Avalon Waterways was forced to cancel two upcoming voyages aboard Avalon Tranquility after the brilliant blue-hulled ship and a cargo ship collided on the Danube last Friday.

The accident, which punctured a hole in the Tranquility’s hull, resulted in no injuries, and passengers are continuing their itinerary by motor coach.

However, the accident necessitated repairs to the ship that required the cancellation of the September 11 and September 25, 2011 voyages.  Passengers booked on these voyages are being notified and offered the following options:

• Rebook a 2011 river cruise by moving the full value of the cancelled cruise to a new voyage.  Passengers will receive a $500 per person discount, plus a $500 per person voucher for travel with Avalon Waterways in 2012 and 2013.
• Cancel their 2011 booking and rebook for 2012; again with the included $500 discount.
• Full cancellation of the cruise, and a full refund.  A $500 voucher for future Avalon Waterways travel in 2012 and 2013 will be included.

It’s worth noting that river cruise travel, like its deep-ocean counterpart, is exceedingly safe, and accidents like this are rare.  In fact, Avalon is being praised highly for its quick, decisive response to affected passengers, both onboard and at home.  While the repairs are under way and an exact completion date isn’t yet known, we’ll be sure to update this page with more information as it becomes available.