Avalon Waterways Unveils Luxurious Ship Purpose-Built to Cruise the Douro and New Bordeaux River Cruises

EMBARKING ON A LUXURIOUS TRIP on Europe’s many beautiful rivers is one of life’s great pleasures. This prospect is only made more exciting as Avalon Waterways introduces new regions, itineraries and a new ship that promises to entice passengers.

Purpose-built to sail the Douro River, Avalon Alegria is the latest impressive addition to the brand’s fleet and the first Avalon Waterways Suite Ship to operate in Portugal, adding new possibilities for those who adore river travel. 

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Boasting 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, the 102-capacity Avalon Alegria’s accommodation is second to none. Using a subtle palette inspired by the colours of the Douro, the interiors are a contrasting mix of dark woods, lush greens and mustard yellows set ablaze by lustrous copper accents to create an atmosphere of understated cool and sophistication.

The Panorama Suites are the star of the show. The stunning 200 sqft suites are expansive and exceed the industry standard by more than 30%. The suites also make clever use of wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows that, when fully opened, transform the entire room into a spacious, full-sized balcony area. 

In addition to the magnificent living areas, passengers have access to a broad selection of amenities, including the Fitness Centre and the Adventure Centre, where, in addition to guided exercise classes, Avalon Adventure Hosts are on hand to lead passengers on a series of exciting excursions. Notably, the ship also includes complimentary wifi, a simple necessity that most cruise lines are still resistant to providing. 

A Bow with the Wow Factor

The Club Lounge, home to an all-day self-serve hot drinks station overlooking the aft of the ship, is an idyllic place for guests to recline, drink in hand and lose themselves to the majesty of the panoramic views.  At the ship’s bow, the Observation Lounge is an outdoor relaxation spot with the wow factor. Packed with sumptuously comfortable furniture and a charming swing chair, the space has the most dramatic views on board, saying something on a vessel with such a grand collection of vantage points throughout.

The Douro Enchants

Winding its way through the Douro Valley, Avalon Alegria charts the Douro River to take travellers on a journey to some of Portugal’s most enchanting landscapes showcasing the River of Gold’s parade of terraced vineyards and charming villages, where centuries of tradition blend to create a culinary and viticultural paradise that is the definition of rustic beauty and charm.

Striking out from Porto, the eight-day trip is a fascinating mix of epicurean and cultural stimulation, overflowing with opportunities to sample local wines and discover unforgettable new flavours. 

Guests will also have firsthand encounters with family-owned farms, experience the passionate strains of Fado music and indulge in exquisite local delicacies within the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. The itinerary includes discovering the cultural legacy of the Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Porto for a day absorbing the culture of Portugal’s second city.

Bordeau Rendezvous

Portugal is not the only European country being showcased by Avalon Waterways, with the company launching a set of new one-, two-, and three-week sailings through Bordeaux recently. Operated by Avalon Artistry II, the itinerary takes travellers through the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, with options to extend their journeys further, cruising the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers.  

Using vintages as a doorway to the cultural heritage of the famously wine-centric region of France, guests will experience Bordeaux’s traditions up close, with excursions to the region’s marvellous castles, where they will sample the fruits of the region’s labour and delight their palates at the same time. 

Describing the potential of the new cruise, Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, said, “From unparalleled panoramic cruising aboard the Avalon Artistry II, to onshore Châteaux visits, Sauternes tastings and crème puff baking classes mixed with e-biking through vineyards and free time in postcard-perfect places like Saint-Émilion, Bourg and Arcachon, for Avalon guests in Bordeaux, the world is their oyster.” 

Avalon Waterways continues to elevate river cruising with the launch of Avalon Alegria and exciting itineraries through Portugal and France. These unique experiences promise to immerse travellers in Europe’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights, creating unforgettable memories.

Avalon Waterways
Website: travel.avalonwaterways.com.au
Instgram: @avalonwaterways

Article Sponsored by Globus Tours.
Images courtesy of Globus Tours.

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