Imagine being present at the debut of something that would forever change our everyday lives.
Just think how bystanders must have felt at the invention of the wheel, the first computer chip, Velcro, chicken McNuggets…you see where I’m going with this.
While not perhaps on such a paradigm shifting level, Avalon’s launch of their new ‘Bonjour Bordeaux’ itinerary is definitely a ground-breaker – or should that be a wave maker?
I was invited on the inaugural VIP-only sailing aboard the 128-guest Avalon Artistry II, one of the company’s award-winning fleet of Suite Ships. Having never travelled with the brand before, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.
I can report back with total honesty that everything about this new venture is très magnifique. The location, the ship, the excursions. If you need boxes ticked then tick away. This really is what Avalon like to call “cruising elevated”.
AN ITINERARY IS ANNOUNCED
It was just over a year ago when amid much fanfare – and not a little of the famous local product – Bordeaux was announced as the latest region in which Avalon would expand their worldwide footprint as part of the company’s “intentional growth” strategy.
They now have 79 different itineraries across 13 rivers and 23 countries, covering pretty much every river in Europe.
The new eight-day ‘Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages’ sailing covers the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, stopping in Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Médoc, Blaye, Bourg and Libourne.
So why was Bordeaux chosen above any other destination?
“Obviously people think about Bordeaux for the wine and that is a big part of the experience here,” says Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways, as we chat onboard.
“But we wanted to create something that had more than that so we built in a lot of other experiences.”
To be quite honest Pam, you had me at wine….
The Royal Suite
ALL ABOARD
A comfortable two-hour ride on a high-speed train from Paris and I was in Bordeaux and ready to board AAII.
Following a light lunch in the bright, spacious and modern Panorama Lounge (Avalon Artistry II was refurbished last year as part of a fleet-wide upgrade) it was time for a ship tour (from the President herself no less!).
Like a proud parent, Pam took us through the impressive 28-square-metre Royal Suite, the Club Lounge with its books, games and 24-hour drink station, the open-air Observation Lounge, plush dining room, hi-tech fitness centre, Sky Grill and Sky Deck, with its games, whirlpool and fleet of new bikes and e-bikes.
The bow to stern refresh has given AAII that “new ship” feel – but without the paint fumes. The public areas are fresh, contemporary and welcoming, with enough space for all, and the overall feeling of the ship is sleek and chic.
Tour over, it was finally time to check out room 313, my Panorama Suite (below).
Two things struck me immediately. The large and exclusive Comfort Collection bed which, unlike some other cruise lines, faces out towards the view rather than a cabin wall, and the retractable floor-to-ceiling door/window, another feature unique to Avalon.
While other companies are whacking balconies onto their river ships, reducing the amount of cabin space in the process, Avalon have bucked the trend and come up with an ingenious way for guests to bring the outside in.
Sitting on the bed with a glass of wine in hand and just watching (and smelling) the verdant French countryside go by was an absolute joy.
This ‘outside-the-balcony’ thinking also led designers to create a full size shower in the bathroom by slightly slanting the wall behind the bed. Little things like this can make all the difference and presumably explains why Avalon currently enjoys a 55 per cent repeat business rate.
Other notable touches included fresh flowers, a safe, mini-bar, plenty of storage space and premium L’Occitane bath products.
But, oh, that heavenly bed and those incroyable views!
VINES, WINES & YUMMY CHOCOLATE
It would be churlish to visit Bordeaux and not get out into wine country – it would be like going to Egypt and not seeing the Pyramids. Fortunately Avalon give you plenty of off-ship options.
Through the Avalon Choice program, guests can choose from Classic, Active or Discovery included excursions plus a range of guided optional excursions. You can decide whether to visit the must-see sights, enjoy a more physical activity or get immersed in local culture and traditions.
“We added Avalon choice because it really is what our guests were looking for,” says Pam. “We’re seeing a definite demographic shift and people are now more interested in immersive experiences and active ways to discover.”
In Cadillac-sur-Garonne, you can explore Château de la Brêde, the birthplace of political philosopher Montesquieu, followed by a visit to a local vineyard for a tasting of the region’s celebrated Sauternes wine.
A full-day excursion to the seaside resort of Arcachon offers the chance to visit an oyster farm for a tasting of the region’s prized delicacy. In Saint-Émilion (above) you will be thrilled, as I was, by the medieval architecture of this quaint village.
Highlight for me, however, was a visit to Château Siran in Medoc, a winery that’s been in the Miailhe family since 1859 and has links to Toulouse Lautrec. It can be visited as part of Avalon’s ‘Vines & Views in Médoc’ excursion.
Not only do you get to taste their delicious reds (highly recommend the 2019 Saint-Jacques De Siran) but you can walk through their impressive art gallery and storage rooms. Nothing smells quite like wine vats in cold cellars.
This was followed by a trip to the Mademoiselle de Margaux chocolate shop, which houses a veritable cornucopia of sweet treats. The little treats in the shape of grape vines were cute but stand out for me was La Griotte – Kirsch, cherries covered in dark chocolate.
Needless to say I took the opportunity to stock up on presents for the family. I’d like to report that they lasted more than a day after I got home but my mother always told me not to tell fibs.
SO, IS BONJOUR BORDEAUX A CORKER?
Having lived in England during my formative years I ventured across the Channel on many an occasion. But rarely have I visited France in such style and comfort.
The ship was a delight, the crew warm and welcoming and the cuisine onboard was totes delicious. You were spoilt for choice at every meal and the quality was five-star – they even managed to rustle up a birthday cake for yours truly (see below) on the last night!.
While the new itinerary will take time to match the “overnight success” that Avalon enjoyed when launching their trips on the Douro in Portugal last year, there’s no doubt the building blocks are in place.
So, if you’re looking for your next river cruise adventure and want it to be a ‘vintage’ experience, then ‘Bonjour Bordeaux’ might be the label you’re looking for. But don’t just take my word for it.
“When you walk onboard an Avalon ship you really feel at home and that’s the goal,” says Pam.
“I want people to feel that they have really experienced the destination when they travel with us because river cruising is really all about the destination. With Avalon, I think we take that as far as we can.”
# Avalon’s eight-day Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary can also be combined with cruises along the Seine, Rhône & Rhine Rivers for two- and three-week journeys.
