We always enjoy receiving reader comments here at River Cruise Advisor, particularly from people who are new to river cruising.
Recently, Gill and Peter wrote to us to detail their recent experience aboard Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Artistry II. Sailing from Vienna to Passau, it was the couple’s first-ever cruise. They penned their comments on River Cruise Advisor last week, but in order to give them a little more exposure, we’re republishing excerpts in this post to give readers a feel for how Avalon Waterways delivered for the first-time river cruisers.
We welcome comments from your river cruises as well. You’ll find comment forms on nearly every page of River Cruise Advisor. So place your cursor in the comment box and begin typing for the benefit of others.
They write:
Avalon left nothing to chance — exceptional quality throughout — expensive but you get what you pay for — yes would recommend them and this crew and ship in particular.
Met everyone in the Inter Continental in Vienna before moving to ship. We had a Royal Suite (2 on board) cabin 306. This was very nice indeed and plenty of space and storage. Wonderfully clean and well appointed. Fantastic opening balcony gives greater room space. The whole ship was a credit to the crew — spotless. Turn down service and clean towels and linen every day. Two days in Vienna were busy with included and optional tours, very well organized the optional ones were a bit expensive but the organization, quality of guides and transport were of the highest order. Tours were frequent so no real time to rest — hey ho — we may not pass this way again!
Like any good cruise, food played an important role in the couple’s experience.
Overall I would consider it [the food] to be good rather than great. Buffets were good with excellent selection; served meals were nouvelle cuisine good quality but not much on the plate — presentation was superb — pity that the restaurant service was a bit slow and somewhat confusing at times (did not get my breakfast special one day!). We did not take any meals in our cabin although we could have. Tea/coffee and cookies available all day and good quality too. Drinks with meals was fine although we do not drink alcohol there was plenty for us to choose from.
Avalon’s staff worked hard to impress Gill and Peter:
The atmosphere on this ship is exceptionally friendly and the dress code is very very relaxed even for the Captain’s events. The Americans and Aussies loved the relaxed atmosphere too.
Our cruise Director Isabel could not have worked harder to organize everything (even the Captain!) her attention to detail and organizational skills were — She is matter of fact but had to deal with some trying situations and she sometimes showed her frustration. The cruise was exceptionally well organized throughout.
Of course, the overriding mark of success for any river cruise always boils down to one factor: Would you do it again? For Gill and Peter, their time aboard the Avalon Artistry II left an impression on them. They state that if money were no object, they likely would cruise again, and close by saying:
Thank you Avalon, Isabel, the Captain and crew and of course the ship. If you have not done this trip then go for it with Avalon for all the reasons above stated — enjoy — we did.
– Gill & Peter
More information on Avalon Waterways can be found by viewing our complete profile here on River Cruise Advisor.
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