Learn about the Avalon Saigon river cruise ship – its unique offerings, amenities, accommodations, staterooms, cabin information, and details of luxurious suites, decks, dining, specialty dining, public venues, entertainment, health and fitness facilities, activities for kids and teens, sports and enrichment programs for all family members, pictures and videos.
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Avalon Saigon has been celebrated for providing an intimate cruise experience since its maiden voyage down the Mekong River as part of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships® fleet. Voted 'Best New River Her Cruise Ship' by TravelAge West, Saigon sails with up to 36 passengers. Avalon She embodies the unique character and charm of Southeast Asia while offering all the modern conveniences you've come to expect from Waterways. Avalon Saigon is designed for easy access to areas other cruise ships cannot reach. It is as wide and long as a ship that carries just twice her number of her 36 guests. Saigon offers non-stop travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (or vice versa), eliminating the hours of bus travel that other river cruises take on her route. Avalon Saigon Her Suite Her ship combines classic colonial charm worthy of the Vietnamese and Cambodian experience with the modern amenities you'd expect from Avalon. Each Panorama Suite features 245 square feet of living space with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling picture windows and the only outdoor balcony for river cruises. With plush beds facing the windows, you won't miss the mesmerizing views of the Mekong River. Plus, there's plenty of space to roam around without feeling overcrowded. From our air-conditioned Panorama Lounge to our outdoor Observation Lounge, we offer plenty of seating and cozy places to relax. The lounge is located at the front of the ship, so wherever you sit you have a great view ahead. Our crew embodies Avalon's You First spirit from start to finish. From front desk staff and bartenders to waitstaff and housekeeping, experience exquisite service with the relaxed luxury that is the Avalon Difference.
Tipping is a personal way of showing satisfaction for good service and is common on all vacations. If paying by credit card, tipping is recommended in cash unless there is a special tipping line. Here are some general tipping guidelines: Each European country has different tipping customs and guidelines can be found in country-specific guides.
At Avalon, all hotel taxes, service charges, baggage handling gratuities, and meal gratuities are included in the tour price.
For services with gratuities that are not included in the tour price, we recommend that you follow the gratuity guidelines below. For more information, see the country-specific sections of Pre-Travel Verification Documents and Travel Documents. These documents will be released two to three weeks before his vacation. Due to country specifics, the following information is provided as a guide to assist with budgeting.
Cruise Directors
A gratuity to the cruise director is not included in the cruise price. To do a good job, Cruise recommends his director a compensation equivalent to 3 euros per passenger per day. Your stateroom will have an envelope for you to write a tip for the cruise director. You can also pre-pay the cruise director's gratuity when paying the balance of your cruise fare.
Ship’s Crew
Crew gratuities on board Avalon Waterways ships are not included in the voyage fare. To do a good job, the ship's crew recommends the equivalent of twelve euros (euro) per passenger per day for her. This amount will be pooled and distributed equitably among those who have helped you, including the behind-the-scenes staff who provide services equally important to your cruise enjoyment. You can also pre-pay tips for your crew when paying the balance of your cruise.
Drivers
A gratuity for the sightseeing driver is included in the tour price.
Hotel Services
It is customary to tip hotel staff for providing room service, unless the charge is included in the bill. If the ice machine is not available and ice is available at the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated. Avalon includes baggage handling tips for his one piece of baggage per passenger. Tipping is recommended for excess baggage delivery. Avalon pays the tip for hotel meals.
Certified Local Guides
Travel with us and you'll receive exclusive visits by certified local guides in each major city. These certified local guides share their extensive knowledge of culture and history to bring each location to life during your vacation. Gratuities for certified local guides are included in the tour price.
Restaurants
Gratuities are not included for meals at restaurants not included in the Avalon itinerary. We recommend that you check your country's guidelines for an appropriate tip based on the quality of service. Details and recommendations can be found in important travel documents sent approximately 2-3 weeks before the start of your holiday. Cruise directors are always available to assist with local tipping customs. Tips at restaurants are usually paid in cash and are not added to credit card payments unless there is a corresponding line on the credit card receipt. Many European restaurants will add her per person charge to your check/bill. This is not a hint.
Taxis
In most countries, rounding up the fare as a tip for the driver is usually sufficient. A few dollars, usually 10-15% of the fare, is reasonable for this service. If possible, we recommend negotiating international taxi fares in advance to avoid discomfort at the end of your trip. Ask your hotel or ship staff or the airport hospitality desk about the best taxi companies and ensure that rates are clearly stated or pre-negotiated prior to departure. Either way, it's not customary to ask for change when tipping, so it's a good idea to carry some change with you.
