Avalon Waterways Unveils Exotic Collection of River & Small Ship Cruises for 2016

Avalon Waterways’ 2016 cruise season is shaping up to be a big one with new ships and a robust offerings of diverse river landscapes. On the heels of announcing two new Suite Ships® in Europe, the company is also expanding its exotic cruise offerings, including announcing a return to the Nile River aboard the MS Mayfair and a new ship partnership on the Amazon River via the Amazon Discovery. Further, Avalon is providing travelers two new, intimate 36-passenger Suite Ships on the Irrawaddy and Mekong Rivers – The Avalon Siem Reap℠ and Avalon Myanmar℠ – as well as small-group discovery (maximum of 20 guests) experiences on the Yangtze River.

“As more travelers adopt river cruising as their preferred travel style, they want to broaden their experiences,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “We’re expanding our offerings to help them engage with a plethora of cultures in places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, Tibet, Egypt, Peru and the Galápagos Islands in the comfort of a floating hotel.”

Mekong River:

For the past three decades, “change” has been a constant for Vietnam and Cambodia as they diligently forge paths to the future. Today, these captivating countries are achieving a successful balance between modernization and ancient traditions. And Avalon Waterways is offering travelers a “suite” way to cruise the Mekong River aboard our all-suite Avalon Siem Reap, one of our incredible Suite Ships. Unveiled in 2015, the Siem Reap was designed to provide an intimate experience for a maximum of 36 passengers, giving our travelers the chance to truly immerse themselves in the culture, people and sights along the Mekong. Built by local craftsmen, the ship has modern features yet retains the colonial charm fitting to Vietnam and Cambodia. Time on board delivers a refreshing outdoor experience as all 245-square-foot suites open to the outside, offering great, panoramic views.

The 13-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River itinerary is priced from $4,069.

Irrawaddy River:

To travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma, is to step back in time to a place that has changed little since the British colonial era. On our new all-suite Avalon Myanmar ship – built for only 36 –passengers and set to unveil in late October 2015 – “included” is a favorite word among guests. Spacious outside Avalon Suites with a sitting area and huge, 14-foot, wall-to wall-window is included. Local Favorites designed to help travelers immerse themselves in the culture is included. Regional cuisines, local beer and spirits are included. VIP entrance into must-see sights is also included. The 14-day Golden Myanmar & the Alluring Irrawaddy itinerary is priced from $5,849.

Yangtze, Nile & Amazon Rivers:

On three of the most iconic rivers in the world, Avalon Waterways charters space aboard equally great ships to deliver unforgettable, small-group discovery vacations for our travelers.

On the Yangtze River, groups of no more than 20 Avalon travelers will enjoy Cruise & Tour vacations. On the Yangtze, they will sail more than 600 miles through the river’s most impressive stretch aboard the contemporary and elegant Century Paragon or Century Legend ships. Deluxe staterooms, measuring 266-square-feet – greet each guest – on two itineraries: Magical China & The Yangtze River (12 days, priced from $3,519) or Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise (16 days, priced from $4,259).

In addition, in 2016, Avalon Waterways is making a return to the Nile River, offering a four-night cruise aboard the MS Mayfair on a nine-day vacation featuring the sights of Cairo, Luxor, Edfu and Aswan. This Highlights of Egypt cruise and tour itinerary, priced from $3,017, offers travelers a personal Egyptologist to better showcase the areas history, archeological wonders, culture and more.

And, Avalon Waterways’ From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon small-group discovery vacation features a 3-night cruise aboard the Amazon Discovery (a new ship for Avalon Waterways) with a local Naturalist. Priced from 4,499, this vacation offers travelers experiences in Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

Galapagos Islands:

Rounding out its exotic offerings, Avalon Waterways also offers travelers the chance to board a luxury yacht (the Isabella II) to explore and discover the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin on two itineraries: Ecuador & Its Galapagos Islands (9 days, priced from $4,669) and Discover the Galapagos & Peru (15 days, priced from $6,319).

BIG SAVINGS ON EXOTIC DESTINATIONS FOR 2016: Those booking a 2016 cruise early can SAVE 10% on Mekong & Irrawaddy vacations. SAVE 5% on China, South America & Egypt 2016 cruises.

For more information, visit AvalonWaterways.com