Budapest, Hungary is fast becoming one of my more popular European cities. It has been 6 years since I was last in the city and oddly enough the same incentive bought me here

this time as well, an opportunity to cruise the River Danube on one of Avalon’s newer ships,

the Avalon Visionary. There was also an added attraction, a walk on visit to their very latest, the - Avalon Imagery II - literally the biggest ship that can operate on the Danube due to lock and bridge size restrictions.

My invitation was generously offered by Mr. Michael Beale who represents Avalon in the Charter and Incentive market. Michael and his wife Hilary where to be our hosts for the week of the cruise. Michael has put together a small – just six people – group of experienced travel industry professionals all of whom had a interest in experiencing the Avalon Waterways ship, and equally as important, the product delivery.

The river cruise industry has exploded in recent years with new ships being launched as fast as the shipyards could build them, the market seemingly endless with international clients from around the world and operators catering specifically to various nationalities of cruisers.

Our interest was mainly corporate and we were not surprised to hear that there was in fact a number of incentive charters sailing in the same time frame as we were.

We later found out that the Visionary and a sister ship where in fact both chartered in tandem for the week following our sailing. It certainly appeared hat with the right financial incentive (early and late season pricing) corporations where indeed taking advantage the easy and attractiveness of river cruising to reward their clients and employees.

Unquestionably, the destination is a big draw, even with the unsettled springtime weather we experienced it did not detract from our groups appreciation of the local attractions encountered at every stop along the way, not to mentions the amazing cities we visited with Vienna and Budapest being the standouts.  (Image: Budapest Cruise Dock)

Cruising on the Avalon Visionary which Avalon classify as one of their “Suite Ships” was such a breeze, the crew took care of all the heavy lifting as our baggage disappeared guests climb aboard the coaches provided to transport them the mile or so down river to the Budapest docks where our floating home for the next week was berthed awaiting our arrival.

As so many of our fellow travelers had flown in from many continents Avalon cleverly stages the start of the cruise at the Sofitel Hotel thus allowing those that wanted to arrive early and take in the sights of Budapest prior to joining the ship to do so and, also giving them the opportunity to make the acquaintance of fellow travelers they would be sailing with.

We boarded the ship and immediately received a warm welcome from ur crew as well as a cold glass of bubbly to welcome us onboard and were happy to find our baggage had miraculous appeared in our staterooms even before we did.

Unquestionably one of the prettiest sights is cruising upstream through the center of Budapest, with Buda on one side of the river and Pest on the other. It was just becoming dark as we set off and soon the city was light up in all its splendor. We stood on deck with a welcome cocktail in hand and watched the city gradual fall astern as we departed of into the night headed towards the Wachau Valley in all it’s beauty.

Settling into ones suite and making oneself at home is always something I enjoy, this will be my space for the next week and a generous space it is. Made more so by the clever design and layout of the suite and it’s adjoining bathroom.

To maximize ones enjoyment and appreciation of the natural surroundings of being on this major European waterway, Avalon have turned the suite outward, so that the bed faces the outer side of the ship and not fore and aft as staterooms are generally arranged. Added to this the whole of the outer side of the suite is a glass wall with two large sliding glass panels that can be opened to allow the sights and sounds of the river to really enter your suite. Needless to say this is somewhat of a seasonal attraction but I was surprised to hear from my fellow travelers how many had in fact done so and of course this is only feasible on the upper two decks as the lower deck is too close to the waterline.

Avalon have named these “Open-Air Balcony” suites, the fully compliment of accommodation consist of 52 of these suites and 12 Staterooms.

The suite is approximately 200 sq. ft. and comes with an en-suite bathroom which is tastefully decorated in the popular style of frameless glass shower enclosure and granite work surfaces and ergonomically designed so you have space to comfortably utilize all the facilities. Midships on the upper accommodation deck are located two Master Suites, these are in fact oversized versions of the regular suites and are perfect for upper level management.

Public areas are also generous and a no time does one feel that the ship is crowded. All the accommodation on all three decks is located after of the lobby which is the functioning heart of the ship from a passenger’s standpoint. Here is located the Pursers Office, The Tour Director’s desk and a small but functional business center.

Going forward on the main deck one enters the lounge, this is somewhat open plan with the bar on the left and a few group seating arrangements on the right, a small dance floor helps to divide the forward observation lounge from the main body of the room, this is where a light breakfast and lunch station is set up at the appropriate time. There is also outside seating on the fore deck accessible from doors onto the deck from the front of the lounge.

The lounge appears to be the most popular meeting

space and is large enough to accommodate the full complement of guests for meeting and such like, additionally there is a small lounge at the very stern of the ship on deck three, this is mostly utilized by individuals as a quiet spot, the ship lays out a selection of teas, coffee and sodas as well as biscuits and pastries which are available 24/7. The very

narrow stern deck outside of this lounge is also set up with deck chairs and coffee tables and is a most enjoyable area to relax and watch the scenery go by when the ship is underway.

The sun deck is of course located over the top of the full length of the #3 deck suite area and has a large selection of deck chairs, chaise-longe and two large collapsible sun covers. The idea being that they can be lowered when the ship passes beneath low bridges and so on. There are oversized board games on the desk and a small but fully functional hot-tub.

The forward part of the upper deck is reserved for the

navigation of the ship and the bridge which is hydraulically operated so it can be raised and lowered to suite the bride heights, is located here.

One of the enjoyable occupations is sampling the various styles of cuisine which originate from the countries the ship passes through. The chefs try to mix up the cuisine and every day there are several menu choices for both lunch and dinner as well as the standard daily fare which can be ordered if the menu choices do not appeal. They are very conscious of people dietary requirements and do their very best to accommodate all style of dietary requirements.

Breakfast is a served buffet style but the wait staff will happily plate up your favorite items, there is an egg / omelet station, and hot breakfast favorites as well as the typical European style breakfast as some Asian items can be found. Early riser’s breakfast is served in the lounge with the main dining room offering more comprehensive choices.

Lunch menus are always the same format as breakfast and as so many people are off the ship at lunch time doing tours or shopping the choice is scaled back on such occasions. A full menu is still available however, if desired.

The ship general start to get lively shortly before dinner when the various tour groups return and gather in the lounge to discuss their day’s experiences. It is at this time the bar offers drinks at a 50% discount and as such the bar can become a lively spot. Often around this time the Tour Director will take advantage of the gathering and spend some time discussing the following day’s tours etc.

Dinner is the main meal of the day and as such people tend to dress accordingly, jackets are not obligatory but many men do wear them. The only so called dressy evening is the Captain’s Farewell dinner which is also a fun time as the crew will put on some really amateurish entertainment to get the passengers laughing.

In general the standard of cuisine aboard is very good especially when one considers the limitation of product choices and the smallness of the galley.

My group all commented on how amazing the soups where that the chef produced, different ever day both for lunch and dinner. In general we all enjoyed the meals, portions are European sized and not the huge plateful we’re used to in America, but that’s good because if you’re really still hungry the staff will bring you more of whatever you desire and even though many of the shore excursions require you to walk, it’s still can be a problem to get enough exercise to burn lots of calories.

Complimentary wine, soft drinks as well as coffee /tea is available with dinner and the wait staff pour generously. There was a rumor that the complimentary wine etc. was shortly going to be offered with lunch as well. But at the time of writing this revue it had not been confirmed.

Exercise, this brings me to say, there is in fact a small gymnasium on board, it has newer style equipment and is good for just keeping in shape. It is not intended for an Iron Man work out, but it was often being used when I went by. Locate aft, right by the aft lounge is also a small beauty / hairdressing salon which also appeared to be used a fair amount by our lady guests.

Laundry service is also available for a small fee.

All this action is under the control or the Captain and his 36 crew members who keep the ship in immaculate condition, keep the food and wine flowing and generally are there for you anytime you need something. We found the crew to be excellent, very friendly and eager to serve, from my own experiences I know how important a good crew is to your enjoyment of the cruise experience and the Avalon crew where excellent and well trained in their various duties. (Image - Passau)

Of course a cruise means visiting new places and experiencing unfamiliar sights, sounds and cuisine and there really is no better way to gain this experience as being aboard a river ship on the waterways of the world. Whether your cruise is on one of Europe’s rivers, and there are is a large number of major river to choose from or, it could be on the Mekong in Asia or indeed just about anywhere the Avalon fleet sails. You will still experience the same level of comfort, care and security as well as the ever changing landscape as your river ships sails you from place to place.

Worldwide Cruise Associates specializes in Corporate Cruise Programs and has twenty six years of experience in working with travel planners to make their clients program a memorable experience. We are able to not only source the right ship in the right river cruising area, at the price that fits the budget, but we are experts in customizing the cruise experience to gain the maximum enjoyment for the lucky folks who are making the trip whether it be an incentive or a meeting at sea.

Full details are available from Worldwide Cruise Associates, President of Sales – Mr. Steve Bloss
Tel: +1 954 452 8800