Avalon Waterways today announced they will be extending their suspended sailings of river cruises, across all destinations, until 30 June 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

The announcement also includes all of the affiliated brands of the Globus family of brands which includes Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways.

For pre-booked passengers affected by the extended suspension, the company has also extended its ‘Peace of Mind’ plan. This plan provides travellers booked on affected holidays from now through to 30 June 2020, the freedom to reschedule their holiday in 2020, 2021 or 2022, to any destination, on any brand, without incurring cancellation fees.

The ‘Peace of Mind’ plan also offers travellers a credit of up to $300 per person, redeemable on future holidays.

Gai Tyrrell, managing director Australasia of the Globus family of brands says: “These are unprecedented times, but we are committed to helping travellers through this situation. By extending our ‘Peace of Mind’ plan we hope to give travellers the flexibility and security they need to alleviate their immediate concerns about upcoming and future trips. Travelling is meant to be a joyful experience and we’ll continue to do our part to ensure it remains stress-free.”

Specific travellers who have booked a GFOB holiday to see the Oberammergau Passion Play performances, which were scheduled to take place in 2020 and have been postponed until 2022, the company has also announced a new policy offering travellers to be the first to reserve their spots for 2022 at the current price.

The statement issued by Avalon Waterways is as follows:

Avalon Waterways is offering options to move travel dates or cancel bookings for travel through to June 30, 2020 as follows:

  • Affected guests can move their holiday to any other itinerary, destination, brand (Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways) or date in 2020, 2021 or 2022 without penalty and with an additional re-booking credit through our Peace of Mind Travel Plan. To expedite the process and ensure guests have adequate time to adjust travel plans without worry, we have automatically assigned this booking protection in the form of a Future Booking Credit to all guests with upcoming departures.
  • Guests can opt out of the Peace of Mind Plan via our regular cancelled holiday process.
  • Also, Avalon Waterways is temporarily waiving cancellation penalties until 3 days prior to any Europe departure.

For travel beyond June 30, 2020, Avalon Waterways are continuing their policy waiving cancellation penalties until 30 days prior to departure.

An Avalon Waterways spokesperson said: “We understand this is a time of hesitation and concern in the world of travel, but are committed to ensuring our guests and their travel advisors manage through this period with the right options, adequate time, and high levels of attention and consideration. As we do our best to help each and every one of our guests, both with current and pending travel plans, we greatly appreciate your confidence and loyalty.”

For questions, updates or booking inquiries, contact 1300 230 234 in Australia. If you have booked through a Travel Agent, they may have service or cancellation fees which will apply. Please contact your Travel Agent for details.