Panorama Suites, Avalon Waterways
Guest Lecturers, Viking
Afternoon Tea, Cunard
Afternoon Tea
Best View from Your Room
Panorama Suites, Avalon Waterways
Everything about Avalon’ s 200-squarefoot Panorama Suites SM was made with the view in mind. It all starts with the window-facing Comfort Collection SM bed, a haven of softness that is difficult to escape each morning. From your bed, you’ ll savor both the complimentary Continental breakfast room service as well as the view from the wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open a full seven feet wide to create river cruising’ s only Open-Air Balcony ®. This creates the ideal setting to leisurely watch hilltop castles, bustling villages and sprawling vineyards pass by. It’ s tempting to keep ordering room service and spend the entire day in bed, though the cruise line’ s included shore excursions will motivate you to eventually leave your room.
Best Onboard Education
Guest Lecturers, Viking
Serious travelers love to learn about the places they visit. While the best way to do so is via a shore excursion, some cruise lines complement those experiences with onboard lectures and classes. According to our travel advisors, Viking has the best Guest Lecturers. In addition to the Viking Resident Historian on every cruise, Guest Lecturers are brought on board to cover such diverse topics as art, architecture, music, geopolitics, the natural world and more. These are not ordinary subject matter experts— they’ re authors, astronauts, military commanders, former diplomats and news correspondents, all eager to share their knowledge with you.
Best Tea Service
Afternoon Tea, Cunard
It will be no surprise to anyone to discover that the best afternoon tea service— the most British of traditions— is found on a historic British cruise line, Cunard. Every day aboard their distinctive fleet, between 3:30 and 4:30 p. m., Cunard’ s signature Afternoon Tea takes place in the regal Queens Room. Here, white-gloved waiters bring out delectable finger sandwiches, scones and patisserie on fine-bone china, along with several types of Twinings fine-leaf teas to choose from. Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserves are on hand to dress up your scone, along with a resident pianist or harpist to fill the air with pleasing melodies. Make the occasion extra special by donning a tea dress or a smart casual suit, though more casual dress is certainly welcomed.
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