What Is Included in an Avalon River Cruise?

Embarking on an Avalon River Cruise is a gateway to experiencing unparalleled luxury, breathtaking landscapes, and enriching cultural encounters. From the moment you step foot onboard, you’re welcomed into a world where every detail has been meticulously designed to create an unforgettable journey. With Avalon Waterways, an array of unparalleled inclusions awaits you, ensuring that every aspect of your river cruise is thoughtfully taken care of. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences featuring regional cuisine, complemented by a selection of premium wines and beverages. Unwind in spacious cabins and suites, equipped with modern amenities and panoramic windows that provide stunning views of the passing landscapes. Immerse yourself in intriguing guided shore excursions led by expert local guides, encountering iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, and charming villages along the way.

Are Excursions Included With Avalon?

Avalon River Cruises offer an impressive array of excursions that are included in the cruise fare. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through historic towns, an active adventure, or a cultural immersion, Avalon has something for everyone. One of the unique features of Avalons excursions is the ability to mix and match styles depending on your mood in each port of call.

For those seeking an active experience, Avalon offers Active excursions that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. From hiking and cycling to kayaking and other adventure activities, these excursions are the ideal way to get those endorphins going. Whether you want to explore the picturesque countryside on a bike tour or paddle along the river in a kayak, these active excursions are a great way to stay active while enjoying your cruise.

These excursions typically include guided tours of iconic landmarks and historic sites, allowing you to delve deeper into the culture and history of each destination. From exploring ancient ruins to visiting famous museums, these excursions are perfect for those who want to take their time and soak in the sights.

These excursions often include visits to local markets, wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and cultural performances. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and truly immerse yourself in the destination.

So sit back, relax, and let Avalon take care of the details while you enjoy a truly unforgettable river cruise experience.

Avalon offers a delightful range of complimentary beverages to enhance the gastronomic experience on their Europe river cruises. Alongside delectable meals, guests are treated to a choice of complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, breakfast is elevated with the addition of sparkling wine, creating a truly indulgent start to the day. But what about alcohol outside these mealtimes? Let’s take a closer look at the availability of alcohol on Avalon.

Is Alcohol Included on Avalon?

When it comes to an Avalon river cruise, there are many inclusions that make for a luxurious and seamless experience. One essential aspect that travelers often inquire about is the availability of alcoholic beverages. On Avalon Europe river cruises, guests will be delighted to know that a choice of complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks is included with both lunch and dinner. This allows passengers to indulge in a glass of their favorite drink while savoring the delectable cuisine offered onboard.

But the inclusions don’t stop there. Avalon goes above and beyond to ensure that their guests enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience. In addition to the complimentary beverages served at meal times, Avalon also provides sparkling wine during breakfast, adding a touch of sophistication to the morning routine. Whether you prefer a glass of bubbly or a freshly squeezed juice to start your day, Avalon has you covered.

It’s not just about alcohol either. Avalon understands the importance of a good cup of coffee or tea throughout the day. Thats why, on Avalon river cruises in Europe, Asia, and South America, coffee and tea are readily available free of charge from the “early riser” breakfast all the way through dinner. So, whether you need a pick-me-up in the morning or a soothing cup of tea in the evening, you can enjoy a hot beverage of your choice without any additional cost.

By taking care of the little things, like offering complimentary beverages and refreshments throughout the day, Avalon allows their guests to relax and fully immerse themselves in the wonders of the journey. So sit back, raise a glass, and let Avalon take care of your every need as you sail along some of the worlds most breathtaking rivers.

Now let’s delve into important factors to consider regarding tipping on Avalon river cruises.

Are Tips Included on Avalon River Cruises?

When it comes to Avalon river cruises, the issue of tipping is often a topic of interest for passengers. The good news is that Avalon Waterways provides flexibility in this area. Passengers have the option to prepay gratuities as part of their overall cruise fare, which means they don’t have to worry about tipping individuals during the trip. However, if they prefer to handle gratuities in person, they’re more than welcome to do so.

It’s important to note that tipping isn’t mandatory at onboard bars or in the salon. The cruise staff members in these areas are already compensated for their services, so theres no expectation for additional gratuities. Of course, if passengers feel that they’ve received exceptional service and would like to show their appreciation, they’re more than welcome to offer a separate gratuity.

When it comes to local guides, it’s common practice to tip them a euro or two. These guides play a crucial role in enhancing the passengers experience by providing valuable insights and information about the destinations they visit. Tipping them is a way to acknowledge their efforts and show gratitude for their services. While the amount may seem small, it can go a long way in making a positive impact on the local guides income.

What Is the Average Amount Passengers Typically Tip on Avalon River Cruises?

• 10% of the total cruise fare
• 15% of the total cruise fare
• 20% of the total cruise fare
• Customary to tip between 10-20%
• Average tip ranges from $10 to $20 per day

Source: Cruise Line Tipping Policies: River and Barge Lines

When it comes to river cruises, Emerald Cruises stands out for it’s emphasis on value. Unlike many other cruise lines, Emerald Cruises includes gratuities in your base cruise fare. In addition, Wi-Fi, mealtime drinks, airport transfers, and daily excursions are also included. This all-inclusive approach ensures that guests can truly relax and enjoy their river cruise experience without the worry of additional costs.

Are Gratuities Included on Emerald River Cruises?

Emerald Cruises, formerly known as Emerald Waterways, is a river cruise line that offers exceptional value to it’s passengers. One of the major advantages of an Emerald river cruise is the inclusion of gratuities in your base cruise fare. Unlike many other cruise lines, you don’t have to worry about setting aside extra money for tipping the staff onboard. Emerald takes care of this for you, ensuring that your cruise experience is truly all-inclusive.

Mealtime drinks are another inclusion that sets Emerald Cruises apart from it’s competitors. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available during mealtimes at no additional cost. Whether you prefer a refreshing glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer to toast the sunset, you can indulge in your favorite beverages without worrying about the bill.

Finally, daily excursions are also included in your Emerald river cruise. Each day, youll have the opportunity to explore different ports of call and immerse yourself in the local culture and history. Whether it’s a guided tour of a medieval castle, a leisurely bike ride through charming villages, or a wine tasting in a picturesque vineyard, you can enjoy these experiences without any extra cost.

With these amenities taken care of, you can relax and fully enjoy your river cruise experience, knowing that everything is already included in your fare.

When it comes to Avalon river cruises, it’s important to note that gratuities for your Tour / Cruise Director, Local Hosts®, Local Guides, driver, and ship’s crew aren’t automatically included in the trip price. It’s up to your discretion to show appreciation for their service through gratuities, which aren’t covered unless otherwise specified in the pricing details.

Are Gratuities Included in Avalon River Cruises?

Gratuities for your Tour / Cruise Director, Local Hosts®, Local Guides, driver, and ships crew aren’t included in the trip price (unless otherwise noted in pricing details) and are discretionary. This means that it’s up to your personal preference and satisfaction to decide whether to tip and how much to tip these individuals. Avalon Waterways acknowledges the exceptional service provided by their staff, and encourages gratuities as a way to show appreciation.

The precise amount of gratuity is often a matter of individual discretion, but Avalon provides suggested gratuity guidelines for their guests convenience. These guidelines generally recommend an average of €3-€5 euros per person, per day for the cruise director, and €1-€2 euros per person, per day for the local host and driver. For the local guides, a suggested tip of €1-€2 euros per person, per tour is recommended. Tips for the ships crew are typically collected at the end of the trip and can be given to the crew directly or left in an envelope on the front desk.

While gratuities aren’t included in the trip price, Avalons all-inclusive nature ensures that most other essentials are covered. Accommodations, dining, shore excursions, and onboard entertainment are all part of the Avalon river cruise experience. The spacious staterooms and suites, with their panoramic windows, offer stunning views of the passing scenery, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Europes rivers.

Gourmet dining is another highlight of Avalon river cruises, with a variety of regional and international dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Guests have the opportunity to savor the flavors of the destinations they visit, as well as enjoy fine wines and attentive service. Excursions to iconic landmarks and hidden gems are included in the itinerary, giving guests the chance to explore the culture, history, and natural wonders of each destination.

Onboard entertainment and enrichment activities provide further opportunities for relaxation and learning. From live performances and cooking demonstrations to insightful lectures and workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, Avalon offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the cruising experience, such as Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and complimentary bicycles for use while ashore.

Conclusion

From luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining to fascinating guided excursions and onboard entertainment, everything is thoughtfully organized to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.