Avalon Affinity
Occupancy: 138
Length: 361 feet
Crew members: 39
Built: 2009
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 Amsterdam Pride All-Gay River Cruise
July 23 – August 1, 2014
Avalon Waterways Affinity
9-day European vacation, featuring a fascinating cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, including 2-night pre-cruise accommodations in Zürich and an optional post-cruise extension in Amsterdam
RSVP presents a unique and fascinating journey to discover some of Europe's most alluring capitals – up close and in depth on our exclusive all-gay riverboat cruise. Discover the legendary Rhine with all the camaraderie, style, and comfort from RSVP. The intimate Avalon Affinity lands directly in the heart of fascinating destinations, including Basel, Cologne, Strasbourg, and more. All leading up to an overnight stay in Amsterdam for their world-famous gay pride celebration!
Onboard Avalon Affinity you'll savor the luxury of spacious, well-appointed deluxe staterooms and suites, along with tantalizing meals served in an elegant setting. Since most staterooms feature a large floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with a French balcony, you'll experience Europe's beauty and history even while onboard. Whether it's the Rhine's legendary Lorelei rock or the imposing medieval castles that line its banks, RSVP's 2014 Rhine cruise will enchant.
We begin in Zürich with two nights at the upscale Marriott Zürich Hotel. Beyond being the world's banking center, Zurich offers a wealth of treasures from leisurely strolls through Old Town's narrow Augustinergasse and Bahnhofstrasse to more adventurous treks to the Rhine Falls. With two full days here, you'll have plenty of time to delight in Zürich's fine culinary highlights, unlimited shopping, 50+ museums, and fantastic nightlife!
Next, we transfer to Basel, Switzerland to board Affinity in the spot where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet. It's a perfect launching point.
Our first stop takes us to Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region. The city's Gothic masterpiece, Cathedral of Notre Dame, as well as its famed La Petite France district await. Of course, optional excursions to Alsace's famed vineyards will be available.
From there, we'll cruise to Speyer, Germany with excursions to Heidelberg and beyond. Heidelberg was uniquely spared allied bombings during WWII and has retained its baroque charm of narrow streets, picturesque houses, and the world-famous Schloss Castle ruins.
We leave Speyer for Mainz – one of Germany's loveliest wine towns, with plans for an overnight to allow late-night exploration. You'll also have the following morning to discover Mainz's highlights, including the Gutenberg Museum before heading to Rüdesheim to explore this idyllic town and the neighboring village of Assmannshausen on foot. That's right…Assmannshausen.
The next day takes us through the beautiful Rhine Gorge, one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring stretches of this magnificent river. Medieval castles tower above us around every bend, and can only be eclipsed by our arrival in Cologne at sunset!
An evening and full day to explore the Rhineland capital of Cologne will leave you breathless by the time we set sail. Cologne is Germany's most liberal city with a thriving gay scene of nearly 30 bars, clubs, cafes, and saunas. Whether you choose to experience this fascinating city by night or its beautiful landmarks by day, Cologne's distinctive flavor is warm, jovial, and welcoming.
But that's just a lead up to our final and dramatic arrival into…Amsterdam! This modern, sophisticated, and progressive city will be rolling out the rainbow carpet as we arrive the day before their celebrated Pride Festival. We'll overnight on the Affinity, providing the perfect leaping off point for wandering the streets and canals of this fabled city.
After a night exploring Amsterdam, you can either depart us here or join RSVP for our optional post-cruise extension at the award-winning Hotel Pulitzer – a five-star jewel on the Prinsengracht Canal. This unique hotel reflects the rich heritage of Amsterdam's canals and is comprised of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses converted into a luxury hotel with countless historic details. Full of stories, it's an authentic Amsterdam experience. RSVP has 1 to 4-night packages available at excellent rates.
Your days in Amsterdam are all yours! From the Anne Frank Museum during the day to the city's famed Red Light District and "coffee" shops at night, you'll want to wander every nook and cranny of this engaging city. Be sure to leave your first post-cruise afternoon free, though, because it will be filled with absolute wonder as you watch the city's Pride Parade wind through its storied canals. Looking for a good spot to watch? We've chosen Hotel Pulitzer for its proximity to all the action. Simply step outside and enjoy the parade as it travels down Prinsengracht Canal!
This extraordinary adventure is available for only 138 guests and our riverboat cruises sell out quickly every year. We invite you to join us on the first gay riverboat cruse to sail into Amsterdam gay pride. Let RSVP take care of all the details and join our extended family aboard the Affinity. There's never been a better time to experience the intimacy, friendships, and fun of an RSVP riverboat cruise!
Avalon Waterways Affinity
From meticulous millwork to hand-applied finishes, from designer lighting to enhanced soundproofing, from the conception and flow of the lounges to the placement of the windows, Avalon's Affinity is thoughtfully designed and appointed with materials known for their quality, beauty, and functionality. Making her debut in 2009, the Affinity features two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform the living space into a unique open-air balcony. Cruise along the legendary Rhine River, enjoying fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. Onboard amenities include a fitness center, internet corner, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful open-air bistro.
There's simply no better way to experience the history, culture and allure of Europe. With just 138 lucky guests, the Affinity creates an intimate, small ship ambience that's the hallmark of our riverboat cruises.
Make new friends over an elegant dinner in the ship's restaurant, enjoy a signature RSVP cabaret show, or just watch the charming countryside glide by. On an RSVP riverboat cruise, you're free to do as much or as little as you want...every day!
Dining
Dining is an integral part of your RSVP cruise. We customize the menus to suit your tastes, and the Affinity's onboard culinary staff delivers hearty and satisfying fare with their signature European service. You're free to sit wherever you want and with whomever you want, making it easy to catch up with old friends or make new ones.
The Affinity's spacious dining room provides an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere. Begin your mornings early or late – it's your choice. Either way, a sumptuous breakfast awaits. And, for those times when a quiet Continental breakfast in bed sounds appealing, breakfast room service is also available. Enjoy lunch inside or outside. We think you'll agree the delightful open-air seating is the perfect place to lunch while admiring passing landscapes. Dinnertime beckons with 5-star service, the finest chef-inspired recipes, and complimentary regional wines.
With good food, great friends and an elegant setting, your dining experience is sure to be a memorable one.
Incredible Dining Choices
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Captain's reception with sparkling wine and canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Complimentary juices with breakfast
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Open-air dining on Sky Deck
• Breakfast buffets with foods that are low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Social hour and drink specials in Panorama Lounge
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Chef-inspired regional & Western recipes
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary regional wines, beer, or soft drinks with dinner, and coffee or tea after dinner
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunches
• Night fare served at 10:30 PM
• All-inclusive drink package for purchase (alcohol or non-alcohol)
• Room service available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages
• Upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Healthy meal options
• Panorama Bistro
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
Staterooms
After a day of sightseeing, nothing feels better than retreating to your own personal sanctuary. On any deck, your well-appointed Avalon Deluxe Stateroom is a spacious refuge of inviting home-away-from-home features. Delight in the large bathroom, featuring full shower with glass shower door; deluxe beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, and a choice of soft or firm pillows; and ample closet space. You'll love your stateroom so much, you may never want to go home!
Marvel at passing scenery from the comfort of your Avalon Deluxe Stateroom.
You'll enjoy never-ending views from the large windows or floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors in every deluxe stateroom on the Affinity. All staterooms enjoy an outside location and more square footage – a minimum of 172 square feet, the largest on the European rivers today and a full 15% larger than the industry standard. In addition, Royal Suites are a spacious 258 square feet! You'll be comfortable, relaxed, and fully engaged with the passing scenery!
Deluxe Staterooms Include:
• Comfort Collection by AvalonSM, featuring premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens European-style duvets
• Choice of soft or firm pillows
• Choice of bed configuration (two twins or one queen)
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with French Balcony in most deluxe staterooms
• Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door, hairdryer and premium L'Occitane bath amenities
• Spacious closets with shelves for ample storage
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels
• Alarm clock
• Writing desk/vanity with comfortable chair and mirror
• Wi-Fi access
• Direct-dial telephone
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Well-stocked minibar
• Complimentary bottled water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• Continental breakfast and beverage room service available
Amenities
From a fitness center and hair salon to Wi-Fi access and a complimentary premium beverage station, the Affinity has an impressive collection of remarkable amenities to enhance your journey all along the way. These include:
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Sky Deck with shade system and premium lounge chairs
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate and premium coffees
• Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Internet corner and Wi-Fi access
• Fitness center
• Well-stocked library
• Hair salon
• Non-smoking interior
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Amsterdam Pride River Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
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| 23 Jul |
Zürich, Switzerland |
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| 24 Jul |
Zürich, Switzerland |
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| 25 Jul |
Basel, Switzerland |
Embark |
| 26 Jul |
Strasbourg, France |
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| 27 Jul |
Speyer & Heidelberg, Germany |
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| 28 Jul |
Mainz & Rüdesheim, Germany |
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| 29 Jul |
Rhine Gorge & Cologne, Germany |
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| 30 Jul |
Cologne, Germany |
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| 31 Jul |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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| 01 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Disembark |
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Optional Post Cruise |
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| 02 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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| 03 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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| 04 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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*The itinerary is subject to change without notice.
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Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland - July 23, 2014
 Welcome to Zürich! RSVP's Rhine Riverboat Cruise starts off with nearly 2 full days in Zürich. You'll stay at the 4-star Marriott Zürich Hotel, just a few short blocks from the city's central train station and the perfect location from which to explore this fascinating city. Your Avalon Cruise Director and Team RSVP will be on-hand to point the way to adventure! Transfers from ZÜrich Flughafen Airport to the Marriott are included.
Zürich, Switzerland - July 24, 2014
 Continue exploration of Zürich with a guided city tour or on your own.
Basel, Switzerland - July 25, 2014
 Less than 90 minutes from Zürich by luxury motor coach, Basel is where you'll board the beautiful Affinity. We'll set sail at approximately 6:00pm. Transfers from the Marriott to the Affinity are included.
Strasbourg, France - July 26, 2014
 Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is without a doubt an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. On your Guided Sightseeing Tour, visit the monumental red-sandstone Gothic Cathedral, with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine country is available today.
Speyer, Germany. Excursion to Heidelberg - July 27, 2014
 Early this morning, dock in Speyer. From here an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, which was founded in 1386. Visit the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You'll also see the famed Great Vat, the "World's Largest Wine Barrel." At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! We will arrive in Mainz late evening.
Mainz & Rüdesheim, Germany - July 28, 2014
 Strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers is Mainz, with "civilized" origins dating back to around 38 BC. Today, this is Germany's largest and most important wine market. Join your Local Guide for a Guided Walk through the Altstadt (Old Town) with its many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city's annual Carnival celebration.
Cruising Rhine Gorge / Cologne, Germany - July 29, 2014
 The most dramatic stretch of the Rhine – lined with medieval castles and fortifications – awaits as you sail through the Rhine Gorge. This perfect day continues with a sunset arrival in Cologne, Germany. Explore this bustling city as you wander it's old world streets by moonlight.
Cologne, Germany - July 30, 2014
 One of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included Guided City Walk or Jewish Heritage Walk. The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years!
Amsterdam, Netherlands - July 31, 2014
 Welcome to Amsterdam! There's no better way to see this stunning city than by canal boat, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age."
Disembark, Amsterdam, Netherlands - August 1, 2014
 After breakfast and disembarkation, you'll either head home (transfers to Schiphol Airport not included) or transfer to the Hotel Pulitzer for your optional post-cruise stay.
Optional Post–Cruise Program at Hotel Pulitzer
Amsterdam, Netherlands - August 2, 2014
 Amsterdam's Gay Pride Festival is in full swing! Enjoy the festivities or simply explore Holland's sophisticated, modern capital, with its rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. The streets, squares, and canals—not to mention the bike paths throughout the city—make for a vibrant atmosphere. With over 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. Upon completion of your post-cruise stay at Hotel Pulitzer, transfers to Schiphol Airport are not included.
Amsterdam, Netherlands - August 3, 2014
 Continue your exploration of Amsterdam on your own, enjoying the Gay Pride festivities along the way.
Amsterdam, Netherlands - August 4, 2014
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Today, you'll either head home or on to further European adventures. Either way, we'll certainly miss you. Transfers to Schiphol Airport not included.
 
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