by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Tue September 10, 2024
Avalon Waterways is celebrating a record-breaking year of sales in 2024. And, already, the line is on track to smash its 2025 sales goals, too.
“We’re coming to the finish line of our strongest sales year ever,” says Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “And I’m thrilled to share that 2025 is on another record pace and gaining. In recent weeks, 2025 bookings are outpacing 2024 by more than 50 percent (50%), year-over-year.”
The most popular itineraries for the river cruise line are in France and Portugal, followed by off-season and special interest cruises.
Next year, Avalon hopes to capitalize on France’s popularity by introducing new cruises in Bordeaux.
“Next year, we’re adding another Suite Ship to the rivers of France and cruising Bordeaux on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers,” says Hoffee. “Our new, week-long Bordeaux itinerary— Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages—can also be combined for new, longer cruises on the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers, creating an incredible, in-depth opportunity to enjoy France and Western Europe, as a whole.”
Avalon made its debut on Portugal’s Douro River in April aboard the new ship Avalon Alegria. The vessel sailed at capacity during its first season, and 2025 Douro sales area already outpacing 2024 sales.
Off-season trips continue to perform well for the brand, which has boosted its off-season offerings by 88 percent since 2023. Several holiday itineraries—including “Christmas in Alsace & Germany,” “Festive Season in the Heart of Germany” and “Christmas on the Danube”—have seen strong year-over-year sales.
The “Tulip Time, Highlights of Holland & Belgium” and “Treasures of Holland & Belgium” have also been especially popular.
“Every year, our November and December Festive-themed cruises sell-out, encouraging us to add more departures,” says Hoffee. “We’re also seeing an increase in sales in the spring season, adding to the cooler weather cruise trend.”
Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises also remain popular, as travelers look for ways to stay active on vacation. In a recent survey of 16,000 Avalon guests, 25 percent reported wanting to be active while cruising.
“Our cruisers are not passive,” says Hoffee. “They want to activate their mind, heart, body and taste buds on vacation. And in 2025, we’re giving them more options than ever before to move and be moved on all Avalon cruise departures.”
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