Avalon Tranquility II Review

Awesome Avalon Rhine River Cruise Experience for first time river cruiser

Review for Europe River Cruise on Avalon Tranquility II
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roswellmom
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Jul 2018
Cabin: Outside Stateroom with French Balcony

I'm a travel agent who's been on 30 ocean cruises and this is my first river cruise. I decided to give Avalon a try so I'm able to share my experience with my clients and my experience was wonderful. We flew from Atlanta to Zurich and were met at the airport for our transfer to Lucerne. It was wonderful being met by our driver at luggage claim and escorted to his car. We included a two night pre-cruise land package in Lucerne where we met our Cruise Director Akos as well as the other 13 passengers who arrived two nights early at our hotel. Our time in Lucerne included walking tours and a cruise around Lake Lucerne. I'm so glad we did this pre-cruise addition and I highly recommend it. Our transfer to Basel included a stop at Mount Pilatus, which was incredible, as well as the Lion sculpture. By the time we arrived in Basel, we were ready to embark the Tranquility II and the check-in process was incredible. There were only 107 passengers on this sailing with 38 crew. There was no wait to check-in. We were immediately escorted to our cabin, #322. The cabin is quite cozy compared to ocean cruise cabins but the views were amazing. I love that our bed faced the full wall of glass. We didn't keep the sliding glass wall open because there were too many bugs flying around outside and the weather was extremely hot. It got up to 100 degrees in Amsterdam. That's hot!

Our excursions were wonderful. We were divided into four groups according to our chosen excursion and were given our own headphones as well as a receiver to hear our tour guide. It's great not having to try to hear a shouting tour guide. We participated every day in the included morning excursions after the buffet breakfast but were often too tired to attend the afternoon excursions. The morning excursion usually ended by the time our lunch buffet was ready to begin. We were able to sit wherever we chose in the dining room but we befriended 4 other couples and usually sat as a group. The waitstaff were very accommodated and would remember our likes and dislikes. I liked that.

I especially liked the briefings we had for tomorrow's schedule. It was great knowing in advance what to expect for tomorrow before it was dinner time tonight. We didn't partake much of the included beverages because we didn't like most of the wine or beer that was being offered but that didn't necessarily mean it wasn't good, It just wasn't what we like.

Cabin Review

Outside Stateroom with French Balcony

Cabin B

This cabin was in a wonderful location on the top of three cabin decks and under the top outside walking/viewing deck The blackout curtains were definitely necessary as it didn't get dark till late at night.

Port Reviews

Amsterdam

We love Amsterdam and have been there several times. We enjoyyed the canal tour we took. In the past, we toured Keukenhof Gardens - takes all day and is definitely worth seeing in the spring when the tulips are in bloom. Absolutely breathtaking.

Zaanse Schans Windmills - takes all day and visits, windmills, cheese factory & wooden shoe factory. Definitely a must see excursion.

Anne Frank House - an incredible life changing experience that requires purchasing tickets months in advance in order not to wait outside for hours and hours but very well worth it.

Heidelberg

Beautiful area with beautiful castle and great walking tour of Mainz as well.

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