Avalon Waterways has launched its newest ship, the Avalon Expression, in a ceremony in Koblenz, Germany.

In the past 12 months the line has launched four new ships in Europe, with the Avalon Artistry II launching just a month ago. Avalon also has plans for a number of new ships to be launched in the future in a rapid expansion that reflects the success of both the cruise line and the river cruise industry in general.

The Avalon Expression will be able to carry 166 passengers, with nearly 80% of the cabins on-board being Panorama Suites. These offer 200sqft of space along with panoramic windows that cover an entire wall to really showcase the views that a river cruise offers.

The ship offers itineraries on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Nuremberg, and longer sailings from the Dutch capital to Budapest on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Already the majority of places are booked for 2013, although some dates remain available.

In the ceremony in Koblenz, Patricia Schultz served as godmother for the ship. Schultz is the author of the renowned bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and was chosen due to Avalon’s wish to focus as much on the destination as the ship itself in its river cruise packages.

Avalon Waterways is known as offering stylish ships and Patrick Clark, the managing director of the cruise line, is sure that the Avalon Expression is a ship that takes this further, offering sleek design throughout. At the event, Clark told almost 100 guests “It’s an exciting time for Avalon and for river cruising.”

By Ian Lewis
Google