This past May, Avalon Waterways proudly took delivery of its most impressive ship to date: the brand-new Avalon Panorama.
Designed by Avalon from the ground up, this first “All-Suite” ship features two decks of suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. The line’s innovative Open-Air Balcony concept is featured on select suites, designed to transform the entire room into a combination indoor/outdoor experience.
Bookings for Avalon Panorama have remained so strong that Avalon ordered two additional ships in this class. When they enter service in 2012, they will be christened Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary.
Like their sister Avalon Panorama, the new Vista and Visionary will feature 178 Panorama Suites measuring 200 square feet and six 300-square-foot Royal Suites, giving them an almost unprecedented amount or luxury accommodations among river cruise vessels. Each suite features marble bathrooms stocked with refreshing L’Occitane toiletries, fresh-cut flowers, and Avalon’s own deluxe Comfort Collection bedding.
To sweeten the deal, Avalon guests sailing in 2012 will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access across the fleet, and Apple iPads will be provided for the duration of the cruise to guests staying in the line’s fabulous Royal Suites.
“Nothing showcases the best of river cruising like the Panorama, Visionary and Vista,” said Patrick Clark, Managing Director of Avalon Waterways. “Each Suite has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the European cruise experience. From bed and bathroom positioning to storage and sound-proof insulation, we provide cruisers a renewed feeling of freedom, space and comfort not found with other cruise lines.”
On board, Avalon’s Suite Ships feature a clubby lounge flanked with plenty of windows, an equally spacious main lounge and a dining room offering expansive views of the passing scenery. A Sky Deck pool and an open-air bistro for outdoor grill lunches will no doubt be popular relaxation spots for passengers to enjoy both the sun and the scenery, while a hair salon and a well-equipped fitness room round out the mix of public facilities.
In a nod to its loyal guests, Avalon has publicly stated that every detail featured on these new Suite Ships was a direct result of listening to the continuous feedback from customers, and that the line is committed to constantly pushing the boundaries of what defines a river cruise in order to provide guests with a cruise experience that is both contemporary and consistent.
Beginning next year, Avalon’s Suite Ships will traverse the waterways of Europe with sailings like the 15-day Magnificent Europe itinerary aboard Avalon Panorama, brought back by popular demand after the 2011 voyages sold out early.
Avalon Vista will sail 11-day Legendary Danube and 13-day Blue Danube Discovery voyages, as well as additional 15-day Magnificent Europe sailings.
Avalon Visionary will sail its maiden season on the beautiful Rhine, sailing 8-day Romantic Rhine voyages before operating a series of highly memorable Christmas Markets cruises.
For more information on Avalon Panorama and her new sisters Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary, be sure to visit our Avalon Waterways profile right here on River Cruise Advisor, and start planning your “suite” getaway today.
