Avalon Imagery II Review

4.5 / 5.0
95 reviews

Avalon dealt with Mother Nature

Review for Europe River Cruise on Avalon Imagery II
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ADrivercruiser
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Oct 2018

In July, 2018 my friend and I chose Avalon and the Rhine River itinerary in large part because we wanted to travel in Europe in the fall of 2018 but only if each of us could get a cabin where the single supplement was waived entirely. We made our own flight arrangements and hotel reservations for an extra day going (in Zurich) and returning (in Amsterdam). The trip started a bit shaky when we received the news while waiting in line to board our connecting flight to Zurich that a portion of the Rhine River had been closed to cruise lines because of low water level. Although we were offered the opportunity to cancel for a full refund, our luggage was in the hold of the airplane destined for Europe so we were committed to continue with the altered itinerary involving two days of land transportation by bus before boarding a sister ship beyond the low water for the balance of the trip. We experienced the same land excursions, were put up in two lovely hotels, and were fed wonderful meals, all at the expense of Avalon. Another salute to Avalon is for the generous refund that we were given as well as a nice credit toward another Avalon cruise. We are delighted with the way things turned out.

Imagery II and the sister ship Tranquility II are fabulous. Both ships are beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. We found ourselves calling our guest quarters "staterooms" instead of "cabins" because of how spacious they are. Even the bathrooms are spacious. When not out on guided excursions or enjoying free time to explore on land, we found ourselves in the lounge during happy hour and after dinner, enjoying beverages, the company of fellow travelers and piano music. Except for one lunch served in the lounge, we dined in the main dining room where the choices were varied and many. Several items each meal stood out as above average. Avalon's arrangement for reaching the embarkation destination (Basel) and assistance with disembarkation eliminated potential stressful situations.

My friend and I agree that the service staffs of the ships (particularly on the Imagery II) contributed greatly to making this a memorable trip. We enjoyed their camaraderie in the lounge and their playful interaction with us as guests. The cruise director was committed to turning the disappointment of the closed river into pleasure with the alternative arrangements. He succeeded. We had to admit that we were surprised at how interesting all of the shore excursions turned out to be - even those we were somewhat skeptical about. The guides were knowledgeable and personable.

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