Raised in Calgary, Laurielee launched her travel career over 40 years ago, inspired by her very first flight to the Hawaiian Islands. Since then, her love for travel has only grown stronger with each journey. Now an Independent Travel Consultant affiliated with Tier One Travel, Laurielee enjoys being a personal travel concierge, helping clients turn their travel dreams into reality.
Her passion for exploring the world has taken her to countless destinations, yet she remains excited by the endless possibilities still waiting to be discovered. Laurielee takes pride in getting to know her clients and crafting awe-inspiring travel experiences that create memories to cherish for years to come.
For Laurielee, travel is more than just visiting a destination—it’s a way to educate the mind, inspire the spirit, and touch the soul. Whether planning a luxurious cruise, an adventure-filled expedition, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, Laurielee is dedicated to making each journey unforgettable.
When she’s not planning trips or traveling herself, Laurielee enjoys spending time at the gym, exploring the mountains, or engaging in her other passions as a certified fitness and yoga instructor. She also loves singing, dancing, running, hiking, and meeting new people—activities that reflect her vibrant and adventurous spirit.
Laurielee believes it’s never too late to live your dreams, and she’s ready to help you embark on your next unforgettable journey.
Join us as we dive into Laurielee’s incredible journey with Avalon Waterways. From the highlights of her river cruise to her favorite onboard experiences, this blog gives you an inside look at what makes Avalon an exceptional choice for your next adventure.
About Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is a premier river cruise line known for delivering luxurious and immersive travel experiences. With a fleet of modern ships designed for comfort and style, Avalon offers an intimate way to explore the world’s most scenic waterways.
Avalon is also renowned for its curated itineraries, offering voyages along iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Mekong. Guests can tailor their experiences with a variety of excursion options, from guided sightseeing tours to active adventures and independent exploration. This flexibility, combined with Avalon’s focus on personalized service, makes every journey truly unique.
Onboard, guests can savor fresh, locally inspired cuisine, unwind in serene lounges, and enjoy a range of amenities, all while being pampered by Avalon’s attentive staff. Spacious accommodations, coupled with thoughtfully designed public spaces, create a relaxed and elegant atmosphere onboard.
Whether exploring historic landmarks, picturesque villages, or natural wonders, Avalon Waterways offers an exceptional way to see the world from the water.
Q&A with Laurielee
Q: What was the itinerary of your Avalon cruise?
A: The vessel was the “Passion” and the itinerary was on the Danube River from Budapest to Vilshofen.
Q: Why did you choose Avalon for this trip?
A: I attended the ACTA (Association of Certified Travel Agents)) European Travel Summit which was an industry opportunity to further enhance my expertise in marketing and selling river cruises.
Q: How would you describe the onboard experience with Avalon?
A: The Avalon Experience is unique – Avalon Waterways is a premium river cruise line offering very comfortable accommodations, fine cuisine and included excursions on every sailing. Avalon offers larger suites and fewer passengers, so you never feel crowded onboard.
Q: What were the highlights in terms of comfort, dining, and amenities?
A: There are so many highlights from this journey that it is difficult to narrow them down. I highly recommend the beautiful panorama suites which allow you to open your curtains and watch the countryside from the comfort of your suite. The beds face the window that opens fully, creating an in-room balcony for a “your room with a view “ sailing by the timeless landscapes. The meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients by a masterful chef with a multitude of options. Your dining experience becomes a part of your journey on the river. A variety of local fine wines and beers are also included with your lunch and dinner. You very quickly meet other like-minded guests and begin to create wonderful new friendships.
Q: What types of rooms or suites does Avalon offer, and what did you think of the accommodations?
A: Again I highly recommend the panoramic suites; however, there is also the lead-in “deluxe stateroom” option that does not have the floor-to-ceiling window and is slightly smaller. The panoramic suites and the Royal suite, which is larger and has more amenities, offer you more comfort in your home away from home.
Q: How was the onboard dining experience? Were there any standout meals or dining options?
A: Having a dietary concern able to be accommodated for was important to me. There were many options and great care was taken to ensure my needs were attended to. At the beginning of the sailing you meet with the Chef onboard and whether you are vegetarian, celiac, food allergies etc. your dietary concerns are taken care of.
Q: What did you think of the staff and service on the cruise? How did they enhance your trip?
A: “The Avalon Experience” – all staff onboard take great pride in their position. They are friendly, personable, courteous and attentive. Having a passion for what they do is very evident in the staff that work for Avalon Waterways.
Q: Were there any excursions or activities you particularly enjoyed during the trip?
A: Being a very active person, I enjoyed the active discovery excursions. Biking through the city and the villages and into the countryside was breathtaking. The Classic excursions take you into the city to see the incredible history, culture, castles, museums and so much more that each and every city offers.
Q: What was your favourite part of sailing with Avalon, and why did it stand out?
A: The selected itinerary, and the attention to detail both onboard and on land.
Q: For someone considering a river cruise with Avalon, what tips or advice would you offer?
A: Book early, don’t wait. Travel with no regrets. A river sailing takes you where large vessels can not go. Smooth sailing and very comfortable accommodations open your eyes to the areas in the world you may not have considered. I would highly recommend arriving possibly a day or two prior to your sailing to explore the area and relax from the international flight, and then perhaps a night or two post-river cruise to get the most out of your vacation experience.
Q: Were there any special touches or unique aspects of the cruise that made it memorable?
A: A very special unique evening out in Vienna experiencing the beautiful music from Austrian composers was exhilarating. A brilliant intimate performance.
Q: What was your favourite part of your journey with Avalon?
A: Being in the moment. Pinching myself to realize that I really was there. I really was on board.
Q: Would you recommend Avalon to your clients, and if so, which types of travelers would enjoy it most?
A: Absolutely. I had often thought river cruising was for the elderly and I was clearly mistaken. There are many choices of things to experience on a river cruise. In some ways, it is mystical and exciting yet relaxing all in the same breath. If you want to step out and see the world I encourage you to try a river cruise. Take in your world – it is within your reach. Let us make your travel dreams become a reality.
If you’re ready to set sail on your own river cruise adventure, Laurielee is here to help make it happen. With her passion for travel and years of expertise, Laurielee will work with you to craft the perfect getaway tailored to your dreams. Contact her today to start planning your next unforgettable journey with Avalon Waterways.
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