Apparently super cold weather in the Netherlands is adversely impacting Avalon Waterways' Russia river cruising program planned this summer. Christian Schweitzer, the Australian marketing coordinator for Avalon Waterways, told online shipping publication Seatrade Insider that the cold weather has delayed reconstruction of a river cruise ship that was to operate the 2006 Russia program. He also confirmed that Avalon Waterways is now offering those booked on the June to September "Imperial Waterways" cruises between St. Petersburg and Moscow full refunds or a 40 percent discount on any of the company's 2006 tour products or cruises. Schweitzer also said travel agents' commission is being protected and that the company will put forth a Russia program in 2007.
