Welcome back to the Luxury Travelers podcast! Today, we’re in for a treat as we explore the world of river cruising with Richard Hickey from Avalon Waterways. Avalon offers an unparalleled experience with its relaxed luxury style, intimate ships, and exceptional crew, ensuring guests feel part of the family. From flexible dining options to themed cruises like wine lovers and Christmas markets, Avalon’s innovative offerings cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether exploring the wine regions of Bordeaux or immersing yourself in the culture of France and beyond, Avalon’s unique approach promises an unforgettable journey. Remember, enjoy yourself—it’s later than you think!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:37] Richard outlines the history of Avalon Waterways and awards for River Cruising with suites having beds face the window
[6:07] River Cruising and land excursion opportunities
[8:45] Richard describes the active and discovery cruises
[17:40 Dining and overnight experiences and festive cruises
[23:24] Cruising the rivers for 9 to 22 days

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Avalon Waterways emphasizes guest comfort with innovations like the Panorama Suite’s open-air balcony and bed-facing river views, offering an enhanced experience compared to traditional balcony designs. This also allows for more spacious staterooms and luxurious amenities.
The Avalon Choice program provides guests with diverse excursion options, including classic sightseeing, active experiences (biking and kayaking), and discovery activities (like cooking and painting classes). These options ensure personalized, enriching experiences without additional charges for most excursions.
Avalon offers diverse themed cruises such as wine-lover voyages, history explorations, Christmas market tours, and extended itineraries that span multiple rivers or countries, catering to various traveler preferences and interests.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Globus and Cosmos - Website

Richard Hickey - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Richard is a 36-year industry veteran who has held various sales positions with some of the top travel companies. Throughout his career, he has worked in both inside and outside sales roles for NCL, Disney, and Oceania. Additionally, He has successfully managed both national and key accounts for Club Med, MSC, and Scenic. Currently, I hold the position of Senior Director of Key Accounts with the Globus Family of Brands.

Luxury Travelers, Avalon Waterways, River Cruising, Luxury Travel, River Cruises, Wine Lover Cruises, Active Discovery, Cultural Experiences, Scenic Views, France, Bordeaux, Rhine, Danube, Christmas Markets, Wine Tasting, Culinary Exploration