As part of an aggressive growth strategy,
Avalon Waterways is adding a new vessel to its fleet -- the sixth
since Littleton, Colorado-based tour operator Globus created the
river cruise brand in 2003.
The Avalon
Scenery is currently under construction and is set to launch in
2008 with standard Avalon features such as modern, colorful design
elements, a spacious stateroom and four-star equivalent
cabins,
the line said. Some of
the newer features will include floor-to-ceiling windows on two
decks, an elevator and a large, second lounge.
Additionally, the
Scenery will be a smaller, more intimate ship than the rest of the
Avalon fleet, with only 59 cabins (of which two will be suites),
compared to 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."
The announcement
of the Avalon Scenery comes on the heels of the April delivery of
two new 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
offering through French wine country.
To contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to [email protected].