Avalon advances towards Asia in 2012………..

Avalon have just made an exciting anouncement about the launch of a new ship into a brand new area. The Avalon Angkor will start sailing around Vietnam, Cambodia and China from April 2012 and these exciting itineraries will be on sale from the 24th of this month. I have just been lucky enough to experience an Avalon River Cruise first hand and I have no hesitation recommending them. They offer a 5* cruise experience and I know that you would be delighted with every aspect of your holiday.

Here is the press release to whet your appetite:
Luxury river cruise specialist, Avalon Waterways has announced the delivery of a new river cruise ship, the ‘Avalon Angkor’ as it launches a dedicated Vietnam, Cambodia & China brochure with a fascinating choice of river cruises and tours in the region.

The new brochure will go on sale on 24 November 2011 including a tour of Vietnam & Cambodia including a Mekong river cruise as well as two China tours including a Yangtze River cruise. Tour and cruise departures are from April 2012 to March 2013.
Due for delivery in 2012, the Avalon Angkor has been specially designed to be the first ship in the industry to cruise all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, avoiding over 7 hours travelling time by coach.
Built by local craftsmen with a colonial design, the Avalon Angkor is the first Avalon vessel to be launched outside of Europe but will feature all the modern amenities Avalon is renowned for. Accommodating just 32 guests in 16 deluxe staterooms over two decks with a Sun Deck, this small and intimate ship will feature the standard spacious 172 sq ft staterooms as all Avalon ships. The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors provide an open-air experience without losing any space in the stateroom and are the best way to enjoy the stunning passing scenery. Guests will enjoy Avalon amenities including the Comfort Collection by Avalon.
Alan MacLean, Managing Director, Avalon Waterways commented: “2012 will be a landmark year for us as we launch 3 new ships including an industry first, the Avalon Angkor. We are delighted to be able to offer the UK market the Avalon river cruise experience in Indo-China particularly with such a key selling point of a river cruise itinerary all the way through to Siem Reap.

He added: “Interest has been strong already as passengers who have travelled on one of our European cruises are becoming more adventurous, wanting to discover different cultures and countries but with the same high level of service and facilities they have already enjoyed with us.”
The new 16 day ‘Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ provides an amazing insight into the fascinating culture, scenery and history of this area. The tour includes 3 nights at InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, a seven night cruise on the River Mekong aboard the Avalon Angkor; 2 nights at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa Hotel in Siem Reap and 1 night at InterContinental Bangkok Hotel. Holiday highlights include Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap guided city sightseeing, Cu Chi Tunnels, Cai Be, Phnom Penh, and the Temples of Angkor. Prices are from £3915 per person.
To make the most of a visit, Avalon Waterways offer a range of holiday extensions, pre and post cruise. A three night stay to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang in Laos can be added to the tour by flying via Bangkok at the start of the tour. The 20 day tour is priced from £4605 per person.
Alternatively, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay can be added as a post-tour extension to include 2 nights in Hanoi and 1 night in Ha Long Bay with guided sightseeing and a scenic cruise. Prices are from £4165 per person for this 19 day holiday.
For the ultimate experience add Luang Prabang and Hanoi & Ha Long Bay extensions. Prices are from £4865 per person for this 22 day holiday.
Avalon Waterways’ newly featured China tours incorporate Yangtze river cruises aboard the 5* recently refurbished Victoria Anna. All Avalon passengers will enjoy executive suites sized at 319 sq feet with private balconies and a range of executive benefits including use of a private lounge, concierge service, business centre, choice of dinning rooms and private cultural lectures.
The 12 day ‘Magical China & the Yangtze River’ tour includes a 2 night stay at the Westin Beijing, 2 nights at Golden Flower Hotel in Xian, a 3 night Yangtze cruise aboard the Victoria Anna; with 2 nights in Shanghai staying at the Westin Shanghai. Tour highlights include guided city sightseeing in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai; the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges. Prices are from £2999 per person. Tour extensions include 3 nights at the luxurious Harbour Grand Kowloon (harbour view room). Prices are from £3499 per person for this 14 day holiday
The 17 day ‘Heart of China & the Yangtze River’ features the same itinerary as the Magical China & Yangtze River tour but also includes 2 nights in Guilin at Sheraton Guilin Hotel and 3 nights in Hong Kong at the Harbour Grand Kowloon. Prices are from £3775 per person. Holiday extensions include a 3 night stay in Bangkok at the Westin Grand Sukhumvit. Prices are from £4239 per person for this 20 day holiday.
All Avalon cruises are full packaged with flights, transfers, airport taxes, port charges and gratuities as well as a private door-to-door transfer service(within 75 miles of your chosen International airport), local guided sightseeing and a full board cruise with complimentary wine served at dinner. Adding even more value for 2012 is the inclusion of gratuities for the tour director, driver and the crew on board.
Please give me a call if you would liket o know more about the Avalon river Cruise experience.