Avalon Waterways Specialist

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Austin Koonz, Travel Agent in Rensselaer, NY

Austin Koonz

Rensselaer, NY Travel Agent
Super Agent

Austin Koonz

Rensselaer, NY · 6 Years of Experience

Yankee Trails, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(59)
100% Recommended
Goes above and beyond duty to take care of his customers. A true professional dedicated to his job. Total confidence that everything is always put together... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Danube, Rhine River, Seine River, Douro River, Mekong River

Interests:

River Cruises, Couples & Romance, Luxury Cruises, Castles & Cathedrals, Small Ship Cruises

Suppliers:

Avalon Waterways

About Me

See the World Your Way with Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways offers a more refined and flexible approach to river cruising, designed for travelers who want comfort, space, and the ability to experience each destination at their own pace.This is not a one-size-fits-all river cruise. It’s built for clients who value a more open, less structured experience while still enjoying a high level of service and included amenities.

What Sets Avalon Apart

At the center of the experience are Avalon’s signature Panorama Suites, designed to maximize space and views.Instead of a traditional balcony, the entire wall opens into an Open-Air Balcony, giving you uninterrupted scenery without sacrificing living space. The layout is intentionally designed so your bed faces the view, not the hallway.The result is a noticeably more spacious and comfortable onboard experience compared to standard river cruise cabins.

A More Flexible Way to Cruise

Avalon is ideal for travelers who want structure without being locked into a rigid schedule.

With Avalon Choice, you can select from:
Classic excursions for cultural highlights
Active experiences like biking and hiking
Discovery options focused on local immersion

You also have flexibility with dining, allowing you to choose when and where you eat rather than following a fixed schedule.

What’s Included (And Why It Matters)

Avalon includes the elements that elevate the experience without overcomplicating it:

Wine and beer included with lunch and dinner
Guided excursions with local experts in each destination
Complimentary Wi-Fi and onboard enrichment
Access to bikes, fitness options, and active touring support
Multiple dining venues and flexible meal times

This allows you to focus on the destination rather than managing the details.

Who Avalon Is Best For

Avalon tends to be a strong fit for:
Travelers who want more space and fewer crowds onboard
Clients who prefer flexibility over rigid schedules
Active travelers who want to explore beyond standard tours
Couples looking for a comfortable, well-balanced river cruise experience

How I Elevate the Experience
While Avalon provides an excellent onboard product, the overall journey is what makes the trip exceptional.

I work with clients to design the full experience, including:
Pre- and post-cruise stays in key cities
Flights and transfers coordinated around your itinerary
The right sailing, ship, and cabin selection
Guidance on excursions and pacing

This ensures the entire trip flows seamlessly from start to finish.

Important to Know
River cruise availability, cabin selection, and promotions can change quickly, especially on the most popular itineraries.

Planning early allows for the best options and overall value.

If you are considering a river cruise and want a more flexible, elevated experience, Avalon is absolutely worth exploring.
I typically work with clients looking for a fully planned journey rather than booking individual components.
Reach out when you’re ready, and I can help design the right itinerary for you.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
59 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
Search reviews:

Showing 59 reviews

Austin made it easy!
Reviewed By Diana - Lewiston NY | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Goes above and beyond duty to take care of his customers. A true professional dedicated to his job. Total confidence that everything is always put together well.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Excellent cruising experience
Reviewed By Eva - The Villages , Fl | Traveled to Caribbean
Andy was very patient with our questions and covered everything we asked with enthusiasm. We received everything we needed and had a wonderful cruise . It’s surely is a pleasure working with him
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Austin is the best cruise agent!
Reviewed By Happy Cruiser - THE VILLAGES | Traveled to Caribbean
Austin Koonz is the best travel agent. I have booked and rebooked four cruises through him. He has responded rapidly to my requests and has provided the best deals available. His travel recommendations are terrific!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
I highly recommend working with Austin.
Reviewed By Chong - The Villages, Florida | Traveled to Caribbean
Austin is knowledgeable, patient, and personable. He consistently goes the extra mile to ensure I have the best cruise experience. I highly recommend working with Austin.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Destination Wedding
Reviewed By Col - Clifton Park, New York | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Austin has been very responsive and knowledgable regarding our trip. Even helped with changes after a 17 hour flight delay. We could not be any happier with our experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Extra added value
Austin at Travel Leaders didn't just match our deal—he made it significantly better. My husband and I were ready to book a Regent Seven Seas cruise. We called the cruise line directly and received an exclusive lower price that wasn't available online—a deal we were told would only last a few days. Before committing, we decided to reach out to Austin at Travel Leaders to see what he could offer. From his very first response, his expertise was exceptional. Not only did he match the exclusive pricing Regent had offered us directly, but he also secured a complimentary shore excursion valued at nearly $500. We got the same cruise, the same price, plus an additional $500 in value. The choice was easy. If you're booking a luxury cruise, call Austin first—you have nothing to lose and potentially hundreds of dollars to gain.
Travel Lover NY
The Best Alaska Cruise Tour Ever!
Austin Koonz - you hooked us up! Great rooms and tours! The past 48 hours have been busy and amazing. We left Albany on Thursday afternoon and landed in Fairbanks, Alaska Thursday evening. On Friday we took a riverboat up the Chena River to a traditional Athabaskan fishing village. We also got to see a demonstration by the dogs who live and train with at Susan Butcher’s family. Susan Butcher is a four time alaskan Iditarod campion. We then went to a gold mining dredge where we also go to see the Alyasken Pipeline. Our guide was Dexter who looked like a gold miner and had a ton of great stories. We also experienced panning for gold. I was the big winner with $32 of gold. Denali National Park was amazing! We saw a bull moose, a cow (moose) with her calf, a lynx, a porcupine, a grizzly bear, three caribou, a few ptarmigan, and a couple of snowshoe hares.
Julie
Austin is truly a blessing
For an older couple who isn’t tech-savvy, Austin is truly a blessing. He completes our check-in on our behalf and ensures all of our documents are printed and mailed directly to our home. We never have to worry about a thing, just pack and be on time for the shuttle service he arranges. Thank you for everything, Austin!
Mrs. Edwards
Care and attention to detail
Austin went above and beyond. I have worked with many travel agents in my life, but none have shown me the level of care and attention to detail that Austin has. Moving forward, I will only be booking my vacations with Austin.
Kryzs
Greece Cruise with Pre and Post in Athens
Have worked with Austin for over a year now planning various vacations. We always had several questions and were impressed by how quick and thorough his answers were. Since we have traveled for decades and dealt with several travel agents, we feel that he is the best we have ever dealt with.
Happy Client - Clifton Park, New York
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