5 6 Avalon Waterways, which is part of the Globus family of brands, is continuing to refine its river cruise offering by doubling down on the guest experience onboard its ships. Avalon View, the company’s latest ‘Suite Ship,’ debuted in April 2022. Like the rest of the Suite Ships fleet sailing in Europe, Avalon View averages just 150 guests (some accommodate) a much lower number, to give guests plenty of space, time and attention during their cruise. The focus on the guest experience continues across the fleet of Suite Ships, each of which boasts large, outsidefacing Panorama Suites. “Our boutique hotel-inspired Panorama Suites are featured on two full decks of every ship and these spacious staterooms feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising,” says Pam Hoffee, president and managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Our wall-to-wall, floor-toceiling windows open seven foot wide in Europe and 11 foot wide in Southeast Asia – wider than any other balconies in the industry – and blur the line between outside and in without sacrificing room space.” In addition, when it comes to the brand’s Comfort Collection beds, Hoffe says: “Avalon is the only line whose beds are turned to face the view and everchanging scenery rather than a wall.” However, it is not only the ships that are immersive in nature. this theme continues in the itineraries and activities available to guests. “Since launching our very first ‘Active & Discovery’ cruise on the Danube in 2017, we have grown these offerings by 560 per cent,” says Hoffee. “And in 2023, we will be providing cruisers with eight ‘Active & Discovery’ itineraries with 53 departures. That’s 14 per cent of our overall portfolio and 25 per cent of our itineraries during the main cruising season.” ‘Special interest’ cruise itineraries are increasingly popular, covering topics such as beer, wine, photography and history. This year’s celebrity-hosted ‘Storyteller Series’ of sailings feature authors Candace Bushnell, Cheryl Strayed, Gillian Flynn, Christopher Moore and Sister Hazel. Throughout all of its endeavours, Avalon maintains a focus on Brand with a view Avalon Waterways is working to bring its guests closer to the natural beauties that surround them while onboard. Pam Hoffee outlines the brand’s latest innovations to Michele Witthaus “ We’re constantly monitoring new technology in sustainability and are committed to developing new ships ” Avalon Waterways’ guests can offers active excursions, such as the hiking through a vineyard in Rhone INTERV IEW
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