Customise your luxury cruise holiday
At Avalon Waterways, we never forget that our guests are independently-minded individuals who may well want to personalise their holiday arrangements. We therefore make it easy for you to extend and adapt your luxury river cruise holiday. With flexible holiday packages, cruise only and no-fly cruise options, independent travel facilities, choice of regional airports, complimentary home pick-up service and optional travel upgrades, we will do our utmost to help you customise your holiday experience. Just talk to one of our Avalon Specialists about any individual requests you may have and they will be happy to help and offer you the best advice.
Private door-to-door home pick-up service
From the moment you begin your luxury cruise holiday, you can relax in style. As part of our commitment to providing the best possible service, your complimentary, exclusive air-conditioned executive car will take you and your travelling companions from your home and deliver you to your departure terminal *. On your return, your experienced driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and, load and unload your luggage. To meet your individual requirements, you can choose to be picked up from your home address, or an alternative address if that is more convenient. In addition, your driver will phone 48 hours in advance to confirm a suitable time to pick you up.
*This complimentary service is available if you live within 75 miles of your international departure airport or Eurostar station. If you live further away you can still take advantage of the service by paying for the excess mileage at £1.70 per car, per mile. Mileage is calculated using the quickest route on www.theaa.com. The service is only applicable to the UK mainland, with one car available per booking, and the make and model of the car may vary.
Flexible holiday packages
If our itineraries do not quite fit your plans, Avalon Waterways offers many great ways to customise your cruise. For many of our cruises, you can personalise your experience by adding pre or post nights in luxury hotels at the start or end destination of your holiday, so that you can really make the most of your cruise destinations. Some of our itineraries have carefully selected extension holidays which you can choose to add. Where a holiday has included hotel nights you have the choice to reduce these to how many suits you. Together with our cruise only and no-fly cruise options, you really are free to build your holiday, your way. Just call our Avalon Specialists who will be able to help go through all the options.
Celebrating a birthday or anniversary while on holiday? Why not spoil yourself with one of our celebration packages. Memorable treats include a card, sparkling wine, flowers, chocolates and a fruit plate, cake and a special reserved table at dinner, and even a private cocktail reception for up to six people.
As part of a celebration package, we can even arrange for you to renew your wedding vows on board ship. Enjoy an intimate ceremony with your Cruise Director as the Master of Ceremonies toasting the happy couple.
If you have any other special requirements, just call us and we will of course do our very best to fulfil them.
Cruise only
Maybe you would like to combine your luxury cruise holiday with a visit to friends and relatives or travel independently before or after your holiday with us? With our Cruise Only option you can make your own way to your cruise departure point, perfect for those ‘once in a lifetime’ trips to your dream destination. Whatever you are looking for, Avalon Waterways specialists are on hand to help you with your alternative travel and accommodation arrangements. Details can be found at the ‘cruise only’ option of each individual online cruise page.
No fly holidays via Eurostar
As an alternative to flying, perhaps you would prefer to travel to your destination by train? Comfortable and stylish, Eurostar Standard Class is a relaxing way to travel for luxury cruises itineraries departing from Paris and Amsterdam*. All Eurostar carriages are fully air-conditioned and all seats have a footrest and reading lamp. You can purchase snacks, light meals and drinks at the buffet bar carriages. Alternatively, upgrade to Standard Premier and enjoy a dedicated carriage exclusive to Standard Premier customers, with complimentary light meals and drinks served at your seat, as well as newspapers and magazines. Supplements start from as little as £130 per person return, subject to availability.
You can also mix and match by combining a flight and Eurostar with any holiday starting and ending in Paris or Amsterdam – fly to/from your destination and travel from/to your destination by Eurostar. Our Avalon Specialists can give you further information.
*Eurostar travel from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet is available on the following river cruises:
Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches
Burgundy & Provence
Paris, Moselle & The Rhine
Tulip Time Tulips of Northern Holland Grand France
UK departure airports and airlines
We are pleased to work with some of Europe’s favourite airlines, including British Airways, and fly from a range of regional airports to make your journey even easier and more convenient. See individual flight details for more information.
Flight upgrades and extras
For a truly memorable experience, or for a special occasion, why not upgrade your flight? Travel on British Airways and upgrade to Club Europe to ensure the highest level of comfort and service. You will speed through the airport, with separate check-in and Fast Track security at London Heathrow. Enjoy time in the BA airport lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks, including a wide selection of wines. On board enjoy good food, wine and more personal space in the separate Club Europe cabin, where you are guaranteed a window or aisle seat.
Alternatively choose to simply upgrade your airport experience and from as little as £15 per person, you can relax in a dedicated airport lounge in comfort while waiting for your flight, enjoying complimentary snacks, drinks and other facilities.
Airport hotels and parking
If you choose not to take our included door-to-door home pick-up service you can receive discount if you book an airport hotel with us. We have fantastic deals on a range of hotels at all main UK airports, many of which include free parking. Or save up to 60% on airport parking alone by pre-booking with us.
