hey everyone welcome to popular cruising i am your host jason leppert here with a review of
avalon waterways avalon poetry 2. as one of the line's signature suite ships the riverboat has
well laid out private accommodations be sure to stay to the end of the video for the riverboats
final pros and cons as we usually do let's begin by checking out the riverboat specifications
avalon poetry 2's value and lifestyle is upscale placing it at the sweet spot between premium and
luxury she is part of the lines suite ships and was originally launched in 2014 the total capacity
is 128 guests and 37 crew members resulting in an admirable guest to crew ratio of 3.46 to 1.
there are just three cabin categories onboard starting with avalon deluxe
staterooms but even these entry-level amenities are quite nice
they sit partially below the waterline so they have limited windows just along the top edge
but they remain plenty spacious and comfortable if you haven't already done so please subscribe
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the bulk of passenger cabins on board are the vessels panorama suites as we enjoyed
featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that open wide to a balcony railing
and best of all comfortable teddy bear approved beds are turned to face the view
the only downside is usb charging ports are available at just one nightstand but also in
the room are comfortable sofa and chair seating area stocked minibar for extra cost drinks
and a lengthy vanity desk with additional electrical outlets
its ample drawer storage extends further into closet shelving
plus a safe and there's another compartment for hanging clothes next to it
meanwhile taking advantage of the angled bed the bathroom funnels out to become larger from
its entrance to include premium l'occitane toiletries his and hers color-coded towels
and a decent sized toilet space complete with air freshener
as well as an equally sized shower unfortunately soap bars are no longer provided only a wall
dispenser of shower gel along with shampoo and conditioner nonetheless the highlight of the cabin
is still the bed angled towards the balcony rail to take full advantage of the scenery and fresh
air outside or for even more breathing room a handful of royal suites are double the width
with a television that can swivel to either the side of a living area or to the separate bed
which are quite plush by the way complete with a wonderful mattress and pillow menu
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onboard activities that are publicly accessible radiate
out from the central lobby and reception area
illuminated by a stylish skylight above
and inviting the guests coming and going throughout the day
there's even a side display of retail items conveniently available for sale
before the handsome stairwell opens to the friendly and attentive front desk staff
and cruise director's corner office
forward of which is the main panorama lounge for social gathering
and observing the passing scenery
perhaps with a potent potable and a tasty appetizer at hand
the venue stretches all the way to the front to maximize vistas when docked or sailing
and just in front is the observation lounge
for a welcome covered al fresco option for taking in the vistas
or at the back of the ship is a similar outdoor deck overlooking the stern from the club lounge
just be mindful this is also where smoking is permitted
inside away from any fumes is a lovely secondary venue
ideal for various other activities
like grabbing a coffee and light snack
or maybe even selecting an interesting book to read
or board game to play with new friends
heading down to the lower indigo deck by either the stairs or convenient elevator
takes guests to the fitness center the space is rather small but still features
a good variety of equipment as well as a rack of weights
meanwhile on the very top sky deck is where there's a welcoming whirlpool
and expansive lounge chairs
perfect for a sunny european day
either to fully bathe in the rays or catch some shade
or alternatively get some walking laps in
at the very front of the ship is the sky
lounge for the best forward-facing views
this spot is particularly great when sailing below low bridges and out on the open river as well
all of which eventually lead to several locks the ship must traverse
always a fascinating process
especially for gear heads like yours truly
to watch the riverboat ascend or descend to different heights as needed
along the journey as only time lapse can truly convey
before the ship makes its way farther through such concrete expanses
it's definitely an engineering marvel to behold and is seen many times during a week-long trip
passing below more tight clearances like a watery underpass
before leaving the towering structures behind
of course passengers work up an appetite after all that excitement
and it just so happens that included dining begins at the adjacent sky grill
with outside seating to partake in the likes of a custom burger bar for lunch
with all the toppings sides
and ice cream to finish
as a native californian i naturally made myself a juicy double double a la
in and out what's more the panorama bistro back inside takes advantage of the lounge space
for quick service breakfast lunch
and even tea time
with sweet pastries to accompany
or as an alternative to the main restaurant dinner is available here as tapas style courses
from salads and appetizers
to soups and entrees
and of course desserts
and don't forget the attached bar to purchase premium drinks
or take advantage of complimentary house wines beers and soft drinks at meal times
fully served by friendly staff or also coffee self-served for free
tasty canapes are occasionally passed out with cocktails as well
or the previously visited club lounge is also where light snacks
such as donuts and cookies can be grabbed during the day
in addition to a second coffee station the hot chocolate here is also highly recommended
as is this cool water station for different infused varieties either still or sparkling the
lime and ginger one is particularly refreshing of course lower down is the main dining room itself
for primary breakfasts lunches and dinners
in yet another wonderfully scenic venue
the buffet is open for self-service meals
both at breakfast
and at lunch
while dinners are fully served affairs plating several delicious courses like these
it's worth noting that while the food here is great the selection is limited
as is expected on a smaller riverboat
that is don't expect menus the size of those offered on ocean cruise ships
even so as you can see there's still plenty to enjoy
many dishes are avalon favorites repeated from previous voyages
usually riverboat entertainment is equally limited
but we were pleased by not only the house pianist but especially the outstanding guest entertainers
the likes of which i've never before seen on a river cruise
from gypsy jazz to flamenco guitar from a band related to the gypsy kings no less
we were consistently blown away
so don't miss out
last but not least a river cruise is predominantly focused on excursions ashore
and avalon's wide variety of included and optional tours is extensive
whether you just want to take a leisurely guided stroll through avignon france
or do something more active like say a rail bike adventure
where a steam train locomotive welcomed us
following what has to be one of the most fun tours i've ever taken on a cruise river or otherwise
just take a look at some of these magnificent scenes as we pedaled along the historic route
you'll feel the burn in your legs but the
experience is definitely worth the somewhat strenuous effort
especially when you get to the downhill portion and mostly coast past the stunning scenery
suffice it to say this excursion gets two big thumbs up
now to conclude with the ship's pros and cons we can only point out as minor pains in the aft
a slight albeit understandable lack of food selection as well as the usb charging ports
only available at one night stand and no longer offering bars of soap for those who
prefer them but standouts that can take a bow are certainly the exceptional panorama suites
laid out with beds facing the view fantastic guest entertainers and exciting short excursion options
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