River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

Anything to do with river cruising
User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#1

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

River cruise, Avalon Artistry II, Romantic Rhine, 8 days, commencing 12th May.

We're just back from our river cruise. I promised I'd report on it so here it is. I'll do it as a series of posts covering different aspects so it doesn't get too long in one chunk.

First a bit of info about what we booked and the company and ship in general. The cruise was 8 days, 7 nights on the Rhine, from Amsterdam to Basel, booked with Avalon Cruises on Artistry II.

The ship is brand new this season. It only went into service a month before our trip. We booked a panorama stateroom on the middle deck, which is pretty much the signature cabin on this craft. There are smaller cabins on the lower deck, partly below the water line, and some identical ones, plus two suites, which are 50% larger on the top deck.

We paid £4580 for the cruise for the two of us. The price included transfer from home to Manchester airport by 'executive' car, the flights by KLM scheduled service to Amsterdam and back from Zurich, via Amsterdam (a supplement was payable for the Manchester flights). On board the price also includes everything you'd expect on a sea cruise plus some extras. By the way as most of our sea experience is with P&O that is whom any comparisons are with. The included extras were drinks with dinner, a number of shore excursions and tips for Cruise Director and Crew.

As you'll realise the price is significantly higher than sea cruising even when the extras are taken into account. Avalon is towards the upper end of river prices but not the most expensive and there don't seem to be any offering similar quality for much less. River cruising is growing in popularity and competition is increasing so it seems likely that price and what is included will continue to be comparable as the various companies slog it out over coming years.

So that's what we booked. Further posts will cover different aspects of the holiday.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#2

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Getting there

We had a letter confirming details of our pick up a couple of weeks before departure and a phone call two days before. The transfer was advertised as by executive car, Mercedes E Class or similar. What actually turned up, bang on time at 6.20am, was a Hyundai 8 seater minibus. Even with leather seats I don't think Mercedes would support the comparison. Nonetheless the transfer was just us, so no touring round picking up others and was very efficient.

At the airport the best seats we could get were one behind the other. A penalty I suspect for not checking in on line, our mistake and a lesson for the future. Also not a major issue on such a short flight. We actually began our descent into Amsterdam before we'd crossed the Norfolk coast!

I'd forgotten how huge Schipol airport is. After a 50 minute flight we taxied for 15 minutes from the runway to the stand and once off the plane walked another 10 to passport control. After collecting our bags we went to the meeting point where the Avalon representative was waiting. He said our transfer coach would be about 30 minutes so we went for a coffee while we waited.

In the end there was just us on the coach for the transfer, about 30 minutes, into central Amsterdam.

Because passengers arrive throughout the day Avalon use a hotel as a meeting place and boarding is at 4pm. We've only ever cruised from Southampton so it felt a bit weird not to go straight to the ship but I guess it is a practicality.

At the hotel there was free tea, coffee and soft drinks and the option of a paid tour, ending at the ship, to pass the time. It was 1pm when we arrived so we decided to go for a wander in the city until boarding time. We had the option of going direct to the ship or back to the hotel for a transfer. On a warm day we would have happily meandered but it was chilly and wet so in the end we went back to the hotel for another tea and the coach transfer. If you happen to know Amsterdam, the hotel was the Movenpick, which is next to the cruise terminal, about 10 minutes walk to the city centre, and the ship was moored between the two so the transfer didn't take long.

On board we were greeted with a welcome drink and checked in, which was a very quick exchange of passports (to be returned the next day) for our cruise cards. Like P&O these are your charge card and your room key.

We were then shown to our stateroom. Our cases had come directly to the ship and were already there.

At the end of the cruise we were coached to Zurich for our flight home via Amsterdam. This time we got seats together. Apart from the pain of large international airports (Schipol has joined my hate list) and the hassle of being put through passport control again (painfully slowly), and security checked again (why did they do that – we arrived and departed on international European flights?), the transfer was smooth and even our luggage made it successfully to Manchester. And this time we did get the Mercedes!
Last edited by Mervyn and Trish on 20 May 2013, 15:14, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#3

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

The ship overall

The ship had three decks of cabins, the lower deck partly below the waterline with just windows. The upper two decks were all the same as ours, with the exception of two larger suites, with patio doors.

We'd opted for the middle deck to avoid any noise from feet on the Sky Deck above. In practice this wouldn't be an issue as there are soft coverings on that deck. We also opted for midships to avoid any engine noise or motion. In fact there was little of the former and none of the latter, the Rhine being a little calmer than the Bay of Biscay!

The main public rooms were the restaurant and the lounge/bar above it. Both were at the forward end of the ship and both had windows all round giving terrific views. There was a smaller quiet Club Lounge overlooking the stern of the ship, with a machine dispensing free hot drinks, including hot water for tea, with a range of different tea bags available, and a very acceptable latte macchiato coffee. There were also home made biscuits. There was a small fitness centre and a hairdresser.

Outside there was a small sheltered area at the bow and a small area for smokers at the stern. The largest outside area was the Sky Deck, running the full length of the ship, with various seats and loungers, some exposed and some shaded, and another area where smoking was allowed forward of the wheelhouse. There was an open air bistro and a jacuzzi.

Reception, in the middle of the ship, was the source of all information, had a very small selection of souvenirs, and Internet access point. There was free wifi throughout the ship. Being presumably linked to land through satellite or mobile phone network it was pretty slow, a bit like the on board P&O experience.

Because there were three decks of cabins aft and only two of public rooms forward it was sort of split level where it met in the middle, so for example our middle deck was only six steps up to the bar or six down to the restaurant.

All in all very easy to get round and all pristine as you’d expect in a new ship.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#4

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Our cabin

The cabin we'd booked was a Panorama Stateroom. It was around 200 sq feet, which is a good size for a river ship, and comparable to the cabins we've usually had with P&O. The shape was, however, different. It was shorter but wider than a typical ocean cabin, pretty much square.

The cabin design was novel, with a patio door across most of its width, with two of its three sections opening to turn the cabin into its own balcony, with just the railing between us and the river.

There was a two seater settee, table and chair just inside the window to function as stateroom or balcony furniture. A very clever space saving arrangement.

The cabin had a similar bed arrangement to P&O, being either two singles or a double. We didn't have a tape measure, but it didn't feel quite as big as the massive P&O double but was very comfortable. Also looking at it in double configuration the bedside cabinets and lights looked fixed so we couldn't see any way of separating the two twin beds by any distance. It may be that the twin option just means unzipping the mattresses and providing separate mattress toppers and duvets. There was supposed to be a choice of pillows but we didn't test that as we were quite happy with those on the bed.

There was plenty of storage for the week, with a double wardrobe and a number of shelves and cupboards. There was the usual safe and space under the bed for cases.

Just one small gripe on storage. The fridge was actually a minibar full of stuff we didn't want to buy, so there was nowhere to chill our free mineral water. I guess if we'd asked they would have probably emptied it, but we weren't that bothered.

The TV offered a number of English language channels, mostly news and sport, a good selection of films on demand, all free, and some music channels. There also some fireplaces, literally film of blazing log fires which we generally found on when we returned in the evening.

The shower room was better than anything we've experienced short of a suite on P&O. The finish seems to be real tiles. If it is artificial it's damned good and fooled us.

There was a proper shower cubicle, a decent size and no flappy curtain. Toiletries were L'Occitaine, with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. There was a nice oil fragrance diffuser in a niche on the wall. Toilet was the usual vacuum type you don't want to be caught sitting on when you flush it!

The decor was smart and modern. Overall it was excellent quality.

The cabin air conditioning was fully adjustable for both temperature and flow, including off if you didn't want it at all. On its lowest setting it was very quiet. The actual air inlet came up at the back of the dressing table so it didn't blow directly on you when sitting or in bed.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#5

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

The on board experience

The on board experience was much more laid back and relaxed than the P&O or, I imagine, any other ocean experience short of a private yacht. There were a maximum of 128 passengers in 64 staterooms (I think we actually had 4 fewer than that with one stateroom unoccupied and two singles).

There were 35 crew of a whole range of nationalities but all English speaking. Although that feels a poorer crew/passenger ratio than P&O, there were only 6 navigational crew, and only two entertainment staff (the Cruise Director and pianist/singer). No casino staff, no Headliners, no comedians, no shop staff, no future cruise or Peninsular Club staff, no pool attendants, no photographers and no-one painting the ship.

So actually a high proportion of the crew were actually dedicated to directly looking after the passengers, such as waiters, stewards etc. And because there was only one restaurant and one bar their efforts were concentrated in the places the passengers were, so we felt very well looked after. There were five cabin stewards, looking after 12/13 cabins each.

The cabin experience was very similar to P&O, with attention morning and evening, bed turned back, fresh towels as often as you wanted etc.

Waiters also served the wine but with most people sticking to the included drinks that worked just fine. The free wine flowed freely. Dinner felt relaxed with just the single sitting so no pressure to get people through quickly to use tables twice.

Passengers were pretty diverse too. We were the only Brits aboard (usually there are a few more). There were a lot of Australians and Americans and a few New Zealanders and Canadians. There was also a large group from Taiwan, though that's unusual apparently. Age range was fairly typical P&O.

Security was low key. No scanning or checking in or out when going ashore. I guess either they consider the terrorist threat to river cruisers is very low or rely on the fact that a strange face would be spotted very quickly. The system when going ashore was to pick up a shore pass with your stateroom number and return it when you got back. A check on the shore passes showed if someone was not back, or had forgotten to hand it in.

With so few people on the ship there were never any queues to get on or off. The only odd experience was that some ports were busy enough that ships had to moor alongside one another so on occasions to get ashore our gangplank took us onto the next ship, which we had to go through to get ashore. A good chance to check out the rivals!

Money works just like P&O. Charge everything to your cruise card and settle by pre-registered credit card at the end. On board currency is the Euro, but it is converted on check our.

If you fancy a bit of exercise, apart from the small fitness area, you can walk. There's no promenade deck as such but the Sky deck is around 100 metres long with plenty of space to walk circuits without falling over anyone. And you’re in port at some point every day so setting a stroll really isn’t an issue.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#6

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Itinerary

We boarded the ship on day one at 4pm. That evening there was a welcome aboard drink and canapés as we were introduced to our crew and this included a brief safety talk. Then it was dinner and an early night after a pretty long day.

Day two we stayed in Amsterdam till late afternoon, which felt pretty weird for us, being used to boarding in Southampton and getting underway the same evening. But of course it makes sense as Amsterdam is actually our first port of call.

The first included tour, by boat of the canals of the city, began at 8.45. We were transferred by coach to the boats, which was actually quite funny as the departure point was just a few minutes walk back down the road! On return from the water tour we opted to walk back to the ship, arriving back before the coach had even begun its return journey. Later in the day there were some optional extra tours, aimed at people who'd been to the city before or wanted to do more. Prices of the extra tours during the work were comparable to P&O, ranging from €31-€54 per person.

On return from trips a drink is offered. It was pretty tasteless but we think was supposed to be cranberry. We were also given hot hand cloths to freshen up and, presumably, reduce infection risk.

There are, incidentally, automatic hand sanitiser machines at strategic points round the ship which seemed to work more reliably than the P&O ones. Although we were encouraged to use them there was no enforcement.

In the late afternoon we had an actual drill of the evacuation procedure, all going up to the Sky Deck and trying on our life jackets. Later the Cruise Director told us we'd done it in pretty good time. Then she told us a 'story' of a real emergency. The ship was sinking so the Captain sent his second in command to order everyone to jump in the water. He returned to say they'd refused so the Captain went himself. First he went to a group of Germans and said "I order you to jump" and they jumped. Then he went to some Americans and said "You must jump for your country" and they jumped. Finally to some Australians he said "It is absolutely forbidden to jump" and they jumped.

We departed for the journey to Cologne late in the afternoon. Then it was dinner and music/dancing with the resident singer/pianist in the lounge/bar. He was pretty good, which was useful as he performed most nights.

Day three we had our only lie in of the week as we were not due into Cologne until 4pm. In the morning the Cruise Director gave us a talk about the history of Germany, especially related to the Rhine area, mingled with commentary on our progress.

Her job was very different from that of a CD on the ocean cruise ships.
She combined the roles of a dozen people, including guest lecturer, port lecturer, chief guide, trouble shooter and a few others.

After lunch we joined a tour of the ships galley, rather smaller those we've seen on P&O. It was amazing to see the tiny space in which they cater for up to 128 passengers plus crew.

We arrived in Cologne at 4pm for an included walking tour of the main sights of the city. This was the first use of our earpieces and headsets to hear the commentary. We have come across similar technology on some P&O tours but in this case it is consistently used. We had been issued with out own earpieces at the beginning and each time we did a tour we picked up a receiver as we went ashore. These were colour coded into four groups which then matched the colours used by individual guides and also coaches where these were used.

The tour was at a leisurely pace. If even that was too fast there was a separate group for those who wanted to go slower and, because there is some interesting Jewish history in the city there was a further group concentrating on that, again as an included tour.

After dinner a classical trio came aboard to give a short concert before we sailed away at 10.45pm. If you've seen the Viking sponsorship ads currently running on ITV I'm pretty sure that is the location of the city night scene with the twin spires of the cathedral in the background.

On the morning of day 4 we arrived early in Koblenz, mooring just off the Rhine on the Moselle for an 8.30am included walking tour of the city before beginning our passage of the most beautiful part of the river, the Rhine Gorge. We'd wondered if we'd miss any sights when we were sailing at night but in fact much of what passed in darkness was fairly dull industrial river and he best scenes bits were in daylight.

Where there were odd interesting sites at night we were given timings for them and the option of a wake up call when we passed them. It was an option we didn't take! Apparently though on a previous cruise where it passed the site of a particular military event one guest did request a wake up call and was observed on deck by the crew at the appropriate point, in full uniform, saluting.

On this occasion we opted to do our own walking tour with the help of the port guide provided by Avalon, different style but similar idea to those provided by P&O. Avalon also send you a glossy guide book which covers all the areas they cruise before departure, with your tickets in a smart wallet. Remember those?

Throughout the day's cruise along the most scenic part of the Rhine the Cruise Director provided a very informative commentary. This was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip and this is the part of the Rhine which everyone thinks of when considering this cruise.

On arrival in Rudesheim there was another included tour with a visit to a fascinating museum of mechanical musical instruments (things like fairground organs, barrel organs and lots more) followed by a chance to sample a local coffee, which owed rather more to the local brandy than actual coffee! That was followed by an optional extra dinner in a local restaurant but we instead returned to the ship for dinner there. We stayed in port overnight and sailed in the early hours for our next call in Mainz.

In Mainz there was another included walking tour at 8.30, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the first printing press. This was the start of a packed and complicated day. We sailed to Gernsheim, during which the Cruise Director gave part two of an informative talk about German history, followed by a German themed lunch. The stop in Gernsheim was just a few minutes to disembark an included tour to Heidelberg. We opted out of this one. On paper it looked like a long coach drive there and back for a short and rather rushed visit, which we later learned is how it turned out.

Instead we opted to stay aboard for the cruise to Mannheim, where again we only stopped for a few minutes to pick up the tourers. During this transit I managed to get a short visit to the ship's bridge. This is something mentioned in some of Avalon's literature, alongside the galley visit, but was not actually offered as part of the on board programme. I suspect that may be because river levels were exceptionally high so navigation required extra concentration. However, it was not difficult to arrange with the help of the CD.

This evening, as we cruised towards Strasbourg, the entertainment was a passenger and crew talent show. I'll admit we weren't looking forward to it, but in the end it was fun. A couple of our fellow passengers had volunteered to sing. One, who had never sung in public before and described himself as a bathroom singer, had been urged/forced to enter by his wife. He turned out to be one of those "Susan Boyle" moments. He was excellent. Another couple performed a short dance. Then "volunteers" were sought to perform roles in a short story narrated by the CD. It was, against the odds, very funny. Perhaps the drink helped!

The crew show was a series of short comedy sketches. I'm possible not selling the well but the overall result was an entertaining evening.

Next morning, day 6, found us in Strasbourg. This was the first time we'd moored any distance from the city centre, a couple of miles on foot. The morning's included trip began on a trip boat which came to pick us up at the ship. As we headed for the city we passed the European Parliament buildings where MEPs meet for one week each month to waste our money and take decisions which we follow like sheep and other nations ignore. Alongside is the European Court where they overrule our own courts and allow scumbags to do as they please at the expense of law abiding citizens. Sorry, did I say that out loud?

After a tour circuit of the old city by boat we are then taken ashore to visit the
Cathedral before free time. At the end of the free time coaches were available to return to the ship, but we opted for the 30-40 minute walk.

At lunch we were entertained by a local accordion player before one of the optional paid tours set off to do some wine tasting. There was also the option of a free shuttle bus back into the city centre.

Before dinner as part of the next day's briefing we were given information about disembarkation. The end was nigh! After dinner there was a short film about the Black Forest and a carving demonstration by a clock maker whom we were due to visit the next day. A free raffle followed with a cuckoo clock as the first prize.

Our final stop was at Breisache for our included scenic coach tour of the Black Forest, including the visit to the Cuckoo Clock shop, with free tea/coffee and Black Forest Gateau – what else!

The afternoon has an additional paid tour, or free time to wander ashore.

On the final evening there was a farewell Captain’s cocktail party and a gala dinner – seven courses – during which we were introduced to the entire crew, with the sole exception of the one steering the ship!

I mentioned high water levels. Apparently our trip was the first of the season where the ship has actually got all the way to Basel. Even then one bridge was so low they had to stop and dismantle the rails on the Sky Deck before we could get under.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#7

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Food

Overall we thought the food was very good. Our single, very minor, gripe was no tea or coffee facilities in the cabin. However, with both available 24 hours a day in the Club Lounge that only meant a small adjustment to our usual schedule with me having a shower and dressing before setting off to liberate a couple of cups.

Main meals were all served in single open seating sittings in the restaurant, with an option of a light early breakfast and a light lunch in the lounge/bar.

Breakfast was a help yourself buffet. Although inevitably with a smaller ship they couldn't offer quite the range of the ocean cruisers, there was no shortage of options, including cereals, pastries and breads, cold meat, cheese, fruit and hot breakfasts, with scrambled egg on tap and other eggs cooked to order. Breakfast did include, if you wanted, champagne (or at least sparkling wine).

Lunch was also a buffet, again with a range of hot and old options and soft drinks included. Alcoholic drinks were available as extras.

In the afternoon tea, coffee and cakes were served in the lounge/bar.

Dinner was around 7pm each night, with slight variations dependant on where we were. As noted above it was open seating, so sit where you, with tables of 2, 4 or 6. There were, however, only about the same number of seats as passengers, so choices reduced the later you arrived. But there were no duff seats. With the ship only 11 metres wide every table had a river view one side or the other.

The menu offered a minimum of four courses similar to the P&O offering, with starter, soup, main course and dessert, plus tea or coffee. No after dinner sweeties! Part of the deal was included wines or beer with dinner. There was a choice of very palatable red or white wine which continued to flow as long as we continued to drink.

We'd put the standard of food as better than the P&O main restaurant (or indeed the MDR on any line we've been on) but not as good as the alternative dining venues.

On the second night the welcome dinner was up to seven courses, albeit some quite small. Amuse Bouche, appetiser, soup, starter, sorbet, main course and dessert. It was similar on the last night. All main meals were served plated and beautifully presented so no opportunity to fill up on extra veg, but we felt comfortably full after each meal.

There is also a late night snack offered. The lack of after dinner sweets was made for by the variety of pillow offerings later - much more variety than the fairly dull P&O ones we get these days.

On some days an alternative was offered, including a barbecue on the Sky Deck (although that got cancelled because it was raining) and a bistro/tapas style dinner served in part of the lounge/bar. Although you had to book for them, these alternatives were included in the price, not extras.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#8

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Prices

Most stuff was included and we only managed to spend about €50 in the week. But to give you an idea, some typical bar prices were:

Beer €3.10 to €4.50 for 0.3l to 0.5l

Gordon's gin €4.40 for 4cl

Brandy from €4.00 for 2cl

Glenfiddich €7.00 for 4cl

G&T €7.30

Cocktails from €5.90 to €7.50

There was a happy hour each day, sometimes before dinner, sometimes after, with two drinks with the price of one, so we never actually paid full price.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#9

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Mobility

Neither of us has any disability so I'm not well qualified to judge on this. However, I'll tell you what I observed.

The standard cabins I would say are as easy, or as difficult, as the standard P&O cabins. Door widths, for example are similar. There was one designated accessible cabin on the ship, with a wider door. And it is on the middle deck next to the Atrium so as close as possible to all facilities.

On the plan of the ship there's only one public room designated as accessible, the lounge/bar, but I could not see any greater difficulty getting to the restaurant. Maybe, however, there's some legal issue or disclaimer so best to check before booking.

There was no-one on the ship using a wheelchair. There was one lady within quite severe mobility issues using a wheeled walker. She said she'd been told she couldn't there wasn’t a wheelchair she could borrow on the ship because of space constraints, but I'm not clear whether you would be allowed to bring your own foldable chair. There certainly isn’t obvious space or facilities for charging electric ones in public areas so anyone considering it needs to ask the company.

However the lady we asked did say she had no great difficulties getting round the ship. Because of its size nowhere is too far away. There's a lift to all decks except the Sky Deck and it's not much used by other passengers so is readily available for those who do need it.

Trips ashore were, however, a different matter. Moorings vary and sometimes the gangway was quite steep. Although crew are very helpful there are not always as many on hand to help on the gangway as on P&O. On this particular cruise many of the ports have call have cobbles and a number of the included tours were walking tours. As I've said elsewhere, however, on each of these tours there was a specific group for slower walkers.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#10

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Sunbeds, children, booze cruisers, smokers and missed ports.

Yes the usual gripes.

Well sunbeds, or at least seats on the sky deck, are not an issue. I counted 142 assorted sunbeds, chairs and seats on the sky deck, for a maximum of 128 passengers. With no pool to lounge round there was no real favourite place so finding a seat was never a problem. Plus the view is pretty much the same from anywhere. That didn't stop the odd person reserving a particular chair while they went for lunch but it was (a) not a real problem and (b) pointless.

Avalon Cruises will not accept bookings for children under 8, or anyone under 18 if unaccompanied by an adult with whom they must share the cabin, but to be honest it's not really a holiday for young children anyway and there are no specific children’s facilities. So no issues there either.

These cruises do not appear at hugely reduced prices at present. That's not to say what might happen in the future as competition increases but for now there are no £299 deals, so no-one on board because it's cheaper than Magaluf. Or to put it less subtly, no riff raff! And another non-problem.

There is a strict smoking ban inside the ship and two smoking areas outside and there appeared to be no significant conflicts. I did overhear one person moaning about the area allocated for smokers (basically that was too good for them!) but since non-smokers are not banned from them that seemed a gripe too far. And one day I noticed someone had hidden the ashtrays! Pathetic, but not a show stopper.

Missed ports can be an issue and if you can’t live with it don’t book a river cruise. Water levels rise and fall and can be too high or too low to get to the advertised ports. As mentioned we were the first this year to get all the way to Basel.

The Cruise Director does arrange alternatives if ports can’t be reached, which might mean longer coach trips. But on our cruise, for example, the cruise thorough the Rhine Gorge was the highlight. We made it everywhere but if you are one of those who moans if you don’t (a) don’t go or (b) don’t expect compensation. It’s in the terms and conditions!

So in general very few gripes to be heard on our trip. A happy bunch.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#11

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Would we do it again and would we choose Avalon?

Yes to both. On balance if we had to choose we still prefer ocean cruising over river cruising, particularly if it is to and from Southampton.

But we loved the experience and far from possibly being bored on the much smaller ship, as we had thought we might be, have arrived back exhausted after trying to pack everything in. Thank goodness we have a fortnight on Aurora later in the year with a few quiet sea days to get our breath back.

And apart from the small matter of the Mercedes Avalon delivered everything they promised. The Cruise Director, who is independent and has worked for others, says Avalon considers itself four star. Scenic is considered five star, but largely because even more is included, such as a wider range of tours and a butler, but the quality is similar and it is more expensive. Frankly, we couldn’t fit much more in, however much free stuff they chucked at us. Another factor when we made our booking was Scenic didn’t offer a week on the Rhine, which is what we wanted to do.

Viking, the most aggressive in marketing in the UK at present, are considered three star. We did walk through one of their ships when we were moored outside it and it looked very nice. But is was only a few feet longer than ours and carried 50% more passengers, so the cabins have to be smaller and it must feel more crowded. But is is a little cheaper. So we wouldn’t reject the alternatives when we come to consider another river cruise, but if Avalon have the itinerary we want at the time we want to go they’d certainly be our top choice.

User avatar

Meg 50
Senior First Officer
Senior First Officer
Posts: 2266
Joined: January 2013
Location: sarf London

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#12

Post by Meg 50 »

thank you for your report. The similarities with our experience on the Rhone last week were striking!

Our TA was on the Rhine when he let us know about our water levels - he was suffering too!
Meg
x

User avatar

Holiday Planner
Second Officer
Second Officer
Posts: 400
Joined: January 2013
Location: Shropshire

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#13

Post by Holiday Planner »

A really detailed account - you paint the picture perfectly, thank you. I think this might be something we'll consider in the future.
Angela

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#14

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

I just had my fingers crossed for the people getting on the ship when we left it. We got into Basel (a fairly grotty commercial port) purely for our disembarkation and if we'd been prevented getting in it would have simply meant a longer coach journey to the airport. On the other hand, if the water rose again and they couldn't get out of Basel that would be pretty grim!

User avatar

Bobbie
Cadet
Cadet
Posts: 73
Joined: January 2013
Location: UK

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#15

Post by Bobbie »

Thanks for this very detailed report, it was really interesting as we are going on our first river cruise later in the year. We fly to Zurich and begin the cruise in Basel, then sail to Cologne via some of the places you mention - Strasbourg, Breisach, Koblenz and Rudesheim - so we will be sailing upriver instead of downriver (is that right?) We have booked with Riviera, they are a bit cheaper than a lot of the others but don't have alcoholic drinks included, however that doesn't worry us as we are not big drinkers. There are two included coach tours (one all day, one half day) and a walking tour of Strasbourg. I'm actually not good on coaches, but am hoping I will feel up to going because the tours sound lovely. You have really wet my appetite, I am looking forward to it even more now!

User avatar

Manoverboard
Ex Team Member
Posts: 13014
Joined: January 2013
Location: Dorset

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#16

Post by Manoverboard »

Viking are 3* ... I thought they were 5* ... I don't want to be riff raff ... I don't want to go now :lol:

Loved the report, we have been to the majority of those places but I would suggest to others that they do book the Heidelberg option.

You didn't mention the ' Lorelei ' and zis iz unforgivable.

Welcome back :wave:
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being

User avatar

Dancing Queen
Senior First Officer
Senior First Officer
Posts: 3819
Joined: January 2013
Location: Derbyshire

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#17

Post by Dancing Queen »

Have really enjoyed reading your review M&T , do you have any menus you can post for us.
Jo

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#18

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Manoverboard wrote:
Viking are 3* ... I thought they were 5* ... I don't want to be riff raff ... I don't want to go now :lol:

Loved the report, we have been to the majority of those places but I would suggest to others that they do book the Heidelberg option.

You didn't mention the ' Lorelei ' and zis iz unforgivable.

Welcome back :wave:

I think the stars quoted by our CD are more to do with the amount of what's included than the quantity of it. But the clue should have been in the buy-two-get-one-free deal you got! The Viking ships looked very nice, just maybe a few more passengers in a similar space. But let's face it fewer than 200 is still pretty quiet compared to an ocean ship and makes a huge difference when trying to go ashore.

We would have done Heidelberg but we were a bit knackered and Trish is not good with coaches - though having said that the ones they used for the transfers and the Black Forest were very good. You apparently get more time to do Heidelberg travelling downstream because going with the current the ship moves a lot faster.

And you're right about the Lorelei, the creme-de-la-creme of the very best bit of the river, the Rhine Gorge.

Enjoy you trip. Just take your best jeans and they'll never know you're riff raff. :lolno:

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#19

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Bobbie wrote:
Thanks for this very detailed report, it was really interesting as we are going on our first river cruise later in the year. We fly to Zurich and begin the cruise in Basel, then sail to Cologne via some of the places you mention - Strasbourg, Breisach, Koblenz and Rudesheim - so we will be sailing upriver instead of downriver (is that right?) We have booked with Riviera, they are a bit cheaper than a lot of the others but don't have alcoholic drinks included, however that doesn't worry us as we are not big drinkers. There are two included coach tours (one all day, one half day) and a walking tour of Strasbourg. I'm actually not good on coaches, but am hoping I will feel up to going because the tours sound lovely. You have really wet my appetite, I am looking forward to it even more now!
Hi Bobbie. Sounds pretty much like the exact reverse of our itinerary. You'll be going downstream so travelling a little faster than us which means you get a bit more time ashore. Don't worry too much aout the coaches. Trish isn't good either but the ones we went on were good modern coaches and with the aid of the travel sickness pills she was fine. I don't know if its the norm but Avalon seemed to consistently use 4 coaches for a maximum of 124 people on each tour so there were spare seats and no-one had to sit right at the back or over the wheels if they didn't want to.

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#20

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Dancing Queen wrote:
Have really enjoyed reading your review M&T , do you have any menus you can post for us.
Hi Jo. Sorry couldn't get any menus. They don't seem to give them away like P&O at the end. surprisingly I can't find any on their website either and the ones in the brochure we have are too small to read.

But to give you some idea at dinner there were usually four courses, a starter, a soup, main course and dessert. There was always a reasonable number of choices - at least three or four. Starters included salads as well as things like smoked salmon, goats cheese, pates, and there was always a vegetarian option. Main courses included a fish option, meat and vegetarian and as well as the fancier things simpler options such as grilled chicken and steak were always available. There were usually two soups, occasionally three. Desserts included various fruity things, pannacotta, creme brulee etc and there was always cheese and icecream. The chef would cook your meat as you wished so, for example, one night we had rack of lamb which I know some people like pretty pink. I prefer mine well done and that wasn't a problem.

There was always bread and tea/coffee after and iced water as well as the included wines and beers.

On two nights there were additional small courses - amuse bouche, appetiser, sorbet, as well as the usual four. And on various nights I remember lobster tails and scallops among my favourites.

Breakfast had all options up to and including the full English. Lunch had a salad buffet and usually a choice of two or three hot dishes. There was a lighter option lunch too - mostly salad. And mid afternoon tea/coffee and a choice of at least a couple of nice cakes.

I almost forgot - late in the evening a few sandwiches and little nibbly things appeared if you really were still hungry.

User avatar

Manoverboard
Ex Team Member
Posts: 13014
Joined: January 2013
Location: Dorset

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#21

Post by Manoverboard »

Mervyn and Trish wrote:
... Just take your best jeans and they'll never know you're riff raff. :lolno:
Great tip, many thanks :relaxed:

Prompts me to ask about your dress codes ... were they all smart caj bar a jacket / no tie on the Captain's night ?

... and did they offer Regional dishes / wines on one's evening dinner Menu / Specials Board ?
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being

User avatar

Topic author
Mervyn and Trish
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 15258
Joined: February 2013

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#22

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Manoverboard wrote:
Mervyn and Trish wrote:
... Just take your best jeans and they'll never know you're riff raff. :lolno:
Great tip, many thanks :relaxed:

Prompts me to ask about your dress codes ... were they all smart caj bar a jacket / no tie on the Captain's night ?

... and did they offer Regional dishes / wines on one's evening dinner Menu / Specials Board ?

I'm glad you asked Moby. I forgot all about dress codes. For the most part it was smart casual with a fairly liberal interpretation. I saw jeans but only one pair of shorts (and they looked pretty damned good on the young lady wearing them). And given the cost of the trip, plus some pretty expensive flights on top for most of the passengers, I'm guessing even those jeans weren't from Walmart.

Only on one night, the gala dinner, was the code elevated to smart, and while the ladies generally looked pretty good only a few chaps wore a jacket and even fewer a tie. Definitely no DJs and black ties.

And to be honest it worked very well. My good lady and I enjoy dressing up on P&O and it smarts a bit when you see the odd protester mingling among the glamorous with their track suit on. Everyone fitted well and no-one stood out as a sore thumb.

Yes there were some regional dishes and it was mostly regional wines on the free list. On the Strasbourg night we even had a guest French Chef on board, again reflected in the menu that evening.

There was a German angled lunch with sausages, sauerkraut and schnitzels and Black Forest Gateau was in evidence.

However, simpler things such as grilled chicken, steaks and salads were always available.

Of course I have to stick to a special diet which prohibits me eating anything labelled "healthy option".

Which is why I put on 7lbs and am now on the soup and salad diet.

User avatar

Meg 50
Senior First Officer
Senior First Officer
Posts: 2266
Joined: January 2013
Location: sarf London

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#23

Post by Meg 50 »

there's one of ours here:
http://www.cruise-community.me.uk/galle ... &sd=d&st=0

was it similar?
Meg
x

User avatar

Holiday Planner
Second Officer
Second Officer
Posts: 400
Joined: January 2013
Location: Shropshire

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#24

Post by Holiday Planner »

Could you have soft drinks included with dinner as an alternative to wine or beer? (Andrew is teetotal).
Angela

User avatar

Dancing Queen
Senior First Officer
Senior First Officer
Posts: 3819
Joined: January 2013
Location: Derbyshire

Re: River Cruise Review - Avalon Artistry II

#25

Post by Dancing Queen »

Mervyn and Trish wrote:
Dancing Queen wrote:
Have really enjoyed reading your review M&T , do you have any menus you can post for us.
Hi Jo. Sorry couldn't get any menus. They don't seem to give them away like P&O at the end. surprisingly I can't find any on their website either and the ones in the brochure we have are too small to read.

But to give you some idea at dinner there were usually four courses, a starter, a soup, main course and dessert. There was always a reasonable number of choices - at least three or four. Starters included salads as well as things like smoked salmon, goats cheese, pates, and there was always a vegetarian option. Main courses included a fish option, meat and vegetarian and as well as the fancier things simpler options such as grilled chicken and steak were always available. There were usually two soups, occasionally three. Desserts included various fruity things, pannacotta, creme brulee etc and there was always cheese and icecream. The chef would cook your meat as you wished so, for example, one night we had rack of lamb which I know some people like pretty pink. I prefer mine well done and that wasn't a problem.

There was always bread and tea/coffee after and iced water as well as the included wines and beers.

On two nights there were additional small courses - amuse bouche, appetiser, sorbet, as well as the usual four. And on various nights I remember lobster tails and scallops among my favourites.

Breakfast had all options up to and including the full English. Lunch had a salad buffet and usually a choice of two or three hot dishes. There was a lighter option lunch too - mostly salad. And mid afternoon tea/coffee and a choice of at least a couple of nice cakes.

I almost forgot - late in the evening a few sandwiches and little nibbly things appeared if you really were still hungry.
Thanks M, I am a very plain eater so good to know chicken/steak is always available, hmmmm the German menu wouldn't appeal but hey Black Forest for starter, main and dessert would be fine by me :lol:

I was just about to ask about dress codes ( thank you Moby ) I like how Meg travelled ( Eurostar ) unfortunately it wouldn't be an option for me ( as much as I would love to do it ) there is no way I could travel through a tunnel under water so we would have to fly and of course the concern there is weight limit and restrictions of what you can take but smart casual is pretty easy so I think even me ( who doesn't travel light ) could manage that.

Meg, thanks for the menu.
Jo

Return to “River Cruising”