Avalon Waterways will add a new vessel to
its fleet, the sixth since parent company Globus created the river
cruise brand in 2003.
The ship, Avalon
Scenery, is under construction and will launch next year with
standard Avalon features such as colorful design elements and
well-appointed cabins.
Some of the newer
features will include floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks, an
elevator and a large second lounge.
The Scenery will
be a smaller, more intimate ship than others in the Avalon fleet.
The ship will have 59 cabins, compared with the standard 76 to 82
cabins on the other vessels.
"We are adding
more ships than anybody right now," said Patrick Clark, managing
director at Avalon Waterways. "Adding a ship a year is a lot. And,
consequently, we also have a very new fleet."
The announcement
of the Avalon Scenery comes on the heels of the April delivery of
two Avalon ships, the Tranquility and the Imagery.
Avalon also
unveiled a new river cruise itinerary for 2008, the 12-day Flavors
of Burgundy and Provence tour along the Rhone River, its first
through French wine country.
Clark said he
expected that Avalon would amass between 23,000 and 24,000 bookings
in 2007, roughly a 50% increase over 2006.
"It's a niche
style [of touring] that has absolutely taken off," said
Clark.
He added that
river cruising has been particularly popular with baby
boomers.
"They have found
this a very enjoyable way to travel," Clark said.
To contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to [email protected].