencing more than 50% growth in year-over-year bookings for 2025, following a record-breaking year in 2024.
France and Portugal are leading destinations for the company, part of the Globus Family of Brands, with off-season and special-interest cruises, including the Active & Discovery series, showing strong demand.
In 2025, Avalon Waterways will introduce a new Suite Ship to the rivers of France and launch its first Bordeaux itinerary, according to Pam Hoffee, president of the line. The weeklong "Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages" cruise will explore the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Other popular France itineraries for 2025 include "Burgundy & Provence," "Paris to Normandy," and "Grand France."
The company's debut on Portugal's Douro River in 2024 with the Avalon Alegria has been successful, with the ship sailing at full capacity in its inaugural year. Bookings for Douro cruises in 2025 are already surpassing those of 2024.
Off-season travel is also gaining popularity among Avalon Waterways' clients. The company has increased its off-season cruise offerings by 88% since 2023. Festive Season itineraries, such as "Christmas in Alsace & Germany" and "Christmas on the Danube," are showing significant year-over-year sales increases.
Spring season cruises are also seeing a rise in bookings, contributing to the cooler weather cruise trend. Popular itineraries for 2025 include "Tulip Time," "Highlights of Holland & Belgium," and "Treasures of Holland & Belgium."
A recent survey of 16,600 past Avalon guests indicated that 25% want to be active while cruising. In response, the company is expanding its "Active & Discovery" options across all cruise departures in 2025.
"Our cruisers are not passive,” Hoffee noted. “They want to activate their mind, heart, body and tastebuds on vacation."
This article was generated by AI and based on a press release distributed by Avalon Waterways. It was reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
