Avalon Waterways will become a suite-only river cruise line when it retires three ships later this year.
Avalon Affinity, Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary which have fewer than 80% onboard suites, will be taken out of service between October 12 and November 4.
The move will take Avalon’s fleet to 16 in 2019.
For 2019, the line has added seven new itineraries, including one exclusively for the UK market, and an extended ‘Active Discovery’ programme.
Avalon’s 56-passenger capacity Ganges Voyager ship will sail seven Colourful India and The Ganges itineraries next year.
The Blue Danube Revealed sailing, which visits Budapest, Vienna, Prague among other cities, is only available to the UK market. Prices start at £2,215.
Avalon Waterways has extended its Active Discovery programme, from two rivers, the Rhine and the Danube, to three, adding the Rhone.
Active Discovery sailings are designed for passengers who want more time at port and offer a wider choice of excursions.
The line has also introduced Avalon Choice, which categorises daily excursions into three classifications: Discovery, which will offer specialist interests such as cooking classes and painting workshops; Active, which includes guided jogging tours, cycling, paddling and hiking; and Classic, which offers guided tours.
The 2019 Avalon Waterways programme, which went on sale on March 15, is offering agents an early booking pledge so customers can be guaranteed the best deal.
Avalon Waterways will refund the difference if customers or agents find a better deal ahead of their sailing.
avaloncruises.co.uk