Tuesday, April 30, 2024

18 Pie Crust Designs for Decorative Pies

apple pie design

Since this recipe calls for 7 cups of sliced apples, you will need about 7 medium apples or 5 to 6 large apples. Blind baking (par baking) is key to ensure the crust is not just crispy, but also fully cooked. We tried numerous variations without blind baking the crust. For some, the base was soggy, and for other attempts, either the base and or/sides were not fully cooked. I have no issues with vegetable shortening per se, except that it is tasteless.

Here’s What You’ll Find on This Page

The Healing Powers of a Pie Shop - The New York Times

The Healing Powers of a Pie Shop.

Posted: Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Heat on high power in the microwave until the juice is reduced by half, about 4 minutes. (Alternatively, you can boil the juices in a small pan on the stove.) The syrup should be just slightly thickened. Add the water and pulse until the mixture is evenly moistened and very crumbly. If you’re a pro, just skip on ahead to the recipe or the how-to video, or to Dozer. 😂 For everyone else, come along for the ride. Store, and manage your design assets, projects, and output on cloud and access it from anywhere, at any time, from any internet-connected device.

Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Browse through thousands of AI-Generated templates and enrich your projects. Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos. I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. I like to beat an egg and wash the top of the crust. You may use cream, or milk, or just a beaten egg white.

Stencil Pie Crust

This pie has an exceptionally crisp bottom crust under a juicy filling of caramelized, cinnamony apples made tangy and glistening with a gilding of apricot preserves. The border is a wreath of leaves cut from the pie crust. Years ago, I began searching high and low for the best apple pie recipe because I honestly didn’t love most apple pies. After obsessive recipe-testing, I landed on this classic apple pie and there’s no turning back.

Eating with our eyes first, Lauren Ko designs pies fit for Instagram - KCRW

Eating with our eyes first, Lauren Ko designs pies fit for Instagram.

Posted: Fri, 11 Mar 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Where so many Apple Pie recipes go wrong

Show off your stars and stripes with this trio of red, white, and blue pies. This neatly woven lattice pattern ups the ante on a basic lattice. It's made by using both double and single strips of dough; they are laid on top of each other, going diagonally across the top of the pie. People from all over the world flocked to this festival, and once they were there, they flocked to our pies. It has been 8 years since I graduated college, and 8 years since I made an apple pie. Once the pie is ready, whisk together the egg and milk and brush it on top, then sprinkle on the coarse sugar.

This happens because the fruit filling releases lots of liquid as the pie bakes, which soaks the crust and prevents it from staying crisp and flaky. Most recipes include a thickener in the filling to help firm up all that liquid. This recipe calls for Instant Clearjel as an option, or you can just use cornstarch if you want; it has slightly less thickening power, but it will still be effective. But I didn’t just wake up one day and know how to make one.

Roll out your pie dough about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out leaves—the number you’ll get will depend on the size of your cookie cutter. Carefully arrange the leaves, overlapping, on top of the pie. Finish by brushing with egg wash and sprinkling with coarse sugar.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

The classic crust used for apple pie is shortcrust and that’s what I use. My recipe is very standard (flour, butter, salt, sugar, water). However the one thing I should probably address is the debate over butter vs vegetable shortening. Let the baked pie cool completely and then place in the freezer, uncovered. When completely frozen, tightly wrap the pie in a few layers of plastic wrap. A baked apple pie will stay good in the freezer for up to 4 months.When you are ready to serve, let the pie thaw at room temperature for one hour.

Seriously, I’m pretty sure this machine is going to change my cooking life. While there are a few steps to making this pie, I promise that it’s not too difficult. The filling is incredibly easy to make and sweet, but not too sweet. I love to top this apple pie with a lattice design, but you could cut out some pie crust to decorate the top or just cover it with a full piece of pie crust.

The fluted sides provide the decoration instead of the pastry leaf border. The apples should be covered when you put the pie in the oven, as there is no exposed pastry to brown. Another detailed design that uses cookie cutters. Here, we used a fluted cookie cutter to cut out as many rounds of pie dough as possible and scattered them—delicately, of course—all across the top of this berry pie. I'm always extremely proud to place a decorative pie with a fancy pie crust design on any dessert table.

It retains its shape well, and gives a great balance of tart and sweet. I also recommend making the filling first so that it has time to sit for about 15 to 20 minutes while you roll out and prep your pie crust. This will allow the apples to release some of their juices so that it doesn’t all end up in your pie. Carefully drape the dough over the rolling pin and transfer it to a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan (at least 1-1/2 inches deep).

apple pie design

2 pie dough discs is enough for this entire pie (again, my pie crust recipe yields 2 discs). You need 1 disc for the bottom of your pie and 1 for the designed top. We’re making a lattice pie crust topping and braided pie crust edge detail. Design the lattice, and then trim excess dough around the edges. Make 2 braids, then press each one around the edge of the pie, pressing them gently into each other to secure. To hide the places where the braids connect, place a dough cut-out shape over them.

If you’ve never tackled pie, but want to try, I have a little tutorial for you. A step-by-step with photos to help you along (printable recipe at bottom of photos). Two teenage girls in my neighborhood came to a class, and then had their mother take them to the store to buy apples so they could bake a pie. Yes, two teenage girls baked an apple pie.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Full Guide to Cruise Ship Gratuities for 2024 Amounts, Etiquette, and More

how much are cruise ship gratuities

That said, the total number of lines with a service fee has been shrinking over the years. Many smaller and higher-end cruise operators are folding tips and gratuities into their base fares. Conversely, some guests who are familiar with and follow the tipping guidelines, prefer to hand out cash-filled envelopes to crew members. You would think that paying a hefty daily tip would cover everyone on the ship. In fact, there are a couple of instances where paying additional gratuity is recommended or automatic. Passengers can also typically lock in the old rate if prepaid gratuities are added to a booking before the new rate takes effect.

Cruise Gratuities – Guide to Tipping on a Cruise Ship

So, if it is unclear, it is acceptable to ask if and which tips have been automatically charged to your bill. This will allow you to add an appropriate gratuity AND avoid double tipping. When planning for your next adventure on the high seas, leave an opening in your budget for cruise gratuities. This is an expense that many travelers overlook when tallying the cost of a voyage. Yet, it can add hundreds of dollars to the final numbers and falls into the category of an important item for most passengers. Did you spot any omissions or questions we didn’t cover – then please let us know in the comments.

Benefits and considerations of prepaid gratuities

how much are cruise ship gratuities

How gratuities are paid depends on the type of cruise line you are sailing. Luxury lines may include gratuities in the price of your cruise, while it’s a separate charge on mainstream cruise lines. You booked your cruise and are diving into the planning phase, but what about the cruise gratuities?

How Much Should You Budget for Cruise Gratuities?

When you book your cruise, you’ll be charged your cruise fare, port fees and taxes. You’ll want to factor in the cruise line gratuity charge, sometimes called on board service charges (Norwegian Cruise Line). Gratuities are not added to spa bills, so passengers can tip at their discretion. Guests sailing on Windstar Cruises should expect to pay cruise gratuities as well. This hotel service charge is $16 per passenger, per day and is automatically added to each guest’s onboard account.

Royal Caribbean Raising Gratuity Rates for All Passengers - Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean Raising Gratuity Rates for All Passengers.

Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Why do cruise lines raise gratuity rates?

All trick, no treat: Royal Caribbean quietly raises automatic gratuity charges - The Points Guy

All trick, no treat: Royal Caribbean quietly raises automatic gratuity charges.

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

If you don’t have small bills, you can ask Guest Services to break down larger bills. Simply bring a $20, $50, or $100 bill to Guest Services and they will be happy to give you change. Guests staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites are recommended a gratuity amount of $15.50 per night. If you are cruising to another destination with MSC, you will want to visit the cruise line’s website.

Crew perspectives on gratuities

how much are cruise ship gratuities

Here’s what you will pay per person per day for cruise ship gratuities/service fees/crew appreciation as of this writing. Many luxury cruise lines have gratuities included with the cruise fares. Guests may tip additionally at their discretion, but tipping beyond the automatic gratuity isn’t mandatory or expected. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the world of cruise ship gratuities.

These are usually calculated on a per person/per day (or night) basis by the cruise lines. It’s important to note that some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival also offer drinks packages that include gratuities for bar staff. Make sure to check the details of your drinks package to see if gratuities are included.

When tipping in the cruise line spa, it’s important to remember that a standard gratuity fee is often automatically added to your bill each day. For instance, an added gratuity of 18 to 20 percent will be included if you purchase a massage or salon service. When tipping on a cruise ship, showing appreciation for the hardworking crew members who make your cruise vacation enjoyable is important. Stateroom stewards are the ones who keep your room clean and tidy throughout your stay, so it’s appreciated–though not mandatory–to tip them an additional $5 per day per person. While automatic gratuity charges may be convenient for some passengers, others prefer alternative tipping onboard.

Further, cruises to Hawaii also have a 4.275% service tax applied. In addition, guests will pay an 18% gratuity on all beverages, mini bar items, and spa & salon purchases. One alternative tipping strategy is to prepay your gratuities before departing on your cruise. This can help you budget for additional costs and ensure that all crew members receive their fair share of tips. Some cruise lines offer discounts or incentives for prepaid tipping. The second option is to allow the charge to be added each day to your onboard account.

This way, you’re ready to personally hand it to the room service delivery person. You can get the charge out of the way early, or hold onto your money until you actually sail. If you’ve never cruised, then there is no doubt that these questions and more might be floating through your head. To help explain everything about cruise line gratuities, we’ve answered a number of common questions that will make everything clearer before you set sail.

While most non-alcoholic beverages are included in your cruise fare, alcoholic drinks cost extra. Most premium drink packages include unlimited alcohol (or a 15-drink limit over 24 hours). If you purchase a beverage package, you must pre-pay the gratuity amount for the package’s total.

Note that there are also gratuities applied automatically and separately to some optional onboard services, like drinks at the bar or spa and salon services. In short, gratuities should not be viewed as an optional extra, but more as a required service fee, which ensures fare wages for the hardworking cruise crew. Accordingly, when planning your cruise vacation budget, be sure to factor in the estimated cost of gratuities for the duration of your sailing.

Cruise line policies play a significant role in determining the calculation and distribution of cruise ship gratuities. Each cruise line may have its own unique approach, guidelines, and recommended gratuity amounts. It is essential to review and understand the gratuity policies of your chosen cruise line to ensure that you are adequately informed about the expected gratuity amounts and distribution methods. Norwegian Cruise Line has onboard service charge will is charged automatically for guests 3 and up, and distributed among staff that serve you in various ways. Rather than reducing the amount payed, they point out on their website that they will work to resolve any service issues experienced. Princess Cruises will automatically charge a crew incentive of $14.50 per person, per day for guests in inside ocean view and balcony cabins.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Tipping on a Cruise Ship The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Gratuities

how much are cruise ship gratuities

Holland America calls it a “Daily Service Fee.” Princess calls it “Crew Appreciation.” Basically, it’s a gratuity fee; how much you’ll pay for tips on a cruise ship. However, for the majority of mass market cruise lines the gratuities are extra charges on the price of your cruise. These can be a surprise to some people, especially first-time passengers. But even still, this cash-in-hand practice often left key service staff empty-handed. The average passenger does not come into contact with all the crew members that can positively impact their vacation; many key players are located behind the scenes. This is why most cruise lines today pool the tips to reward more positions.

Why Cruise Lines Charge Gratuities on Cruise Ships – Everything You Need To Know

This motivates employees to provide excellent service and keeps cruise prices more affordable by passing the cost of tips on to passengers. Most cruise lines allow you to remove (or increase) prepaid gratuities, but remember crew members rely heavily on tips for their income as they make up a significant portion of their pay. Before removing gratuities, talk to guest service to see if there are any solutions to your particular issues. If opting for this, remember that while standard gratuities cover the basics like your housekeeping and dining teams, add-ons like spa services and specialty dining are typically not included. When giving gratuities on a cruise, it’s important to acknowledge that your money goes beyond the housekeeping and dining staff. “Alternative services” refer to positions that enhance your cruise but aren’t covered by the automatic daily service charge.

Princess Cruises Teams Up to Offer Easy Transportation to Florida Ports

Other luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent include all gratuities except on spa services. In addition, a 20% service gratuity is automatically added to all beverage purchases, spa services, and dinner at La Reserve. Currently, the gratuity is $16.50 per guest for suites and $15.50 per guest for mini-suites.

Which Roles Don’t Receive Part of the Automatic Gratuity?

Navigating gratuity expectations can be both rewarding and challenging. On all cruise lines, additional gratuities may be added at your discretion. Beyond the standard service charges put forth by the cruise line, we always tip above and beyond for excellent service. Similar to Celebrity Cruises, Princess cruises offers more all-inclusive packages that include crew appreciation. If guests upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier Packages, they will not pay any additional gratuities once onboard the ship. Every cruise line has different policies regarding tipping, so be sure to research before you embark on your journey.

how much are cruise ship gratuities

How Can I Know How Much I Will Be Charged in Tips?

Celebrity Cruises Is Raising Gratuity Prices - TravelPulse

Celebrity Cruises Is Raising Gratuity Prices.

Posted: Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Bringing small bills is recommended on a cruise, as it allows you to tip crew members easily throughout the sailing. Having $1 and $5 bills handy is helpful when you want to give a bartender a small tip with your drink or tip a porter for handling your baggage on embarkation day. Guests in non-suite staterooms (including Junior Suites) pay $18 USD per person, per day for gratuities. Those in Grand Suites and above pay $20.50 USD per person, per day. What I can say, on a personal level, is that we have found that the majority of cabin stewards, waiters, assistant waiters and ship staff have given us amazing service.

Can I opt out of paying gratuities or have them adjusted?

The service charge on MSC Cruises is $12.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. There is no service charge applied for children under 2 years of age. Cunard‘s daily gratuities are set at $11.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. The cost is $13.50 per person, per day for guests in Grill Class suites. Here is a list of the daily gratuity charges by major cruise lines. However, these charges can be modified or removed by guests while on the ship in the event that they did not receive satisfactory service.

Whether your cruise line calls them daily service fees, cruise ship gratuities or crew appreciation, it’s simply tipping on a cruise. Nearly every cruise line has a name for these automatically-added service fees. If you don’t decide to prepay the tips, then the amount is automatically charged to your onboard account each day. When it comes time to settle your final bill at the end of the cruise, you’ll have the gratuity charges to pay as well.

Gratuities can impact the overall cost of a cruise and may be an essential factor to consider when budgeting for your vacation. The inclusion of gratuities in the cruise fare ensures that crew members receive fair compensation for their services, while also providing transparency in the overall cost to passengers. Balancing the gratuity amounts with the cruise fare allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the true cost of your cruise experience. When handing out gratuities on a cruise ship, it is important to observe proper etiquette.

Consider the factors that may influence the gratuity amount, such as cruise length, cabin category, and any special requests or packages you anticipate availing. By factoring gratuities into your budget from the outset, you can ensure that you are adequately prepared and avoid any financial surprises during your cruise. While specific cruise lines may have their own recommended gratuity amounts, there are general guidelines that can help you navigate the process. As a starting point, it is common to allocate around $10 to $15 per person per day for gratuities. However, it is crucial to consider the factors mentioned earlier, such as cruise length, cabin category, and service quality, to determine an appropriate gratuity amount. Your chosen cabin category can also affect the recommended gratuity amounts.

This helps to create a positive work environment and encourages crew members to provide excellent service. For instance, in recent years, Norwegian often ran Free at Sea promotions that included free crew tips in addition to free shipboard Wi-Fi and a free drinks package. The line hasn't been doing that as much lately, but these offers often come back at times when brands need to drum up more business. Still, some people do leave a little extra for crew members who go above and beyond. Others tip their room service or waitstaff at their favorite bar, either early in the cruise in the hope of getting better service or at the end to thank them for enhancing the vacation experience.

how much are cruise ship gratuities

Here's everything you need to know about cruise gratuities, with an ultimate guide covering how it all works. Similarly, if you use room service or a cruise concierge, you may want to consider tipping those staff directly. Cruise ships are like small cities, and the crew members work tirelessly to ensure that you have a great vacation. Piano bar regulars know that a cash tip will increase the chances of the pianist choosing and performing your song request. Bring envelopes (and thank you notes) from home in case the ship’s front desk doesn’t have any to give for tips. Bring a stack of small bills from home and keep separate from your other cash, to avoid the last night panic line at the Purser’s Desk.

If you want to reduce the amount of gratuities you are paying, please consider this carefully. The daily cruise gratuities are split among a number of crew members, including stateroom attendants, dining room servers, and others. So, if you want to adjust your gratuities, be sure to consider the impact it will have on the crew. Cunard, Costa, Holland America, and Oceanic Cruise Lines add gratuities to your onboard account. However, the rates vary depending on the cruise line and stateroom category.

Upcoming Changes in Celebrity Cruises Spark Debate - Cruise Critic

Upcoming Changes in Celebrity Cruises Spark Debate.

Posted: Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you are new to cruising, you should know that not everything is included in your cruise vacation. In addition to your cruise fare, there are other services charges for which you will need to budget. This includes daily per person cruise gratuities as well as service charges added to purchases like drinks and spa treatments.

Cruise lines split the gratuity charge amongst the hardworking crew members, including servers, stateroom attendants, and the entertainment staff. You might be shocked when you receive the final bill if you’re unaware of the automatic gratuity charge. While automatic tipping is supposed to streamline crew appreciation, it’s a little confusing.

Avalon Envision Cruise: Expert Review 2023

avalon cruise line

Avalon Waterways itinerary options are categorized into 3 classifications (CLASSIC, ACTIVE, DISCOVERY) allowing customers to tailor their cruise according to personal preferences, special interests, and activity level. The DISCOVERY programs target specific interests (like painting workshops and cooking classes) themed on the region's culture. ACTIVE programs target more energetic passengers and include options like guided jogging tours, cycling, hiking, paddling. CLASSIC programs are based on lectures (history- and culture-themed) and walking tours guided by professional local experts. All Avalon riverboats feature a quiet propulsion system and outside accommodations - among the largest of the river fleets. Avalon staterooms are relaxing and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, satellite TV, hotel-quality beds, bathrooms with full-sized showers, and even private balconies.

avalon cruise line

Travel Types

Avalon also offers quite a few two-top tables so that couples feel comfortable dining, although they are often combined as the cruise itinerary progresses and people meet. Continental breakfast can be delivered to a stateroom each morning without charge. Avalon Waterways is proud to proclaim that on average they offer cruisers the largest staterooms of all river cruise lines. Their Suite Ships are made up with a majority of suites with panoramic French balconies. These rooms are on average 30 percent larger than most river cruise staterooms. Aside from being spacious, Avalon Waterways’ staterooms are comfortable with specialized bedding and L’Occitane en Provence toiletries.

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Avalon Waterways Christens New Douro River Ship, Avalon Alegria - TravelPulse

Avalon Waterways Christens New Douro River Ship, Avalon Alegria.

Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Other company executives include Scott Nisbet (CEO-Chief Executive Officer), Steve Born (CMO-Chief Marketing Officer), Camille Olivere (CSO-Chief Sales Officer).

All-inclusive cruising

The ship, with its 14-night Magnificent Europe itinerary between Budapest and Amsterdam (except for shorter Christmas market sailings), appeals to retired Americans and Canadians, with an average age of about 60. The ship has also been heavily marketed in Australia and New Zealand, whose citizens tend to take longer vacations when visiting Europe. About 50 percent of Panorama's existing bookings are Australians, which may skew the average age lower, as Avalon's passengers are typically only about 25 percent Australian. The mostly Eastern European staff was generally efficient and pleasant, although not all spoke fluent English.

When the glass wall is slid open, you have the feeling of being on a balcony even though it's not a balcony, as you can sit in the seating area at the edge of the now-open wall. While not every cabin on Avalon vessels in Europe is configured this way, a large portion are. Avalon calls these view-facing cabins with walls of glass Panorama Suites, and they can make up roughly 80% of the cabins on many of the line's vessels. It's a view I wouldn't have if I were lounging in bed on most other river ships in Europe — at least, if I had my back to the headboard. In 2024 the company introduced the newbuild boat Avalon Alegria which is deployed year-round on the Douro River in Portugal. Departures are from Lisbon, with land travel/bus transfers to Oporto/Leixoes.

Night Festive Time On The Romantic RhineDetails

Avalon shares the flavors of the world with the freshest local ingredients prepared by our talented chefs and served in your choice of venues on board. Our Avalon FlexDining® approach to onboard dining experiences has tossed out the idea of restrictive seating times in limited settings. Choose from options like a breezy al fresco lunch at the Sky Grill, an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, or a more casual culinary setting in the Panorama Bistro.

River cruise lines cancel European sailings after Austria locks down borders

These could include visits to local performances or inviting local performers aboard the ship. A recent five-night preview cruise on the Rhine and Moselle rivers was a nice taste of what passengers will experience on Panorama's usual 14-night sailings between Amsterdam and Budapest. (Shorter Christmas market cruises will also be offered.) The ship docks at a different place each day and cruises mostly at night, with daytime sailings confined to exceptionally scenic portions of the journey. Included morning walking tours instantly familiarize passengers with the typically small towns, and within a few hours, it's easy to feel a real affinity for each village's markets, churches and riverfront walking paths. “We have 19 small ships and riverboats sailing across the country in 2024, plus more boats and new itineraries coming in late 2024 and 2025,” said Alexa Paolella, manager of public relations for ACL. “American is growing and growing, and U.S. river cruising is becoming bigger than ever before, in part because American has re-invented the market in the U.S. by also offering small ships that cruise coastal itineraries just like the river cruises."

Review of Avalon Waterways

Still, many passengers may feel more comfortable among fellow peers dressing in business casual. In warmer weather, many travelers wear shorts on excursions, but if you tend to get chilly, pants or a light jacket are great to have. Theme nights are rare, and throughout the day, passengers are relaxed and comfortable in their attire. Your local guide on a river cruise can be a bit of a gamble; the quality can vary, depending on whom the line hires. Because Globus employs guides for its tour business as well as its river cruises, the company is often able to get the best for Avalon Waterways in an area because they can offer them the most consistent employment. Still, many river lines design their river ships with balconies attached to cabins despite such limitations, as they believe it's what customers want.

Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines (ACL), meanwhile, has also witnessed a record-breaking wave season in 2024 for domestic cruises. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help.

Besides the bed placement, Avalon's floor-to-ceiling French balconies that open the width of the room are also a differentiator. Cabins with balconies are all the rage in cruising, of course, and cruisers think that's what they want. You want to see the scenery of the river bank as it rolls by, preferably from the comfort of your bed. It's not just the view-facing beds in Avalon cabins that win my adoration. It's the use of an almost complete wall of glass along the view-side of many Avalon rooms to frame the passing scenery. The Avalon cruise company became known worldwide with its unprecedented fleet expansion (see in the itinerary section / at least one new ship per year).

It’s hard to know where Avalon Panorama SuitesSM end and the view begins! That’s because no other river cruise fleet offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships®. Featuring the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising, your Avalon Panorama Suite is actually river cruising’s only Open–Air Balcony® — with living space that’s 30% larger than the industry standard.

The line has hosted Outlander author Diana Gabaldon, along with Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden (Could I Be Your Girl; Insensitive) several times now. These voyages have proven so popular that Avalon hosts them every few years or so. TPG's Gene Sloan is reporting live this week from a preview sailing aboard Avalon Alegria, Avalon Waterways' first vessel on Portugal's Douro River.

With the new itineraries are also introduced all-suite newbuild riverboats (with open-air, floor-ceiling balconies) and new shore excursions and onboard activities. Avalon caters to English-speaking travelers from North America, the U.K. The average age of passengers is mid-50s to 60s, but the mix varies by itinerary, and on four- and five-night cruises, you'll find more 40-something travelers and others trying out river cruises for the first time. Children ages 8 and older are welcome onboard, but there is no formal youth program.

Staterooms have windows but they’re significantly smaller, and they don’t open. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. The 102-passenger river vessel is sailing up Portugal's famously lovely Douro Valley, and I'm being treated to an ever-moving scene of rolling hills, vineyards and centuries-old towns. In 2019, the company introduced the so-called FlexDining on all boats in the fleet. The company's headquarters (as part of the Globus family) are in the USA (Littleton, Colorado). Avalon's current President is Pam Hoffee (promoted from Managing Director in May 2022).

Avalon Waterways offers premium, upscale river cruises to destinations around the world with a fleet that includes some of the newest, most innovative and most spacious river ships you'll find anywhere. It has two full decks of Avalon’s signature Panorama Suites, which create an unforgettable indoor/outdoor sailing experience. These suites feature wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling sliding windows. Each includes a seating area with an adjustable-height table, a large desk and a choice of mattress toppers to adjust the bed’s firmness. Cabins have angled walls that allow for beds to face the room’s windows so guests can lay back in bed and enjoy the view.

In designing its Panorama Suites on river ships without balconies but with stellar views through walls of glass, Avalon has bucked the trend in river cruise cabin design — and in just the right way. It's the highlight feature of a cabin type that is perfect in just about every way. At 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are larger than most standard cabins on European river ships. They have comfy beds and elegant bathrooms with spacious showers. The company uses small ships, and their guests do receive personalized service in absolutely no crowd. Avalon makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of destinations, as they include guided sightseeing tours and shore excursions in the basic fares.

Avalon Waterways Ships and Itineraries 2024, 2025, 2026

avalon cruise line

Those are great for multigenerational trips, although children under 8 are discouraged. In 2019, the Avalon fleet left the 138-passenger riverboats/sisterships Affinity, Felicity, Luminary and Creativity. Avalon's FlexDining allows all passengers to choose dining venue and times, an alfresco lunch (Sky Grill), less formal Panorama Bistro, 4-course dinner in the dining room restaurant. In 2019, the Avalon fleet left four 138-passenger riverboats - the sisterships Affinity, Felicity, Luminary and Creativity.

Avalon Waterways fleet

Each of its ships offers big-ship amenities together with the intimacy of a river cruise. You'll also find multiple dining venues on many of the ships, plus a handy online service that lets you book optional excursions and drink packages in advance. We also like the fact that at least one shore excursion in every port comes standard with your sailing.

Review: Avalon Alegria on Portugal's Douro River - TravelAge West

Review: Avalon Alegria on Portugal's Douro River.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:36:35 GMT [source]

Do I have to dress up on a Avalon Waterways cruise?

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.

Margaritaville at Sea Announces Second Cruise Ship

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.

Where does Avalon Panorama sail from?

The result is often cabins that have balconies but feel tight on the inside. It's been a key differentiator for Avalon since the cabins began rolling out in 2011. That was the year Avalon unveiled its first Suite Ship, as the line calls vessels with such cabins. Inaugurated in 2020, the company's "Your Way" program allows Avalon cruise passengers to "chart their own course, at their own pace". River cruises — both internationally and domestically — are making headway too. Overall, the company’s booked position for the rest of the year remains the best on record, thanks to pricing and occupancy being higher than in 2023.

Avalon Envision Review

Whether you like to paddle a kayak or paint a canvas, each day on an Avalon river cruise is an adventure of the mind, heart, or heart rate if you prefer. So, go ahead, pick up a paintbrush, a paddle, or the perfect vintage. Avalon calls the Panorama Suites on its newer ships "revolutionary." They're 30% larger than the industry standards and feature large wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open up, giving the feeling of a large open-air balcony.

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Due to the COVID pandemic, Avalon Waterways suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all riverboats) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through late-July 2021. The Avalon Waterways cruise company was founded in 2004 and is a brand name owned by Group Voyagers Inc (also known simply as "Globus family of brands" and "Globus Travel Group"). For the Cunard brand specifically, the line booked more guests during January than any equivalent period in the last decade, according to a brand spokesperson. In North America, Cunard has booked 28% more guests than any other equivalent period in a decade, and there was a 27% increase year-over-year with Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossings, Queen Anne U.K.

Avalon river cruises deals as itineraries and destinations extend to Egypt’s Nile River and China’s Yangtze River - from Hong Kong and Tibet to Ulaanbaatar. In this section, you will find all their ships, itinerary information, complete sailing schedules with dates and prices to compare. When you sail with Avalon Waterways, regional beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and Champagne is part of the breakfast buffet. Shore excursions, in three different styles, including active and discovery options, are included on a daily basis with plentiful entertainment and evening activities.

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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.

My latest river cruise adventure included kayaking, biking and hiking — here's how yours can, too - The Points Guy

My latest river cruise adventure included kayaking, biking and hiking — here's how yours can, too.

Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Avalon View is operated by Avalon Waterways, a nearly 20-year-old river cruise line based in Lugano, Switzerland, and Littleton, Colorado. The line’s fleet is comprised of a dozen ships sailing around the world on rivers including the Rhine, Rhone, Danube, and Nile. The ship, which will sail the Danube River, hardly ever feels crowded. Even at maximum capacity, there are seats for 166 people in the Panorama Lounge and on the Sky Deck. Avalon Envision does a wonderful job of providing elegant interiors with plenty of window-lined spaces to gather. Without the need to dress for meals, free-style dinner seating at any time during dinner service and three styles of excursions, the ship provides the kind of trip that casual travelers will enjoy.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Avalon does include quite a bit in its fares, such as wine and beer at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and at least one shore excursion per day. However, you will pay for gratuities at the end of your cruise, special excursions and drinks outside of mealtime.

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.

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.

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.

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