Avalon Waterways has successfully hosted Irish travel agents onboard as part of its ongoing commitment to trade engagement, giving partners the opportunity to experience the river cruise product first-hand.
The fam trip at the end of November welcomed invited agents to join Avalon Waterways’ ‘Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers’ itinerary. Agents enjoyed a three-night sailing from Rüdesheim to Amsterdam onboard Avalon View, staying in the line’s signature Panorama Suites. The trip was hosted by Jo-Ann Raleigh and Alan Sparling from ASM Ireland who represent Avalon Waterways in the Irish market.
Agents onboard included store managers, senior travel consultants and cruise specialists from leading Irish agencies. Throughout the sailing, agents were able to explore the Avalon experience both onboard and ashore, with a range of excursions available to showcase the style, flexibility, and immersive nature of Avalon’s itineraries. Highlights included time to explore the Christmas markets of Koblenz, a walking tour of Cologne, Gala Dinner and a guided canal cruise through Amsterdam.
Phil Shipman, UK and Ireland Sales Director for Avalon Waterways, said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming agents onboard again and giving them the chance to experience what makes Avalon so special. We know how stand-out our product is, and there’s no better way to understand it than being on the ship, seeing the suites, and enjoying the onboard experience first-hand. Agents are integral to everything we do at Avalon Waterways, and we’re delighted to continue strengthening relationships across the Irish market.”
Avalon is renowned for its elevated cruising experience and the exceptional views offered onboard. No other river cruise fleet features the award-winning Avalon Panorama Suites (SM), which are 30% larger than the industry standard and offer river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river with uninterrupted panoramic views. Avalon’s cabin layout is also designed so that beds face outward towards the floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring guests wake up to a new view each morning.
Avalon Waterways’ river cruises include a wide range of inclusions as standard, such as full-board dining, complimentary regional wine or beer at mealtimes, soft drinks, daily happy hour with complimentary drinks, included excursions, and gratuities. Onboard dining options range from four-course chef-designed menus in the main dining room with flexible mealtimes, to more informal dining for light bites, and the Sky Grill on the top deck for outdoor barbecues in a memorable open-air setting.
For more information on the itinerary, visit:
https://www.avalonwaterways.ie/river-cruise/romantic-rhine-for-wine-lovers-northbound/WZA-T7/?season=2026 or visit www.avalonwaterways.ie
