Avalon Brings “A Different View Of Things” Into 2017
by Daniel McCarthy /Creativity, Les Andelys on France's Seine.
With a high-end clientele that lives an increasingly healthy and active lifestyle, Avalon Waterways’ major innovations for 2017 are centered on bringing that same kind of experience to its river cruises, says managing director Patrick Clark. But at the same time, it’s all about the view.
In the works are four changes designed to immerse customers more closely in the region in which they are cruising, from the view to the food and wine.
Glass, glass, and more glass
Avalon is already distinguished as the only river cruise line that has a 200-square-foot stateroom with beds positioned to face the river, giving guests the opportunity to fall asleep while watching cities, towns, and landscapes pass by.
“We believe strongly that one of the attractions of cruising Europe and the legendary rivers is about the sites,” Clark said. So the company has decided to case all its new ships in glass, giving guests the feel of the region. “No matter where you are you on the ship—you could be on the treadmill—you’re going to have views. We believe that’s a really important factor in the way the ships have been designed.”
Healthier menu choices
A new partnership with the Austrian Wrenkh brothers, two rising European vegetarian chefs, has reimagined the way Avalon cooks food, offering more, healthier, and tastier choices. “Healthy food should be delicious, it shouldn’t be bland,” Clark said.
New meals will complement the food indigenous to the region I which the cruise is sailing, and wine will be selected by a local sommelier. Local chefs also will come onboard to interact with guests, prepare a meal, and showcase local cuisine.
Spotlight on staying active
Another focus this year is the active traveler. While that often means a younger traveler, that’s not necessarily the case. “It’s not only a younger demographic wanting more activity; it’s also the boomer demographic,” Clark said.
Every Avalon cruise will offer at least three shore excursion choices in every port. The first category, “classic” excursions, is the more traditional activities—visits to opera houses in Vienna, for example. The next category, “engaged” experiences, allows guests to connect with the region they are visiting by interacting with the locals—participating in a medieval regalia, going into an orchard to see how it works, or joining a pub crawl.
The third category, “active” excursions, includes hiking at the Danube bend, canoeing, golf, and exploring an old salt mine near Saltsburg.
Bikes onboard
Also new for 2017 is a program that will bring bikes onboard every ship. Last year, Avalon experimented with the concept, and “it proved to be just right,” Clark said. Guests can cycle alone or with a local guide, “to see the countryside,” Clark said.