Avalon Expression
Occupancy: 166
Crew members: 47
Length: 443 feet
Built: 12013
 
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 European Splendor All-Gay River Cruise 2016
July 26 – August 2, 2016
Avalon Waterways Avalon Expression
An Extraordinary All-Gay River Cruise from Prague to Amsterdam. Let RSVP take you off the beaten path to some of Europe's most cherished and hidden gems as we sail the intimately luxurious Avalon Expression from Prague (via Nuremberg, Germany) to Amsterdam. You're invited to join 166 gay and lesbian friends as we sail the Main and Rhine Rivers to EuroPride 2016! We'll pamper you in elegant style onboard our all-suite ship, featuring unique RSVP entertainment, engaging and enriching activities, and our friendly and welcoming team of hosts.
To make the most of your European experience, let RSVP handle all your pre- and post-cruise needs with our outstanding programs. Carefully-curated optional stays in Prague and Amsterdam give you more time to seamlessly explore each of these magical cities – all in 5-star comfort and luxury.
Fairy Tales. Delivered.
 Our European Splendor River Cruise delivers an up close and personal look at cities you've probably only ever imagined in your dreams – perfect storybook towns right out of a fairy tale. We start in Nuremberg, Germany and continue on through some of southern Germany's most romantic towns – Bamberg, Würzburg, Miltenberg, and Rüdesheim – each more beautiful than the last. They set the stage perfectly for the highlight of your cruise, the Rhine Gorge. With hundreds of castles lining its banks, this 40-mile section of the Rhine may be the most beautiful stretch of river in the world! This picture-perfect day ends with a Saturday night arrival and overnight stay in one of Europe's most progressive and gay-friendly cities: Cologne, Germany.
 To take advantage of some of the best shopping in all of Germany, we'll make a quick stop in Düsseldorf before continuing on to unforgettable Amsterdam. EuroPride will be well underway upon on our arrival and the city's famed Pride Fest will take place the weekend after. Amsterdam's Pride Parade is not to be missed! Set on beautiful Prinsengracht Canal, fabulously decorated boats make their way through the city as hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists line its banks and bridges. For those who choose to stay in Amsterdam through the weekend, we'll share our favorite viewing spots with you!
Relax. Recharge. Release.
 When you return home to Expression after a full day of sightseeing, RSVP and Avalon will make your evenings even more lively and captivating. Enrich your journey with wine and beer tastings, local artisan demonstrations, and expert destination talks. Join friends old and new for a game in the lounge, or find a comfortable chair in which to relax on the Sky Deck.
RSVP entertainment features a variety of options suiting an intimate ship style, including our legendary piano bar and cabaret entertainers, local performers brought on just for you, movie nights, and so much more. We'll make sure that you're always entertained, enriched, and enlightened.
The Ideal Ship for Exploring
 Avalon brings RSVP guests the youngest and most innovative fleet of ships in Europe, designed to offer panoramic access to our destinations with soaring views matched with relaxing spaces to unwind. From the moment you step aboard Expression, their English-speaking crew delivers consummate personal service throughout. Avalon Cruise Director (and RSVP favorite) Barbara Bocz will help you make the most of each day, delivering educational commentary on these incredible destinations.
Tantalizing meals served with regional wines and beers will delight your palette, and complimentary Wi-Fi access will allow you to stay connected to the outside world (even though you'll do your best to escape). Included shore excursions, led by certified local guides, offer VIP access to must-see sites and optional shore excursions allow you to take your enrichment experience to the next level.
With Everything You Love About RSVP
 With only 166 guests onboard, you'll experience both a unique sense of community and an unmatched level of personal service from our welcoming and engaging Team RSVP. They will be your hosts throughout, and their passion for the region and attention to detail will make your journey personal, engaging, and fun in ways you never imagined. Everything we do is designed to make you feel welcome, relaxed, and entertained in a place where you belong.
RSVP has completely customized this itinerary for maximum enjoyment, with extended time in ports and unique experiences matched with a few surprises to delight you along the way. Our experience over the past 30 years has brought thousands of friends together on ships large and small, in places near and far, but always with a common goal of sharing the magic of travel together.
Join us next summer as we return to the rivers of Europe in grand style!
 Accommodating a maximum of 166 passengers, the all-suite Avalon Expression offers RSVP guests the perfect ship to explore this incredible region. Contemporary open spaces provide plenty of seating and cozy spots to relax. Meticulous millwork, hand-applied finishes, modern décor, and designer lighting surround you, creating a place to relax and immerse yourself in the wonders of your river cruise adventure.
Unique onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, an expanded fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro.
 Here are a few of the key features that make Expression incredible:
• Included Shore Excursions
• Champagne Included with Breakfast
• Wine & Beer Included with Dinner
• English-Speaking Hospitality Desk
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access (unavailable in some areas)
• Most Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Optional Pre-Cruise Extension in Prague, Czech Republic
• Optional Post-Cruise Extension in Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Transfers to/from the airport to our host hotels (for guests on Pre/Post-Cruise Extensions)
• Transfers to/from our host hotel to Expression (for guests on Pre/Post-Cruise Extensions)
Farm-to-Table Dining
 Much of Expression's delicious cuisine is sourced locally and designed for discerning tastes. Our onboard culinary staff delivers hearty and satisfying fare with their signature European service. The spacious dining room provides an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere and unimpeded views through full panoramic windows. And of course as with all RSVP vacations, you're free to sit wherever you want and with whomever you want. It's the perfect way to meet friends old and new in a relaxed setting.
 Begin your mornings early or late – it's your choice. Ether way, a sumptuous breakfast awaits. And, for those times when a quiet Continental breakfast in bed sounds appealing, breakfast room service is also available (service fee applies). Enjoy lunch inside or outside. We think you'll agree the delightful open-air seating is the perfect place to lunch while admiring the passing scenery. Dinnertime beckons with 5-star service, the finest chef-inspired recipes, and complimentary regional wines and beers. With good food, great friends, and a casually elegant setting, your dining experience onboard is sure to be a memorable one.
The Most Innovative River Boat Staterooms
 After a day of sightseeing, nothing feels better than retreating to your own personal sanctuary. Within your deluxe stateroom or suite, you'll savor the luxury of spacious, well-appointed rooms. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard. Since most staterooms feature a large floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with an innovative open-air French balcony, you'll experience Europe's beauty and history even while inside. And that means a more comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable vacation for you.
Avalon has been the industry leader in stateroom design, starting with an innovative all-suite concept that is unique in all of Europe. Take a look at our video on the left to see more.
Included Amenities
Ship
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Non-smoking interior
• Elevator
Sky Deck
• Outside viewing deck with premium lounge chairs
• Shade awnings
• Whirlpool
• Game area
Service
• English-speaking crew
• Avalon and RSVP Cruise Directors working together
• Onboard assistance to recommend, reserve, and further personalize your cruise
Sightseeing
• Included Shore Excursions - Choice of Leisurely, Traditional, or Independent sightseeing options
• Optional Shore Excursions to explore each destination even further. Booked and paid for onboard.
• Certified Local Guides
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions
• Biking excursions available in Dürnstein
• Use of Nordic walking sticks
• Complimentary maps
Activities
• Nightly entertainment
• Onboard lectures with local experts and artisans
• Behind-the-scenes ship tours
• Expanded "on-demand" in-room entertainment
Dining
• Onboard experiences with local chefs
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate, & premium coffees
• Open air dining on Sky Deck
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Room service for continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
Services
• Internet Corner
• Expanded Fitness Center
• Hair salon (manicures available)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access (unavailable in some areas)
• Well-stocked library
Add-on Amenities
Avalon will offer both an alcoholic beverage package and a non-alcoholic beverage package that may be purchased through RSVP approximately 120 days before departure. The 2016 costs are still being determined, but guests can expect to pay around 21 Euro per day for the non-alcoholic package and around 37 Euro per day for the alcoholic package. Here's what's included with each package:
Non-Alcoholic Package:
• Unlimited house wine (white, red, rosé – without alcohol)
• Unlimited Sparkling wine (without alcohol)
• Unlimited soft drinks and juices
• Unlimited non-alcoholic cocktails
• Unlimited espresso, cappuccino, tea, (at the bar)
• Unlimited Non-alcoholic drinks from the mini-bar
• Unlimited bottles of mineral water (sparkling/ still)
Alcoholic Package:
• Unlimited house wine (white, red, rosé – with or without alcohol)
• Unlimited Sparkling wine (with or without alcohol)
• Unlimited ChampAvalon Cocktail
• Unlimited draught beer
• Unlimited soft drinks and juices
• Unlimited cocktails
• Unlimited spirits (premium and top shelf)
• Unlimited long drinks
• Unlimited espresso, cappuccino, tea (at the bar)
• Unlimited bottles of mineral water (sparkling/ still)
• Unlimited drinks from the mini-bar
• 25% discount on any bottle from the wine list (including Champagne)
In order to properly stock the bars onboard, these packages will be booked in advance through RSVP; they will not be sold onboard. Look for the booking notice email with final pricing and instructions approximately 4 months before departure.
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European Splendor All-Gay River Cruise 2016 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 26 Jul |
Nuremberg, Germany |
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6 PM |
| 27 Jul |
Bamberg, Germany |
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| 28 Jul |
Würzburg, Germany |
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| 29 Jul |
Miltenberg, Germany |
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| 30 Jul |
Rüdesheim, Germany / Rhine Gorge / Cologne, Germany |
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| 31 Jul |
Cologne, Germany |
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| 01 Aug |
Düsseldorf, Germany |
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| 02 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
2 AM |
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Due to the nature of river cruising with ever-changing lock schedules and boat traffic, arrival and departure times can vary greatly and are subject to change without notice. Therefore, we don't list times in our Cruise Itinerary Snapshot. However, you'll always know the planned arrival and departure time for each port the night before we arrive.
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Nuremberg, Germany - July 26, 2016
 Guests on our Legendary Danube Cruise will be departing and those on our European Splendor Cruise will be joining as guests combining both cruises reach the mid-way point in their adventure.
Bamberg, Germany - July 27, 2016
 Today we'll experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg, the former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties. Your guided walking tour takes in Bamberg's historic center, including the great 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). You'll want to wander the town's serpentine streets with their charming houses and 18th-century mansions.
Würzburg, Germany - July 28, 2016
 Würzburg is known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road." This city is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards and makes an immediate impression with the imposing Fortress Marienberg perched above town and its 15th-century Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge). On your guided sightseeing tour, visit the magnificent baroque Bishop's Residenz, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Miltenberg, Germany - July 29, 2016
 Tucked away behind medieval defenses and towered gates rests our next stop – the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg, filled with fountains, half-timbered buildings, and endless charm. This city is a true cultural gem on the banks of the Main River, with its Marktplatz (market square) and cobblestone lanes. Marvel at the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall on your guided walking tour.
Rüdesheim, Germany / Rhine Gorge / Cologne, Germany - July 30, 2016
 Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. But what awaits after Rüdesheim will leave you speechless! The Rhine Gorge is one of the most dramatic stretches of this river so if you head up to the Expression's Sky Deck you'll see castle after castle lining the banks. We'll get into Cologne just in time for Saturday night! Cologne is Germany's most liberal city with a thriving gay scene so everything will be bustling!
Cologne, Germany - July 31, 2016
 After a night on the town, choose between an included Guided City Walk or Jewish Heritage Walk. Cologne's distinctive flavor is jovial and welcoming. As one of Germany's largest cities and the capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the river, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. The Old Town abounds with shops and taverns. Try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over 100 years!
Düsseldorf, Germany - August 1, 2016
 Our final stop before arriving in Amsterdam is the German town of Düsseldorf – the center of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region. Düsseldorf is an international business and financial center, renowned for it's fashion, trade fairs, and shopping! Be sure to visit Schloss Benrath and its beautiful gardens – a "French jewel in the crown of Düsseldorf."
Amsterdam, Netherlands - August 2, 2016
 This modern, sophisticated, and progressive city will be rolling out the rainbow carpet as we arrive the week of their celebrated Pride Festival. Tuesday morning provides us with the perfect disembarkation as we view this stunning city. With over 60 museums, Amsterdam is home to famous Dutch masters whose works can be viewed in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. For those guests not extending your stay through Pride Weekend, we say farewell. For those extending with RSVP, transfers to the hotel will be provided.
For a more in-depth look at our European Splendor River Cruise, please download our Detailed Itinerary & Excursion Guide. In it, you'll find everything you'll need to know about the itinerary and all included and optional excursions. This valuable information is the key to unlocking the adventure that awaits you!
Optional Pre-Cruise Experience – Prague
July 24-26, 2016
 In a magic capital, where past times have left an indelible and mysterious mark, there stands a neoclassical palace of incredible elegance: the 5-star Luxury Boscolo Prague Hotel – also known as the Boscolo Carlo IV. The scent of old wood, the splendid marble, the classical gables, the finishing, the stucco work: everything offers an exclusive welcome.
Let RSVP seamlessly handle your pre-cruise experience with:
• 2 nights at the luxurious Boscolo Prague Hotel
• Daily breakfast
• Transfer from Prague's Václav Havel Airport to the Boscolo Hotel
• Welcome Cocktail Reception
• Orientation Meeting
• Prague Sightseeing Tour
• Hosted Hospitality Desk
• Transfer from the Boscolo to the Expression in Nuremberg (approximately 3.5 hours)
Prague pre-cruise package prices:
July 24-26, 2016
Double Occupancy - $479pp
Single Occupancy - $678
Additional Nights
Double Occupancy - $169pp
Single Occupancy - $269
Optional Post-Cruise Experience – Amsterdam
August 2-4, 2016
 Welcome to the Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam! Or as it's known to locals, the Scheepvaarthuis (Dutch for shippinghouse) – perhaps the most beautiful structure built in the style of the Amsterdam School. This five-star gem boasts not only a breathtaking exterior, but also an interior of unsurpassed beauty. Every room features details from the hotel's storied maritime past.
Your optional post-cruise package includes:
• 2 nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam, with an option to extend through Amsterdam Pride weekend
• Daily breakfast
• Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise on August 2
• Transfer from the ship to the hotel
• Hosted Hospitality Desk
• Transfer from the hotel to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam post-cruise package prices:
August 2-4, 2016
Double Occupancy - $549pp
Single Occupancy - $818
Additional Nights
Double Occupancy - $239pp
Single Occupancy - $359
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