Avalon Waterways will make its Portugal River Cruise debut on the Douro River one year from this week with an all-new suite ship, the Avalon Alegria. The Avalon Alegria will debut with an eight-day cruise called “Vida Portugal Vineyards and Villages Along the Douro.” This fantastic cruise will bring the Suite Ships of Avalon, with the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to Southwestern Europe, beginning and ending in Porto. Guests will have their choice of the line’s classic, discovery and active excursions. The ship will feature 37 of the line’s signature Panorama Suites on two full decks with open-air balconies and beds facing the river. Fourteen deluxe staterooms will round out the total capacity of 102 guests.
AmaWaterways will launch its Magdalena River cruises in Columbia next year in late March 2024. Two 60-guest river ships will sail the Magdalena River with one-week itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla aboard the AmaMagdalena or the AmaMelodia. The 60-guest ships have three decks with all cabins offering the twin balcony concept, a French balcony and a true balcony. Five room categories include the 516-square-foot Grand Suite, 306-square foot Luxury Suite and three categories of 237-square foot rooms. Onboard highlights include a main restaurant, main lounge, small pool, gym and nail/hair salon.
The eight-night/seven-day “Wonders of Columbia” starts in Cartagena and ends in Barranquilla, making seven stops along the way and spending one night in the town of Mompox, a highlight of the sailing. Tours and special events, including a musical performance in Palenque, an onshore dinner with traditional Columbian dancers in El Banco, and Carnaval celebrations in Barranquilla, are included. For cruisers departing from Cartagena, a two-night pre-cruise tour will include four tours and museum visits. Cruisers departing from Barranquilla can choose the three-night Medellin tour, which includes two full days of touring.
Cruisers on either itinerary can add a three-night post-cruise tour in Panama City, which includes flights to Panama, an Old Town walking tour, a Panama Canal experience and a visit to Chagres National Park.
River cruise vacations are a wonderful and popular way to travel the rivers of Europe. Imagine only unpacking once, and wake up each morning in the heart of the destinations you are visiting.
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