By booking through Team Alston Travel
A family-owned business founded in 2002, AmaWaterways operates 26 river cruise ships in Europe, Asia and Africa. The cruise line aims to provide excursion-rich experiences and offers unique themed sailings for passengers with certain interests.
Celebrating more than 20 incredible years on the world’s rivers, AMA remains focused on what they do best: providing their guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. Their visionary leaders were the pioneers of modern luxury river cruising and have received numerous prestigious awards and accolades. However, they are most fulfilled by the positive feedback they receive from their guests, who they have always considered a part of their family. Join AMA, stay awhile and discover Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America with them– one river at a time.
One of the many joys of travel is the feeling of freedom that comes with it. On an Avalon river cruise, they expand that autonomy with Avalon Choice, a unique concept that allows you to personalize every element of your cruise. Elegant four-course dinner or a more casual approach in their Panorama Bistro? Ancient village by foot or bicycle? You decide what and where to eat on board, how you wish to explore the destination, and even the style and pace at which to experience many of the included port excursions - at no extra cost.
Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning fleet of identical Viking Longships offer a variety of stateroom categories and true two-room suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the revolutionary indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, elegant Scandinavian design and environmentally considerate features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.
Become mesmerized by the experience of river cruising and touring the world's most charming towns and cities. Travel from one fascinating village to another in wondrous, luxurious style. As you sail through the beautifully quaint countryside, indulge in local customs, the lure of fresh bread baking nearby and revel in the instant bursts of fresh scents and mesmerizing sunsets. From the heart of Normandy to the hem of the Mediterranean, you can dance to the music of majestic beauty while admiring the surrounding bosky landscape. See more than you could ever imagine when on a river cruise. Get up-close and personal to destinations larger ships only dream to go and become one with history, culture and refined grace. From a fascinating journey through Vietnam's Mekong River to an exploration along the amazingly intimate Rhine River of Europe, take a voyage immersed in exquisite tastes, genuine tradition and unimaginable delights. Onboard, enjoy the comfort of French balcony cabins and spacious river-view staterooms that give a magical panoramic view of each intricate gem. It's the sheer intimacy of being in the heart of a destination that will captivate your soul. Only on a river cruise can you reach out and touch the authenticity of the heartland and it gleefully reaches back for you.
AMA Waterways
Premium river cruise line offering solid inclusions, more active shore excursions than other river cruise lines. They are proud to offer above and beyond the typical bus tour with a variety of guided hikes, biking excursions, engaging fitness classes as well as heated sun-deck pools, whirlpools, fitness rooms and massage services. Their wellness activities are an enriching way to nourish your mind, body and spirit while exploring the amazing destinations on your river cruise. AMA Waterways’ aims to create a ‘floating boutique hotel’ feel through luxury amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail, as well as gourmet dining.
AMA Waterways’ ships carry up to 144 guests and 45 crew members. AMA Waterways’ culinary team crafts menus with the finest and freshest local ingredients. Selections change daily, featuring locally inspired gourmet cuisine and traditional favorites. Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast; and complimentary cocktails during Happy Hour.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is a member of the Globus family of travel brands. The company's fleet is made up entirely of "Suite Ships" that feature rooms with a floor-to-ceiling window wall. This wall window has sliding glass doors turning the accommodations themselves into a balcony. Also, unlike most other lines, the beds face the window for gorgeous views while your head is propped on the pillow.
Avalon ships carry up to 138 guests and 37 crew members. Beer and wine included with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast. Coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages complimentary 24/7.
Scenic River Cruises
Two words sum up Scenic River cruises, all-inclusive luxury. From the moment you step aboard one of its beautifully designed ships literally everything is included. Generous amounts of space, full step out balconies, and great facilities.
Scenic River ships carry 126 guests, and 48 crew members. There are multiple dining venues, extensive menus as well as room service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Premium drinks and cocktails are also available whenever you want. Scenic has multiple excursion options in each port always including active, moderate, and relaxed options.
Riviera River Cruises
Riviera is a British river cruise line offering its passengers good quality and modern ships. Riviera ships carry 140 guests, and 36 crew members. Similar to Viking, Riviera will have satisfying food, but will have limited choices. With an eye on keeping fares low, drinks are extra and there’s one excursion option per port (generally bus tours). Riviera’s beverage package, which includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner is available for purchase.
Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises are beautiful ships based on Nordic designs (think nice Ikea). Viking is the best known since it is mass marketed to the US tourist. Viking River cruises carry 168 guests and 50 crew members. The food will be good, but menus are limited. The included excursion in each port will be a bus tour. They do offer additional excursions for a fee. Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffee & teas available anytime. Optional Silver Spirit beverage packages are available for extra fee & makes drinks all-inclusive. Room service, laundry and stocked mini bars are included only in Explorer Suites. Bicycles and gyms are available ashore and arranged by Viking, typically at an extra fee.
Note each River Cruise line is different but below is a sampling of the inclusions:
EXCLUSIVE Team Alston Travel Inclusions
Spacious Staterooms
Amazing Array of Amenities
Award-Winning Dining
A World of Exploration Included
As your dedicated travel advisors, Sandra & Bill Alston of Team Alston Travel will work with you to plan a vacation perfectly tailored to your desires. No matter what kind of getaway you've been dreaming of, from exciting river and ocean cruises to fabulous beachside resorts and enlightened guided tours, we're here to bring your dreams to life. We'll save you time, offer the best value, and find the perfect destination for your next trip.
You'll have comfort in knowing we're there for you every step of the way from when you begin planning until when you return home, giving you peace of mind the entire time. You will always talk to either Bill or Sandra – not a different agent every time.
Our business continues to grow with referrals from our clients, which we believe is a sign of their satisfaction and confidence in us and our services. We pride ourselves on genuinely getting to know our clients to plan a trip that will provide memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Plus, supporting our community is #1 to Sandra & Bill. As former director of North County Philanthropy Council for ten years, Sandra truly understands the value Feeding San Diego offers and is proud to be able to help them achieve their mission.
Call us at 760-814-2123 or email salston@dreamvacations.com. We look forward to chatting with you!