Avalon Waterways will welcome Australian and New Zealand travel advisors back onboard for a dedicated full-ship charter in 2027, following strong industry engagement and commercial success from its inaugural advisor sailing earlier this year.
The river cruise line has opened registrations for the second annual advisor-only charter, which will see 120 travel professionals sail the Danube aboard Avalon’s Danube Dreams itinerary from Budapest to Vilshofen between 19 and 26 March 2027.
Advisor demand drives return sailing
The eight-day charter has been designed to combine first-hand product experience with structured training, workshops and business development opportunities.
Throughout the sailing, advisors will participate in interactive sessions and Q&A forums with senior Globus family of brands leadership, while also experiencing Avalon Waterways’ river cruise product and shore excursion program.
According to Globus family of brands Head of Commercial Australasia Brett Simon, the results from the inaugural 2026 charter highlighted the value of immersive product education.
“The 2026 charter proved that advisors who experience Avalon Waterways first-hand are not only more confident selling our ships but become genuine advocates for the brand,” Simon said.
“The results from our inaugural charter exceeded expectations and we’re looking forward to bringing back a charter for our advisors in 2027.”
Focus on training and product immersion
The charter will feature dedicated sessions covering Avalon Waterways’ key product pillars, sales strategies and the wider Globus family of brands portfolio.
Advisors will also experience Avalon’s signature Active, Discovery and Classic excursion program across a range of Danube destinations.
Avalon Waterways President Pam Hoffee will once again join the sailing, continuing the brand’s commitment to direct engagement with the Australian and New Zealand trade community.
“Spending time with our Australian and New Zealand advisor community onboard is invaluable, there is no better way to build the kind of deep product knowledge that translates into sales confidence and genuine advocacy,” Hoffee said.
“We saw that firsthand in 2026 and can’t wait to welcome the next group of advisors onto the Danube in 2027.”
Community and networking opportunities
In addition to product training, the charter aims to strengthen relationships across the travel advisor community, bringing together professionals from Australia and New Zealand to exchange knowledge and share best practice.
A post-charter coach touring option with Globus is also expected to be offered, with further details to be announced.
Travel advisors interested in securing a place onboard the 2027 Avalon Training Charter are encouraged to contact their local Business Development Manager.
