Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the christening of a river cruise ship in the charming Dutch tourist town of Volendam. The Felicity became the ninth in a fleet of Avalon ships that are plying the waterways of Europe.

A ship's christening is a fascinating tradition that dates back to Viking times. Happily, instead of having to watch a goat or cow be sacrificed, I had the chance to watch Canadian opera superstar, Measha Brueggergosman, smash a bottle of champagne against Felicity's hull.

Measha's star quality and her ability to deliver a multi-lingual speech to the international crowd in attendance made her the perfect choice to be the first Canadian godmother of an Avalon ship.

Her involvement also highlights the importance of the Canadian travel market for this rapidly expanding company. Avalon is four years young and is already planning to launch another ship this July, bringing their fleet of elegant and intimate river ships to 10. According to Stephanie Bishop, the managing director for the Canadian office, "river cruising is taking off and Canada represents the company's fastest growing market."

In addition to the christening, I did spend a couple of days on board the Felicity. River cruising is strikingly different and to me more appealing than large ship cruising. The size alone (110 metres long by 11.4 metres wide) allows you to get up close and personal with each port of call, whereas the large cruise ship experience tends to be more about the life on board.

Here's what I loved about the Felicity:

  • The ship is small in size and in population. With only 140 other passengers to contend with, you can disembark and embark without line-ups and arduous security checks.
  • The 65 regular staterooms and four suites are beautifully and cleverly designed. There are proper beds, not pull-outs, which you often find on other ships. The bathrooms offer plenty of shelf space and modern fixtures. The floor-to-ceiling windows slide open effortlessly, and being able to watch the world go by as you nap and let the fresh air drift over you – heaven!
  • There may not be dozens of restaurant options, but whether you want to eat in the main dining room, enjoy a grilled lunch on the upper-deck or grab a coffee in the lounge, there is enough variety to keep you happy.
  • You do not have to shell out extra money for excursions like you might on larger ships. At each port there are optional tours, but because these small ships can dock in the heart of each town, it is perfectly do-able to tour the destinations on your own. There is usually a complimentary walking tour to get you oriented.
  • Being able to tour Europe and explore a new place everyday for a week, two or even three and yet not having to un-pack more than once is truly luxurious.

If you are interested in doing a river cruise, do remember that there are not a lot of extra amenities and entertainment venues on the ship. The scenery is your entertainment. The Felicity does have a Fitness Centre and Hair Salon and the bar/lounge often invites local entertainment on board in the evenings. The hot tub on the top deck is fantastic so don't forget your bathing suit.

Prices vary depending on itinerary and season. Early bookers can take advantage of some great discounts. Remember too that prices include your accommodation, transportation along the rivers, all meals (wine and beer are included with dinner) and some local walking tours.

Felicity and her sister ships are not identical, so make sure to ask about specific amenities and services.

The ships are part of the Avalon Waterways offerings under the Globus family of brands…check out www.globusfamily.ca for more information.

Loren Christie appears regularly on Canada AM. If you have a travel question, email us at traveltips@ctv.ca.