Danube Christmas Markets
All-Lesbian River Cruise 2024

December 8 – 15, 2024
Avalon Waterways Avalon View

Sleigh bells ringing, beautiful lights glistening on pristine snow, mulled wine for your drinking and holiday music and singing...these are a few of the favorite things you will experience on this beautiful winter wonderland lesbian river cruise. We are providing an experience to take you to the delights of the winter season in Europe with the Christmas Markets in Austria and Germany. Experience the festive food and drinks, lights, markets, and decorated trees of the holiday season. Bring your jackets and mittens, and enjoy the festivities with the women of Olivia.

This Christmastime River cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a local guide or opt for a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.

Cruise through the wintry landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey - one of Europe’s largest monasteries—where monks still stroll within the sacred walls. Arrive in Passau, Germany, and visit the city’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, and enjoy a tasting of German beers.

Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), Glühwein (mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. A unique holiday river cruise vacation which offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites…a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season!

Your Ship - New Avalon View

As the newest addition to Avalon fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon View certainly lives up to its name! With the youngest fleet of ships offering the widest views on Europe's waterways, The View continues our outstanding commitment to relaxed luxury. Passengers can choose from two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony.

The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with Avalon's signature window-facing "Beds with a View." Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an Adventure Center for bikes and active gear, and an Avalon Adventure Host to assist with active excursions and activities.

Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh menu options, premium coffee and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. Library books, cards, and board games are favorites in the Club Lounge, and our Observation Lounge affords the perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. The expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe's most spectacular views!

Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
• Fitness Center
• Non-smoking interior and staterooms
• Elevator
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Outside viewing deck
• Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
• English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
• Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Complimentary computer use in public areas
• Hair salon

• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Bicycles available onboard for complimentary check-out
• Sky Deck game area
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Avalon Choice cruising experience
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing pace options
• Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
• Local Favorites onboard experiences to bring the customs, cultures and tastes of your destinations to life, including local entertainers, artisans & experts
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Well-stocked library
• Fresh fruit available throughout the day
• Full-size closet mirror

Dining:
• Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Captain's reception with sparkling wine & canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Sky Bistro lunch option on the Sky Deck
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices

• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Delectable regional & Western cuisine with all onboard meals
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Healthy meal options
• Delectable petite portions of regional specialties, with wines, in the Panorama Bistro
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Coffee or tea after dinner

Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• Comfort Collection Beds
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Choice of bed configuration
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• L'Occitane bath products
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Alarm clock
• Direct-dial telephone
• Well-stocked minibar
• In-room safe
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Marble countertops in bathroom
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
• Full shower with glass door
• Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
• Coffee table

• Luxurious mattress toppers
• European-style duvets
• Extra blankets
• Nightly turn-down service
• Hairdryer
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel
• Make-up mirror
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Complimentary bottled water
• Individual climate control
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 6-person sitting area
• Writing desk and chair
• Sofa