Australia has become the fastest growing market for Avalon Waterways as the river cruise operator announced plans to add another ship to its fleet.
Bookings in Australia have soared 40% over 2011, managing director Stewart Williams said, with current sales eclipsing “all other sales records in this market”.
He put the sales performance down to its so-called ‘suite ships’ which the firm claims offers 30% more space “than the average competitor”.
The growth emerged as Avalon revealed that another ship, Avalon Expression, will join the fleet in May 2013, just a month after it takes delivery of the Avalon Artistry II. It will take its number of ships to 12.
Both the 64-cabin Artistry II and 83-cabin Expression will be modelled on the Avalon Panorama, the first of its suite ships which was designed with the Australian market in mind and has been a sell-out, according to the operator.
Two other vessels to join the fleet, the Vista and Visionary, will be christened in May and will also feature the suite ship concept.
Meanwhile, Avalon is offering savings of up to $1000 per couple on select 2013 European river cruises.
