Santas trade reindeers for a river cruise with Avalon Waterways

Now this will get people’s attention.

Close to 50 professional Santas and/or Mrs. Clauses will trade reindeer for river views on Avalon Waterways’ Danube Dreams itinerary departing Aug. 5, 2026 for what certainly should be billed as the jolliest river cruise ever to sail in summertime.

This affinity group – procured by Small World Big Fun travel agency – has secured 30 staterooms aboard Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Visionary. And in true North Pole fashion, the itinerary will sprinkle in seasonal surprises for this affinity group throughout Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

A Little Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun in August. While itinerary modifications are being confirmed, the Ho-Ho-Holiday fun for this special group of Santas could include festive flourishes such as:

• Christmas shop visit in Bratislava
• Christmas-themed cookie-baking or painting class
• Silent Night Chapel stop in Oberndorf

This Santa Claus-infused cruise may grab headlines, but the real story is how effortlessly Avalon supports affinity and group business. For groups of 30+ guests, Avalon provides private, included excursions at no additional cost – a value-add many advisors don’t realize is built in. Add to that:

• Customizable onboard programming
• Branded welcome amenities
• Flexible itinerary enhancements
• Dedicated group support
• Award-winning Suite Ships with the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony

From knitters to wine clubs, alumni groups to themed communities, Avalon makes it easy for advisors to turn shared passions into seamless sailings.

Still Room on the Sleigh. With 30 cabins claimed by Santa and/or Mrs. Claus, additional staterooms remain available for advisors to sell to clients who might want a little Christmas spirit outside the Christmas rush. Who wouldn’t want to say they sailed the Danube with Santa Claus?

For more, sail on over to www.avalonwaterways.ca or for advisors, go to www.traveladvisorportal.ca .