I’m back from a week-long trip aboard the inaugural sailing of the Avalon Impression. The Impression was christened in dual ceremony with the line’s other, slightly smaller new build, Poetry II.
Arrived! Blue skies, warm temps, Amsterdam here I come! Pre Avalon inaugural cruise sightseeing pic.twitter.com/jMKlbuSwZ8
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 20, 2014
A little perspective. I sailed on the inaugural voyage of the first Avalon ship 10 years ago and while I have fond memories of that journey, the Globus team (parent of Avalon) has created a product that rivals anything plying Europe’s rivers.
All Aboard! Impression docks in picturesque Maastricht. Pretty streetscapes, high end shopping and inviting cafés. pic.twitter.com/rC3dNdP1se
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 24, 2014
Captains of Avalon Waterways newest vessels welcome guests aboard in grand style. pic.twitter.com/6doI0oomaN
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 22, 2014
What difference does a decade make? Well, the footprint of the ships isn’t dissimilar. Unlike the behemoth’s that ply the Caribbean, there’s only so big you can make these vessels. Where they have stepped up their game is with the ship’s soft goods.
View from the top deck of Avalon Impression #rivercruising pic.twitter.com/XJNWZNu1D7
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 24, 2014
Avalon Impression and Poetry II christened side-by-side. pic.twitter.com/Ou9qc5CIUc
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 22, 2014
The staterooms are nothing short of amazing. Thoughtful design with floor to ceiling windows, French balconies providing sweeping views of the countryside, complimented by modern, well-appointed bathrooms that include a very unlikely large sized shower – you wouldn’t think you’re on a ship.
The two lounges, dining room, fitness and beauty salon are top drawer. Tastefully appointed, eye-pleasing color schemes and unique touches like fresh-cut flowers provide a soothing ambiance which compliments the surrounding scenery.
Lounging around #AvalonWaterways, after dinner entertainment and drinks. #grouptravel pic.twitter.com/ThvVEhd6W3
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 24, 2014
First glimpse of the Avalon Impression dining room. Classy tones, White table cloths, panoramic views while dining. pic.twitter.com/ccaEvdUd5k
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 22, 2014
And once you get off the ship, the prowess of Globus really shines. Knowledgeable local guides bring history to life with brisk walking tours of European masterpiece cities and villages, while coach drivers and transportation outshines anything I’ve seen yet in the lower 48.
Toured the inside of an authentic 300 year old Dutch Windmill in Volendam, luckily exited the right door! pic.twitter.com/ZHycsTAuid
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 21, 2014
Picturesque Dutch countryside, just outside Volendam. Avalon Waterways excursion. pic.twitter.com/FiN98NaKzv
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 22, 2014
Bikes, bikes everywhere! #Maastricht touring encountered these 2 Wheelers, not as dense as #Amsterdam but impressive. pic.twitter.com/177FT1pkTy
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 24, 2014
Our home brew is Bud, Holland's is Heineken. How fair is that? pic.twitter.com/RhhPrrKmO8
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 25, 2014
Enjoying Mussels in Brussels with little yellow guy…yum! pic.twitter.com/wxuUEI1yqp
— Leisure Group Travel (@LeisureGroup) March 24, 2014
I’ll have more on Avalon in June’s Leisure Group Travel. In the meantime, hope you enjoyed my Twitter recap of a pre-trip to Amsterdam and shipboard life. For more details and images, hit us up on Twitter.
