Eighteen senior leaders from Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), including Graham “Skroo” Turner, and their travelling companions were welcomed aboard Avalon Waterways’ newest ship the Avalon Alegria, on the Douro River in July. Hosted by Globus family of brands’ sales leaders – Mitch Spencer, Global Account Manager; Brett Simon, Head of Commercial Australasia and Archy Arushanyan, National Director of Field Sales USA – the trip saw the group experience the ship and itinerary first-hand whilst tasting the local flavours and exploring the beauty of the Douro Valley.
Avalon Alegria was launched at the start of the European river cruise season, in April 2024.
Brent Novak, GM Flight Centre Brand Australia said, “What a way to wind down post our FCTG Global Gathering! From the time we arrived in Porto to being welcomed aboard the Avalon Alegria, we felt spoilt. After experiencing our first Avalon river cruise in 2022 this was a trip we had highlighted on our calendars for months.
“The Alegria was a beautiful vessel that felt spacious, luxurious and very comfortable. With stunning scenery around every corner you had the choice to experience it from the top deck whilst sipping on your cocktail or from the comfort of your suite with the windows open. The staff were engaging and made everyone’s experience unique, no request was too much, and they made sure you experienced Portugal to its fullest.”
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.Ryan Thomas, GM at Ignite Travel Group said, “Once again, Avalon exceeded expectations with their unparalleled relaxed luxury service. The destination itself was also a highlight, waking up to the spectacular scenery of the Douro Valley every day, visiting the historic villages and staying active on one of Avalon’s many excursions.”
Designed to be tailored to guests’ preferences, Avalon’s all-new eight-day cruise on the Douro, Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages along the Douro features Avalon’s signature ‘Classic,’ ‘Discovery’ and ‘Active’ excursions, with itinerary highlights including visits to ancient Amarante – in the picturesque Minho region, known for its golden church that dates back to 1530 – the sandstone architecture in Salamanca Spain and riding bikes from Porto to the sea.
Advisors can book clients on 2025 departures now, with a saving of up to $1,600 per couple until 9 November 2024.
Lead image, the FCTG Group included Brent Novak, Anita Emilio, Blake Newell, Chadd Andre, Nick McCrohan, Jason Hartley, Lisa Wright, Sasha Lazarevic, Brett Simon (GFOB), Allie Sparr, Mitch Spencer (GFOB), Megan Henderson, Gary Smith, Christina Pedroni, Bhavna Thapar, Archy Arushanyan (GFOB), Graham “Skroo” Turner and Selena Byrnes.
