Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Caramel Rose Apple Pie Recipe by Tasty

apple pie design

Each bite is filled with sweet delicious apples, flavored with apple pie spice and flaky pie crust. An unbaked apple pie will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Follow steps 1-7 of the recipe, except DO NOT cut vents in the top of the pie crust.Place the unbaked pie in the freezer, uncovered. After one hour, remove from the freezer, tightly wrap with plastic wrap or use a plastic freezer bag. Freezing the unbaked pie before wrapping will help keep the shape of the dough around the edges.When you're ready to bake, do not thaw. Cut vents in the top of the crust and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.

Food Justice

If you’re choosing apples today, you won’t regret it because this pie with its maple leaf crust will make you a pie hero. Now, add the flour and Instant ClearJel (or cornstarch) to the sliced apples. Roll out your crust and place the prepared apples into the crust. Drizzle the syrupy reduced apple liquid over the filling and top with the second crust. Appy Pie Design serves as the ultimate answer to the question of how to create your own graphic designs.

Quick and Easy Recipes in 30 Minutes (or less)

I topped this pie with a lattice topping, here is my tutorial for how to make one. You can also leave the top crust whole, but if you do I recommend cutting some slits into the pie crust so that the steam can release as it’s baking. Take the other piece of dough out of the fridge and roll into an 11-inch circle, using the same process described above. Place the dough over the apples and crimp the edges with a fork or flute with your fingers, sealing the top and bottom crust together. Work quickly as the heat from the pan will soften the dough.

Sourdough Pizza Crust

Connect, collaborate, and share your design projects with your group and get feedback on the same. Make changes together in real time to make your graphic designs more effective. The collaboration features within the tool also helps you to connect remote workers together. Of course there's nothing wrong with eating apple peel, but in this instance, pull out your peeler and get to work. More than anything, the stringy peels simply get in the way of the smooth, luscious apple filling.

For the Apple Pie Filling:

Start to roll out the dough evenly, not pressing down too hard on the rolling pin. Lift the dough occasionally and add more flour to the surface if the dough starts to stick. I do not advise flipping the dough, less is more when handling the dough for pie crust. After you take twenty minutes to figure out what I was trying to tell you in the last paragraph, your dough should look like this.

Why this recipe works:

Alcohol, unlike water, evaporates completely while baking which gives the crust an even flakier bite. After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 375 degrees and cover the edges of the pie crust if they're getting too brown. Continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. (If you see the entire top crust getting too brown, place a loose sheet of tin foil over the pie).

How many apples will I need for this recipe?

Remove the pie shield, lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake an additional minutes. Wrap it around the edges of the pie plate and over the edges of the crust. You know how some people eat apple pie with a slice of cheddar? The first time I’ve heard of this was on NCIS, that scene with Gibbs and Mike Frank in the diner. If you’re doubtful, I suggest going with a scoop of Mascarpone Ice Cream to ease yourself onto the cheesy pie train. I consider any month to be a good time for apple pie, but November is a particularly notable time for it to shine.

Cookies

Read the step-by-step instructions and watch the video tutorial below, then power up your confidence and flour up your hands. Now, remember the apples we prepared earlier? Mix the dry ingredients into the apples and dump the apple filling into the pie plate. See how the crust is not perfectly arranged on the plate, no big deal. We will take care of that when we seal and crimp. If this stresses you out, take a paring knife and remove every single last bit of peel.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Pepsi Apple Pie and Candy Kraft Mac & Cheese: Why food giants are designing extreme new flavors - Fast Company

Pepsi Apple Pie and Candy Kraft Mac & Cheese: Why food giants are designing extreme new flavors.

Posted: Fri, 07 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

My first attempts at homemade pie weren’t exactly cookbook cover-worthy. You want to know the hardest part of making a homemade pie? The hardest part is finding the courage to start.

apple pie design

Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. I use Crisco, half regular and half butter flavor. I’ve experimented with butter but not had the result that I’m looking for, which is a light flaky crust. I like to use the sticks because they are so convenient, and no messy measuring shortening into cups.

Baker's Wild Geometric Pies Will Make Your Head Spin - Business Insider

Baker's Wild Geometric Pies Will Make Your Head Spin.

Posted: Mon, 29 Jul 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The filling was adapted slightly from the famous Grandma Ople apple pie. The method for this filling is surprising but it will win you over. It’s well worth the extra 5 minutes and you’ll never want canned apple pie filling again.

OK, maybe not the best money, but it will make you love me every time you make an apple pie. Oh, and buy apples that are uniform in size, it will make the peeling experience quick and easy. That helps them hold their shape while peeling. Take the peeled, sliced cored apple and cut it in half.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Complete Guide to Cruise Gratuities by Cruise Line 2023

how much are cruise ship gratuities

In former times, tips were only given to the crew who had face-to-face interactions with the passengers. This practice favored the front-of-the-house staff while others working behind the scenes had little opportunity to make more money. The stated reason for the latter (compulsory nature of this fee) is to ensure that all passengers pay their fair share. Although not technically “required,” tips are nonetheless expected. Overall, tipping on a cruise is an important part of showing appreciation for the hardworking crew members who make your vacation possible.

You’ll Also Love

When you have great service (or need to tip those above who are not part of the gratuity pool), hand the cash, envelope or card directly to the person. And, as the time to disembark approaches, make sure you let the crew members whom you have come to know that you appreciate them. Additionally, make a list of the employees who provided the best service and send a note of appreciation to the cruise line with their names included. Another circumstance where tipping is recommended beyond the automatic cruise gratuities is during shore excursions. If you have booked a tour with your cruise line at a port of call, your guide should receive a tip at the end. For some cruise lines, bartenders will have to “earn” their tips during the voyage.

Key Takeaways for Cruise Tipping

If you’re paying for a family, it could be a very costly added expense. Some cruise lines may call this a “Guest Services Fee” on your onboard account statement. If you’d like to calculate exactly what your gratuity amount will be before you book your trip, then you can use our calculator here. Simply enter the cruise line, length of trip, and the number of passengers and it will show you precisely how much you’ll be charged.

The Ultimate Cruise Tipping Guide

Room service fees have become the norm on many major cruise lines. Room service waiters are also part of the tip pool for autogratuities. Note that if you purchase a dining or beverage package, most cruise lines will charge you gratuities based on a percentage of the package price. If you get one of these packages for free as a booking perk, as with Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion, you might still be required to pay the gratuities on the free perk.

how much are cruise ship gratuities

In some cases, they can be prepaid at the time of your cruise booking. Children are not usually exempt from auto-tipping (with the exception of infants and toddlers, on some lines). On the other hand, many people choose to instead pay the gratuity charges automatically through their onboard account once on the ship. Each day there will be a gratuity charge — or a lump sum added at the end of the trip. "Our crew work as a team and, therefore, service charges are aggregated among all eligible crew members," a NCL spokesperson said.

This flexibility can be advantageous if you find exceptional service or if you encounter any issues that warrant adjustments. However, it is important to manage your onboard spending responsibly to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover the gratuities at the end of your cruise. Discretionary gratuities provide passengers with the flexibility to adjust the amount of gratuity they wish to give based on their satisfaction with the service they receive. These gratuities can be adjusted either upwards or downwards, depending on the passenger's discretion.

Impact of gratuities on cruise fares

For lines that do have them, service and gratuity charges are touted as a convenient alternative to the practice of cash tipping on cruise ships — something that once was common. Most of the biggest cruise lines automatically add some type of service or gratuity fee onto passenger bills. On April 1, 2023, Carnival raised its services fees to $16.00 per person per day for those in standard staterooms. Roughly speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $11.50 – $20.00 per passenger per day for onboard gratuities.

how much are cruise ship gratuities

Cruise Gratuities for Special Services

Luxury cruise lines like Azamara, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Virgin Voyages include gratuities in the cruise fare. In addition, when you reserve specialty restaurants, dining packages, drink packages, and spa services on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website, the gratuity will be added upon checkout. Certain onboard purchases are subject to an 18% gratuity on top of the listed price, including beverages, mini bar items, and spa and salon purchases. It’s totally fine to give extra tips to crew members who go above and beyond during your sailing, but we recommend doing this in addition to the automatic gratuities. The quality of service you receive during your cruise can also influence the gratuity amount you choose to give.

How much do tips cost on cruises?

Royal Caribbean raises automatic gratuity rate, beginning in November - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean raises automatic gratuity rate, beginning in November.

Posted: Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Passengers need not carry cash if they don't want to, as they can add the tips to their onboard accounts. Olsen gratuities are entirely at the discretion of each passenger. The recommended amount is £5 per passenger, per day, to be divided equally between the cabin stewards and waiters. This amount is automatically added to passengers' onboard accounts toward the end of the cruise, but it can be adjusted at reception at any point during the sailing. A 20% gratuity will still be automatically added to all beverages, mini bar purchases, spa and salon services. Though, guests will not pay gratuity for drinks that are part of the complimentary classic beverage package.

Savvy cruisers know that gratuities begin before you board your ship. If you plan to drop off your larger pieces of luggage, be prepared to give the portside luggage handler a $2- $5 tip per bag. The advantage is that you get your payment out of the way ahead of time. The amount you pay will vary by cruise line, but they are all in the same ballpark. Most lines charge $16 at the moment, but it steadily rises each year. No matter the language, they all end up being the same thing — a set daily charge to passengers that’s passed on to the crew.

Celebrity Cruises will hike gratuity rates this month - USA TODAY

Celebrity Cruises will hike gratuity rates this month.

Posted: Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Mainstream cruise lines try to make it less stressful by incorporating an automatic daily gratuity, while luxury lines include them in the base cruise fare. Prepaid gratuities also provide peace of mind, knowing that the crew members will receive their due appreciation regardless of your onboard spending habits. To effectively manage your cruise ship gratuities, it is important to include them in your overall cruise budget.

Prior to doing so, however, speak with someone at the front desk (purser’s desk or reception desk) to try to resolve the issues. If a visit to the spas or salons onboard will be part of your cruise, keep in mind that these crew members may not be part of the tip-sharing program. Similarly, if a waiter (or sommelier) is keeping track of your wine bottles, they are also expecting to receive an appropriate gratuity. And, if you enjoy ordering room service, it is still customary to offer a small tip each time the staff appears at your door with delicious food. For example, passengers were once assigned a dining table and saw the same wait staff throughout the voyage. Today, we can eat in any number of venues and have a host of different servers.

Most cruises offer the one-and-done option of prepaid gratuities, but if you still find yourself wondering just how tip compensation works on a cruise, you’ve come to the right place. If we receive outstanding service and want to provide an extra tip, we do so in cash. By giving our extra tip in cash, we know it’s going directly to the crew member who gave us the outstanding service.

If you choose to thank the staff for making your trip enjoyable, you can choose to tip extra by giving them cash or adjusting your automatic gratuity. Below is a breakdown of the cruise line tipping policies and automatic gratuities charged by each cruise line. You can prepay gratuities at any time up to 48 hours before your sail date. If you booked with a travel agent, contact your travel agent and they can add gratuities to your booking.

In this post, I’ll be going through the cruise tipping policies by cruise line and answer some of the most common questions people have about gratuities on a cruise. Passengers sailing to Hawaii are charged an additional 4.275% Pre Paid Service Charge GET Tax. Disney Cruise Line gratuities start at $14.50 per person, per night for regular cabins and rise to $15.50 per person, per night for Concierge-class and Suite guests. On Cunard, daily gratuities vary depending on the cabin category and date of sailing. On Princess Cruises, the crew appreciation will cost more for voyages departing after February 20, 2023.

As mentioned, cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. We break down tipping on a cruise to what you’ll pay depending on your stateroom category, plus any additional service fees. Across most lines, an additional 18% gratuity is added to food and beverage purchases, and up to 20% can be automatically added to spa treatments. While no gratuity is mandatory, it’s true that it’s pretty much par for the course – and they can add up quickly, depending on the length of your cruise and how deeply you indulge on your cruise. Cruise gratuities are, on average, between $11.50 and $20 per passenger, per day.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

how much are cruise ship gratuities

However, for the most part you can expect that every passenger on your trip will see a charge. While the name sounds fancy, gratuities are nothing more than a tip paid to the staff members for service during the cruise. A 18% tip is automatically added to all drinks, mini bar items and spa & salon purchases.

Automatic gratuities

Although tipping for most of the extra services these employees provide is not required, an additional tip is always appreciated. However, cruise lines encourage paying the flat per-day gratuity rate to support all workers, including those working in the laundry room, washing dishes, or cleaning the ship late at night. With so many activities and venues to enjoy on a cruise ship, you will interact with a number of other crew members who will most likely not receive a portion of your automatic gratuity fee. In the years past, cash in envelopes would only benefit the staff who directly interacted with the passengers.

Tips for staying informed about gratuity updates

how much are cruise ship gratuities

Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. The third option for tipping is to pay the old-fashioned way – cash. (See below about removing automatic cruise gratuities from your bill.) These cash tips can be given at the time of service or at the conclusion of your trip. When it comes to tipping on a cruise, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, if you are paying the standard gratuities then any additional tips are entirely optional.

Celebrity Cruises increases gratuities for crew members on its cruise ships - Royal Caribbean Blog

Celebrity Cruises increases gratuities for crew members on its cruise ships.

Posted: Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Final Thoughts on Tipping on a Cruise & a Guide to Cruise Gratuities

If you prefer to opt-out or adjust these automatic gratuities, most cruise lines allow you to do so by simply visiting the guest services desk. For example, some cruise lines have an automatic gratuity charge per drink or drinks package (including “free drink packages,”) and others add a tip percentage to all spa treatments. The newer system of charging cruise gratuities on a per person/per day basis has helped equalize this situation. In addition to the waitstaff and room stewards receiving portions of the fee, the funds are also shared by some cruise lines with crew members in other jobs. For example, food preparation, general housekeeping and maintenance, laundry and other important positions may receive a percentage. Major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your onboard account.

Included cruise tips as a booking perk

This happens regularly for passengers feeling generous or thankful for the staff’s work during their trip. In fact, your cruise line might leave a few envelopes in your room exactly for this purpose. Instead, gratuities on a cruise ship are highly automated, with most people just electing to prepay or being charged a set amount for each day on the ship. Most cruise ship employees that do not receive gratuities receive a salary instead.

In the past, passengers were expected to pay the gratuities to each crew member individually in cash. Before you cruise, it’s important to understand how much you will be paying per day in gratuities and where that money goes. If you are in a suite or aboard a luxury cruise, you may have a butler assigned to your room. Since they typically have more duties to meet, a good guideline, is a supplementary tip of $3 to $5 per night, per person. Tipping isn't mandatory on a cruise, but you should consider that gratuities distributed onboard a modern cruise ship are much more than mere bonuses.

Alternative ways to show appreciation

Princess Cruises also has the Princess Plus fare, which includes gratuities or the crew incentive, Medallion Net wifi and Princess’ premium beverage package. Costa Cruises applies a fee of €11 euro per passenger, per night for all travelers aged 15 and over. On Disney Cruise Line, the recommended cruise gratuity is $14.50 per night, per guest, including infants and children.

Having to add in gratuity costs to these advertised rates could make them less attractive to potential cruisers. Mainstream cruise lines typically add gratuities to passengers’ bills on a per-guest, per-day basis. The rates can range from around $15 to more than $20, depending on the line and stateroom category.

Princess Cruises Teams Up to Offer Easy Transportation to Florida Ports

Most allow you to adjust the amount given to each crew member – increasing or decreasing – based on your experience with them. Also, anytime you hire transportation onshore, gratuities for the driver are appropriate (public transit excepted). Look for a tip jar at the front of the bus or van; if you are on an extended tour with other shipmates, passing around an envelope to collect tips may be in order.

However, an 18% service charge still applies to bar charges, dining room wine accounts, and Lotus Spa services. The cost is the same whether gratuities are paid onboard or before your cruise. It may be a good option if you think it will help with budgeting and are confident in the service. Many people wonder how tips work for other crew members on a cruise ship, such as housekeeping, laundry, or spa staff.

Passengers in mini-suites and club class are charged $17 per day, and suite passengers pay $18 per day. The amount is the same for children and adults, and it can be prepaid up to six days prior to the start of your cruise. Technically, yes, though Celebrity -- like most mainstream cruise lines -- insists these tips are only suggested. If you wish to adjust the amount you pay, this can be done onboard at guest relations.

As stated above, these service charges apply to all guests regardless of stateroom category. However, some stateroom categories do have higher fees than others. Unlike the U.S., cruise lines do not have to pay a minimum wage but instead pay their crew members a salary often supplemented with tips, plus free room, board, and medical care.

If you opt for a specialty restaurant, the tip isn’t usually included. It’s customary to tip the waiters generously at specialty restaurants. If you’re new to cruising, you might be wondering who to tip on a cruise, how much to tip, and exactly how onboard gratuities work. Guests are also charged up to $12 per person, per day for a fuel charge. You might be surprised to learn a gratuity isn't always necessary. Here are seven times you shouldn't tip (even if you feel slightly obliged).

Cruise lines have implemented automatic gratuities, options to prepay gratuities and some popular cruise lines have begun including tips in your cruise fare. P&O Cruises Australia does not automatically add gratuities onto passengers' accounts or spa or bar bills. Cruisers can leave tips for crew members who offer outstanding service by handing cash directly to the crew members they want to thank.

The best cruise booking perks – and which ones are actually free - The Points Guy

The best cruise booking perks – and which ones are actually free.

Posted: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

However, the number of crew members that participate ranges widely within the industry. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has said their automatic gratuities are shared by behind-the-scenes support staff such as table bussers and maitre d’s. Further, cruise lines often ask staff members to volunteer for delivery service. An envelope will be delivered to your stateroom for any extra (optional) tips. You can pick up more envelopes at Guest Services if there are additional crew members you would like to tip. If you go on a tour or shore excursion, it’s nice to tip the driver or shore excursion staff if you’ve appreciated their service.

The tips are spread out between the room steward, dining staff, and others that have customer-facing positions. That said, cruise lines are quiet on exactly how the charges are distributed. Depending on your cruise line, you might find different language used than the word “gratuities.” We’ve seen these charges called tips, gratuities, crew incentives, or service charges. These days, the gratuities are set daily amounts paid by each passenger. Instead of one passenger paying a lot and another paying hardly anything, these set amounts ensure that everyone pays the same. Obviously, not all guests were on board with the program and even more crew members got stiffed.

Avalon Waterways River Cruises Cruise Reviews 2024 UPDATED: Ratings of River Cruises Cruise Avalon Waterways Cruises

avalon cruise line

Except for the newest ships from Viking and Scenic, Avalon's award-winning ships are the youngest on Europe's waterways - the fleet is quite a bit younger than the industry average. That means you'll find larger staterooms, more innovative technologies and more features and services. As Avalon likes to say, "Seeing the Old World doesn't mean you have to cruise on an old ship." You can't wear shorts at dinner, but, other than that the dress code is casual.

All-inclusive cruising

avalon cruise line

Avalon Waterways launched in 2004 as part of the long-established Globus family of travel brands. The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to-ceiling window wall with sliding glass doors that that open to turn the accommodations themselves into a balcony in good weather. The Avalon View is among Avalon Waterways’ collection of Suite Ships, each of which features dozens of spacious suites with large panoramic windows. The Avalon View boasts two full decks of Avalon’s signature Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling sliding windows that make it easy to experience a little bit of the outdoors while you’re indoors. Freed from having to set aside space for dedicated outdoor balconies, the 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are 15 percent larger than many river ship cabins, allowing room in each for a queen bed, a small couch, table and chair.

Avalon Waterways introduces new “Short & Suite” river cruise itineraries

Because it sails so close to land, the ship is easily able to access on shore medical services. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Avalon's Douro cruisetour prices in 2024 started from GBP 2730 (EUR 3180/USD 3450) per person with double occupancy.

Royal Suite

Your fare includes beer and regional wines with your onboard dinners, free wi-fi, a choice of dining options and venues, enrichment activities and included shore excursions. Another thing that sets Avalon apart are some of its dining options. The line offers Flex Dining, which allows people to go for dinner at any time during set hours rather than all at once like many river cruise lines.

Avalon Waterways Adds More France in 2025 - TravelPulse

Avalon Waterways Adds More France in 2025.

Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:00:00 GMT [source]

Avalon Waterways celebrates christening of Avalon Alegria on Douro River

Our floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic windows eliminate the need for a space-wasting balcony, giving you more room to stretch out with 30% more living space than the industry standard. When you retreat to your suite, you’ll never miss a moment of the ever-changing views. So dream on before you drift off in a bed with the dreamiest views in river cruising.

Active cruising

A few years back, Avalon teamed up with Austrian chefs Karl and Leo Wrenkh to offer a more comprehensive menu of vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Known as Avalon Fresh, the initiative focuses on local ingredients and regional dishes based around the fleet’s European itineraries. In addition to Avalon Fresh, the line makes gluten-free dishes available at meals, and the menus are marked with a handy ingredient list for people with food allergies. If some water level problems occur, or any technical problems, Avalon Waterways may operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to change the entire cruise tour program. Check the visa requirements with your travel agent - visas are the client's responsibility. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

Avalon Waterways News: River Cruise Line Christens New Ship in Portugal - Cruise Critic

Avalon Waterways News: River Cruise Line Christens New Ship in Portugal.

Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides led shore excursions (at least one daily excursion was included), and the excursions were enhanced with the use of wireless headsets. On that count, Avalon's Panorama Suites, with their view-facing beds and walls of glass, have delivered mightily since they first began debuting in 2011. As I am seeing on Avalon Alegria and have seen when sailing many other Avalon vessels, the Panorama Suites typically have small seating areas next to the walls of glass.

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and several others have already reported record successes during this period, and now other lines are chiming in with their own sales successes. Here's a 3-minute video from Avalon about its river cruise experiences. Shore excursions are at the heart of activities on any Avalon sailing.

As I've written about several times over the years at other publications, Avalon Waterways has my favorite river cruise cabins in Europe, in large part because the beds are configured to face the view in most of them. As an alternative to owning river cruise ships, Avalon leases them. The company partners with shipowner companies with operational ships in a particular destination and brand one or more boats as "Avalon Waterways". These boats are usually chartered for up to 5 years, with the option the company to refurbish them or give them back to the owner. This way Avalon easily maintains one of the youngest and most modern fleets on this market.

Avalon Alegria has scheduled two different itineraries - a classic 7-day roundtrip cruise from Oporto (visiting Regua, Pocinho, Aregos) and a 10-day cruisetour itinerary inclusive of three nights (hotel stay) in Lisbon. All affected Avalon river cruise and cruisetour bookings received a full (100%) monetary refund, including on prepurchased through Avalon Waterways packages and services. Born said that it was this very pace that prompted the river company to increase capacity for November sailings and add more “festive” cruises. As March came to a close, Carnival Corporation announced that reservation numbers, revenue and total customer deposits during the wave season reached an all-time high, even with significantly higher prices year-over-year. Carnival Corporation brands include AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (U.K.), Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Layers, for cool nights at sea, and comfortable shoes, for use in many of the ship’s excursions, are recommended.

They do it by stealing space away from the interior parts of cabins. The narrowness of the locks on European rivers means that river ships must be built to be very narrow — too narrow to have cabins that are both spacious enough to be comfortable and have balconies at their ends. One of the big differences between the Panorama Suites on Avalon's Suite Ships and the cabins on the river ships of some competitors is that they don't have balconies. That allows the entire wall facing the outside to be turned into one big glass panel.

When it comes to excursions, Avalon offers a range of options from low-intensity tours to dedicated Adventure & Discovery sailings that are geared toward active travelers. These include things like guided canoe and hiking trips and biking along the shore. New Adventure Hosts provide passengers with all the potential options for activity onboard, and they can help organize special requests. Paid choices include a pub crawl in Linz and an absinthe tasting in Vienna for those with the stamina. Here are the shortcuts to all the Avalon Waterways river cruise line ships. The company operates a young fleet of mostly European riverboats aimed at North American, Australian and New Zealand passengers in their 50s or older.

While some other river cruise lines are jumping into family-oriented sailings, Avalon continues to gear its sailings toward adults. There are no facilities or programming for children onboard Avalon vessels. In 2017, Avalon launched new “Active Discovery” cruises that focus on new ways to explore ashore on many of the line’s European river cruises.

Avalon Waterways Cruise Reviews 2024 UPDATED: Ratings of Avalon Waterways

avalon cruise line

Onboard the Avalon View, guests can choose between casual buffets or four-course dinners with wine before dancing the night away to live music from a local band or DJ. Onboard fitness classes and bikes make it easier to keep fitness routines going, and every meal offers a range of healthy and vegetarian meal options. Excursion options include active adventures like bike rides and hikes. In 2019, Avalon Waterways added 6 new options, including the company's first "Ganges River Cruise" in India.

Ocean Cruise Highlights: Carnival Corporation Brands, Explora Journeys and HX

Public gathering spaces have also been maxed out on the 443-foot-long, 37.4-foot-wide ship with four decks. In addition to the shiplong sky deck, there's a large indoor lounge, a smaller indoor club lounge and an outdoor covered seating area in the front of the ship, perfect for open-air sightseeing on rainy days. Each Panorama Suite features an 11-foot-wide, seven-foot-tall wall of glass that can slide to reveal a gaping, almost magical open-air expanse. When the doors are opened, take my word, you'll feel as if the entire cabin was outdoors. The majority of passengers are American, Canadian, British and Australian, although the mix can vary. The average age on most sailings is 68, but on the line's Adventure & Discovery sailings (where the excursions lean toward more active opportunities), the average age drops to 62.

Night Rhine & Rhône Revealed With 2 Nights In French Riv...Details

Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Guests under 18 are allowed to accompany adults onboard Avalon Waterways ships but must share a cabin with an adult. As new ships flood the burgeoning river-cruise market, each one-upping the other with better bells and more whistles, the what-will-they-think-of-next game is in full swing. Avalon Waterways' entry into the competition is 164-passenger Avalon Panorama, whose "Panorama Suite" innovation is brilliant in its simplicity. The focus on consistency carries into several of Avalon's Asia itineraries.

Airlines

There’s no spa onboard the Avalon View, and the fitness center is small and tucked away in a nondescript room. An onboard adventure host teaches fitness classes though, and bikes, for on-shore cycling, are available too. Hiking is another on shore activity guests can take advantage of. Leave the jeans and T-shirts, as well as the opulent evening gowns and tuxes, at home. At dinner, understated cocktail dresses and jackets (sans ties) are appropriate. In addition to offering a full roster of special interest cruises (think Wine Appreciation, Heritage, Jewish History and the like), Avalon also has developed a reputation for hosting interesting guest speakers.

Explore More Mainstream Cruise Lines

The expansive sun decks, modern fitness equipment, and beauty salons are another extra. “Avalon Waterways is enjoying record sales overall for 2024,” said Steve Born, chief marketing officer for the Globus family of brands, which includes Avalon. “Our record pace accelerated during this wave season, as more and more advisors look to Avalon as an alternative to more traditional luxury cruises."

Night Christmastime On The Danube With 2 Nights In Pragu...Details

The premium travel brand and river cruise line Avalon Waterways (avalonwaterways.com) offers exceptional personalized services, with experience in guided vacations and cruising itineraries of over 80 years. Avalon travel experts are constantly thinking of their passengers and always put them first. This is CruiseMapper's page that reviews and lists all Avalon Waterways river cruise ship itineraries, destinations, and ports of departure. We have all Avalon riverboat schedules (sail calendar with dates and prices PP). Another feature is the Avalon Waterways ships tracking service integrated into each page. This feature shows on a map the ship's location now (current position on the river).

Notably, some of its ships are so lithe that they can reach key destinations that other river ships can't. For instance, the ship can take on passengers in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and sail directly into Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, leaving guests more time to explore instead of dealing with local transports. Passengers can borrow free bikes from the Adventure Center or connect to the ship's Wi-Fi system without charge. Eco-friendly water bottles are provided at the beginning of the cruise. Cruisers can then refill them at water stations throughout the ship with options for still or sparkling plus vitamin-infused or flavored choices. Gratuities and drinks outside of meal times are not included, however, and passengers can choose their own amount for tips.

Avalon Waterways got to the Douro in its own time and way - Travel Weekly

Avalon Waterways got to the Douro in its own time and way.

Posted: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 16:04:28 GMT [source]

Gratuities are not included for tour and cruise directors, local guides, drivers and crew members like cabin attendants. Avalon Waterways is unbundling its cruise fares so that people choose if they want to add on pre- or post-tours plus hotel stays. Previously, hotels before a sailing (when necessary) were included. Avalon Envision marks the first new-generation ship for Avalon Waterways, with a shallower draft enabling it to sail in lower and higher water level conditions. Built in the Netherlands, Avalon Envision joins the line's 12 other Suite-class ships with unique features, such as roomy Panorama Suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open the length of the room and beds that face the window.

Options can range from active excursions, such as canoeing the Danube or jogging through Amsterdam, to cultural experiences, like following the life of an Austrian worker or taking part in an Amsterdam painting class. Passengers who prefer to explore on their own can use the AvalonGO app loaded with a list of nearby attractions and hours of operation, historical facts, maps and directions as well as local cafes, restaurants, bars and entertainment options. There’s no theater onboard Avalon’s intimate river ships, but there is the aforementioned dance floor, where local musicians and DJs get things going on select nights.

avalon cruise line

Staterooms come with hotel-quality beds, soundproofing, flat-screen satellite TVs, full-size showers, marble countertops, L'Occitane bath products and complimentary Lavazza coffees. You'll pay extra for gratuities, salon or spa treatments, laundry, onboard shop purchases and some special excursions. Finally, there’s a hot tub on the deck, which is a fine way to unwind after an active day. You’ll need to bring your own water bottle as the ship’s sustainability efforts means there are no single-use plastic water bottles on board. The ship is equipped with several water refilling stations that dispense still, sparkling, and flavored waters. Avalon requires guests to be able to independently move around the ship and participate in upper deck safety exercises before departure.

5 things every cruise line should copy from Avalon Waterways - The Points Guy

5 things every cruise line should copy from Avalon Waterways.

Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

At dinner you'll see mostly open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts or dresses for women. Some people op to dress up a bit nicer, though still relatively casual, for the welcome and farewell dinners (only on Europe river cruises). An expansive bar and lounge—complete with a dance floor—is where to get the party started, but drinks here aren’t included in the cruise price. At meals, beverage offerings vary by region; in Europe, for example, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, but on a cruise in the Galápagos Islands, wine is only included with dinner. The main dining room serves a full breakfast buffet each morning and four-course dinners every evening. Guests can choose from several options at each meal, including a creative selection of vegetarian dishes.

The rooms are laid out so that you won't miss a single passing riverscape. On board, Avalon offers Local Favorites presentations to give guests a glimpse into your destination’s culture and traditions. You can opt for a wide range of activities on shore, including food and wine tastings, exhibits by local artists, walks with tour guides and performances by local entertainers. Rather than herding you around, Avalon offers more expert-led discovery options than any other cruise line, making it possible to explore each port according to what intrigues you most.

The reason for so many newbuilds is Avalon's parent company Globus Group. Founded in 1928, the Globus group of companies manages over 30 businesses in the fields of tourism and aviation, offering annually over departures on over 300 unique itineraries. HX, formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions, also saw a bookings boost in January and February, including within the trade. As cruising’s wave season (January – March) came to a close for 2024, cruise lines are taking stock of the quarter’s bookings.

Passengers can elect to hike their way up to a ruined castle in Durnstein, bike through Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley, or go exploring like a local in Amsterdam. Available on the Danube and Rhine, these Active Discovery cruises complement the line’s policy of equipping European riverboats with bicycles that are available for use by passengers, free-of-charge. On Avalon's Suite Ships (the name it has coined for the majority of its European river fleet), most cabins have beds that face the window, not the wall. It sounds like a small change, but it's one that makes a difference. On an Avalon cruise, you can lie on your bed while still enjoying the scenery, which makes the cabins a more pleasant place to spend your time. It's an innovation that is now being copied by some competitors and has been implemented by Avalon on some of its non-European riverboats.

Whichever table setting you choose, you’ll savor local flavors as well as the familiar favorites you love. Avalon Waterways cruise prices also Include city tours and excursions (with a local guide), but these visits and their features are subject to change (a substitute will be offered). All Avalon cruise rates in our articles are per passenger (double occupancy, airfare not included). On some of the Avalon cruises, mid-vacation flights are required. No two travelers are alike—so Avalon would never expect you to enjoy the same cruise experiences as everyone else.

Innovation and technology - in 2011, Avalon introduced the Panorama ship - industry's first Suite-class riverboat. On Avalon's "suite ships", ~80% of all staterooms are in Suite categories, sized 1/3 larger than the industry's average, with slide-opening wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, window-facing beds for a unique river cruising experience. We’ve transformed ordinary cruise cabins into our one-of-a-kind Open-Air Balcony featuring the only bed with a view in river cruising.

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