Avalon Waterways is introducing a new program that gives passengers more options in shore excursions and dining starting in 2013. Among the highlights: four types of included shore excursions, an alternative bistro and more onboard demonstrations and tastings by local chefs.. The company surveyed active river cruisers and prospects on what they look for. No. 1 on the list was and connection to the culture and quality of excursions, Avalon expanded the type of excursions offered. A new option is what is called "Essential Sightseeing," which provides an orientation of a town by a local guide on foot or mini-bus, followed by free time. The other excursion options include "Traditional Sightseeing," with a local guide taking guests inside sites, and "Leisurely Sightseeing," which offers the same elements as the traditional tour but at a slower, more relaxed pace. Also new for 2013 are tours that focus on special interests, such as musical history in Vienna. "In certain cities, where there is a lot to do, we will offer pre-packaged excursions for those that may be beyond sightseeing," "Maybe they’ve already visited the city before and want to take a deeper dive into the culture." All tour options are included in the cruise fare. However, there is yet another shore experience that would require an additional fee. "The only thing not included would be one or two optional excursions per week," Also new, Avalon will providing Nordic walking sticks for active guests looking to explore on their own; the company already offers guided bike excursions in several European ports.
On the dining front, Avalon’s "Suite Ships" next will offer a new casual venue, Panorama Bistro, that will be located in a partitioned part of the main lounge, Born said. It will be offered a few times per cruise. This is in addition to the al fresco lunches offered at the outdoor Sky Bistro. Also new are Culture & Cruise activities, which will include a local chef coming onboard to do a demonstration of a local specialty and then offer a tasting. Other activities might include food, beer and wine tastings, demonstrations by local artisans and talks by local experts about the areas through which they’re traveling. There will be no fee for the Culture & Cruise activities.
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