Avalon Expression

Visiting the previous Eastern bloc countries was something we had wanted to do for a while, and when we found this Avalon cruise through some of those locations, we were keen to go. Apart from being fascinated by how developed some of these cities are now, it was an eye-opener to hear stories of the Soviet-era communist regime and how people lived then. read more There were also relics left in their original condition as reminders of the world then, which was barely 30 years ago. A trip worth doing for us.

A special mention to Hannah, our travel advisor, who just made everything so easy for us to book and organise our cruise. She was extremely responsive and helpful to the questions we had and provided top class support for everything we needed. She's a real asset to Global Journeys.

The whole experience was excellent. The help and communication I received from Yvonne Brooks of Global Journeys was first class.

My travelling companion looked forward so much to this trip, as we had heard so many positive things about it. And I have to say for the period we were on the Avalon Expression it lived up to every comment we had heard. The Avalon service and organisation was second to none. We always looked forward to meal times.... sublime! What a great team of waiters read more & chefs, always obliging and happy to make your experience special.

I honestly can't say what was my highlight, but I did love the Bavarian region, with its magical castles and well preserved historic villages. Looked forward every morning to another new destination with excellent local guides showing us around our port of call. Of course this is inclusive in your trip costs. We had a good mix of travellers, but it would of been nice to have known where everyone had travelled from. Not sure if this is Avalon's policy not to introduce everyone. I never did find out.

Our room although compact was excellent, it seemed to be serviced twice a day. We were on the 2nd level, with its lovely wall to wall windows including sliding doors. However on reflection I would not hesitate next time to take a lower level cabin. Reason being, one is hardly ever in their cabin as the itinerary is full and a high percentage of the time when berthed you have another boat tied up along beside you blocking any view.

Sadly our trip was short lived as six days into our 15 day cruise we had to leave the boat and travel the remainder of the journey by coach, staying in different hotels mostly every night. The reason being that the Danube river was too low for the boat to pass through. This affected all boat companies travelling this route. As very sad as it was Avalon did an amazing job to move and accommodate 130 people every night. They still maintained our original itinerary along the way. Hats off to Avalon for their slick and seamless organisational skills. Also for their generous refund to make up for our disappointment. At no time along the coach route were were we out of pocket.

I am hoping to book another trip with Avalon through Global Journeys, they were great organisations to deal with. Would highly recommend a river cruise as the passenger list is about 145, such a complete contrast to most ocean cruising.

Another very proficient Avalon cruise. All very good. Maybe, too late in the year as the weather was cold (30 Sept - 10 Oct). Our only complaint was that the quality of food provided at dinner was not as good as on our earlier Romantic Rhine Cruise. The vegetarian fair was particularly poor. Breakfast and lunch were fine. Table service was not attentive read more and to get a wine glass refilled was often difficult.

The Hotel in Amsterdam (Room Mate Aitana) was well situated for the start of the cruise, being about 150 metres from the hotel. It was also very close to the railway station that we arrived at. Room very comfortable and spacious. Restaurant very good.

The cruise was not completely full. We were quite disappointed with our Avalon Cruise Director read more half way through the cruise when we asked for an upgrade cabin since the noise in our cabin was keeping us awake (water slapping against side of ship, some engine noise and vibrations). They had a cabin available but insisted that we pay full price for the rest of the cruise (week) of 2400 Euros. Many other passengers tried to upgrade and got the same response. I would have thought that some leeway for them to get some extra money in the bank. Even a lottery at a cheaper price for those wishing to upgrade would have gone gown well.

When advising customers (particularly older ones) I would recommend you explain the dangers on board due to the stairs. Some of the stairs have a narrow side and a wide side. The narrow side does not provide enough foot space to be safe and a fall could have disastrous consequences. Many older people, particular carrying extra weight struggled with the stairs. Three accidents occurred on the trip requiring urgent hospitalisation (one fall in a cabin and one from the stairs). One other slip on the stairs didn't (fortunately) require immediate attention.

It was obvious that the levels of cabin got different service eg we had to ask for the sheets on the beds to be changed after the first week. This was automatic for the upper deck passengers who had their sheets changed very regularly. The two upper decks had uniformed staff assigned. Our lower floor didn't. Talking to some passengers who have done many cruises in upper decks, all agreed that the difference in price between the lower and upper decks was not value for money. One passenger had booked the lower level cabin for that reason. Overall the experience was one in a lifetime and we saw towns and beautiful countryside. We will have many fond memories of the trip for many years ahead. If you would like to have a further conversation by phone please ask Global Journeys and they'll send my number so you can give me a call.

The trip was very well organised, the included tours good, the range of optional excursions quite varied and most were good, the crew were magnificent and very friendly, the food magnificent and in no short supply by any means. The cruise director was very professional and helpful (even organised a short ANZAC day event for the Australians and New Zealanders). read more The cabins and beds were very comfortable and well sound insulated, and the floor-to-ceiling door sliding open to allow full view uninterrupted views was magnificent. Couldn't fault any aspect of the cruise.

Excellent holiday - especially in Autumn with tree colours and fewer crowds. The cabins and lounges were comfortable. The boat handling and locks and other ships were intriguing. The crew members and guides were efficient AND friendly. The daily information was inspiring. The food was healthy and plentiful with lots of choices - even though I'm vegetarian. read more The museums and shops were entertaining at every shore stop. The architecture was intriguing and sometime awesome - took lots of photos to absorb the details later. So many highlights - electric biking through Dutch farmland, patisseries in Strasbourg etc. The Prague hotel was very classy and the city was fun to explore. Salzburg was so lovely I'm tempted to go back and live there for a while.

Loved everything about our trip...we visited some beautiful little towns along the way and really couldn't fault the service of the Avalon staff and the ship was beautiful. Thank you Hannah at Global Journeys, for making everything so easy for us and providing such great service. Hope to do another cruise in the near future.

We loved the river cruise format as it was a simple matter of enjoying each days activities without having to drag all of the luggage around. The room was excellent and the service and food was first class.

The Europeon river cruise has been the highlight of our number of trips over recent years. It was so easy and relaxing and just what we needed after a very stressful time. I had some health issues but the comfort and ease of travel made this the best way for us. The freedom when we came to various towns in the river meant we could make individual choices. read more For my husband who liked more energetic exploring that was available for him and for me the quieter pace of traveling with the group suited me. We also made many ongoing friendships from that time. So glad we went.