2013 Asia River Cruise Sales Surge on Yangtze & Mekong Rivers

August 15, 2012 (PRLEAP.COM) Travel News
According to Avalon Waterways, Asia is witnessing a swell in river cruise sales for 2013. In fact, the award-winning river cruise company's cruise sales in China for next year are up nearly 90 percent. Vietnam and Cambodia are showing even more promise with river cruise sales on the Mekong up more than 150 percent for 2013.

"As more travelers adopt river cruising as their preferred travel style, they want to broaden their experiences," said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "Our new ships and itineraries on both Mekong and Yangtze Rivers give them the luxury they're looking for, coupled with the exotic and enriching experiences they desire."

YANGTZE RIVER CRUISES
Coursing over major distances, the Yangtze is the longest river in Asia. Avalon travelers sail approximately 650 miles through the most impressive stretch of the river featuring the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Enhancing its Yangtze River offerings in 2013, Avalon is partnering with Century Cruises to offer travelers' two new ships and exclusive experiences.

"With help from Century Cruises, we are providing our travelers the most personalized, VIP experience available on the Yangtze River," said Clark. "Limiting Avalon travelers to 20 people on each Century ship, we are providing them exclusive perks as well as Small Group Discovery excursions in each city."

On ship, Avalon travelers will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the VIP restaurant on the Sun Deck as well as complimentary wine, coffee and tea. They will also have reserved seating for evening entertainment.

The Century Paragon (2012) and Century Legend (2013) are the most advanced ships cruising the Yangtze. They feature a state-of-the-art propulsion system that decreases emissions as well as a pillar-less, multi-function lounge for unobstructed views, a large indoor swimming pool and staterooms with more than 300-square-feet of living space, including private balconies.

MEKONG RIVER CRUISES
To meet demand for exotic cruises in SE Asia, Avalon Waterways is also providing travelers cruises on the NEW Avalon Angkor (2012). "Named after Angkor Wat and featuring only 16 staterooms, this is the first- and only- passenger ship built to cruise all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, exclusively eliminating seven hours of drive-time on land for travelers," said Clark.*

Designed and constructed by traditional craftsmen, the Avalon Angkor has a colonial charm and is hand-finished in brass and teak. This ship delivers an amazing indoor/outdoor experience for cruisers. Its Avalon Deluxe Staterooms measure 172-square feet and open to the outside with floor-to-ceiling, sliding glass doors with louvers, so cruisers will never miss the passing scenery. Cruisers aboard the new Angkor will also enjoy the Open-Air Lounges with panoramic views and 24-hour bar as well as spacious dining room, relaxing massage services and fitness equipment.

"With the Angkor, Avalon takes cruisers to difficult-to-reach villages, providing them a unique experience with immersive access into the diverse cultures and histories found in Vietnam and Cambodia," said Clark. "The Mekong excursions we provide cruisers, including a visit to Phnom Penh – the sight of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields – as well as onboard lectures, are not only eye-opening but also life-altering."

Early Booking Incentive: Save $300 per couple on select 2013 Avalon China river cruises. For details, visit our river cruise deals page.


AVALON'S 2013 ASIA RIVER CRUISES

  • 11-day Magical China & the Yangtze River, priced from $2,729 (land/cruise-only)
  • 15-day Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise, priced from $3,569 (land/cruise-only)
  • 15-day Enchanting China & The Yangtze River, priced from $3,629 (land/cruise-only)
  • 14-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River, priced from $3,269 (land/cruise-only)

  • *Depending on water levels.

    ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS
    Award-winning Avalon Waterways offers travelers the youngest, most innovative fleet of ships in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Egypt and the Galápagos. Our travelers have inspired us to utilize more than 80 years of travel expertise to design the best river cruise experience possible. We've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better-down to the last detail. Our views are panoramic and spaces large and inviting; comfort is king and dining both personal and flexible. And, thanks to our partnership with Globus, our itineraries are legendary. By design, Avalon cruisers are privy to all-inclusive access to a destination, including guided sightseeing in every port, VIP entry into key destinations and unparalleled cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors. In addition to countless trade accolades, Avalon Waterways has garnered some of the industry's most prestigious honors: Among them, the river cruise company was voted the Best River Cruise Line in 2010 by Cruise Critic editors, among the top 5 river cruise lines in Travel + Leisure's 2011 World's Best Awards and Condė Nast Traveler's 2011 Reader's Choice Awards; the river cruse line was also chosen as the "Best Value in River Cruising" by Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel. Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands.

    Consumers can book an Avalon Waterways vacation or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.877.380.1535. For more information, please visit www.avalonwaterways.com or "Like" us on Facebook.