avalon - discover river cruising

PLUS the mississippi l the danube l the Rhone l the seine l the mekong

Go dUtchDiscovering

Holland’s waterways

romantic rhine

Sailing along Germany’s rivers

Discoverriver cruising* hot destinations

* inspiring itineraries

* new ship reviews

in association with avalon waterways

Start planning your holiday

2 cruise-international.com

Editor’s lEttEr

Did you know that

130,000 of us took a river

cruise last year? more and

more of us, it seems, are

realising that a river cruise

is a holiday like no other.

Personally, i’m constantly amazed at the

extraordinary range of destinations on offer.

From the mighty mississippi to the

mysterious mekong, from the ancient history

of the river nile to the romantic seine, and

from the wildlife of the amazon to the music

of the Danube, river cruises give you the

opportunity to really discover a country and

immerse yourself in the local culture. and

with state-of-the-art ships (just take a look at

the ones on page 24) offering every

conceivable luxury, there’s never been a better

time to experience river cruising.

We’ve put this guide together for avalon

Waterways to help you discover all the

amazing aspects of river cruising. You’ll find

stunning ships (page 10), the world’s most

memorable scenery (page 20), and unique

experiences (page 17). no doubt about it,

river crusing offers something for everyone.

Up Front

6 hot SPot TheAngkorWattempleinCambodiacan beexploredbyrivercruise FeatUres

8 avaLon newS Ouressentialround-upofwhat’shot

10 crUiSe StyLe Ourfavouritecolourfulaccessoriesand bestbeautybuysforyourcruise

12 avaLon exPreSSion Wereviewthenewrivershipwithacruise alongtheRhine–andwatchourvideo

16 reciPeS TheheadchefrevealssomeofAvalon’s bestrecipesfromaroundtheworld

19 GoinG dUtch Discovertheenchantingwaterwaysof HollandonaDutchrivercruise

22 riverS of the worLd Whichriverwillyouchoose?

26 room with a view OnAvalon’ssleekSuiteShips

28 aSk the exPertS Shoreexcursions;whentogo;andthe differencebetweenriverandoceancruises

CoNtENts

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liz Jarvis, [email protected]

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InSiemReap,Cambodia,youcanvisitthespectacularAngkorWattempleonaUNESCOWorldHeritagesitedatingbacktotheKhmerEmpireofthe9th-15thcenturies.TraveltoAngkorWatonaFascinatingVietnam,CambodiaandTheMekongRivercruisewithAvalonWaterways.>> Turn to page 22 to read more about the Mekong River

angkor Wat, the mekong

hot spot

5cruise-international.com

insPiration


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NEw thEmEdCruisEsin 2014 there will be more themed cruises for avalon. to mark the centenary of the start of World War i there’s a Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches cruise (on the 22 July departure) visiting some of europe’s most famous war sites including Villers-Bretonneux and Beaumont-hamel. there’s the chance to discover regional beers and european beer-brewing techniques on the Austrian Highlights and Bavaria cruise departing on 13 october, with visits including breweries and salzburg, while the 7 July cruise takes on a golf theme, where golfers can play on courses along the Danube in the region of Vienna, Durnstein, melk, grein and linz. and for relaxation the Wellness Cruise includes morning yoga, stretching and healthy dining on the Blue Danube Discovery cruise (14 July).

In spring 2014 Avalon will launch three new Suite Ships: Avalon Poetry II, Illumination and Impression. They will offer state-of-the-art design with two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open to create open-air balconies, like their sister ships. Cruises will include the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers.

Avalon


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Avalon has launched a new dedicated Asia, Africa and the Americas brochure with cruises on the Mississippi, Mekong, Yangtze, Nile and coastal cruising around the Galapagos. Voyages include the 13-day Music City to the Big Easy cruise on the classic style paddlewheel steam boat American Queen and a 16-day Discover the Galapagos & Peru cruise. A new Amazon cruise is now offered on the intimate Aria ship, featuring just 16 suites, a boutique diningroom and an outdoor jacuzzi.

What’s hot

Once Upon a Time There Was a TravellerShort stories(Little, Brown, £8.99)the asham award, the foremost prize for stories by women, presents a collection of tales that transport you to faraway lands, from both new and much-loved writers.

The Food of Love Cookery SchoolBy Nicky Pellegrino(Orion, £12.99)Four women, all at turning points in their lives, converge at a cookery school in a sicilian mountain town. and they take away more than just a few new recipes.

Holiday reads

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The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in ParisBy Jenny Colgan(Little, Brown, £7.99)Following an accident anna heads across the channel to work for a chocolatier, and former sweetheart, in this delightful, funny romantic novel.


For sheer elegance it would be hard to beat this Fifties-style oriental Bloom silk print dress. available

in sizes eight to 16(£750, suzannah.com)

Walk TallFor a splash of colour step into a pair of aase hopstock cuba Floral shoes (£215aasehopstock.com)

Stylecruiseour pick of the hottest travel buys for your next trip

RivieRa cHic

FloWer powerDaisies are a big trend again – for an instant wardrobe update try Danish designers Pilgrim’s marguerite silver Blue ring (£29.99, available from argento.co.uk)

FolloW the SCeNTles senteurs gourmandes. a vanilla base blended with fruit essences. (£22.50, marksand spencer.com)

it’s a wrapthis Wellicious Flirtini scarf is our must-have accessory making a great cover-up on deck (£65.95, wellicious.com)


Beauty luxecarol Joy’s swiss-made iV range of skincare products include golden millet oil and Diamond Dust, (from £60, caroljoylondon.com)

Finishing TouCh

Go online: For more shopping ideas go to cruise-international.com/

category/cruise-style-blog

For the man who wants to look his best in the evening: vintage print ted Baker cufflinks, (£40, houseoffraser.co.uk)

going plaCeSadd a stylish and practical touch to your luggage with a world map tag (£9.99, theletteroom.com)

foR men

Bag iTaase hopstock gemini Floral bag (£195 aasehopstock.com)

cover upWant something that will take you from the whirlpool to lunch (and back again)? this tunic is ideal (£113, aubadestore.com)

Beauty luxeDelicate leaf pendant necklace from Dinny hall (£115, dinnyhall.com)

shoPPing


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the latest addition to avalon Waterways’ fleet, Avalon Expression, joins their collection of sleek suite ships and offers cruises along the

rhine, main and Danube rivers. it has two full decks of Panorama suites where, on a warm evening, you can open the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling French doors to unveil your own private piece of the river.

Beds are angled for a perfect view, and the marble and granite bathroom oozes elegance with power shower, extravagant l‘occitane bath products and dark polished wood. it’s these small but significant details that make this a luxury river cruise experience.

the ship’s streamlined, panoramic windows in both the lounge and restaurant perfectly frame the passing landscape, or for an even better view you can relax at the front of the ship in the sheltered outdoor observation lounge.

there are some surprising touches on board, including a fitness centre, giant chess board and whirlpool on the sky Deck, hairdressing salon, flat-screen televisions in every room – including a channel tailored to the ship’s current location – and excellent complimentary wifi.

Avalon Expression has the design elements to match its elegance: from the effective soundproofing in between suites to the multi-sided shower cubicles offering maximum comfort. the restaurant is designed with a clever half divide, enabling you to enjoy an intimate dining experience while taking in views from both sides of the ship.

When it’s time to dine you’re in for a treat. a hot and cold buffet greets you at breakfast, and the chef can rustle up anything you fancy, from eggs Benedict to a bespoke omelette. at lunchtime guests disperse between the two dining areas, for either light lunch in the lounge or a generous lunch buffet in the restaurant – and when it’s warm a barbeque sky Bistro is provided on deck.

as for evening meals, there are generous fine-dining menus with complimentary wine – and waiters

natalie Milner reviews Avalon’s newest suite ship – and takes a cruise along the rhîne

expression

8

avalon

Above: cologne cathedral lights up the skyline


rhine riVer cruise

avalon expression has two full decks of Panorama Suites where, on a warm evening, you can open the wall-to-wall french doors to unveil your own private piece of the river

rhine riVer cruise


Above: watch our video to view the features on board avalon expression Below: For perfect views of the passing landscape head to the sky deck


make sure there’s never a dry glass. there’s a selection of salads and soups to start, with main meals ranging from risotto to plump steaks, and an array of cheese platters, ice cream and cakes for dessert. later you can steal a moment to sip a complimentary tea or coffee, and try to resist the delectable cookies, in the club lounge overlooking the stern of the ship. and just before bed – in case you’re still peckish – a late Fare snack is available.

You’ll have to put your name down early if you want to experience the exclusive Panorama Bistro dinner, served with views from the bow of the ship for just 25 guests. this unravels as nine sumptuous courses of taster dishes displayed as mini pieces of art, including melt-in-the-mouth scallops and cherry-chocolate cakes – a culinary delight.

if the sun is shining on the sky Deck it’s the perfect place to settle into a premium lounge chair, sip a cool local riesling spritzer and journey along the romantic rhine. the lush forests – setting to many a grimm Brothers’ fairy tale – are interspersed with vineyards clinging to the steep hillsides.

as the ship meanders along the river, castles and towers emerge from behind a blanket of trees and turrets cut into the sky – sleeping Beauty eat your heart out. “Father” rhine puts on a parade, allowing the ship

to glide between his banks while proudly displaying the castles of times gone by – it’s enchanting.

the next day the castles become tangible with a visit to reichsburg cochem. as the cool air of the castle envelops you it conjures a childhood world of secret passages and knights in shining armour. the tour guide brings the castle alive, and the handy headphones supplied on every tour mean that you can wander at your own pace and still hear every word.

spiral staircases wind into elegant rooms adorned with chandeliers, towering fireplaces, engrained ceilings and extravagant dining tables. as i perched on the balcony i felt like rapunzel. cochem itself is worth exploring and you can sample a glass, or two, of the local riesling wine.

as you travel northwards the hills flatten, the castles disperse and the fairy tale adventure develops a sinister aura as you call at cologne. the city was turned to dust in World War ii, with ninety per cent of its pre-war architecture destroyed. But while this absence is prominent today, the city’s past is being constantly rediscovered, and highlights include the roman Dionysus mosaic at the romano-germanic museum.

of course the city’s most famous heritage comes in a bottle: eau de cologne created by John maria Farina in 1709. But visually cologne cathedral dominates the city – the tallest building in the world when finally completed in 1880 – having escaped the war mostly unscathed it stands proud above the skyline.

there’s no better way to take in the captivating variety of this beautiful region than by its waterways on a ship of pure elegance. as Avalon Expression journeys towards amsterdam, the final port of call, we don’t want our fairy tale cruise to end.

Clockwise, from top left:cologne cathedral; old town of cologne; the gatehouse, reichsburg cochem; exploring the little town of cochem; stained glass in the castle; the old gate in cochem

MAGNIFICENT EUROPEA 14-night Magnificent Europe voyage with Avalon waterways on Avalon Expression, from Amsterdam to Budapest from April-december 2014, includes the rhîne Gorge and Cologne in Germany plus destinations along the danube and main rivers. Prices start at £3,619pp based on two sharing, including flights and door-to-door pick up service, meals, excursions and transfers. For more information call 0800 668 1801 or visit avaloncruises.co.uk

rhine riVer cruise

Spiral staircases wind into elegant rooms adorned with towering f ireplaces

14 cruise-international.com14

2 spiny lobster (crawfish) tails 20g chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme) Some butterA little oilA pinch of salt 200g mangetout

for the Saffron SaUce: 2 shallots3/8 cup fish stock 1⁄4 tsp ground saffron or saffron strands A little cornflour or a similar thickening agent60ml white wine 1⁄2 tbsp Noilly Prat (French vermouth) 50g butter

30g crème fraîcheA little lemon juice to taste A pinch salt, pepper

method l Halvethespinylobsterslengthways,andremovethefleshasfarasthelowerthirdofthetail(thecarcassshouldremainattachedtotheflesh).l peelandfinelydicetheshallotsandsautégentlyinoiluntilsoft.Deglazewiththewhitewine,andthenaddthefishstock,Noillypratandsaffron,bringtotheboil,thensimmerforawhile.pressthesoupthroughafinesieve.Dissolvethecornflourinalittlecoldwater,stirintothesoupandallowtothicken. Stirinthecoldbutterfollowedbythecrèmefraîche.l Seasonwithlemonjuice,pepperandsalt.Meltbutterinafryingpantogentlysautéthemangetoutuntiltender.Sprinklelobstertailswithsaltbeforefryingthembrisklyinoil.Addthebutterandchoppedherbs.

SAUTÉED SPINY-LOBSTER TAILS WITH SAFFRON SAUCE (FRANCE) ServeS 2

Avalon’s head chef, stefan Bloch, shares some favourite recipes inspired by their ports of call

Culinary voyages


reciPes

ChOCOlATE CAkE (UNITEd sTATEs) serves 1

200g chocolate (with a high percentage of cocoa)200g butter 200g sugar 60g flour

6 eggsA pinch saltA little chilli powderSome butter and sugar for the cake tin

8 slices smoked salmon1 shallotA pinch of salt, pepperA little lemon juice1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley) 2 slices pumpernickellFinelyslicethesalmonslicesandtheshallot.l Stirinthechoppedfreshherbs,andthenseasontotastewithsalt,pepperandlemonjuice.l Cutsmallroundsfromthepumpernickelandarrangethesalmonmixtureontop.

sAlMON & PUMPERNICkEl (GERMANy) serves 2

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Call reservations FREE on 0808 115 4898 • Visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk

We are members of ABTA and our flight inclusive packages are protected by ATOL. †This service is available if you live within 75 miles of your chosen departure airport or Eurostar station, if you live further than 75 miles away you can still take advantage of this offer by paying the excess mileage at £1.70 per mile. ††On European, Mekong and Yangtze holidays. All offers are subject to availability for new bookings only and can be withdrawn at any time. For further details please see your brochure or our website. All details are correct to time of supply (August 2013).

Danube | Main | Rhine | Seine | Moselle | Rhône | Mississippi | Yangtze | Galápagos | Amazon

3Included

3Included3Included

3Included 3Included

3Included

Private door-to-door home pick-up in an executive car to and from chosen departure airport or station, for exceptional service from the moment you leave home†.

Fully packaged holiday with scheduled flights or Eurostar, transfers and port charges so everything is taken care of for you.

Gratuities for Cruise Director and crew†† so there are no hidden costs or expenses.

Sightseeing with expert local guides to must see stunning locations and individual audio systems for all guided shore excursions.

Service of a professional Cruise Director to help and support you plus on board lectures, local entertainers, activities and evening piano music.

Full board dining with free flowing regional wines and beer with dinner, plus complimentary soft drinks with lunch and all day beverage station with premium Lavazza coffee.

A B T A N o .V3031 COSMOS COACH

TOURS LTDCOSMOS COACH

TOURS LTD

Look online or call us FREE for savings and for all our worldwide cruises

Cruise the tranquil rivers of Europe in spacious luxury and enjoy panoramic views of stunning passing landscapes. This year we welcome two new Suite Ships plus, a further three new ships in 2014, offering our guests the very latest in ship design and technology.

Discover a cruise unlike any other… On the most contemporary fleet on Europe’s rivers

Luxury River Cruises

Dutch WaterWaYs

utchDgoing

deborah stone discovers the enchanting waterways of holland


i wake up and look out of the French windows to see the sun glancing off the sea. it’s going to be a wonderful day… hang on a minute, when i went

to bed i was on a river cruise, sailing through the netherlands past tall townhouses, flat fields and distant windmills. But now there’s nothing but water outside and, although it’s very calm, it’s definitely sea. and i can see seagulls.

racing up to the sky Deck, i discover that on the other side of our luxury river ship there is land. We’re sailing through the iJsselmeer, which was once the in-land sea known as Zuiderzee but has been the largest freshwater lake in Western europe since a major dam cut it off from the north sea in the 1930s.

the breeze on the open deck still smells as fresh as the ocean though, and as we dock at Volendam there’s no mistaking the jaunty seaside feel of the pretty little yachting town, with a row of traditional Dutch-gabled buildings along the promenade and a few old fishing boats moored near a three-mast ship.

at 9am the 170 or so passengers on board Avalon Imagery have the place to ourselves and, like every other Dutch town we see on the trip, the narrow streets are spotless and the neat brick-built buildings are brightened by pots of flowers.

our included excursion today takes us to nearby edam, a tiny historic town that looks far too small to be the home of one of the world’s most famous cheeses.

We certainly can’t drive through its narrow streets, so the coach drops us near a path that follows a canal and we peek into the exquisitely neat gardens of the grand homes once owned by wealthy merchants during the netherlands’ golden age, back in the 17th century.

this neighbourhood, Damplein, is so old that many of the historic houses are leaning over and an ancient brick-built bridge straddles the 16th century dam at the end of the canal.

the shops here sell organic groceries and desirable knick-knacks that are only possible to resist because of the prices. like most of euro-land everything is more expensive here than in Britain and not for the first time i’m glad to be on a holiday that includes all my meals (with complimentary wine at dinner), daily sightseeing trips and – the clincher – regular access to proper tea.

We have some free time to explore the museum in the grand old town hall, or stadhuis, built in 1737. there is also a tourist information centre here, but there’s no such thing as a free tourist map in the netherlands where even the municipal museums have an entrance fee.

so i’m pleased to regroup with the others for our included guided tour of the edam cheese museum.

edam cheese is made all over the country but it’s named after the town because it was sold in edam’s kaasmarkt after being weighed at the kaaswaag, from the late 1700s.

We return to Volendam where the streets are now full of happy day-trippers busy buying souvenir clogs and enjoying the sunshine, and i’m ready for lunch back on the ship.

although i try to stick to salads for lunch on Avalon Imagery it is hard to resist the carvery in the hot buffet section. however, i’m glad i still have an appetite when it comes to the evening meal: four courses including dishes such as atlantic perch with chilli-scented tagliatelle, wok-fried chicken with honey-ginger-garlic sauce and crêpe with sautéed chanterelles.

an open-seating policy means i can sit with different people at every meal, and afternoon tea is served in the main lounge, where the armchairs and sofas are

arranged in sociable groups. also, there are often regional treats such a freshly-made suikerbrood.

Free tea and coffee is always available, as is complimentary WiFi access, and when i just want to get away from everybody i can lounge on my hotel-standard bed and watch the world through the full-length windows of my pleasantly spacious cabin.

it’s such a friendly ship, though, that i’ve taken to sitting with a group of american friends for a glass

of wine on the sky Deck in the last of the sunshine before getting ready for dinner. We all bring snacks such as Dutch gouda cheese with mustard seeds (my favourite), and pretzels or crisps to share.

my eight-day tulip time cruise dips into Belgium with excursions to the glorious medieval towns of antwerp and ghent, but the highlight is a day at the keukenhof gardens with its rivers of tulips and swathes of narcissi, Daffodils and hyacinths.

the gardens close in late may, though, which signals the opportunity for river cruise operators to take advantage of the netherlands’ watery superhighway, the rhine, to explore germany, luxemburg, switzerland and France.

From my window seat on the flight home i can see that the netherlands is mostly under water – whether inland seas, lakes, rivers or canals – and it occurs to me that this is a country that was made for river cruising. especially if you like a chunk of gouda with mustard seeds to nibble with your pre-dinner wine.

we peek into the exquisitely neat

gardens of the grand homes once owned

by the wealthy merchants during

the Netherlands’ Golden age, back in the

17th century

Right, clockwise from top:edam cheese; the iJsseldelta; suikerbrood; cadzand in Zeeland; volendam’s gabled buildings; panorma suite; beach in cadzand; Keukenhof, lisse is renowned for its beautiful floral displays

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Avalon waterways offers a 13-day Rhine & Moselle cruise departing from Amsterdam between 13 April and 20 september 2014 from £3,135pp including flights, private door-to-door home pick-up service, meals, excursions, and transfers. Calls include Edam and Kinderdijk in the Netherlands, as well as Germany, France and switzerland. Visit avaloncruises.co.uk or call 0800 668 1801.


Dutch WaterWaYs


Rivers worldoF the

rhineWinding 830km northeast from the swiss alps to the north sea, the rhine has defined this part of the european continent for centuries – as the historic barrier between celtic and germanic tribes, as the backbone of the Frankish, carolingian and holy roman empires and, later, as the much disputed border between France and germany. one of the most spectacular sites is the view from the river as it winds through the rhine gorge. there are more stunning vistas from Basel in switzerland to amsterdam in the netherlands, plus the river winds through the beautiful French alsace region, multicultural strasbourg, and the ancient cities of speyer and cologne.

the Romantic Rhine eight-day cruise departing from amsterdam between 29 march and 19 october 2014 costs from £1,935pp.*

Waterways cut through some of the most incredible places in the world. Here are just a few of the diverse rivers that you can cruise along with Avalon


DanubeDeep in the Black Forest of germany the Danube begins its journey towards the Black sea, passing through ten countries and four european capitals. Discover the music of the river immortalised by strauss in the Blue Danube waltz for yourself as it flows through an ever-changing landscape of picturesque valleys and perfect panoramas, its glorious banks forming a patchwork of picturebook castles, medieval monasteries, luscious vineyards, historic cities and tranquil villages.

the river is ideal for cruise holidays and offers many diverse wonders, from austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley and the magnificent cities of Budapest and Bratislava, to imperial Vienna and romania’s impressive iron gates gorge.

the Balkan Discovery 10-day cruise from Bucharest to Budapest, departing between 23 may and 10 october 2014, costs from £2,415pp.*

Left: avalon visionary on the rhineClockwise from top left: the hungarian parliament building; on the danube in Bratislava, slovakia; lyon at dusk*

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rhône and seinethe seine and rhône rivers are wonderful routes into the heart of France, allowing you to access the north of the country, including Paris and normandy, or head south to the sunny rhône, visiting lively chalon-sur-saône and avignon. a seine cruise of course takes you into the heart of Paris, but there’s plenty more to see along the way. experience history firsthand at the normandy beaches, site of the allied invasion on D-Day in 1944; delight in the gothic architecture of rouen, and see where Joan of arc was tried and executed; lose yourself in the exquisite

gardens of giverny that inspired the impressionist painter claude monet; and walk the cobblestone streets of provincial Vernon.the rhône flows to the med through the gastronomic capital of lyon and the picturesque wine regions of Beaujolais and côtes du rhône. cruising north from lyon to chalon-sur-saône there's tournus and the pretty pastoral villages of Beaujolais and the mâconnais wine region.

the 11-day Burgundy and Provence cruise from côte d'azur to Paris departs between 24 march and 20 october 2014 and costs from £2,430pp.*

riVer cruising


the mighty mekong (translated from the thai, mae nam khong, or ‘the mother of Water’) rises together with the Yangtze and Yellow rivers from the tibetan Plateau and then runs through china’s Yunnan province and onwards, entering Burma, laos, thailand, cambodia and Vietnam until it reaches the south china sea.

avalon’s mekong cruise itineraries go from Bangkok to ho chi minh city (formerly saigon) in Vietnam, or vice versa. this offers the chance to see the watery landscape of green fields and sleepy villages in the rice-growing area of the mekong Delta, the capital and largest city of cambodia, Phnom Penh, and one of the most important archaeological sites in south-east asia, the temples of angkor.

the 16-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong cruise from Bangkok to ho chi minh city, or vice versa, costs from £3,995pp.*

rising in northern minnesota and meandering slowly southwards for 2,530 miles to the mississippi river Delta at the gulf of mexico, this is the world’s fourth longest river. the mississippi river Valley is one of the most fertile agricultural regions of the us, which resulted in the river’s storied steamboat era of around 1830 to 1870, and now the golden age of mississippi steamboats is being recreated for the 21st century, with ships like avalon’s American Queen. it's in this region, the south-central united states, where you can best experience the history and culture of america’s heartland on a cruise. imagine times gone by as you visit historic ports of call like new orleans – a great way to enjoy the american south from past to present.

the 13-day Music City to the Big Easy cruise departs from nashville from 19 march to 3 December and costs from £4,485pp.*

mekong

mississippi

Clockwise from top left: novice monks, angkor; vietnamese woman rowing a boat in Mekong river;

wooded scenery on the banks of the MississippiGo online: For more information call 0800 668 1801

or visit avaloncruises.co.uk

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The launch this year of Coachella’s first festival at sea on The launch this year of Coachella’s first festival at sea on The launch this year of Coachella’s first festival at sea on The launch this year of Coachella’s first festival at sea on The launch this year of Coachella’s first festival at sea on The launch this year of Coachella’s first festival at sea on

board Celebrity Silhouette, headlined by Pulp and Hot board Celebrity Silhouette, headlined by Pulp and Hot board Celebrity Silhouette, headlined by Pulp and Hot board Celebrity Silhouette, headlined by Pulp and Hot board Celebrity Silhouette, headlined by Pulp and Hot board Celebrity Silhouette, headlined by Pulp and Hot

Chip, marks a new age of cruising. From chocolate tours Chip, marks a new age of cruising. From chocolate tours Chip, marks a new age of cruising. From chocolate tours Chip, marks a new age of cruising. From chocolate tours Chip, marks a new age of cruising. From chocolate tours Chip, marks a new age of cruising. From chocolate tours

to personal shopping experiences, to personal shopping experiences, to personal shopping experiences, to personal shopping experiences, to personal shopping experiences, to personal shopping experiences, if you’re after a if you’re after a if you’re after a unique holiday there are some incredible options unique holiday there are some incredible options unique holiday there are some incredible options unique holiday there are some incredible options unique holiday there are some incredible options unique holiday there are some incredible options

available, discoversavailable, discoversavailable, discovers Annabelle BladonAnnabelle BladonAnnabelle Bladon

CruısesCruısesCruısesCruısesCruısesCruısesCoolCoolCoolCruısesCoolCruısesCruısesCruısesCoolCruısesCoolCruısesCoolCruısesCruısesCruısesCoolCruıses From the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, From the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, From the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango, to the laid-back beaches of birthplace of the tango, to the laid-back beaches of birthplace of the tango, to the laid-back beaches of Rio de Janeiro, fi ery Latin rhythms lie at the heart Rio de Janeiro, fi ery Latin rhythms lie at the heart Rio de Janeiro, fi ery Latin rhythms lie at the heart of this Azamara cruise, which culminates in three of this Azamara cruise, which culminates in three of this Azamara cruise, which culminates in three days at the largest carnival in the world. On your days at the largest carnival in the world. On your days at the largest carnival in the world. On your way you will pass through Punta del Este, summer way you will pass through Punta del Este, summer way you will pass through Punta del Este, summer playground of Latin America’s rich and famous, playground of Latin America’s rich and famous, playground of Latin America’s rich and famous, and the lush green island of Ilhabela, once a and the lush green island of Ilhabela, once a and the lush green island of Ilhabela, once a hideout of smugglers and pirates. With an hideout of smugglers and pirates. With an hideout of smugglers and pirates. With an emphasis on overnight and late stays, you will have emphasis on overnight and late stays, you will have emphasis on overnight and late stays, you will have plenty of time to explore, but as the ship enters plenty of time to explore, but as the ship enters plenty of time to explore, but as the ship enters

Rio’s spectacular harbour, make sure you savour Rio’s spectacular harbour, make sure you savour Rio’s spectacular harbour, make sure you savour the peace and quiet with a Caipirinha; you’re about the peace and quiet with a Caipirinha; you’re about the peace and quiet with a Caipirinha; you’re about to hit the frenzy of the street parties and the to hit the frenzy of the street parties and the to hit the frenzy of the street parties and the world-famous Sambadrome.world-famous Sambadrome.world-famous Sambadrome.AzamaraAzamaraAzamara (azamaraclubcruises.com) (azamaraclubcruises.com) (azamaraclubcruises.com) Twelve nights on Twelve nights on Twelve nights on Azamara QuestAzamara QuestAzamara Quest, 31 January 2013, , 31 January 2013, , 31 January 2013, from £2,309 (approx.) based on double occupancy, from £2,309 (approx.) based on double occupancy, from £2,309 (approx.) based on double occupancy, cruise only, calling at Buenos Aires, Argentina; cruise only, calling at Buenos Aires, Argentina; cruise only, calling at Buenos Aires, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta del Este, Uruguay; Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta del Este, Uruguay; Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta del Este, Uruguay; Ilhabela, Brazil; Parati, Brazil; Buzios, Brazil; and Rio Ilhabela, Brazil; Parati, Brazil; Buzios, Brazil; and Rio Ilhabela, Brazil; Parati, Brazil; Buzios, Brazil; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.de Janeiro, Brazil.de Janeiro, Brazil.

Samba your way to the Rio CarnivalSamba your way to the Rio CarnivalSamba your way to the Rio Carnival

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sailing through the middle of europe is like being part of an archaeological dig: you can see the layers of history unfolding before you. and

regensburg’s layers are particularly fascinating to see.it was just a 10-minute walk from where our cruise

ship was moored to the old town centre, but in that time we passed the remains of the roman walls, and walked through a jumble of medieval courtyards and through narrow streets to the italian renaissance houses where the merchants who made regensburg a wealthy trading town once lived.

the town’s 12th-century stone bridge was the first permanent crossing over the entire length of the Danube, which takes in the exciting capital cities of Vienna, Budapest and Prague.

and like other tourist towns along the longest river in europe, regensburg is full of medieval charm:

pastel-washed buildings are home to boutiques, market squares sell local produce you can buy to take home, there’s a castle on the hill and a glorious cathedral.

mainz, on the river rhine, is equally multi-layered. once the northern outpost of the roman empire it became one of the most important cities for its successor, the medieval holy roman empire.

it’s also deep in the heart of germany’s wine territory, as are other river cruise favourites such as cologne with its unesco-listed cathedral and koblenz, where the rhine and mosel converge.

add these attractions to a week or two on one of avalon’s suite ships with private balconies, a choice of restaurants, included excursions and all gratuities paid for – and you’ve got a holiday that’s not only fascinating but relaxing too.

Following the launch of Avalon Artistry II in march

The latest ships have two decks of extra-big suites that are 30 per cent larger than average with f loor-to ceiling windows

room

with a viewAvalon waterways is launching three new suite ships with space to enjoy Europe’s historic sights in comfort, says deborah stone


2013 and Avalon Expression in may, there will be three new suite ships for 2014: Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Illumination and Avalon Impression, bringing avalon Waterways’ collection to a total of eight suite ships.

they join Avalon Panorama, launched in 2011 and the first of its kind in the industry, plus Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary, both launched in 2012. all their cruises include door-to-door home pick-up plus air or eurostar travel and transfers.

the latest ships have two decks of extra-big suites that are 30 per cent larger than average, with wider floor-to-ceiling windows than you’ll find elsewhere. the best invention is that if you open these you can transform part of your suite into a large balcony – the perfect place to sit with your morning coffee as you enjoy the wonderful moveable feast of a changing countryside.

there’s enough room for six people on each balcony so what could be better than inviting new friends for a drink as the sun sets before dinner, which you might want to take in the spacious dining room with picture windows, or perhaps in the more intimate Panorama Bistro where you can try regional dishes and wines.

Whether you’re on the Avalon Artistry II, sailing

The legendary danubethe 11-day legendary danube cruise departs between march and November 2014 and includes a 3-night hotel stay. Prices start from £2,265pp, including flights, private door-to-door pick-up service, meals, excursions and transfers. Call 0800 668 1801 or visit avaloncruises.co.uk

down the rhine, or on the Avalon Expression enjoying the Danube’s treasures, not only are excursions included but there is a choice of three sightseeing groups – leisurely, traditional or essential – so you can explore at the pace that suits you. and if you do find yourself in regensburg make sure you visit the old town hall, an ornate building with mullioned glass windows, where you can still see the measuring rods once used in the nearby marketplace. it neatly encapsulates a way of life that is still thriving for us all to enjoy along europe’s major waterways.

Clockwise, from top left:panorama suite; bathroom with l‘occitane products; avalon artistry ii; the lounge and outdoor observation area

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Call reservations FREE on 0808 115 4898 • Visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk

†This service is available if you live within 75 miles of your chosen departure airport or Eurostar station, if you live further than 75 miles away you can still take advantage of this offer by paying the excess mileage at £1.70 per mile. All offers are subject to availability for new bookings only and can be withdrawn at any time. For further details please see your brochure or our website. All details are correct to time of supply (August 2013).

Danube | Main | Rhine | Seine | Rhône | Mississippi | Mekong | Yangtze | Galápagos | Amazon

3Included

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3Included 3Included

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Private door-to-door home pick-up in an executive car to and from chosen departure airport or station for exceptional service from the moment you leave home†.

Fully packaged holiday with scheduled flights, transfers and port charges so everything is taken care of for you.

Gratuities for Cruise Director and crew (on Mekong & Yangtze river cruises) so there are no hidden costs or expenses.

Guided shore excursions and sightseeing with expert local guides to must see stunning locations.

Service of a professional Cruise Director to help and support you plus on board lectures and activities.

Full board dining with free flowing wines with dinner, plus complimentary soft drinks with lunch and all day beverage station.

A B T A N o .V3031 COSMOS COACH

TOURS LTDCOSMOS COACH

TOURS LTD

Look online or call us FREE for savings and for all our worldwide cruises

Avalon Waterways offers a selection of inspiring worldwide river and small ship cruises to some of the world’s most outstanding destinations. Get up close and personal to some of the most exotic and legendary sights in total luxury onboard your elegant Avalon cruise.

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