When designing their new Suite Ships℠, Avalon Waterways started with the traveler instead of the ship.
This river cruise company takes a radically different approach to designing its staterooms and ships. Instead of listening to accountants who want more people and less space, inspired by travelers, Avalon did the opposite and let innovation, imagination and a relentless desire to create a smart use of space be their guide. The result? One-of-a-kind Panorama SuitesSM on the industry’s only Suite Ships: unparalleled vessels that feature two full decks of 200- and 300-square-foot suites.
Each stateroom is an oasis for guests to escape to, not escape from. And while Avalon’s Panorama Suites do offer travelers more room, they’re about more of everything. More storage, more closet space, ample under-bed storage, more luxury, more comfort and more views. And that means a more relaxing and more enjoyable vacation for our guests.
In designing their ships, Avalon has refused to see space as a barrier. That fact couldn’t be more true when you look at their ships’ inspired indoor/outdoor space. Other cruise lines, for instance, have chosen to sacrifice room space in order to provide travelers a small and often narrow balcony. In contrast, Avalon’s Open-Air BalconiesSM make full use of the intended balcony experience – in any weather condition, in any season – without compromising room space.
How did they do this? They created one-of-a-kind Open-Air Balconies by pushing each room all the way out to the end of the ship. Then they made a whole wall of windows (with a giant, 7-foot opening). In front of the wall-to-wall windows, Avalon Suite Ships provide travelers a love seat, chairs, and a table that raises up for cocktails and dinner or down when it’s not in use (so it doesn’t obstruct the view). The result is a space where travelers can slide the doors wide open and enjoy the feeling of sitting comfortably “outside” as the amazing views of castles and villages, rolling green hills and ancient cities pass by.
Luxury and comfort are two words Avalon takes seriously—and so do their travelers. Avalon’s staterooms and suites offer guests deluxe Comfort Collection BedsSM with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets and choice of pillows. Avalon staterooms also come complete with sound dampening insulation in the walls so guests are unlikely to hear neighbors. And the river cruise operator gives travelers the comforts of home like real wood finishes, recessed lighting, plush robes, slippers, stocked mini-bars and complimentary bottled water as well as some added bonuses like nightly turndown service and treats.
Even Avalon Waterways’ bathrooms are beyond the norm. The design team angled the internal stateroom wall, which in turn, created more room in the bathroom. This allowed Avalon to provide guests a large, tile shower with glass doors. Avalon bathrooms also feature marble countertops, premium fixtures, L’Occitane amenities and shelves under the vanity to house guests’ toiletries.
According to the team at Avalon Waterways, no staterooms in river cruising equal Avalon’s Panorama Suites. And the best part is that there aren’t just a couple of these “suite” rooms on Avalon ships reserved for those who want to pay more. Instead, eighty percent (80%) of the staterooms on Avalon’s Suite Ships are Panorama Suites.
In addition, Avalon also offers river cruises to exotic destinations such as the Mekong, Yangtze and Amazon Rivers and the Galapagos Islands.
