A warm reception was organised
the night before our transfer to Arles
where we met our cruise director
Jean-Loup Dormart. He quickly made
a deep impression on many of us and
if awards were given in his field of work
he would win hands down. Jean-Loup
was a bubbly friendly man with a vast
knowledge of all things relating to
river cruising, really familiar with the
Australian sense of humour, excellent
with one liners, always on the job and
organizational skills made him a special
person.
Our cruise from the Cote d’Ázur – Arles
to Paris, France was remarkable. So
much history and beautiful scenery
with guides full of enthusiasm. From
Monte Carlo we travelled by bus to
Arles to board Avalon Affinity to sail
into the peaceful Camargue area
during dinner, before returning to Arles.
Of course before sailing there was the
important safety drill and introduction
to the crew. We then sailed north up
the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers.
Along the way, there was time to
explore Avignon, delightful Viviers,
medieval Tournon, charming Vienne,
France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon,
as well as St. Jean de Losne, and
fascinating Beaune. Our final day saw
us take the fast TGV train from Dijon to
Paris. The cruise was also available in
the reverse order starting in Paris and
finishing in Monte Carlo. As we were
waiting to join the train passengers for
the next cruise were arriving from Paris.
Part 2 of this report will be published
in our next issue and we will cover in
detail the places visited.
About the ship!
Although joining the fleet in 2009
Avalon Affinity was in pristine order.
The Captain, Cruise Director and Hotel
Manager and crew made sure that
everyone was well cared for. Captain
Jean-Loup Dormart
30
Issue 27
Winfried was always there when we left
and returned to the ship providing a
‘welcome back’.
Avalon Affinity has four suites and
65 staterooms, features four decks
including a sky deck for sunning and
relaxing by the whirlpool. The ship has
an elegant, contemporary design
throughout with two lounges, an open-
seating dining room, an Internet corner
with Wi-Fi access, a hairdresser and a
fitness centre. Smoking is not permitted
in interior areas. An onboard elevator
is available for guest use. The vessel is
110 metres long.
Accommodating a maximum of
138 passengers Avalon Affinity
boasts spacious and well-appointed
deluxe staterooms and suites. Most
staterooms feature a large floor-
to-ceiling sliding-glass door with a
French balcony. These comfortable
staterooms with flatscreen televisions
feature luxurious Comfort Collection