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Travel Weekly
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
'Elevated Cruising' on the Avalon Artistry II in Bordeaux
When I first noticed Avalon Waterways' tagline, "Cruising Elevated," I didn't really give it a second thought. But after spending four days on the just-revamped Avalon Artistry II for the line's first cruise in France's Bordeaux region, it was clear this was more than just a marketing slogan. "It isn't just about being at a higher standard," said Avalon president Pam Hoffee. "It's about being different. And there are lots of different ways that Avalon is different." From a fleetwide refresh of its Panorama Suite ships to its impeccable service, it was easy for me to see on this Bordeaux sailing how the Avalon experience is, indeed, elevated. Opening the sliding windows in the Panorama Suites essentially turn the whole cabin into a balcony. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Avalon Waterways The ships Avalon has been working to set itself apart in the highly competitive world of river cruising for years. The first big distinction came more than a decade ago with the introduction of its Suite Ships, the only ones in the industry with floor-to-ceiling windows that slide to open a full 7 feet -- essentially turning the whole cabin into a balcony. That means extra space, regardless of the weather. It also enables the beds to face the view. The Artistry II is one of the original Panorama Suite ships, launched in 2013. But after the refresh, which upgraded its contemporary furniture and decor in all public spaces, including the Sky Deck, it could have passed as a new ship. The ships have also gotten new bikes, including four e-bikes, in a better variety of sizes. The Sky Deck aboard the Artistry II received new furniture as part of the ship's refresh, including comfortable couches. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Avalon Waterways Things to do Just before the pandemic, Avalon unveiled one of its most aggressive initiatives, the Active & Discovery excursions. They are just what the name implies, a wider selection of included activities that go beyond the must-see monuments or churches. Think hiking, biking, canoeing and cooking lessons. Itineraries that are designated Active & Discovery have a guaranteed choice of three included activities a day (active, discovery or traditional). But the varied activities also extend across most itineraries. In Bordeaux, for instance, one morning we did a 4-mile walk through the vineyards of Margaux, where our guide -- who also works in the fields -- told firsthand stories about life in the wine country. Another day, while some passengers took a traditional walking tour of Bordeaux and others visited the city's interactive wine museum, I took a day tour to the Atlantic coast, where we sampled the goods at an oyster farm before spending the afternoon at the beach town of Port Arcachon. We also spent two full nights in Bordeaux, allowing ample time for evening exploration -- another focus of Avalon. Other European itineraries include overnights in Vienna; Budapest; Amsterdam; Avignon, France; and Rudesheim, Germany. The Panorama Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows for expansive views. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Avalon Waterways What's on the menu? When I first started covering river cruises, I remember an industry veteran telling me that Avalon had a great product but that its food and wine was not quite up to par with its luxury competitors. What a difference a few years make. Avalon has not just embraced, but I would argue, has perfected, farm-to-table dining, with local wines and food that match where you are. "Our chefs actually go out and get the bread that is served at breakfast and lunch," Hoffee said. "So, yes, they're baking some of the bread onboard. But people want to taste local products." And in Europe, Avalon only pours European wines -- and ones that go with the destination. In Bordeaux, for instance, we sampled different wines from the region every day. There were also fresh, homemade soups each day. Dinners included options such as beef bourguignon, mussels, smoked pork with cabbage, even ham on a French baguette. And next year, Avalon will open a Sky Grill on the top deck for dinners under the stars. While Hoffee said Avalon is a latecomer to Bordeaux, it's working again to set itself apart by partnering with My Bordeaux Tours for its excursions. "We chose them because we liked that they were a small, women-owned business, and they just had great ideas and they had ideas that we thought would be things that our guests love," she said. "And so we're going to chateaus that not everybody goes to. ... We're going to little, small, family-owned wineries and really having an immersive experience."
TTG
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TTG
Avalon Waterways hits high note with Storyteller Series
Now in its fifth year, the Storyteller Series returns in 2026 with a range of star-studded sailings that bring icons of entertainment and literature aboard Avalon Waterway's Suite Ships. For travellers who dream of sailing with stars and storytelling with legends, Avalon is rolling out the red carpet for more beloved headliners including in 2026: celebrated actor, author and Avalon Waterways spokesperson Graham McTavish. 'While the world's waterways will always take centre stage with Avalon, when you combine breathtaking scenery with some of the most talented storytellers of our time, you create an experience unlike any other," said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. "With our Storyteller Series, we've redefined river cruising – offering guests front-row access to their favourite icons, unforgettable encounters and immersive adventures that turn the page on traditional travel." Rogue on the Rhône: A Legendary Voyage with Graham McTavish (8-Day River Cruise | Lyon to Arles | June 9 – June 16, 2026) – The Rhône River has played host to poets, conquerors and revolutionaries—but never Graham McTavish. Until now! Avalon guests are invited to join the Outlander star, bestselling author, and Avalon Waterways spokesperson for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where history, storytelling and adventure collide. Sip, sail and swagger through the heart of Provence and Burgundy, tracing the footsteps of Roman emperors, artistic masters and wine-loving rebels. On this special, Active & Discovery cruise itinerary, guests can expect riveting tales and legendary toasts as McTavish shares behind-the-scenes stories from his life on screen and the page. Prices start from £3864 per person based on double occupancy. Since its launch, Avalon Waterways' Storyteller Series has welcomed an impressive roster of world-renowned artists, authors, and icons – including Diana Gabaldon, Candace Bushnell, Gillian Flynn, Jen Hatmaker, Christopher Moore, Cheryl Strayed and more.
The Independent
21-04-2025
- The Independent
From vast views to vineyards: Why a river cruise is the best way to get a true taste of Bordeaux
It's 10.30am and I'm sipping my first glass of Bordeaux. Spittoons are available but the silky merlot and cabernet sauvignon blend that dances down my throat is too good to waste – even if it is still breakfast time. Bordeaux wine is, after all, the French region's proudest export. Even King Charles made sure he came to the city during one of his first state visits to France as monarch in September 2023. Forget the French road trip. A river cruise is the best way to discover the various vineyards and culture of Bordeaux, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2007, and the locals are on board with welcoming passengers – as I discovered on a trip with Avalon Waterways. The operator is the latest to launch sailings along the calm Garonne and Dordogne rivers, with Avalon Waterways president Pam Hoffee sharing that the region is top of its cruise passengers' wish lists for ideal itineraries. Local wine – and lots of delicious cheese – is, of course, a key part of the schedule on and off the ship, with pairings at dinner and excursions focused on visiting charming chateaux. It was at the 15th-century Chateau Siran in Medoc, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet, that I sipped its highly regarded 2017 vintage for breakfast after visiting the vineyard's vast stainless steel tanks used to ferment the wine before it is aged in oak barrels for up to 15 months. The velvety fruit blend with delicious hints of vanilla is worth waiting for. Across the river, to the east of Bordeaux along the Dordogne, there is an opportunity to blend your own wine at Chateau La Dauphine. It felt like being back at school as we were presented with a worksheet explaining how to use sight, smell and taste to identify a wine's flavours. It is a good party trick to take home. We were given test tubes to blend the vineyard's merlot and cabernet sauvignon and it was here that I gained an extra appreciation of how much skill is involved – especially as my mixtures failed to find the right balance between acidity, alcohol and tannins. My efforts tasted sharp compared with the smooth and fruity aromas of the actual wine on sale; I was told it takes 20 to 30 samples to make the perfect blend. I may have to stick to drinking rather than developing wine. You don't have to be a wine lover to enjoy Bordeaux, though. The region also has chocolate factories dating back to the 19th century. I could have spent all afternoon in Mademoiselle de Margaux, which sells chocolate sticks in delicious flavours such as orange or salted caramel. The sticks resemble vines of the nearby wineries but were actually a happy accident after a production line fault in 1969 created a series of twisted sticks that soon became popular with locals. It is not just the chocolate and grapes that make Bordeaux wonderful, it is also the people you meet. The long stays in port that you enjoy with a river cruise provide more time to get to know the locals. On the right bank of the Gironde estuary in Rue St Simon in Blaye, I met Les Kellen, a charming South African who runs Le Petite Cave wine bar and store, as well as the Etalon Rouge Vineyard and Winery. He has more than 40 years' experience producing and selling wine, and the first formal classification of Blaye and Bourg wines are even named after him. Kellen isn't shy about telling us that he can drink three bottles of wine on a daily basis, partly due to the wine tastings he hosts, but also as he considers it to be your first fruit of the day. Kellen proudly shares his tips on wine drinking, including the importance of making eye contact when saying cheers 'or you will have seven years of bad sex'. He seems to have a key to many buildings the vicinity as he leads us on a tour of the area including Airbnbs that he owns, an art gallery, and a workshop that houses his collection of classic cars including a 1955 Porsche 356 and his wife Clarissa's own artwork. There is a colourful canvas on the wall that is full of patterns made by visitors over the past three years and we were invited to make our own works of art using corks or brushes. The results showed a range of artistic skill including my own attempt at a palm tree that sadly belongs more in a nursery than an art gallery. Away from the vineyards and wine shops, you will find lots of character in the city centre of Bordeaux, Saint-Pierre, which is easily accessible from the Garonne. It was a delight to meet Bruno, an eccentric French tour guide with an immaculately fluffed beard and top hat, as well as matching leather gloves and shoes that would look at home on a Paris runway. But it was Bordeaux he spoke so proudly about as he led an e-bike tour around the cobbled streets, stone buildings and squares of the old and new town, pointing out landmarks such as Rue Sainte-Catherine, which is full of cafes and boutique shops. Bruno emphatically proclaimed that it isn't just the longest pedestrian street in Europe at 1.2km, but the largest shopping street on the continent – and I imagine it is where he buys his fashionable garments. He explained how the 18th and 19th century architecture we pass still looks immaculate and almost new after the mayor, Alain Juppe, offered tax rebates to anyone who cleaned the frontage of their buildings in 1995. It is easy to spot who complied even two decades later. The 128-capacity ship, Avalon Artistry II, has 64 cabins that it calls 'a view with a room', reflecting the 30ft wide open panoramic windows that can be almost fully slid open to become open-air balconies. It's a great way to take in the beautiful chateaux and vineyards as you float by. It is also helpful that the bed faces the view, a feature across the fleet, so you can lie back and appreciate the scenery. There are also floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounges and restaurants, where passengers sip specialty cocktails such as the fruity Bordeaux Sunset or the zingy Cruiser, swapping tales from excursions each afternoon and evening. Relaxing on the top deck is also a treat, where you are greeted by cyclists and runners along the gritty urban cityscape of Bordeaux on one side and the French countryside on the other. It is a view to drink to at any time of day. How to do it An eight-day Avalon Waterways Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages is priced from £1,700pp based on a 13 May 2025 departure. Flights and most excursions are included.
