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Romantic Rhine (Southbound) River Cruise

Discover Holland, France, Switzerland, and Germany on Europe’s most famous river. Explore Amsterdam’s 700-year heritage with canal tours that showcase this vibrant city before cruising to Cologne, renowned for its twin-spired cathedral and Gothic-style architecture.

The Romantic Rhine Cruise sails the magnificent Rhine Gorge with fairytale castles clinging to the cliffs high above the water and port stops at picturesque towns like Rüdesheim, Mainz, and Heidelberg. Explore Strasbourg and the lovely La Petite France district with quaint shops and the tranquil waterfront promenade before journeying to Breisach, the gateway to the Black Forest.

Avalon offers a choice of passenger experiences, so you can select the tours and activities that interest you the most. Explore independently or take advantage of the exclusive AvalonGO App – there’s something for everyone on the Romantic Rhine cruise.

4.5
Star Image
from 409 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways
  • Ship: Avalon Expression + 6 more
  • Duration: 7 Nights
  • Departure: Apr - Dec
£2,419pp
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Romantic Rhine (Southbound) River Cruise Itinerary

This 7-night cruise explores the jewels of the Rhine with stunning scenery, fairytale castles, and iconic European cities, the ultimate fusion of culture, history, and breathtaking river views. Take your pick from a selection of insightful tours and enjoy luxury suites and five-star cuisine, the ideal cruise companions for a memorable river voyage.

Day 1

Amsterdam – Holland

Explore this famous city before you board your cruise ship. In tulip season, there is a guided excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, where guests can view more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, a riot of colour and fragrance. Outside of tulip season, there is a guided tour to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and picturesque Dutch houses. Guests are welcome aboard their cruiser from 5 p.m.

Day 2

Amsterdam – Holland

Explore the legendary waterways of Amsterdam on a guided Canal Cruise, which focuses on this city’s Golden Age of architecture and culture. Guests can choose one of the optional tours available in the afternoon or take some free time to explore the city with its cosmopolitan mix of shops, museums, and galleries.

Day 3

Cologne – Germany

For the adventurous, take a bike ride around Cologne with Avalon’s Adventure Host or enjoy the more sedate pace of a guided walking tour around Cologne’s important Jewish heritage and sites. Another Guided City Walk of Cologne focuses on the main points of cultural interest and history, including the famous twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Enjoy entertainment on board in the evening provided by local musicians.

Day 4

Rüdesheim

The journey to Rüdesheim cruises through the legendary Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its fairytale castles clinging to the cliffs high above the water. See the infamous Rock of the Lorelei, where a mythical siren lured sailors to their deaths. Rüdesheim is a well-known wine-growing area, so join your Avalon Adventure Host for a picturesque hike through the vineyards or discover something new and different at the incredible Mechanical Music Museum.

Day 5

Mainz and Heidelberg, Germany

Accompany your Adventure Host for a fascinating and inspiring walk in Heidelberg. There is also a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a world-renowned Renaissance treasure and home to the world’s largest wine barrel. Guests can also choose to stay in Mainz and explore the city on a guided walk, including visiting the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world dedicated to printing.

Day 6

Strasbourg, France

Join a sightseeing tour of this fascinating city, including Strasbourg’s Gothic stained-glass cathedral and the truly magical La Petite France District. Those with an appetite for exercise can discover Strasbourg by bike with Avalon’s Adventure Host, or there is an excursion to the historic Maginot Line, fortifications designed to protect France’s eastern border. All guided tours are optional, so guests can explore the city themselves and create their own excursions.

Day 7

Breisach and the Black Forest, Germany

Avalon offers a full-day guided tour of the picturesque Black Forest. Visit the Vogtsbauernohf Open-Air museum, visit a traditional water mill, and watch a butter-making demonstration. There is an alternative excursion to a local winery in Breisach with wine tasting or a guided tour to the quaint village of Colmar with its picturesque half-timbered medieval and Renaissance buildings.

Day 8

Basel, Switzerland

Disembark in Basel.

Day 1

Basel, Switzerland

Disembark in Basel.

Day 2

Breisach and the Black Forest, Germany

Avalon offers a full-day guided tour of the picturesque Black Forest. Visit the Vogtsbauernohf Open-Air museum, visit a traditional water mill, and watch a butter-making demonstration. There is an alternative excursion to a local winery in Breisach with wine tasting or a guided tour to the quaint village of Colmar with its picturesque half-timbered medieval and Renaissance buildings.

Day 3

Strasbourg, France

Join a sightseeing tour of this fascinating city, including Strasbourg’s Gothic stained-glass cathedral and the truly magical La Petite France District. Those with an appetite for exercise can discover Strasbourg by bike with Avalon’s Adventure Host, or there is an excursion to the historic Maginot Line, fortifications designed to protect France’s eastern border. All guided tours are optional, so guests can explore the city themselves and create their own excursions.

Day 4

Mainz and Heidelberg, Germany

Accompany your Adventure Host for a fascinating and inspiring walk in Heidelberg. There is also a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a world-renowned Renaissance treasure and home to the world’s largest wine barrel. Guests can also choose to stay in Mainz and explore the city on a guided walk, including visiting the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world dedicated to printing.

Day 5

Rüdesheim

The journey to Rüdesheim cruises through the legendary Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its fairytale castles clinging to the cliffs high above the water. See the infamous Rock of the Lorelei, where a mythical siren lured sailors to their deaths. Rüdesheim is a well-known wine-growing area, so join your Avalon Adventure Host for a picturesque hike through the vineyards or discover something new and different at the incredible Mechanical Music Museum.

Day 6

Cologne – Germany

For the adventurous, take a bike ride around Cologne with Avalon’s Adventure Host or enjoy the more sedate pace of a guided walking tour around Cologne’s important Jewish heritage and sites. Another Guided City Walk of Cologne focuses on the main points of cultural interest and history, including the famous twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Enjoy entertainment on board in the evening provided by local musicians.

Day 7

Amsterdam – Holland

Explore the legendary waterways of Amsterdam on a guided Canal Cruise, which focuses on this city’s Golden Age of architecture and culture. Guests can choose one of the optional tours available in the afternoon or take some free time to explore the city with its cosmopolitan mix of shops, museums, and galleries.

Day 8

Amsterdam – Holland

Explore this famous city before you board your cruise ship. In tulip season, there is a guided excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, where guests can view more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, a riot of colour and fragrance. Outside of tulip season, there is a guided tour to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and picturesque Dutch houses. Guests are welcome aboard their cruiser from 5 p.m.

About The Avalon Expression

Part of Avalon’s select fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression offers two decks of floating luxury accommodation featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows. Elegant and contemporary décor creates a luxurious backdrop, the perfect partner for the cruise of a lifetime. Panoramic windows throughout the ship offer continuous views of the stunning river scenery.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Enjoy fresh and varied menus with a choice of dining options and award-winning cuisine offering international dishes and regional favourites. Dine Al Fresco in the Sky Grill, enjoy a four-course menu in the Panorama Dining Room, or a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge. There is complementary in-suite service and a Club Lounge with a 24-hour self-service beverage station offering a range of hot drinks.

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Accommodation

Avalon Expression’s Panorama Suites feature Open-Air Balconies and wall-to-wall windows. Relax in a Comfort Collection bed with the luxury of Egyptian cotton sheets. Spacious bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes, slippers, and a range of L’Occitane quality products for the ultimate spa experience. Individual climate control and English television and movie channels create a relaxing haven after a day’s sightseeing.

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Health & Fitness

Take a dip in the whirlpool on the Sky Deck or work out in Expression’s dedicated Fitness Centre. There is also an Avalon Adventure Centre to complement active on-shore excursions with a range of bikes, maps, binoculars, and Fitbits. If that sounds too much like hard work, take a stroll around the Sky Deck and relax on the premium luxury loungers.

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Deck Plan

The Avalon Expression is a bespoke-designed cruise ship with four decks perfectly crafted to create the ultimate river cruise experience. Enjoy stunning views from spacious suites, the covered Observation Lounge, or the luxurious Sky Deck. There is complementary Wi-Fi available throughout the vessel and easy access between the decks via an elevator.

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About The Avalon Panorama

The Avalon Panorama was the original ground-breaking river cruise vessel, endlessly imitated and never bettered. Panorama is named after the two decks of Panorama Suites, designed with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows for the ultimate river views. Relax in luxurious comfort and watch the world go by with picture postcard vistas from a vessel styled to create the memories of a lifetime.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Choose from a range of dining options with Avalon’s legendary FlexDining, offering a choice of meal times and venues. Savour award-winning international cuisine with regional dishes, vegetarian options, and healthy high fibre, low-cholesterol selections. Have a light bite Al Fresco in the Sky Grill, enjoy a multi-course menu in the Panorama Dining Room, or linger over the tasting menu in the Bistro. Complementary room service and 24/7 hot beverages are also available in the Club Lounge.

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Accommodation

On average, Avalon Panorama’s spacious suites are 30% larger than those on other cruise lines. Relax in elegantly appointed comfort with a well-stocked mini-bar, individual air-conditioning, and a range of movie channels. Fall asleep and wake refreshed to stunning river views from a Comfort Collection bed with crisp Egyptian cotton sheets. Luxury en-suite bathrooms offer soft towelling robes and a range of quality spa products.

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Health & Fitness

Stroll the Sky Deck or take a plunge in the whirlpool with luxury loungers close to hand for a well-earned snooze or time with a favourite book. For those that want to exercise, take advantage of the Fitness Centre plus, there is also an Avalon Adventure Centre to enhance shore excursions and trips. Choose from a range of equipment, including maps, binoculars, Fitbits, and bikes.

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Deck Plan

Panorama by name panoramic by nature, the Avalon Panorama is a vessel designed with two things in mind: guest comfort and optimal river views. On-board amenities are laid out across four decks, including a well-stocked library and free Wi-Fi access around the ship. Public areas all provide panoramic vistas of the water, scenery, and elegant surroundings to relax, socialise, or enjoy activities.

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About The Avalon Vista

River views are the inspiration behind the Avalon Vista, designed to optimise the stunning river scenery, whether in luxury suites with wall-to-wall windows or in public spaces. Purpose-built for river cruising and elegantly appointed with chic, modern décor, enjoy five-star floating opulence with award-winning cuisine and every possible amenity for a truly memorable cruise.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Enjoy seasonal cuisine with regional dishes, international menus, and familiar favourites, all prepared daily and on-board with the freshest ingredients. Each meal has vegan, vegetarian, and healthy options, and guests can choose flexible dining times and venues with Avalon’s FlexDining. Choose formal four-course dining in the Panorama Dining Room or lighter options in the Panorama Lounge. Room service is provided in-suite, and unlimited hot drinks in the Club Lounge are available 24/7.

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Accommodation

With around 30% more space than other cruisers, the Avalon Vista’s Panorama Suites are the last word in luxury river accommodation with Comfort Collection beds and Open-Air Balconies. Enjoy beautifully appointed interiors with individual climate control and a comprehensive entertainment system. Marble en-suite bathrooms are fully equipped with quality L’Occitane products, soft towels, and robes for the ultimate spa experience.

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Health & Fitness

For the active, the Avalon Adventure Centre provides a range of equipment for on-shore excursions, including Fitbits, maps, binoculars, and bikes. The Avalon Vista has an on-board fitness centre for those who want to stay active on the ship. Take a plunge in the Sky Deck whirlpool or walk and enjoy the amazing views with premium sun loungers for when it’s time to take a break.

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Deck Plan

The Avalon Vista’s design is dedicated to the ultimate cruise experience with four decks of luxury accommodation and amenities and a river view always available. Public areas are chic and stylish, designed to maximise space while retaining a warm and intimate atmosphere. Guests can easily move between decks using short flights of steps or the elevator. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

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About The Avalon Illumination

Light up your river cruise aboard the Illumination, one of Avalon’s premier vessels and part of a hand-picked fleet of Suite Ships. Enjoy optimal levels of comfort and luxury with modern, chic interiors and river views a priority in the generously proportioned accommodation and public spaces.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Avalon’s unique FlexDining allows guests to tailor meal times and menus to suit their itinerary and palate. Choose from formal multi-course meals in the Panorama Restaurant, lighter options in the Panorama Lounge, or eat bistro-style on the Sky Deck. There is also complementary room service to your suite and a 24-hour beverage station in the Club Lounge for delicious hot drinks, whatever the hour.

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Accommodation

Avalon Illumination is part of Avalon’s exclusive range of Suite Ships, which feature luxury cabins with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows for the ultimate river views. Wake, sleep, or relax in spacious accommodation, which is more generous than the industry standard. Comfort Beds have crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, and the marble en-suite bathroom is equipped with a range of quality spa products and luxury towels and robes. Individual climate control and an entertainment system complete the experience.

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Health & Fitness

Work out in the dedicated Fitness Centre or make the most of the Avalon Adventure Centre with its own Adventure Host to enjoy active on-shore excursions with a range of helpful equipment. The Sky Deck has a luxury whirlpool and shaded premium loungers for somewhere to relax and unwind.

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Deck Plan

The Illumination is a shining jewel in the Avalon fleet, a purpose-built vessel crafted to highlight the very best of river cruising with stunning views from all the suites and public areas. A full range of amenities caters to all guest requirements, with complementary Wi-Fi throughout the ship and easy access between the decks.

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About The Avalon Impression

The Avalon Impression is true to its namesake and will undoubtedly create an impression on any river cruise. Chic and stylish interiors are tastefully furnished to optimise guest comfort and maximise the river views. Exercise, socialise, or relax in luxury accommodation and enjoy full amenities in the communal areas for the ultimate in river cruising.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Enjoy award-winning cuisine, regional dishes, and a selection of dining options and venues with Avalon’s unique FlexDining. Savour formal dinners, light lunches, and Al Fresco bites with vegan, vegetarian, and healthy alternatives to suit all tastes and guest requirements. Eat in-suite with complementary room service.

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Accommodation

Spacious Panorama Suites are the hallmark of Avalon ships, and the Avalon Impression is no exception. Luxurious beds and Egyptian cotton sheets promise a night of peaceful slumber with wall-to-wall river views when you wake. En-suite marble bathrooms provide a complete spa experience with quality body and bath products, super soft towels, and bathrobes. Enjoy individual climate control and an entertainment system that features English-speaking television channels and free movies.

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Health & Fitness

Walk, swim, or relax on the beautiful Sky Deck with whirlpool and shaded premium loungers – there is also a games area to enjoy. Work out in the Fitness Centre, ideal for the dedicated exercise enthusiast. An Avalon Adventure Host coordinates on-shore activities and excursions with a full range of equipment in the Avalon Adventure Centre for guests to take advantage of.

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Deck Plan

An excellent first impression is always essential, and the Avalon Impression won’t disappoint with four decks of floating luxury crafted to optimise passenger comfort and the river cruise experience. Accommodation is spacious, with every possible amenity in the public areas, which are well laid out and designed to make the most of the river views. Access between decks is easy with a short flight of steps, or guests can use the elevator.

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About The Avalon View

As the newest addition to our fleet of ships, the Avalon View certainly lives up to its name. Featuring two decks of our signature panorama suites, the Avalon View certainly lives up to our outstanding commitment to relaxed luxury – with window-facing beds, the priority aboard this ship is making sure you don’t miss out on any exquisite scenery.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Make use of the daily buffet offered by our team aboard ship, or head down to the panorama dining room to enjoy chef-prepared cuisine. If needed, you can opt for the healthy options available with every meal and complimentary room service for those times when you just want to curl up and watch the view from the comfort of your room.

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Accommodation

The basic amenities you can expect in your room aboard the Avalon View inclue: Large bathrooms, cotton linens, bathrobes/slippers, flatscreen TVs, in-room safes and individual thermostats. However, with multiple suite options to choose from - other options may be made available to you. Choose from the Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq.ft), Panorama Suite (200 sq.ft) and Royal Suite (300 sq.ft)

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Health & Fitness

Through your Adventure Host, you should be able to access the following: bikes, maps for hiking/biking/jogging routes, fitness and wellness activities, fitbits and yoga mats for whenever you’re feeling like you need to get moving during your cruise. You also have the option for exercise during off-ship excursions, where many tours involve biking, hiking and guided walks.

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Deck Plan

All Avalon Fleet ships consist of 3 accommodation decks, in order of ascension: Indigo, Sapphire, Royal and the expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe's most spectacular scenery.

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About The Avalon Tranquility II

The aim of this ship is to find balance between bringing tranquility to the weary traveler’s soul whilst still offering you lots of exciting opportunities to entice your adventurous spirit. Climb aboard to enjoy a peaceful stay in Avalon’s signature panorama suites, which are 30% larger than the industry standard, making them the perfect place to stretch out and enjoy the world at your feet.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Whether you want to swing the Sky Grill on the Sky Deck for some fly-by meals to fit your busy schedule or head to the Panorama lounge for a more formal, chef-prepared lunch, the team at Avalon Waterways has you covered with healthy options offered with each meal and complimentary room service for those times where you just need to relax in your room.

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Accommodation

The Avalon Tranquility II’s suites should be available to you equipped with individual thermostats, in-room safes, a flat-screen TV and en-suite bathroom complete with towels, robes and slippers. However, with several suite options, the room you purchase may come with additional luxuries. Choose from the Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq.ft), Panorama Suite (200 sq.ft) and Royal Suite (300 sq.ft)

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Health & Fitness

Through your Adventure Host, you should be able to access the following: bikes, maps for hiking/biking/jogging routes, fitness and wellness activities, fitbits and yoga mats for whenever you’re feeling like you need to get moving during your cruise.

Read More... Read Less...

Deck Plan

All Avalon Fleet ships consist of 3 accommodation decks, in order of ascension: Indigo, Sapphire, Royal and the expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe's most spectacular scenery.

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Romantic Rhine (Southbound) River Cruise Deals

Discover Europe’s best kept secrets with Crui.se

Brand Shape
  • 4

    Countries Visited

  • 7

    Choice of Ships

  • 10

    Cruise Options

Romantic Rhine (Southbound)

Discover Europe’s most famous river with a fascinating excursion through four countries, visiting some of the Rhine’s most renowned scenery and iconic capital cities. Enjoy international dining and luxury accommodation and choose from a range of active or more sedate excursions, all hand-picked to showcase the very best of river destinations.

  • Apr - Dec
  • 7 Nights
£2,419pp

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) Cruise Review

“This is definitely the best Rhine cruise we have been on – it showcases the finest cities, fantastic points of interest like the Black Forest, and, of course, the unforgettable Rhine Gorge. Avalon ships are certainly a cut above the rest in terms of luxury and amenities, but the choice of guided excursions really marked out this cruise. We took full advantage of the dedicated Avalon Adventure Centre and Host, adding a whole new level to our previous cruise experiences. We highly recommend Avalon and have already booked another trip.”

Simon and Beth Sinderby, Rotherham

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Admire the beauties of Gothic Germany, from architecture to heritage to wine, and let the Rhine guide you through history as the castles dotted along the river weave tales of all there was centuries ago.

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Experience the heritage of regions renowned for their history and immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime aboard the Rhine & Moselle Splendours River Cruise

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Romantic Rhine (Southbound) FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

I suffer from allergies, so I need a restricted diet. How does this work?

Our gourmet chefs offer fresh daily selections, which include vegan, vegetarian, and healthy options. Because Avalon already provides tailored menu selections, we can easily accommodate guests on a restricted diet. Discuss your requirements with our friendly booking team when you make your reservation.

Do I need an up-to-date Covid vaccination before I embark on the ship?

When you make your reservation, we can advise of the latest vaccination protocols for all diseases. Avalon follows regional and local guidance in the countries we sail through and also the advice given by the World Health Organisation (WHO). All on-board staff are fully vaccinated.

Do I need visas required for the Romantic Rhine Cruise?

All guests require visas before they travel, and passengers are responsible for arranging this in their own country before they join the cruise. Our friendly booking team can help you with the basics and outline the application process. Always allow enough time if you are travelling during the height of the holiday season, as visas can take longer during busy periods.

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