Avalon Waterways’ 2016 cruise season is shaping up to be a big one with new ships and a robust offerings of diverse river landscapes. On the heels of announcing two new Suite Ships in Europe, the company is also expanding its exotic cruise offerings, including announcing a return to the Nile River aboard the MS Mayfair and a new ship partnership on the Amazon River via the Amazon Discovery. Further, Avalon is providing travelers two new, intimate 36-passenger Suite Ships on the Irrawaddy and Mekong Rivers – The Avalon Siem Reap? and Avalon Myanmar – as well as small-group discovery (maximum of 20) experiences on the Yangtze River.

“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. “We’re expanding our offerings to help them engage with a plethora of cultures in places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, Tibet, Egypt, Peru and the Galápagos Islands in the comfort of a floating hotel.”

Mekong River
For the past three decades, “change” has been a constant for Vietnam and Cambodia as they diligently forge paths to the future. Today, these captivating countries are achieving a successful balance between modernization and ancient traditions. Avalon Waterways is offering travelers a “suite” way to cruise the Mekong River aboard the all-suite Avalon Siem Reap. The 13-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River itinerary is priced from $4,069.

Irrawaddy River
To travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma, is to step back in time to a place that has changed little since the British colonial era. On the new all-suite Avalon Myanmar ship – built for only 36 –passengers and set to unveil in late October 2015 – “included” is a favorite word. Spacious outside Avalon Suites with a sitting area and huge, 14-foot, wall-to wall-window is included. Regional cuisines, local beer and spirits are included. VIP entrance into must-see sights is also included. The 14-day Golden Myanmar & the Alluring Irrawaddy itinerary is priced from $5,849.

Yangtze, Nile & Amazon Rivers
On the Yangtze River, groups of no more than 20 Avalon travelers will enjoy Cruise & Tour vacations. On the Yangtze, they will sail more than 600 miles through the river’s most impressive stretch aboard the contemporary and elegant Century Paragon or Century Legend ships. Deluxe staterooms, measuring 266-square-feet – greet each guest – on two itineraries: Magical China & The Yangtze River (12 days, priced from $3,519) or Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise (16 days, priced from $4,259).

In addition, in 2016, Avalon Waterways is making a return to the Nile River, offering a four-night cruise aboard the MS Mayfair on a nine-day vacation featuring the sights of Cairo, Luxor, Edfu and Aswan. This Highlights of Egypt cruise and tour itinerary, priced from $3,017, offers travelers a personal Egyptologist to better showcase the areas history, archeological wonders, culture and more.

Booking a 2016 cruise early can save 10% on Mekong & Irrawaddy vacations, and 5% on China, South America & Egypt 2016 cruises.

Avalon Waterways, AvalonWaterways.com