Avalon Waterways has proudly announced the launch of the Avalon Alegria, a splendid new addition to its fleet, specifically designed for the Douro River in Portugal. This introduction highlights the company's commitment to expanding its offerings in the European River Cruise market, now featuring the Douro River as a prominent destination among its illustrious routes.
Key Points
- The Avalon Alegria is Avalon Waterways' latest vessel, cruising exclusively on the Douro River.
- This River Cruise features state-of-the-art Panorama Suites with expansive open-air balconies.
- Available itineraries include a unique blend of vineyard visits and cultural excursions in Portugal.
The decision to include the Douro River as part of its European River Cruise destinations was driven by enthusiastic customer feedback and a growing interest in unique, scenic river cruises across Europe. The President of Avalon Waterways noted the strategic move was based on their commitment to responding to the evolving preferences of their passengers, ensuring they continually offer top-tier cruising experiences.
The Avalon Alegria stands out with its luxurious amenities, especially noted are the Panorama Suites. These suites are designed with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that open nearly seven feet wide, offering an unrivaled connection with the Douro River's serene landscapes—an exclusive feature that enhances any Douro River Cruise experience.
The ship’s interiors mirror the Douro’s natural and cultural essence. The design choices, from the warm hues in the lounges to the vibrant yellow accents in the staterooms, embody the region's rich heritage and the river's nickname, the "River of Gold." The Club Lounge’s green tones are inspired by the hillsides adorned with grapevines, a sight typical on a European River Cruise along the Douro.
Dining and Itineraries
Reflecting Portugal’s traditional azulejo tiles, the dining room’s blue color palette enriches the onboard culinary experience, aligning with the cultural immersion that is central to a European River Cruise. The Avalon Alegria offers two main itineraries focused on the Douro River: an eight-day exploration of local Vineyards and villages, and an extended 11-day cruise that includes a stay in Lisbon, offering a comprehensive Portuguese river cruise experience.
Avalon's entry into the Douro with the Avalon Alegria was timely, aligning with new opportunities in regional shipbuilding that allowed for a vessel that meets Avalon’s high standards for guest experience and operational excellence, reinforcing its stature in the European River Cruise market.
Final Thoughts
The launch of Avalon Alegria by Avalon Waterways is a strategic enhancement to its portfolio of European river cruises, responding adeptly to the growing demand for unique and luxurious river cruise experiences in Europe. The Alegria not only promises a gateway to the Douro’s enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry but also represents a significant leap in the quality and scope of river cruises offered in the region.
