Avalon Waterways
Avalon Poetry Cruise Review
Itinerary: Amsterdam -Budapest
Sailing Date: October 26, 2008
Age: 63
Occupation: River Cruise Agency Owner
Number of Cruises: 306
We had decided to spend four days in Amsterdam and rented a
house located half way between the Central Station and Dam
Square. I thought it would be a good idea to have an
automobile available as I had arranged to pick up my sister
from the airport and return to the airport. To rent the
vehicle was 160 Euros for 4 days which was about the same
cost as four cab rides, so I thought I was ahead of the
game........Little did I know. When we arrived at the
airport the vehicle I had booked was not available so we
were upgraded to a Mercedes. Great you would think? There
were 13 buttons on the steering wheel alone with no
instructions. There was another 28 buttons on the ceiling.
We had rented a GPS system with the vehicle for $3 per days
which was a life saver.
We visited the Van Gough museum in the morning. Here came my
first run in with the Amsterdam parking system. It costs
3.80 per hour and meters require correct coins only. We
arrived at the house we had rented to find out the parking
space that we had been told was available was a meter that
costs 19.80 Euros for the period of 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Of course correct change only.
We were recommended to use an underground parking facility
about 10 minutes walk from the house. The cost was 40 Euros
a day. The house was on four floors with the ground floor
contained the kitchen, first floor living room, second and
third floor bathrooms & bedroom, top floor laundry. Even
with four days we did not have time to visit many sites we
wanted to.
Avalon Globus allow boarding after 4:00 p.m. The meeting
port is a hotel in the center of Amsterdam close to the
Central Station. When you arrive there you can leave your
suitcases. These are taken to the ship during the day. They
provide very good coffee/tea and cookies on a continual
basis throughout the day. From the hotel you can walk to the
Red Light area within 5 minutes. There are many "coffee"
shops where you can purchase soft drugs and space cakes.
The cruise line offered an extra excursion to a Dutch
Village which departed at 2:00 p.m. We visited windmills,
watched clogs and cheese being made and arrived at the ship
at 5:00 p.m. with the luggage already in the room.
Here is the itinerary:
Day 1(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
(Sun.) Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is
sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating
history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in
world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van
Gogh. This afternoon, the crew of your vessel awaits to
welcome you on board. (D)
Day 3 Amsterdam
(Mon.) There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL
BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with
stately homes. Afterward, our river cruise vessel sets sail
for Cologne. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Cologne, Germany
(Tue.) Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a
river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its
magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next
to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch
in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711,
the original “eau de cologne.” (B,L,D)
Day 5 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
(Wed.) The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful
stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei,
where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors
to their doom. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL
INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rüdesheim. A SPECIAL TREAT is
planned, then free time to explore the Drosselgasse. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Miltenberg
(Thu.) Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a
picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from
river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are
reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses
and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you
during your guided sightseeing. This afternoon, learn how to
bake a local soft cookie specialty. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Würzburg
(Fri.) Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg
is surrounded by sloping hills covered withvineyards. The
magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO
The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with
cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance
World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Bamberg (Sat.)
Another beautiful UNESCO World
Heritage Site
The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with
cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance
is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its
breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the
River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses
and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Nuremberg
(Sun.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during
WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel
at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and
elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its
famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After
dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous
beers! (B,L,D)
Day 10 Regensburg
(Mon.) One of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities,
Regensburg’s architectural highlights include the Old Town
Hall and the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Passau–Linz, Austria
(Tue.) Ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn,
Ilz, and Danube, Passau is a city of graceful arcades and
cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the
world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An
optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular
Sound of Music sights. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Melk–Dürnstein
(Wed.) Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the
town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s
largest monasteries. Dürnstein, known for the baroque
Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart
of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the
castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was
imprisoned in 1192. Vienna, known as the “City of Music,”
inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and
Strauss. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Vienna
(Thu.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire,
Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg
Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring
Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to
name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your
city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte
or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert
is available tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Bratislava, Slovakia
(Fri.) Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian
Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia.
The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace,
as well as the gothic cathedral of ST. MARTIN, should not be
missed. (B,L,D)
Day 15 Budapest, Hungary
(Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is
Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Seven bridges connect ancient Buda on the right bank with
Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with
FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the
impressive sights you’ll see on your included tour. Shop for
renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika.
(B,L,D)
Day 16 Budapest (Disembarkation)
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
I do enjoy the current modern ships of the Avalon/Globus
design. The french balcony provided a comfortable very light
and airy cabin very well laid out including the bathroom and
shower. Even I could fit into the shower. There is a safe
and a mini bar, hair dryer, 220 and 120 wall sockets.
Comfortable queen or twin and duvets. Excellent reading
lights over the bed and a flat screen tv with remote.
The interiors are designed by the well-known interior
architect, Hans Sabert. There are four junior suites on the
Avalon Poetry and two on the Avalon Artistry (258 square
feet) and the vessels boast some of the largest staterooms
(at 172 square feet) of any river cruiser; they are all
outside staterooms. Some have picture windows, while 70%
have a floor to ceiling sliding glass door from which to
enjoy the passing scenery. The Avalon Poetry accommodates
176 passengers in 84 staterooms and four junior suites.
The dining room, lounge and other recreation areas are
spacious and airy with both the dining room and lounge
offering floor to ceiling windows so passengers can enjoy
panoramic views. Unique to these two vessels is the glazed
lobby that is open through to the Sky Deck with a central
glass cupola-a sparkling welcome to passengers. Each vessel
has an exercise room outfitted with fitness equipment and a
whirlpool that can accommodate six people. There is also a
hair salon on board.
Food
Breakfast had a large variety of meats cheeses, fruits,
cereals, juices, breads, eggs and an omelete service. Lunch
was also served buffet style with a selection of salads and
hot dishes.
Everyone went in to diner after the information talk for the
port of call the following day. This was around 7:00 p.m.
The menu for diner is delivered to your cabin the evening of
the previous day. You make the selection and hand it back
to the reception desk.
The diner on the first night was excellent with local wines
poured with the meal until the main course is served. I
have copies of the diner menu for the 14 nights. Call me
with a fax number if you would like some samples. Every
night the wait staff came around with extra servings with
the main dishes.
There are going to be several “Nice Touch” Items in this
review
Nice touch: I asked for some sheets on the second day and
they were on my bed in 15 minutes.
Nice touch: Great coffee 24 hour just a few steps away at
the reception desk.
Nice touch: Ice machine just for guests.
Nice touch The cruise line provided actual live guides
instead of the taped commentary. The walking tours were with
the Avalon personal amplification system so everyone can
hear the guides.
Nice Touch the cruise director Jeannette Biesbroeck was
very pleasant and efficient at the same time taking control
of the situations. She had issued a list of questions to
the passengers and asked about favorite music and musical
instruments. From the information she brought on board an
excellent Trio of musicians Violin, Guitar and cello. The
performed a series of classical and gypsy music which
brought standing ovations.
Nice Touch Every day the ship produced a 4 page newspaper
for each national group on board. On our sailing there were
Australians, Canadians, British and U.S passengers.
On Board guest lecturers: The Canal systems and
locks, Vanilla Kipferl baking demonstration and sampling.
Brunhilde comes alive. European Union, The Hapsburgs, beers
of Germany.
Extras: Pumpkin Carving Contest, Melbourne Cup
Sweepstake, Galley Tour, Crew Show.
Music Program
Vienna Evening Concert.
Aphrodite On Board Poetry
Mozart In Salzburg
Ruedeshiem Mechanical Music Museum
Beyeruth Opera House
Musikverein Ansfeld a Village brass Band
Visit to a violin maker where one of the passengers a violin
player actually played a $600,000 violin with a $20,00 bow!
Also Included on Board: La Strada String Trio. Several
excelent lectures on classical music by Jeanette the Cruise
director. Roaming Gipsy trio.
Overall: This was a wonderful trip. The food and
service was excellent and plentiful including the wines with
dinner. There was even happy hour at the bar during the port
talks each evening with drinks as low as 2 Euros. Even
though I use the internet each day my bill was only 15
Euros. Pay the extra for the “French Balcony” cabin, it is
well worth it.
The whole trip was held together by the cruise director
Jeannette who did an excellent job making sure that everyone
was where they should be at the right time. It also proved
wonderful that she was such a music lover for this cruise.
The included shore excursions allowed for slower moving
passengers and were very informative. The extra excursion
options were well done and offered good value.
Only one minor problem on board: Due to the location on this
specific ship our cabin was directly over the bow thusters
and under the dance floor/ musician area. Book with us
800-640-4899 and will be sure to provide a good cabin
location. There was a problem one night regarding flooding
in some of the cabins. The passengers were immediately moved
and returned the following morning. Contact Me at
RiverDiscounts.com 800-640-4899
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