AVALON ARTISTRY II Ship Preview
In 2013, Avalon Waterways will take delivery of another one of its highly-successful Suite Ships: the Avalon Artistry II.
Featuring two decks of suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that are capable of transforming into what the line calls an Open Air Balcony™, this 361-foot long vessel transports guests in 52 suites and 12 staterooms along some of the most impressive waterways in Europe in style.
When she launches next year, Avalon Artistry II will operate the line’s Romantic Rhine itineraries sailing from Amsterdam to Basel; or from Zurich to Amsterdam.
AVALON ARTISTRY II Staterooms
There are six different categories of staterooms aboard the new Avalon Artistry II.
- Located on Indigo Deck, Category D and E staterooms start at 172 square feet, and feature two half-height windows located near the ceiling of the stateroom. These staterooms also feature a full bathroom complete with a glass door enclosed shower, a writing desk, vanity, and of Avalon’s deluxe beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian linens, European-style duvets, and a choice of firm or soft pillows.
- Categories A, B and P measure 200 square feet, and are located on the Sapphire and Royal decks. These “Panorama Suites” feature wall-to-wall windows that retract to create an open-air balcony capable of seating up to six fully-grown adults. The suites feature all the amenities of the above categories but with the addition of a coffee table and sitting area.
- Royal Suites measure 300 square feet and are located side-by-side on Royal Deck. These suites pull out all the stops, with all the amenities of the previous categories but with more space, larger sitting areas, and segmented bathrooms that feature separate toilets, showers, and vanity areas with dual sinks. Complimentary iPads are included for guest’ use in these suites, along with complimentary Wi-Fi.
All guests have access to a full-featured list of amenities, including nightly turn-down service, spacious three-door closets, flat-screen TV with movie channels, bathrobes and slippers, complimentary bottled water and L’Occitane toiletries.
AVALON ARTISTRY II Public Areas
Like her trendsetting sisters, it may be tempting to never leave your stateroom aboard Avalon Artistry II thanks to the soothingly modern décor and ample features found onboard.
The ship’s main restaurant offers up breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casually elegant, open-seating venue. Alternately, you can dine on regional specialties and lighter fare in the Panorama Bistro.
A rarity among many river cruise ships, Avalon Affinity II also offers continental breakfast and beverages delivered via room service.
The aptly-named Panorama Lounge is situated all the way forward, and makes for a great vantage point to enjoy the waterways of Europe in all weather conditions.
A fitness centre, Internet corner, hair salon, and aft-facing Club Lounge round out the mix of interior spaces.
The ship is also fully equipped with Wi-Fi access and a dedicated internet center, as well as a fitness center, an outside viewing deck, the Sky Deck featuring a unique shade system, premium lounge chairs, and a whirlpool.
River Cruisers Should Know!
- Avalon Artistry II’s interior is non-smoking.
- Headsets are available for guests on guided shore excursions.
- Room service, including continental breakfast, is available.
Live Voyage Report – Avalon Creativity On The Seine
- Day 1: Cruising La Seine From Paris to Rouen Through Art & History On Avalon Waterways’ Creativity
- Day 2: Two Overnights In Paris On Avalon Creativity
- Day 3: Monet, Monet, Monet: Impressions Of An Impressionist’s Gardens In Giverny
- Day 4: Roses & Ruins In Rouen, And A Young Lady Martyred & Remembered
- Day 5: A Trip To The Landing Beaches & A Stunning Discovery At The American Cemetery
- Day 6: Conquering Richard The Lionheart’s Castle
- Day 7: Avalon Creativity Cruise Review: Seven Days On The Seine, Does Avalon Measure Up?
Avalon Waterways - Europe Ships
Avalon Waterways - Asia
| Ship | Live Voyage Report |
|---|---|
| Avalon Myanmar (Irrawaddy River) | |
| Avalon Siem Reap (Mekong River) | |
| Avalon Saigon | |
| Ganges Voyager |
Read other articles on River Cruise Advisor about Avalon Waterways.
OK so we are back from our Cruise from Vienna to Passau and onto Munich.
Overall impression – really enjoyed it (our first cruise of any type) – 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.
The weather throughout was just great – daytime between 20 and 28 degrees – ship aircon worked great too.
Early start to get to airport – executive car and chauffeur at 02.00!!! Flights worked out very well and we were able to pre book our seats. KLM were great all the way via Schipol altho they got our seats mixed up on return but they will compensate us.
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 still looked brand new (15 months old). 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 organised the optional ones were a bit expensive but the organisation, quality of guides and transport were of the highest order. Tours were frequent so not real time to rest – hey ho – we may not pass this way again!
I guess you will want to know about the food. Overall I would consider it 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 altho we could have. Tea/coffee and cookies available all day and good quality too. Drinks with meals was fine altho we do not drink alcohol there was plenty for us to choose from;
Entertainment was OK – a pianist every night – a crew show which was good and 2 Slovakian chaps playing multiple instruments – we did go to a show in Vienna which was good and not badly priced.
The programme – well as I said earlier there was little time to rest if you took up all the tours but the choice is yours. The ship was well thought out (suitcases go under your bed etc) and the common rooks were very nice if not lavish.
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 organise everything (even the Captain!) her attention to detail and organisational skills were superb – She is matter of fact but had to deal with some trying situations and she sometimes showed her frustration. The cruise was exceptionally well organised throughout.
We spent 3 nights in the Sofitel Munich, right in the middle. This hotel was a let down – 5 star superior – I don’t think so – there were too many things to cover here but I think that Avalon have realiszed this and have changed for next year. Once again Isabel’s organisation at the hotel left nothing to chance.
So, would we go on another river cruise – if money was no object we probably would – at the moment the jury is still out.
Thank you Avalon, Isabel, the Captain and crew and of course the ship. If you have not doen this trip then go for it with Avalon for all the reasons abovestated – enjoy – we did.
Gill and Peter
We join Artistry II on Monday next week first cruise of any type ever my wife is a bit anxious about ships so will give a full report on our return. Sadly the admin pre-cruise has not been very good but we were told it is because they have been so busy with last minute bookings in Europe!
Best of luck! We look forward to your report. Thanks!
Just got off the ship on Nov 11 2013!! Artistry2 and her wonderful crew were outstanding!! Highly recommend going on the Rhine cruise!!
Tell us about your experiences onboard Artistry II — we’re sailing on her in a few weeks
I haven’t cruised Artistry but have cruised Creativity. Was very good. See this post http://www.avidcruiser.com/2012/07/24/avalon-creativity-cruise-review-seven-days-on-the-seine-does-avalon-measure-up/
Have booked my trip for June 2013, truly looking forward to the experience, will follow up with comments after the trip is over
Looking forward to your remarks. Thanks, Ralph