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DECEMBER 2011: Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus Family of Brands
Personal experience of Doug and Alison Robinson - Morton Community Bank Travel Directors (Morton, IL)
In the past 5 years, Doug and Alison Robinson have literally been exposed to a new world. They have taken the Morton Community Bank Golden Club on 58 trips ranging from one to multi-day motorcoach trips mostly organized by themselves and domestic and international trips planned by Tour Operators. They are not like most Club Directors, the Robinson’s have no banking functions distracting them planning their tours. Their attention and care is all given to planning, marketing and hosting the trips they offer.
“We are focused on luxurious accommodations and unique, high-end dining experiences for our customers. We travel ahead of time to the areas we have in mind,” Doug shares proudly. “We affectionately call these our ‘DnA’ Signature Tours because we have ‘touched’ the restaurants, hotels and venues!"
When deciding to offer a cruise for their members, the Robinsons knew that the company they choose must exceed their unwavering standards. It is important to their bank that the company selected be reputable and financially stable. Alison and Doug were very confident with their decision to work with Globus Family of Brands- Avalon Waterways. Avalon met all their criteria and was a terrific fit. Alison and Doug were sold right from the beginning when they learned that the Avalon Waterways ships were the newest fleet in Europe, all non-smoking, built for the American river cruiser and offer land excursions amenities such as local guides and headsets for all travelers so they can hear the local guides as they tour. Avalon Waterways river cruises are all English speaking. There are no inside cabins on Avalon Waterways and each cabin this group booked had floor to ceiling sliding doors. (pictured above: Avalon Waterways - Felicity.)
In March 2010, they met with their Globus Group Business Development Manager, Rachelle Hildebrandt and signed on the dotted line the day they met. As a first time river cruise, Rachelle recommended The Romantic Rhine River Itinerary on the Felicity and Alison and Doug could not have been happier with this recommendation. “Rachelle handled it all. Avalon planned all the air, land transfers, and cruise arrangements,” said Doug. “In addition, we had one key contact that we worked with from start to finish at the Littleton home office. Anna made the reservations, cabin assignments, flight arrangements, and she did a superb job.”
The Golden Travelers were not disappointed either with the itinerary that would take them from Amsterdam to Basel. Once aboard the ship the sights were endless and the weather was wonderful with Doug proudly crediting himself. “The cruise director asked someone to be in charge of the weather and I gladly accepted the challenge to promise no rain and sunshine for the entire trip,” Doug laughed. All was going as planned until the night the ship was scheduled to port along the dramatic Rhine Gorge banks lined with commanding medieval castles. “It was breathtaking. However, when we woke the next morning to continue on our way it was chilly and foggy,” Doug chuckles nervously. “I thought my streak of luck had ended. But, as if on cue, just as we approached the legendary Lorelei rock the fog lifted and the sun came through.”
(pictured to left: Lorelei rock)
Luck had nothing to do with the service and meals offered on the ship. Doug shared that the largest meal was lunch to get you through the day and that dinner included several, beautifully presented courses. “Dinner featured beautiful gourmet courses and the serving sizes were perfect. You didn’t walk away feeling stuffed and it made for a very relaxing dinner experience,” shared Doug. Alison and Doug rated the food, entertainment and service as spectacular. They also noted the unlimited wine that was served at dinner which represented the regions they were cruising. (pictured to right: Hillside vineyards)
Without question, The Golden Club members were pleased with everything about their experience with Avalon Waterways and the Robinson’s will undoubtedly work with them again!
Pictured at left: Our group!
Picture to right: We would pick up cheese, crackers, wine, chocolates, etc. in the towns we visited and then would have a 'party on the deck' with our group.
