Avalon Waterways Introduces "Dine by Design" Options for Cruisers

Inspired to create a different kind of river cruise experience – one that embraces and celebrates everything special about the travel style – every year, Avalon Waterways has unveiled innovations to enhance cruisers' experiences. For 2011, Avalon Waterways has already announced the creation of the industry's first "Suite Ship" and innumerable comfort-centered enhancements fleetwide. Now, this award-winning small-ship cruise operator is unveiling enriching dining options developed to whet the appetites of travelers and "foodies" alike.

"Avalon Waterways not only provides travelers the youngest, most innovative fleet of ships in Europe and panoramic access to a destination," said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "We also help them enjoy local cuisines, inspired by local ingredients and created by some of Europe's most highly skilled chefs on board our ships."

In 2011, with help from its top European chefs, Avalon is reigniting its cruisers' culinary experience by unveiling a number of dining enhancements and selections. They include:
- Giving cruisers a choice of appetizer, salad, entrée, cheese and dessert
- Featuring local fare options at each meal
- Highlighting sustainable cuisine on French itineraries
- Providing cruisers more healthy options including low calorie, low sodium and glucose-free cuisine
- Introducing Night Fare, served at 10:30 PM to cap off each day with a treat

And, Avalon Waterways is adding even more selections for the "most important meal of the day" in 2011. "We already provide travelers Early- and Late-riser breakfast options," said Clark. "Next year, we are also adding complimentary sparkling wine – great for Mimosas – and made-to-order egg stations to our robust breakfast buffet. And, our guests will also have the opportunity to order continental breakfast in their room and have drinks delivered to them throughout the day."

More drink options are also on the menu for Avalon Waterways. "In addition to offering cruisers the customary complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks at dinner and soft drinks included with lunch, next year, we will feature a Cocktail Hour on our ships for cruisers interested in enjoying local wine, beer and other spirits before dinner, while socializing with fellow travelers." Clark said.

Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, latte and premium Lavazza coffee will also be provided to Avalon passengers throughout the day.

And, while Avalon Waterways introduced alcoholic and non-alcoholic Drink Packages in 2010 that can be pre-purchased by interested passengers, in 2011, the company is unveiling Celebration Packages, giving cruisers the chance to commemorate a birthday or anniversary in their room with several celebratory cuisine selections.

"Year after year, thanks to the continuous feedback and encouragement of our travelers, Cruise Directors and travel agent partners, Avalon Waterways has unveiled new ships, amenities and experiences that set the standard in river cruising," said Clark. "Our views are panoramic and spaces large and inviting; comfort is king and dining is for your taste. And, thanks to our heritage through Globus, our itineraries are legendary."

ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS
Award-winning Avalon Waterways offers travelers the youngest, most innovative fleet of ships in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos. Our travelers have inspired us to utilize more than 80 years of travel expertise to design the best river cruise experience possible. We've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better-down to the last detail. Our views are panoramic and spaces large and inviting; comfort is king and dining both personal and flexible. And, thanks to our partnership with Globus, our itineraries are legendary. By design, Avalon cruisers are privy to all-inclusive access to a destination, including guided sightseeing in every port, VIP entry into key destinations and unparalleled cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors. In addition to countless trade accolades, Avalon Waterways has garnered some of the industry's most prestigious honors: Among them, the river cruise company was voted the No. 2 Best River Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure's 2010 World's Best Awards, chosen as the "Best Value in River Cruising" by Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel and featured in Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Gold List. Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands.

Consumers can book an Avalon Waterways vacation or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.877.380.1535. For more information, please visit www.avalonwaterways.com. Travel agents can request Avalon Waterways brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.