Avalon Waterways Reports Asian River Cruise Sales Growth

mekong riverAvalon Waterways reports that Asia is witnessing growth in river cruise sales for 2013. The  river cruise company says its cruise sales in China for next year are up nearly 90 percent. Vietnam and Cambodia are showing even more promise with river cruise sales on the Mekong up more than 150 percent for 2013, Avalon Waterways reports.
 
“As more travelers adopt river cruising as their preferred travel style, they want to broaden their experiences,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.  “Our new ships and itineraries on both Mekong and Yangtze Rivers give them the luxury they’re looking for, coupled with the exotic and enriching experiences they desire.”
 
On the Yangtze, Avalon said its travelers sail approximately 650 miles on the river featuring the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. In 2013, Avalon is partnering with Century Cruises to offer travelers two new ships. Avalon limits travelers to 20 people on each Century ship.
 
Off ship, in 2013, Avalon passengers will be offered private excursions in China’s less-visited cities such as Chengdu where guests will visit the Giant Panda Research Base and Lijiang – where its medieval Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 
The Century Paragon (2012) and Century Legend (2013) feature a state-of-the-art propulsion system that decreases emissions as well as a pillar-less, multi-function lounge for unobstructed views, a large indoor swimming pool and staterooms with more than 300-square-feet of living space, including private balconies.
 
On the Mekong River  - meeting demand for exotic cruises in Southeast Asia - Avalon Waterways said it will offer cruises on the  new Avalon Angkor (2012).  “Named after Angkor Wat and featuring only 16 staterooms, this is the first passenger ship built to cruise all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, eliminating seven hours of drive-time on land for travelers,” said Clark.
 
With the Angkor, Avalon takes cruisers to difficult-to-reach villages in Vietnam and Cambodia, said Clark. Avalon is also offering an early booking incentive of  $300 per couple on select 2013 Avalon China river cruises. Avalon's 2013 Asia and Southeast Asia program includes:
 
·       11-day Magical China & the Yangtze River, priced from $2,729 (land/cruise-only)
·       15-day Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise, priced from $3,569 (land/cruise-only)
·       15-day Enchanting China & The Yangtze River, priced from $3,629 (land/cruise-only)
·       14-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River, priced from $3,269 (land/cruise-only)
 
Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands. Visit www.avalonwaterways.com. Travel agents can request Avalon Waterways brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.