RIVER CRUISER rivercruise - GREAT ADVENTURES ON THE WORLD'S INLAND WATERWAYS - Deluxe Travel & Cruise
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passenger.com.au
RIVER CRUISER
GREAT ADVENTURES ON THE WORLD‘S INLAND WATERWAYS
WIN AN 8-NIGHT NEW RIVER TRENDS EASTERN ODYSSEY
AVALON RIVER CRUISE EGYPT, INDIA & A SLOW BOAT ON THE
WORTH $11,000 COMBINATION HOLIDAYS YANGTZE
THE WIDEST
WATERFRONT VIEW
OF THE WORLD.
We promise more than a good view on an Avalon Waterways river cruise
we deliver the suite view.
Our entire fleet in Europe and Southeast Asia is completely comprised of Suite Ships®, each featuring our Panorama SuitesSM
with the widest opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-Air BalconySM, and an inviting bed facing the
ever-changing scenery. Wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, our panoramic windows blur the line between outside and in,
presenting the greatest window of opportunity in river cruising. It’s relaxed luxury cruising at its finest.
AVALON GIVES YOU MORE CHOICE
30% larger staterooms FlexDining where & Beer & wine with Choice of Classic, Active & Adventure Centre &
than average when you choose lunch & dinner Discovery sightseeing AvalonGO app
Visit avalonwaterways.com.au
Call 1300 230 234 or see your local travel agent
DIVE INTO
A WHOLE NEW WAY
OF CRUISING.
We travel to see new things, try new things, and experience new cultures. With Avalon’s exclusive Active & DiscoverySM river
cruises, we offer excursions for varying interests and all fitness levels for those with a curious or energetic mindset. Whether
you choose to enjoy beautiful views of castles gliding along legendary riverbanks in a canoe, or to perfect your brushstrokes
in a local art studio, or sear today’s catch in a lively cooking class, our Active & Discovery river cruises present a whole new
level of immersion for you to experience.
Active & Discovery cruises are available on the Rhine, Danube & Rhone rivers.
2019 & 2020
brochures out now
2020 FRANCE RIVER CRUISING
FLIGHTS INCLUDED TO FRANCE FOR ALL*
EARLYBIRDS OUT NOW – STRICTLY LIMITED OFFER
France
Beaune
YOUR
Chalon-sur-Saône FLIGHTS
Saône Cormatin Tournus INCLUDED*
10
Pérouges
Rhône Lyon
ALL
Tournon Tain l’Hermitage
Ardèche National Park Viviers
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Scenic Sapphire, Avignon, France Avignon Luberon YEAR • SUITES
villages
Pont du Gard
Tarascon
RIVERS • CRUISES
La Camargue Arles of 11 days or longer
FRAC
South Of France SCENIC ALL-INCLUSIVE
Only the finest, most luxurious experiences,
11 Day Cruise Lyon > Lyon
both on board and onshore – and they’re all included.
Discover why the South of France is famous for its beautiful countryside, 5-star Scenic Space-Ships featuring Scenic
delicacies and amazing architecture. Sun Lounges
Two exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
Cruise along the Saône & Rhône through the South of France on
Your choice of 26 included Scenic Freechoice activities
Scenic Sapphire and enjoy the luxurious amenities, including an
Scenic Culinaire on board cooking experience
innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and Scenic Culinaire, our bespoke
cooking school. 29 meals at up to five on board dining options, from
casual to fine dining
Exclusive to Scenic Enrich, enjoy a gala dinner and classical Complimentary top-shelf beverages all day, every day
concert in the Pope’s Palace in Avignon and an acapella choir Personalised in-suite mini bar restocked daily
performance in the 17th century Trinity Chapel in Lyon.
Butler service for all guests
With our included Scenic Freechoice activities you can sample Scenic Tailormade for self-guided touring
truffles, wines, cheese and chocolate; or take in the cultural and The freedom of our e-bikes
historic sights. Cruise Director to guide and assist with expert
local guides
From only $6,695*pp including flights Complimentary Wi-Fi
or upgrade to a Balcony Suite from $9,390*pp All tipping and gratuities
138 128 SCENIC.COM.AU/EUROPE BOOK NOW - STRICTLY LIMITED OFFER
Must end 31 August 2019, unless sold out prior
or visit SCENIC.COM.AU/AGENTS for your nearest Scenic agent
*Conditions apply. Prices and offers are based on per person, twin share in AUD, strictly limited, not combinable with other offers, and subject to availability. Valid for new bookings only until 31
August 2019. Flight offers are subject to availability ex SYD/MEL/BNE/ADL/PER and based on an airline of Scenic’s choice. Airfares must be booked through Scenic. All airfare deals are scheduled
for travel to best suit the tour departure and conclusion dates on available scheduled flights. Any requests outside of the tour dates may incur seasonal surcharges as enforced by the airline. From
price includes $300pp Early Payment Discount where full payment is due by 31 Oct 2019. Prices and offers based on FRAC121020.1 in a category E suite (no balcony) and balcony upgrade based on
a category C Balcony Suite. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000pp is due within 7 days of booking. A second non-refundable deposit of $2,000pp is due by 28 Sep or 11 months prior to departure,
whichever comes first. We reserve the right to ticket any flights upon receipt of the second deposit and any subsequent changes will incur change and/or cancellation fees. Prices correct as of
06/05/19. For full terms and conditions visit scenic.com.au/terms. ABN 85 002 715 602. SNMA338.
WELCOME
Rivers on
the rise
/ River cruising is changing. Thanks to an
amazing amount of truly transformational
work towards the deployment of new high-tech
ships sailing on fresh waterways, younger and
more active passengers are jumping aboard.
The result is itineraries that break new
ground in terms of where they go, and what
happens when passengers get there as well
as what they do onboard.
Drag queens and tattoo parlours from U, Contents
photography classes and author tours from
Avalon, exclusive shore excursions from Scenic,
electric bikes and even a marine water sports
platform from APT – suddenly the rivers of the 6/ News 14/ Reviews
world are alive with fun, a far cry from the
sedentary image this kind of holiday once had. What’s new on the inland 14 Avalon Envision
Add destinations like Asia, India and Egypt, waters of the world: ships, A brand new ship embodies
all of which are enjoying rapid growth and destinations and onboard the line’s do-it-your-way
uncovering fresh experiences for adventure offerings. approach to cruising.
seekers, and you have a perfect recipe for
growth and development. 20 Viking Emerald
All of which explains why more multi- This land-cruise
generational groups and younger travellers combination holiday
are booking river cruises. shows the best of China.
Its not just the convenience of unpacking
only once, the inclusive food and drink
offerings or the pleasant way of travelling. 22/ Competition
It’s the fact that, all of a sudden, river
cruising is cool! Win a nine-day cruise and
stay in Europe with Avalon
Peter Lynch, Publisher Waterways.
Europe/Asia/India/Americas
Australia’s only site specialising in inland waterway holidays
Sign up for our free newsletter packed with travel tips and deals
rivercruisepassenger.com.au
NEWS: INTRODUCTION
NOW
EVERYONE
CAN
CRUISE
Suddenly, it seems there’s a river cruising through Bangladesh to Kolkata on the Brahmaputra,
a route that will be officially launched this fall by
experience for everyone, finds Vanessa Wu. Exotic Heritage Group.
While Asian rivers are all about exploring the lifeline
w
for the people of the region, in the Amazon, cruisers can
hen Adventures by Disney announced it experience the jungle from the comfort of a luxury liner.
was going into river cruising, the myth The legendary Nile in Egypt is also receiving strong
that children could never love this type renewed interest with sold-out seasons.
of holiday went out of the window. Viking Cruises is expanding its program with a new
When Uniworld unveiled The B, the myth that ship, Viking Osiris, which debuts in September 2020.
millennials could never be interested in sailing The line is launching two London-based pre-cruise
inland waters similarly disappeared. extensions that include exclusive experiences designed
Now, as you will see in this special magazine, larger
suites, new ships, more shore excursions, combination
itineraries, celebrity partnerships, culinary favourites
and better entertainment have all led to an amazing
growth across all segments of the market.
New rivers are always a drawcard for adventurous
travellers. Being one of the first to sail a river not only
earns bragging rights, but also rewards with the first
glimpse of unspoiled landscapes.
Asian cruisers are going beyond the Yangtze,
Mekong, Irrawaddy and Ganges to less-travelled
waters like the Chindwin River on the Myanmar –
Assam border and the Red River in North Vietnam. Just
a few months ago, the very first tourist vessel sailed
6 rivercruisepassenger.com.au
NEWS: INTRODUCTION
Danube Delta Discover, while APT’s Classic Journeys
land tour, designed to connect seamlessly with their
river cruises, has been very popular for 2020.
Viking Cruises is also finding increasing interest
in river-ocean combination cruises. Their Bergen to
Budapest/Basel itinerary is running for a second year
in 2020 and already there is only limited availability
remaining. These 15- and 22-day itineraries take guests
to the landscapes of the Norwegian fjords on an ocean
cruise and experience the classic European river cruise
all in one holiday.
These combination itineraries can get long but lines
are also offering shorter cruisers to cater to time-poor
younger cruisers. Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope and
A-Rosa Cruises have four- to six-day itineraries on the
Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in 2020. These sampler
itineraries are also perfect for new cruisers who want
to enhance guests’ knowledge of Egyptology prior to to dip their toes in the water without committing to
even arriving in Cairo. They offer privileged access a longer journey.
to places like the Egyptian Collection at the British Efforts to draw in a younger crowd don’t stop
Museum, and Howard Carter’s archives which detail there. APT is fitting out their ships with fitness and
the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. wellness centres, offering yoga sessions, putting on
Viking’s itinerary is a stellar example of the live entertainment and organising gourmet-themed
new style of travel river cruise lines are offering. experiences to appeal to millennial guests. On U by
It’s customisable, exclusive and enhances your Uniworld, they take it one step further with mixology
experience with experiential itineraries. sessions, silent discos, karaoke nights and barbecues.
Gone are the days where shore excursions meant Across the board, river cruisers want more out of
herding a group on and off a coach to grab mandatory their onboard experience, and cruise lines are
snaps at tourist spots. Instead, there are plenty of answering with bigger ships, larger suites and more
options for cruisers to explore their own interests. amenities. AmaMagna, which began sailing the
It could be a relaxing wellness experience, a culinary Danube in May, is nearly twice the width of traditional
event, classes with local artisans, discovering regional European river ships and the extra space allows
culture with hands-on experiences, or getting your AmaWaterways with APT to offer multiple dining
heart pumping with a guided hike, e-bike tours, venues, a larger spa and gym, enhanced evening
kayaking or even a round of golf. entertainment and even a water-sports platform.
Combination itineraries are perhaps the biggest Avalon Waterways’ wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling
trend of all. Australian cruisers are looking to extend windows in the Panorama Suites promise excellent
their cruise and maximise their time in Europe to balcony views while maximising space in the suites,
make the most of their long journey there. This could Clockwise from and the line has just launched Avalon Envsion.
above: Uniworld’s
be a combination of land tours, ocean cruises or even River Countess in This year, eight of Scenic’s Space-Ships will also
another river cruise with their first river cruise itinerary. Venice; a castle be upgraded to have larger but fewer staterooms.
in Transylvania;
Scenic has a new fully guided four-night land tour capuchin monkeys
It looks like the luxury of space is making a
extension around mythical Transylvania on their in the Amazon. comeback – or did it just never go out of style?
rivercruisepassenger.com.au 7
NEWS
News
Several river cruise lines including Avalon Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Dürnstein and
Waterways and Crystal River Cruises are now Vienna, from $2,682 per person. Avalon is the
SHORTER offering shorter itineraries to travellers looking second line to introduce shorter river journeys,
SAILINGS to sample a holiday on the river. Avalon following Crystal River Cruises’ decision to
ATTRACT NEW Waterways will now offer four-, five- and six-day shorten four of the 10-day sailings in Europe
itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers to four- and six-day sailings on Crystal Mahler
CRUISERS to let time-poor travellers dip their toes into river and Crystal Mozart. The condensed sailings,
cruising. Passengers can now experience a which departed in April and May this year,
holiday on European rivers with a four-day Taste were extremely popular both alone and as
of the Danube itinerary with Avalon, visiting part of a combination holiday.
NOT YOUR USUAL CRUISE QUEEN
Well, they did say it was going to be different... U by
Uniworld, billed as the first line for millennials, has announced
new itineraries featuring drag queens and tattoo artists. In a
move seemingly designed to distance the brand from piano
men and bus tours, U in Drag will feature Jiggly Caliente,
Darienne Lake and Phi Phi O’Hara – regulars on top-rated US
TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race. In what promises to be a raucous
river extravaganza, there will be a karaoke night, drag make-up
lessons and an exclusive bar crawl with the drag queens at one
of the ports. Tattoo on U sets sail in Germany in August with
celebrity tattoo artists Steven Tefft, Reese Hilburn, Bobby Moss
and his tattoo model wife Heather Moss; and Paul Gambino. As
well as the chance to get inked by a celebrity, guests will be
able to take a tattoo parlor crawl in one of the ports and attend
a tattoo Q&A brunch.
8 rivercruisepassenger.com.au
EUROPE
RIVER CRUISING
2020
15 DAYS FROM A Travelmarvel river cruise brings you more of Europe,
EUROPEAN
GEMS $5,595 PP TWIN SHARE
* in premium comfort and style. Simply unpack once and
discover Europe at your own pace, as we perfectly
balance comprehensive inclusions and free time.
Add a Paris ü Cruise on a premium Classic or Contemporary river ship
and Prague
city stay from
ü Expert services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and
just $2,695* pp
FLY FREE Entertainment & Activities Coordinator
Amsterdam ALL CABINS,
14 ALL DATES* ü Key sightseeing with local guides including a visit
Travelmarvel to the famous Naschmarkt market in Vienna
River Ship
Cologne
Brühl Miltenberg Prague ü Enjoy Travelmarvel’s unique Insider Experiences which
Rüdesheim have been carefully designed to enrich your journey
3 Bamberg 3
Paris Würzburg Nuremberg
Regensburg Dürnstein ü Flexi-Tours give you more choice and free time
Passau Vienna
Melk ü 41 meals, soft drink, beer and wine included with lunch
Budapest and dinner onboard
EUTC15/EUTCPP21 ü Transfers, port charges, tipping and Wi-Fi included
WHY
CHOOSE
MORE VALUE MORE CHOICE MORE EXPERIENCE MORE RELAXED
TRAVELMARVEL? Must-see sights, premium Perfect balance of Part of the APT Travel Group A casual atmosphere where
accommodation and authentic meals. sightseeing and leisure time. with over 90 years in travel. fellow travellers become new friends.
( 1300 015 131
Member of Order your
the APT free brochure
today
travelmarvel.com.au/Europe2020
Travel Group or contact your local travel agent
*Conditions apply. SEE: travelmarvel.com.au/SpecialDeals for full conditions. Price is per person (pp), AUD, twin share and includes port charges. Price is correct as at 6 May 2019. Price based on EUTC15: 30 November 2020 (Cat. E Contemporary Class). Price includes an Early Payment
Discount of $400 pp. EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT: Tour must be paid in full 10 months prior to travel. ALL OFFERS: Enquire for details. Limited suites on set departures are available and are subject to availability. DEPOSITS: A first non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp must be paid within
seven days of booking. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. TM-150NEWS
AVALON’S SPECIALITY ITINERARIES
Themed cruises are on the rise, and Avalon Waterways has
lined up plenty of special-interest itineraries for the 2020
season. The new offerings include photography-focused shore
excursions, food market jaunts and cooking classes, brewery
tours, vino cruises and much more on which guests can mingle
with like-minded passengers and learn from local experts. On
a European Waterways cruise, guests can play golf at some of
the most famous courses in Scotland, Ireland, England and
France. The line will organise tee times then pick guests up
down river after their game. Alternatively, nature and garden
lovers can sail on a botanical cruise through Europe, visiting
some of the gardens that inspired Monet and Manet.
NEW RIVERS FOR CRUISERS
To meet the demands of repeat customers, lines are
upping their capacity on less-travelled rivers such as the
Douro in Portugal, which saw an 85 per cent increase in
UK travellers in 2017. Russia, too, saw strong growth,
with 70 per cent more visitors. Some Asian countries,
particularly India, had as much as 27 per cent growth,
while Egypt’s Nile is also proving popular. CLIA
Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said Australia
tends to follow trends from the UK, so we look to them to
forecast the industry. “One of the most significant trends
we’re hearing from river cruise operators is the increasing
popularity of itineraries beyond traditional favourites on
the Rhine and Danube,” he said. “River cruising has a very
high repeat rate, so as travellers return for another cruise,
they often look to try new waterways.”
British line Riviera Travel has added
additional solo traveller departures to
MORE SAILINGS its 2019 and 2020 itinerary schedule.
FOR SOLO Riviera launched its solo traveller
cruisers program last year, with ships
TRAVELLERS dedicated to cruisers travelling alone
and no single supplements. The first
cruises were on the Danube and
Rhone rivers, but due to the
popularity, the line has tripled the
number and broadened the range of
solo-traveller only sailings. This year’s
remaining cruises depart in October
and November and next year they
sail in March, April, October and
November. Sailings include The
Blue Danube; The Douro, Porto &
Salamanca; Rhine, Strasbourg &
Heidelberg; and Burgundy, The River
Rhone & Provence, among others.
10 rivercruisepassenger.com.auNEWS
AMADOURO SETS SAIL
In April AmaWaterways with APT christened AmaDouro, and
she embarked on her first journey on the Douro, where she offers
seven-night round-trip itineraries. The ship has 51 staterooms,
most with outside balconies so guests can enjoy the rolling hills
and vineyards along Douro River Valley. Public spaces include a
panoramic lounge, a heated sun deck swimming pool, a fitness
room and a massage room, and her menu features regional dishes
and wines. She joins sister ship, AmaVida which also sails the
Douro between Porto and Vega Terron. AmaDouro was the first
of three ships joining the fleet this year.
VIKING’S BIG
CHRISTENING
It was a momentous day in March
when Viking River Cruises, the largest
line in the industry, launched seven new
vessels simultaneously in a number of
locations in Europe. Viking Einar and Viking
Sigrun were christened at the main event
in Basel, Switzerland, where the other
ceremonies were broadcast on large
European river line A-Rosa will have a new ship delivered screens; Viking Vali and Viking Tir were
in 2021, set to cruise primarily on the northern Rhine. It will be named in Brunsbuttel, Germany; Viking
A-ROSA child friendly, with several family cabins, a restaurant with a Sigyn and Viking Ullur were named in
WELCOMES separate children’s eating area and a children’s pool on the Rostock, Germany; and Viking Helgrim
KIDS sun deck. Children aged 15 and below travel free and during was named in Porto, Portugal. The new
ships were decked out in white and red
school holidays, the ship will offer childcare services from
8am to 9pm. The vessel will also have an extra-large spa and balloons to reflect the company’s logo,
wellness area to keep adults sane. Shore power connection and instead of using Champagne, the line
will allow the ship to charge its battery overnight so it won’t used aquavit, a nod to the line’s Norwegian
create emissions when it departs, and energy-saving features heritage. Viking’s seven new ships bring
include an optimised hull to lower fuel consumption. the line’s total to 54 longships.
cruisepassenger.com.au 11NEWS
Wellness on
the waterways
These days you can disembark
fitter, calmer and healthier than
ever before, writes Sally Macmillan.
t
he wellness trend – encompassing everything from
superfood smoothies to spin classes – is largely
driven by millennials, but fitness-conscious travellers
of all ages are looking for more in their holidays and river
cruise companies are embracing wellness in a big way.
/ Pump it up
While river cruising has long been associated with sedate
walking tours led by flag-bearing guides or bus trips Above: Scenic Kinesis walls, so there’s no excuse to skip workouts. Sun
passengers
through picturesque countryside, change is afoot. exploring on
decks are good for jogging or circuit training, and pools,
Cycling is a great way to get around in Europe – there e-bikes. Below: while usually tiny, can be used for DIY aquarobics.
are lots of excellent cycling paths and many ships carry Uniworld guests Extra motivation is increasingly supplied by onboard
enjoy on-deck
bikes for passengers to use on independent or guided yoga. wellness or fitness coaches who lead exercise, meditation
group tours. Segway, jogging, hiking and kayaking tours and relaxation classes. Scenic’s Wellness Coaches run
are also being added to the mix as a fun way to keep daily activities to suit various fitness levels, including
fitness levels up while exploring riverside destinations. new classes in relaxing yoga, invigorating sun salutations
This year, Avalon introduced onboard Adventure and the Five Tibetan Rites, AKA the Fountain of Youth.
Hosts, who help passengers arrange activities like
cycling, hiking with Nordic poles, kayaking or fitness / Spoil yourself
classes. Adventure Centres stock all the gear you need for Spa treatments on river cruises used to be limited to a
exploring – bikes, helmets, binoculars, maps and day basic massage but now you can indulge in an array of
packs – plus yoga mats, stretch bands and FitBits. therapeutic offerings, particularly on bigger, newer ships.
Avalon’s Adventure Host program complements the Uniworld’s Serenity River Spas and Crystal’s Life Spa
line’s Active Discovery itineraries, as well as three new and Salons have the most extensive spa menus and most
types of excursions: Classic, Discovery and Active. spacious treatment rooms; Scenic is the only river cruise
line to have salt-therapy lounges – said to improve
/ Class action respiratory function and cleanse skin – on its ships.
Fitness centres on river ships are usually small but on
newer ships they are outfitted with sophisticated / Paddock to ship
TechnoGym equipment such as stationary bikes and Eating well is an integral part of wellness, and chefs on
river ships are perfectly placed to source seasonal local
produce and incorporate fresh ingredients.
Vegetarian options are available across the board; you
might have to put in a special request for vegan, salt-,
fat- and gluten-free food but most menus now feature
plenty of creative vegetarian mains, delicious salads and
healthy, simply prepared grilled fish and meat dishes.
Avalon runs its Avalon Fresh dining program with
Austrian chefs, brothers Leo and Karl Wrenkh, who are
renowned for vegetarian haute cuisine at their restaurant
and culinary school in Vienna. The popularity of their
food speaks for itself – you can indulge and feel good
about it. And isn’t that what wellness is all about?
12 rivercruisepassenger.com.auNEWS
DOURO RAIL AND SAIL
The popularity of the Douro marches on,
with Travelmarvel adding new itineraries to
their Discovery and Rail Combo Journeys.
The Douro Discovery River Cruise, for
instance, now has the option of rail combo
journeys through Bordeaux, the Basque,
Spain and Morocco, destinations the
company predicts are set to be among
the most popular in 2020. Prices for
Travelmarvel’s 20-day Bordeaux & Basque
by Rail with Douro Discovery start at $9,595
per person, twin share. The 23-day
Morocco Rail Adventure with Douro
Discovery starts at $10,395 per person, twin
share. All prices include earlybird savings
of up to $3,000 per person.
TEEMING’S GOODWILL CRUISE
Teeming River Cruises is running a one-off departure
that adds a mission trip to its cruise/safari itinerary in
Southern Africa. The regular itinerary runs weekly and
combines a safari adventure at Chobe National Park,
three nights in CroisiEurope’s lodge in Botswana, a
three-night cruise on Lake Kariba aboard the boutique
16-passenger African Dream and a private plane tour of
Victoria Falls. The special itinerary, departing February
6, 2020, includes a mission trip to God’s Hope Christian
School and $500 from the price of each cabin will be
donated to buy books for the children at the school.
Viking River Cruises is sending a second
ship into Egypt to sail the Nile as guests
continue to express strong interest in the VIKING’S
region. The new ship, Viking Osiris, is
currently under construction and is due to
SECOND
debut in September 2020. This move comes NILE SHIP
just one year after the company launched
Viking Ra, a completely renovated vessel
and Viking’s first owned and operated ship
on the Nile. Viking Osiris, named after the
Egyptian Lord of the Underworld and Judge
of the Dead, is inspired by the line’s
longships and can host up to 82 guests in 41
staterooms. The 12-day Pharaohs &
Pyramids itinerary begins with a three-night
stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where
guests can visit iconic sites such as the
Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of
Sakkara and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali,
and stops at six other exciting destinations.
cruisepassenger.com.au 13SHIP REVIEW: AVALON ENVISION
Spoiled
for Aboard Avalon’s newest ship, Sue Bryant enjoys the line’s
do-it-your-way ethos, especially their more active options.
choice
14 rivercruisepassenger.com.auSHIP REVIEW: AVALON ENVISION
Let’s hope so. Either way, though, one thing is for
FACT FILE sure: a voyage on this sleek new ship is certainly very
comfortable. The 166-passenger Envision is the same
CRUISE LINE: Avalon Waterways model as Avalon’s other highly successful Suite Ships,
VESSEL: Avalon Envision with a few tweaks to the evolved design. One of the
STAR RATING: NYR
most significant changes is special ballast tanks that
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 166
allow the ship to sit higher in the water than other
TOTAL CREW: 47
vessels when the river is low – a situation that’s
PASSENGER DECKS: 4
becoming increasingly serious on the Danube in
ENTERED SERVICE: 2019
summer. With a shallower draft, Envision will be able
FACILITIES: Restaurants, bars, lounges,
to sail even when there’s not much water.
pool, fitness centre, bicycles.
A big selling point of Avalon’s whole Suite Ship fleet
BOOKINGS: See avalonwaterways.com.au.
is the gorgeous Panorama Suites, which make up 80 per
cent of the accommodation. They’re a generous 18.6
square metres, with a unique design that allows the bed
to face a whole wall of glass that slides sideways to
create an open balcony feel and allow river breezes to
waft in. I spent one afternoon lounging in brilliant
spring sunshine in my cabin as the ship sailed from
Budapest to Visegrád. You really feel a connection to
the river – to the extent that two Germans paddling
“W
past in a kayak stopped for a chat.
e come from the water, we It’s not just the balcony design. The cabin décor is
are made of the water, we are smart; pale gold with dark grey cabinets and splashes
drawn to the water. Our lives of rich purple. All sorts of clever touches are thrown in,
are rivers meant to be explored such as colour-coded towels – one brown, one white –
and enjoyed,” declared in the chocolate-and-cream marble bathroom, so you
bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert as she cut the don’t get yours mixed up with your partner’s. There’s
ribbon to smash a bottle of Törley – Hungary’s most even a choice of mattress toppers so you can choose
famous sparkling wine – over the hull of the new Avalon how squishy, or firm, you want the bed. Robes, slippers
Envision. As godmother to Avalon Waterway’s 13th Suite Left: the and USB ports are standard, and there’s an impressive
Observation
Ship, the Eat Pray Love author will, the company says, Centre. Right: a selection of free movies on the TV and two sets of
“inspire transformative travel experiences”. Panorama Suite. L’Occitane goodies to choose between. Bottled water
rivercruisepassenger.com.au 15SHIP REVIEW: AVALON ENVISION
Original contemporary art, specially commissioned
to match the colour scheme, completes the picture.
A second space, the much smaller Club Lounge, aft
on Royal Deck, is flooded with natural light and offers
books, board games, an espresso machine and trays of
snacks. Fresh bottled juice, bought from farmers along
the river, is available, too – apple and ginger, or
strawberry, or carrot and beet – it’s a lovely touch.
There’s a new and welcome development in the main
dining room too, in that more than 60 per cent of the
tables are for two. Dinner is open seating, so you can
turn up any time between 7pm and 8.30pm for dinner
without the anxiety of getting stuck with strangers.
The food is excellent, not least thanks to a
partnership with the Wrenkh brothers, two celebrity
Austrian chefs with an almost entirely vegetarian
restaurant and cookery school in Vienna. There’s always
is shortly to be replaced by refillable flasks for every a vegetarian option to match the meat or fish, so tofu
guest, and water dispensers added around the ship. teriyaki when the amuse bouche is chicken teriyaki, or
Envision is all about choice, which is a promise more asparagus with lemongrass and polenta as an
complex than it might sound on a European river boat, alternative to tiger prawn done the same way. At
which can’t get any longer or taller as size is restricted lunchtime, there is a satisfying mix of a healthy salad
by the locks through which they have to travel. bar and rich Hungarian dishes, like goulash, chicken
There’s a choice of places to eat, for a start. When paprika and a delicious mushroom stroganoff. For
the weather’s fine, the Sky Grill on the top deck is dinner, there are international options like herb-crusted
opened, so you can dine al fresco at lunchtime. There veal tenderloin, or sea bream with chorizo and sweet
is informal dining in the Panorama Lounge, where you potato mash. Decent wines from Austria, Hungary,
can have breakfast, lunch, cakes and sandwiches for France and Germany are liberally poured with meals.
afternoon tea and even dinner, with a similar menu to Daily excursions are labelled Classic; Active, which
what’s on offer in the main dining room. This lounge, includes hiking, kayaking or cycling; and Discovery,
Clockwise from
above: the Club which is also the bar and dancing space, is gorgeous, which includes wine tastings and cookery classes. Most
Lounge; the bar; done out in greys, creams and golds with splashes of are included, although you can pay for a handful of
Envison on the
river; a meal in the
amber, big pots of orchids and cosy corners with books extra tours. I opt for a cycling tour round Budapest,
dining room. on shelves. which is more a lesson in dodging tourists than actual
16 rivercruisepassenger.com.auSHIP REVIEW: AVALON ENVISION
Envision is all about choice, a
promise more complex than it might
sound on a European river boat.”
THE VERDICT
HIGHS: The healthy food, the active excursions
and the gorgeous Panorama Suites.
LOWS: Not lows, as such, but if you’re hoping for
butler service and an all-inclusive bar, other cruise
lines may be more appropriate. Strangely, in the sightseeing, and a wonderful hike up to the 13th
two Royal Suites, the poshest accommodation, the century Visegrád Castle, through forests bursting
bed doesn’t face straight out over the river – the into leaf in the sunshine, tantalising views of the
view is partly obstructed by a wall, while the sitting river below. There’s plenty of activity onboard, too,
area enjoys the view. from Zumba classes to yoga, and high-quality, Dutch-
BEST FOR: A beautiful new ship far better tailored built bicycles to borrow.
to today’s independent, adventurous traveller than Expanding further on the theme of choice, Avalon
many of its rivals on Europe’s rivers. is introducing ‘Avalon Your Way’ in 2020, which is
good news for Australian cruisers as the whole offering
suddenly becomes more flexible. Packages, which at the
moment are sold with hotel stays bolted onto each end,
can be deconstructed, so you could just do the cruise
and make your own arrangements in cities like Prague,
Vienna and Budapest. Alternatively, custom-made
itineraries can be designed via Avalon’s partnership
with Monograms, or an entire land tour bolted on,
offered by Globus. Also new is a range of shorter
itineraries; Envision will mix three-night mini-cruises
between Budapest and Vienna with its longer voyages
in 2020 – perfect for time poor travellers, or first-timers
who might just want a brief taste of life on the river as
part of a longer tour in Europe.
The whole experience is dubbed ‘relaxed luxury’
by Avalon, which sums it up perfectly. For me, as
someone who’s into hiking and cycling, healthy
eating, decent wines and an itinerary relaxed enough
to allow overnights in both Budapest and Vienna, it’s
the perfect formula.
rivercruisepassenger.com.au 17•
•
• •
•
• •
•
•
VIPADVERTORIAL
“THE WAY WE ALWAYS
WANT TO TRAVEL”
We travelled on the boutique ship riverside villages – tiny towns off the
Flight Centre marketing
AmaLotus on an APT Luxury Mekong beaten tourist track with French colonial-
managers Ashleigh Conwell River Cruise. We had the same crew for era abodes, ornate temples and cathedrals,
and Danielle Luck recall the the entire journey, which created an and colourful markets.
intimate experience – the staff really Unlike an ocean cruise, where you are
Mekong cruise that made got to know us and what we liked. Leo, surrounded by nothing but the deep blue,
them converts for life. the bartender, served us gin and tonics life is happening all around you on the
no matter where we were on the ship, river; you engage with the destination
and waiter Saven would ensure our for the entire journey.
R
iver cruising is a seductive style of morning coffee always came with a The onboard camaraderie was another
travel; all your needs are taken care heart etched in the froth. This attention unexpected benefit. Our fellow cruisers
of and everything is at your to detail permeated the entire ship. were open to chatting and sharing their
fingertips. Eight days may seem like a short Onboard dining was a particular experiences. River cruisers really do have
time to explore two countries in depth, but highlight. We savoured a memorable their own community, one we were readily
sailing south from Siem Reap in Cambodia meal at the 20-seat specialty restaurant welcomed into.
to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a trip Indochine, which is included in the fare. By the time we disembarked at My Tho
where the journey really is the destination. The exclusive Luke Nguyen-designed for our transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, we
On the river, nothing felt rushed. menu included pan-seared rice cakes were river cruise converts. The ease, the
with XO tiger prawns and pork floss, organized-yet-flexible itinerary and the
which drew rave reviews. Like a floating inviting onboard atmosphere – this is
smorgasbord, the ship’s cuisine changed how we always want to travel.
daily to reflect the flavours of the regions
we were cruising through. (Hot tip: Book Visit Flight Centre today and speak to a
a reservation for Indochine on the first Cruise expert for more information on river
day of your cruise so you don’t miss out.) cruises. Go to flightcentre.com.au or call our
Our stateroom was comfortable – dedicated Cruise line 13 70 79.
spacious enough for two, with beds so
soft it felt like sleeping on clouds.
Days started with a shore excursion in
the morning, followed by lunch on the ship
as we cruised to a new destination. Each
day brought new experiences in different
rivercruisepassenger.com.au 19SHIP REVIEW: VIKING EMERALD
SLOW
BOAT IN
CHINA
A Viking river cruise and land
tour combination shows Bridget
McGrouther the highlights of
this fascinating country.
a kaleidoscope of colour, crowds, skyscrapers and
party boats make the Huangpu River instantly
recognisable when we arrive after dark, the
perfect time to see the glitzy spectacle of Shanghai’s
waterfront with the famous Oriental Pearl
trees to let pet birds sing and socialise, while poodles
on park walks have their ears and tails dyed in rainbow
hues. People watching here is never dull.
We take a short flight to Wuhan, and are soon
meandering down the Yangtze River on the impressive
TV Tower. Two nights in this vibrant city is a thrilling Viking Emerald, with its grand atrium, bars, boutiques
welcome to our 14-day Imperial Jewels of China tour. and resident tailor. Each stateroom boasts a private
We meet David, our friendly Viking tour guide, to veranda, but most guests soak in the spectacular river
explore Old Shanghai the next morning; he leads us scenery from the Sun Deck where commentary from
through intriguing alleyways and bamboo-shaded staff points out the ancient coffins of the Ba people
parks, providing insight into traditions and culture. suspended high on the rock face; wild monkeys; the
I happily follow local superstition, sprinting round panorama of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls
a circle of stones in the Feng Shui Yu Garden, but hopes Above: a quiet that appears on the back of a 10 Yuan note.
corner near the
of increasing my life expectancy are dashed when my Three Gorges. Almost daily, we enjoy an included excursion. Our
husband points out I’m running in the wrong direction. Below: Viking top pick is a fascinating inspection of the high-tech,
Emerald’s
To boost health and wellness, locals gather each observation
high-cost and highly-controversial Three Gorges.
morning for Tai Chi or line dancing. Cages hang under lounge bar. Our young local guide is surprisingly upbeat about
being one of the 1.3 million people compulsorily
displaced – ironically, so their homes could be
submerged to protect others from catastrophic flooding.
This is the world’s largest dam – it took 17 years and
$28 billion to construct – and taking a closer look, we
are relieved to have the option to take escalators to the
top. Later, it takes our ship four hours to navigate the
locks, a sight we enjoy from the Observation Lounge.
One steamy dawn, we disembark and pass villagers
hand washing their clothes in the river en route to
cross the rickety Drunken Bridge and climb the
magical Shibaozhai Temple.
20 rivercruisepassenger.com.auSHIP REVIEW: VIKING EMERALD
FACT FILE
CRUISE LINE: Viking
VESSEL: Viking Emerald
STAR RATING: 4+
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 256
TOTAL CREW: 168
PASSENGER DECKS: 5
ENTERED SERVICE: 2011
FACILITIES: Restaurants, bar, lounge,
tailor, gym, salon, library.
BOOKINGS: See vikingcruises.com.au
Life on board is as cosseted as a panda’s – eating and
sleeping, sleeping and eating. Western food is served
alongside Chinese delicacies, though I’m not tempted
by jellyfish or rooster claws! Glasses at mealtimes are
quickly replenished with all-inclusive wine, beer and In Tiananmen Square, we whisper questions about
soft drinks, and the free WiFi is surprisingly speedy. the delicate subject of the tragic 1989 student pro-
Built in 2011, the 256-passenger Viking Emerald has democracy protests. Security is tight here – bags are
all-balcony staterooms and interiors designed by a searched and soldiers guard Mao’s Mausoleum. Nearby,
leading architectural firm from Oslo. The ship’s striking after being banned from entering the Forbidden City for
four-storey atrium is tastefully done with clean lines, more five centuries, it seems everyone has arrived in the
soft woods and marble. An observation lounge with world’s largest palace complex at once! But not even
expansive views of the Yangtze features comfortable the hordes, surging in the heat, can detract from the
seating with a full bar and a coffee station. There is an grandeur of the gilded roofs, gardens, pavilions and
open deck and a sheltered observation deck for courtyards, once home to a long line of emperors.
comfortable viewing in all weather conditions. On a trip packed with highlights, it’s hard to pick
The ship’s elegant dining room has an open-seating a favourite moment, but winding through the narrow
policy allowing guests to dine with whoever they want Goddess Stream, a secret corner of China only recently
at tables which can accommodate up to eight people. opened to tourism, our local guide charmed us with
A variety of onboard activities are offered; try a tea her folklore tales and singing. Her sweet voice carrying
ceremony, play a game of mahjong or get a beautiful across the water and echoing around the limestone
silk garment made by the ship’s tailor. cliffs is a memory we will treasure forever.
We are sorry to leave our charming crew at the end
of our six-day cruise, but our spirits are lifted by the
comical giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo. THE VERDICT
Our now close-knit group of international passengers HIGHS: Exploring China’s cultural icons such
can hardly wait for our next adventure – two nights in as the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City and
Xi’an where we set eyes on the army of Terracotta Terracotta Warriors. Cruising the dramatic
Warriors, described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Yangtze River in comfort on Viking Emerald
A third regional flight (all included in the package with delicious food – Western dishes as well
price) takes us to Beijing. China’s capital may be last, as Chinese delicacies are available.
but it certainly isn’t least. During our three-night stay, LOWS: City smog and river pollution. Humidity
we climb the Great Wall of China for panoramic views and high temperatures. Guided walks at crowded
across the countryside. This UNESCO World Heritage attractions require a reasonable level of fitness.
Site is visited as much, if not more, by the Chinese, who BEST FOR: First-time visitors to China who prefer
visit in droves, as by foreigners. Requests for photos Left: Emerald’s to have everything organised for them and all
lobby. Right: costs paid upfront.
make us feel like celebrities even when we learn their Oriental Pearl
nickname for Westerners is ‘Big Noses’! Tower.
rivercruisepassenger.com.au 21READER COMPETITION
WIN an 8-night European
river cruise package with
Avalon Waterways
worth more than $11,000.
22 cruisepassenger.com.auREADER COMPETITION
R iver Cruise Passenger is offering readers the chance
to win an exciting eight-night European river cruise package
on the Danube, starting in Budapest and stopping at
destinations in Hungary, Austria and Germany.
At the start of this Active & Discovery on the Danube
cruise, you can stroll the streets of Budapest with a local
guide or take a bike ride through town for a different
perspective. You might even learn a few useful Hungarian
phrases on the way.
Further up the river, you can attend a medieval knights
tournament at Visegrád Castle or see Gustav Klimt’s
famous painting The Kiss in Vienna. Then sample cheese
and beer made by Trappist monks at the only Trappist
monastery in Austria, or visit the sombre Mauthausen
Concentration Camp, one of WWII’s most notorious sites.
With Avalon Choice, each day is yours to spend your
way. Whether you prefer browsing the art collection of the
Hapsburg Empire, sipping local vintages at an Austrian wine
cellar or joining a canoe excursion, the Active & Discovery
cruise is packed with Avalon Choice included excursions.
The cruise is valued at $11,772 for two people, twin
share in a Panorama Suite, Category B. The cruise departs
Budapest on October 28, 2019.
HOW TO ENTER
Go to rivercruisepassenger.com.au/competition and answer
this simple question:
What is the capital of Hungary?
Terms and conditions apply. See rivercruisepassenger.com.
au/competition
cruisepassenger.com.au 23discover
EUROPE'S RIVERS
Awaken your wanderlust and indulge your curiosity with a European river cruise like
no other. With Viking, you can experience all the highlights of captivating France,
picturesque Portugal and beyond…
Santiago de Compostela
Juno Beach Les Andelys
Gold Beach Rouen Giverny
Omaha Beach DOURO RIVER
Mantes-la-Jolie Régua
Vernon Paris Braga SPAIN
Pinhão
Atlantic
SEINE Ocean Porto Barca d’Alva
Normandy Lamego Salamanca
Combine two France cruises
for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
RHÔNE N Coimbra Madrid
Cruise Burgundy Lyon
Vienne
Train Tournon Provence PORTUGAL
Viviers RHÔNE
N Avignon
FRANCE
Arles Cruise
Nice Lisbon
Motor coach
FRA NC E ’S FINE S T PO RTUGAL’ S R I V ER O F G O L D
PA R I S – AVI G N O N or v ic e v ersa LI SB O N – PO R TO
1 5 D AYS | 1 4 G UIDED TOURS | 1 COUNTRY 1 0 DAYS | 8 G UI DED TO UR S | 2 CO UNTR I ES
S E T S A IL A P R – N OV 2020 SE T SA IL M AR – NO V 2 0 2 0
F ro m $6,695pp in Standard stateroom From $4,995pp i n Stan d ard s tatero o m
ENJOY, IT'S ALL INCLUDED
ALL ONBOARD ME AL S / PREMIUM BE VER AGES W ITH LUNCH & DINNER / SHORE E XCUR SIONS
ENRICHING CULTURE / TIPPING AND GR ATUITIES / UNLIMITED W I - FI
M O S T AWA R D E D | V I K I N G I N C L U S I V E VA L U E
CRUISERS’ CHOICE L ARGEST & MOST MODERN FLEET
138 747 VIKINGCRUISES.COM.AU
OR SEE YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT
Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and correct at time of printing. Prices based on France’s Finest 3 November 2020 departure in Standard stateroom (F) and Portugal’s
River of Gold 6 November 2020 departure in Standard stateroom (E). Flight offer is subject to availability, available on new bookings only on selected departures, not combinable with any other offers and may be withdrawn at any
time. Flights are in Economy class ex major cities in Australia on Viking’s choice of airline. Prices include all advertised discounts. Valid on new bookings only on selected departures. Must book by 30 August 2019 unless sold out
prior. For more details visit vikingcruises.com.au.You can also read
