avalon river cruises reviews complaints

Why I still think Avalon Waterways has the best cabins in river cruising

Editor's Note

It's all about the view.

As I write this, I am propped up in bed on Avalon Waterways' new Avalon Alegria, marveling at the stunning landscape passing by just a few feet beyond my toes.

The 102-passenger river vessel is sailing up Portugal's famously lovely Douro Valley, and I'm being treated to an ever-moving scene of rolling hills, vineyards and centuries-old towns.

It's a view I wouldn't have if I were lounging in bed on most other river ships in Europe — at least, if I had my back to the headboard.

Unlike on Avalon Alegria, the beds in cabins on most river ships in Europe face sideways to an interior wall. It's unusual for cabins on river ships in Europe to be configured so that the beds face the view.

It's a little thing that makes all the difference.

As I've written about several times over the years at other publications, Avalon Waterways has my favorite river cruise cabins in Europe, in large part because the beds are configured to face the view in most of them.

It's not just the view-facing beds in Avalon cabins that win my adoration. It's the use of an almost complete wall of glass along the view-side of many Avalon rooms to frame the passing scenery.

Related: Why a Douro River cruise may be the ultimate friends group getaway

While not every cabin on Avalon vessels in Europe is configured this way, a large portion are. Avalon calls these view-facing cabins with walls of glass Panorama Suites, and they can make up roughly 80% of the cabins on many of the line's vessels.

It's been a key differentiator for Avalon since the cabins began rolling out in 2011. That was the year Avalon unveiled its first Suite Ship, as the line calls vessels with such cabins. The line now operates 16 such vessels in Europe and Asia.

Glass walls instead of balconies

One of the big differences between the Panorama Suites on Avalon's Suite Ships and the cabins on the river ships of some competitors is that they don't have balconies. That allows the entire wall facing the outside to be turned into one big glass panel.

On most Avalon ships, these glass panels measure an astounding 11 feet wide.

What's more, the glass wall can slide open sideways to create a 7-foot-wide opening for fresh air. (Don't worry; you won't fall out when it's open. There is a secondary glass wall that rises up partway with a railing at its top to create a safety barrier.)

Related: 9 best river cruises in Europe

As I am seeing on Avalon Alegria and have seen when sailing many other Avalon vessels, the Panorama Suites typically have small seating areas next to the walls of glass. When the glass wall is slid open, you have the feeling of being on a balcony even though it's not a balcony, as you can sit in the seating area at the edge of the now-open wall.

It's an "open-air" balcony, as Avalon calls it.

It's the highlight feature of a cabin type that is perfect in just about every way. At 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are larger than most standard cabins on European river ships. They're modern and stylish, too. They have comfy beds and elegant bathrooms with spacious showers.

Adding balconies to cabins on river ships isn't easy. The narrowness of the locks on European rivers means that river ships must be built to be very narrow — too narrow to have cabins that are both spacious enough to be comfortable and have balconies at their ends.

Still, many river lines design their river ships with balconies attached to cabins despite such limitations, as they believe it's what customers want. They do it by stealing space away from the interior parts of cabins.

The result is often cabins that have balconies but feel tight on the inside.

In designing its Panorama Suites on river ships without balconies but with stellar views through walls of glass, Avalon has bucked the trend in river cruise cabin design — and in just the right way.

Cabins with balconies are all the rage in cruising, of course, and cruisers think that's what they want. But when you're river cruising, what really matters is the view. You want to see the scenery of the river bank as it rolls by, preferably from the comfort of your bed.

On that count, Avalon's Panorama Suites, with their view-facing beds and walls of glass, have delivered mightily since they first began debuting in 2011.

TPG's Gene Sloan is reporting live this week from a preview sailing aboard Avalon Alegria, Avalon Waterways' first vessel on Portugal's Douro River. Visit his author's page at TPG for all his dispatches.

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My wife and I received an offer of free…

My wife and I received an offer of free cruise and air tickets in return for attending their promotional in the Detroit area. We attended on July 12, 2023, Conf. # TS181. Upon leaving we were told that we did not qualify because we arrived late, were older than 72 years of age, and did not meet the income requirements. None of these requirements were stated on the invitation. If this is the way the company works, I certainly cannot recommend it.

Date of experience : July 12, 2023

Just completed an amazing Rhine River…

Just completed an amazing Rhine River cruise on Avalon! Service, Food, staff, room, amenities were all first class. A couple of things that could use some improvement were: Better air conditioning on the dining room, and a piano player on the lounge would have been a nice touch. Overall, it was a fantastic river cruise!

Date of experience : May 23, 2023

Luxurious and fun!

The Avalon River experience was incredible! The crew and staff provided five star service and truly made it a wonderful trip wonderful. The daily city tours and excursions were a perfect way to see each town. We also enjoyed how the trip included evening activities on the boat such wine and beer tasting and live music. And of course, the food was incredible!

Date of experience : October 22, 2022

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise Thank you

Date of experience : June 21, 2023

Exceptional Experience!

The staff on the Avalon View and the Avalon Envision are the best in the business. We had to switch ships mid-trip because the Danube was flooding, but the switch was absolutely seamless. They were engaging, caring, thoughtful and very kind! They anticipated every need and the whole experience was magnificent. I can't wait until our next River Cruise. It will always be with Avalon!

Date of experience : December 14, 2023

Evening happy hour

Great meals, good local cuisine. Nice variety of tour options. Could improve on evening entertainment. We tended to back to our rooms after dinner as there was not much going on. Maybe an evening happy hour would get people out.

Date of experience : September 23, 2023

Greedy rip off mentality, no customer care.

Greedy money snatching company which doe not give a toss about the client. We had booked a fully inclusive cruise (3 meals per day with unlimited beers, wines and spirits with our meals) from Amsterdam to Basle in September. We had to cancel due to Shingles and did not expect a full refund. However we did expect a refund of the material costs of food and beverage which we did not consume. They greedy money grubbers refused. So not only did they make their normal profit but made an extra profit at our misfortune.

Date of experience : September 02, 2022

Incredible crew!

This is my first river cruise, so I had nothing to compare it to. What exceeded any notion I had was how friendly and attentive the entire crew was. I feel I should say the sites were the highlights, but it was the crew that made my trip memorable and exceptional. From Dani, Radu, Bogdan, Feyzi, and Gabriel (the list can go on and on), every moment on board was filled with great food and fun. I was on the Panorama. It was clean and seemed brand new. My bed faced the floor-to-ceiling windows, so I had great views. Ibrahim, the head chef, nailed it with all of our meals.

Date of experience : April 20, 2024

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Date of experience : February 17, 2023

A Great Experience

We’ve had two great European adventures with Globus. Our only complaint was never being able to unpack because we moved locations every day or two. We decided to try Avalon to see new places in a different way. It was like our hotel moved with us, we were able to unpack and relax more. It was a great trip with several options of what to do at each port we stopped at. The food and service were excellent, the rooms were quite spacious and our cruise director, Mauro, was great!

Date of experience : June 23, 2023

Wonderful tour director

Wonderful tour director, great service all over ship, food was outstanding and great recommendations for tours and on shore activities. Cabin was wonderful and beds were very comfy. My 4th Avalon river cruise and I am looking forward to more. My husband loves that they carry nice bikes on board with helmets and he can bike in all the ports. Avalon is the best in river cruising. Book with confidence!

Date of experience : May 14, 2023

Can’t wait to book another cruise! Every moment of the cruise was…

Every moment of the cruise was delightful. The staff was amazing! The food was unbelievably delicious. So many choices! The adventures were excellent. We like active vacations, and we got our money’s worth! We met and made friends with many wonderful people. I never slept as well as I did on those beds. Everything and everyone exceeded five stars.

Date of experience : July 03, 2023

From favorite cruise line to Never Again!!!

My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back.

Date of experience : November 03, 2023

First River Cruise

My husband and I recently took our first river cruise, Romantic Rhine Northbound . We had long thought about taking one of these cruises but we were a little concerned as we had heard from others about their trip with a competition line. Their reviews left a great deal to be desired and made us apprehensive about booking the trip. Our travel agent suggested Avalon as an alternative and could not have been more pleased with the service that we received. The staff could not do enough for us. The trip from beginning to end was perfect. All excursions were well planned with knowledgeable guides. Our cruise director Perla Campailla was the epitome of perfection throughout the trip and she worked diligently to give us the perfect experience from the time we met her in Lucerne, to our reluctant departure in Amsterdam. Captain Peter and his crew were most professional and he was always there on our departures and returns. The room attendant Maria was very polite and professional and our room was always spotless and organized. All the food staff were friendly and attentive to our needs and wants. A special shout-out to our servers Winda and her husband Buhdi who were always cheerful and quick to meet our table’s requirements. There was a tear in our eye on our last day on board and we wish them all well.

Date of experience : May 24, 2024

Terrible avoid Avalon Waterways

Did the romantic Rhine river cruise and the engine noise in the state rooms was unbearable we were unable to sleep hotel manager does not care about the passengers. We had laundry lost on one occasion and damaged on another. Staff get abused by managers in front of guests. We were charged twice for incidentals at the end of the cruise which they blamed on the internet and yet to receive it back. The Air Conditioning only works at night the rooms are extremely hot during the day. The only good thing about the cruise was the food.

Date of experience : June 10, 2023

Rhone cruise

I submitted a review several months ago when we returned from the Rhone cruise. Please read it! I'm interested in booking another cruise but can't do the horrible flights again. Judy Kammer 612 804-6148

Date of experience : September 22, 2023

Awesome Cruise

We just took our second Avalon river cruise, the Tulip Cruise thru Netherlands and Belgium, which was a beautiful experience. It didnt hurt that the weather was great. Prior one and still my favorite was the Rhine Cruise. Wife loves the experience. Food and service were great with many options and the kitchen/serving staff went out of their way to accommodate some special dietary needs. They had an hour long free happy hour every day before dinner and a cookie/coffee bar all day. Rooms were cleaned on a daily basis. Tour options were very good, especially the tour to the medieval city Bruges and the Keukenhof gardens. Their bed placement facing the outside windows is a winner. We highly recommend Avalon.

Date of experience : April 29, 2023

first river cruise

This was my first river cruise, and it exceeded my high expectations in every way. Avalon was by far the most thorough tour company I have ever traveled with. The ship, Avalon Passion, was delightful in every way. The accommodation, food, tours, staff, local guides -- everything was just excellent. We did the lower Danube from Bucharest to Budapest, and plan to book another river cruise as soon as we can!!

Date of experience : May 27, 2023

we love avalon

the ship was really comfortable, the food was great and plentiful and our cruise director Katy was amazing. will always look to Avalon to book future cruises, no other cruise line. we encountered several other groups from bigger cruise lines and the guides were consistently rude

Date of experience : October 15, 2022

This was my first Rhine River Cruise

This was my first River Cruise and I was very excited and truly enjoyed everything. The Cruise Director Daniela was amazing and very personable and keeping us all updated on where to be, when we were doing it and what was happening. Loved the different color codes for the excursions as well. We had many wonderful people that helped our experience go smoothly. Andrew, Mili, Omer, Kadak, Umit, Adrian, Julia (what a hoot), Deyar, Phyo Wai and especially Daniela. They were all very helpful in making us have a great Rhine River Cruise. Thank you to everyone on Avalon Expression.

Date of experience : June 13, 2023

• River Cruising

Avalon vs Viking. My opinion

By mhb1757 , November 11, 2017 in River Cruising

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We have done 3 river cruises with Viking. Just returned from 10 days with Avalon on the Danube and in Prague. First I should say that we have always had good experiences with Viking, I know not everyone here has had the same experiences with them but we have. I booked this trip with Avalon about a year ago when they were having a fire sale (1/2 price on cruise fares that was combinable with the free air promotion they were running at the time), so we ended up paying less than half of what it would have cost to do the same trip with Viking.

This was a girls trip (my sister and I and my 2 daughters that are in their mid20’s).

AIR: We always use the Viking custom air option (for $50/pp) and pick our flights, have them ticketed early and then select seats or upgrade with the airline. Avalon does not offer this option and we had no choice in our flights at all (maybe because it was free air?) but our flights, while not horrendous weren’t that great either, we couldn’t pick seats in advance for the outbound flights so we were in the last 2 rows. So I’d give Viking Air the top rating here.

PRE CRUISEWe had 2 nights in Prague pre-cruise. We were at the Intercontinental which had a great location and was a nice hotel. We haven’t ever done a Viking extension so I can’t compare but We were very happy with Avalon’s arrangements.

TRANSFERS: Both did a nice job with airport pick up and transfers. Viking did have a rep waiting at the airport to help you check in for your return flight home. I never felt like we needed this too much but it would be helpful for some of the older travelers. Avalon did not provide this service.

CABINS: Avalon noses ahead here. The lower level cabins definitely have more square feet on Avalon and the extra floor space was nice. However the design is essentially the same on both lines. Plenty of storage space on both. Our beds on Avalon were pretty worn out and not very comfortable but I suspect they will be replaced over the off season.

SHIP: Aside from some minor differences in decor the ship layouts are quite similar. Both very pleasant. Avalon does have a strangely located lounge at the very rear of the ship which is the only place you can get coffee drinks or snacks 24/7. However on our cruise this area had been commandeered by a large (and rowdy) group of a Thai passengers and it was made clear that others were not welcome... that was not Avalon’s fault however.

SERVICE: Cabin service was excellent on both lines. Dining service on Viking in our experience has always been excellent and at times exceptional. On Avalon it ranged from OK to poor. We learned which sections to avoid by the time the week was over but if you wanted your water glass refilled or another coke or glass of wine you were pretty much out of luck. 3 mornings one of us ordered something off the menu (vs buffet) and two of those times the food never came and the 3rd time the waffle came as we were leaving.

FOOD: The quality was good on both. We always enjoyed our meals. Viking offered more choices, especially at breakfast and lunch. The lounge buffet on Avalon had more choices than the Aquavit on Viking. We also liked the cake and coffee time on Avalon and really enjoyed their tasting menu in the lounge one night. The food and service there were quite good. We also liked that Avalon used almost all local wines.

EXCURSIONS: We felt that Viking tour guides were usually a bit better than Avalon on the included excursions, although we had excellent guides with Avalon on our optional excursions. Tour groups seemed larger on Avalon and they all left the ship at the same time and followed the same route so tours were always congested. Viking wins on that one.

OVERALL: We would be happy to travel with either company in the future. If itinerary and price were equal I’d probably go with Viking. They have mastered the small things better I would not hesitate to do another Avalon cruise if the price was right or they had an itinerary I preferred.

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Interesting comparison, thanks for sharing. We too have done many cruises with Viking, 8 river, and 2 with Avalon, there are definitely differences. Which Avalon ship were you on? Just curious.

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Interesting comparison, thanks for sharing. We too have done many cruises with Viking, 8 river, and 2 with Avalon, there are definitely differences. Which Avalon ship were you on? Just curious.     Sent from my iPad using Forums

We were on the Expression.

Really appreciate the time you have taken for an informative comparison.

We keep checking on Avalon, and soon will be back on Viking.

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Thanks mhb1757

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What to expect with Avalon Waterways

I take you through all the details of an Avalon Waterways river cruise ship – the rooms, the food, the bar, the activities, and more!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: February 2, 2023

Not all river cruises are created equal. This is what I realise as I float down the Danube onboard the Avalon Impression.

In my previous story, I confessed that this was my first time on a European river cruise – and that my expectations and preconceptions had been all wrong.

I realised that there is much more flexibility than I thought, more variety than I imagined, and more authenticity than I expected.

But, as I say, not all river cruises are the same. There are two things that make this trip a little unlike others.

The first is the ship itself – because Avalon Waterways has some differences in its layout, style, and service.

The second is that I’m on an ‘ Active & Discovery ‘ itinerary – a relatively new idea from Avalon that is aimed at a broader market than the traditional river cruiser. That’s why I was invited to try the trip myself so I could tell you more about it.

If you haven’t read my first story about my overall impression of this river cruise from Budapest to Linz, I would recommend you check it out.

 Because now I want to go into some of the specifics of an Avalon Waterways ship and an Active & Discovery itinerary, to help you get a better impression of what it’s like to be on the Avalon Impression (see what I did there – pretty clunky, right?).

First let’s talk about the ship overall. I didn’t realise this previously but most river cruise ships in Europe are the same size. That’s because they need to be able to fit into the locks that they pass through. So, because each company makes their ships just small enough to get through a lock, they’ve all pretty much got the same dimensions.

This means it’s what you do with the same space that sets the ships apart. Let me paint you a picture of how Avalon does its ships.

An Avalon ship is 135 metres long and has three interior levels and a deck. You can get an amazing 3D look at the whole thing with this virtual reality tour from Avalon:

The bottom level has technical stuff at the front and guest rooms at the rear. These rooms have windows but not the full length ones that can be opened on the other two levels.

The second level has the dining room and kitchen at the front and rooms at the rear.

The third level has outdoor seating at the very front, then the lounge and bar, with the concierge in the middle, with rooms at the rear, and a club lounge at the very back.

And then the deck has a bit of space at the front, then the captain’s bridge, with some outdoor seating behind that, and then the majority of the space is lounge chairs and some other spaces to relax.

Having never been inside a river cruise ship before, I had not previously given the interior design too much thought. But, because we occasionally docked alongside other ships and had to walk through them to shore, I came to realise there’s a big variety in how they look.

It gave me a real appreciation of the Avalon ships, which aim to be comfortable and casual (you are on holiday, after all) but are still stylish.

It is clear that thought had gone into every detail, like in the lounge where there were tables to play cards, pairs of plush seats for couples that didn’t want company, or large open couch areas for groups – all a bit different but all cohesive in their style. Simple but classy.

Meanwhile, as I pass through other ships, I see one that looks like it should be the setting for an Agatha Christie novel, while the interior design of another looks like a dictator’s mausoleum!

(I guess everyone has different tastes and so these ships cater to them… but they’re not my style, I’m afraid.)

Let’s look now at the bedrooms, which are one of the biggest selling points of the Avalon ships. I am in one of the Panorama Suites, which most of the rooms on the ship are (65 of them out of 83). So that’s what I’ll focus on.

The first thing you notice is the bed, which is facing the window. It seems so obvious that you would want to look at the view from your bed, but most river cruise ships don’t do this, they have their beds facing a side wall.

The other thing that is really special is the window, which runs the full length and height of the wall and opens two-thirds of the way across.

Avalon calls this an ‘Open-Air Balcony’, which basically means that it feels as if you’re on a balcony if you sit inside and open up your window the whole way.

While this is clearly marketing talk, I do agree that it’s the best way to design the room because, if you were to have an actual balcony, the room would have to be much smaller because the ship can’t be built any wider.

Aside from the bed and the window, there’s a small couch and table, a desk, a TV with news channels and free on-demand movies, two wardrobes, and a large bathroom with a shower.

All in all, a very comfortable space that I wish I could have spent even more time in!

It’s also worth mentioning that it was cleaned twice a day and that was done discreetly while you were at meals.  

Speaking of meals, the food on the cruise was one of my highlights and it’s definitely an element of the trip that shouldn’t be understated.

If you’ve ever been on an ocean cruise and still have traumatic memories of huge crowds of people fighting for the large buffets of mass-produced food trays, don’t worry, this is the complete opposite.

The main meal each day is the dinner, which is a sit-down four-course meal. (This is included in the price for everyone). There is a menu with choices for the entree, soup, main dish, and dessert… and it’s all the quality you would expect at a top restaurant in the city you are near.

In fact, that’s one of the aims – to make it seem like you are in a local restaurant. The menu is based on where the ship is at the moment, with regional ingredients used to make regional dishes.

When we’re still in Hungary one evening, I have Hortobagyi Palacsinta (Hungarian pancakes with minced pork) for my entree, Palocleves (Hungarian lamb chowder) for my soup, and braised beef cheek as my main. (Other options included a Karfiol Levels cauliflower soup, Turos Csusza noodles, and Fogas Korhely sea bass fillet.)

Lunch is slightly more relaxed because, with the activities, not everyone has time for a long meal. So it’s generally served as a buffet but with the chefs on hand to slice meat and serve some special dishes.

Twice during the cruise, there is also a BBQ on the deck as an option for lunch and I really enjoying sitting outside with my steak and salad.

Breakfast is also a buffet meal with a good selection of hot and cold options, with local influences but also the standard food you would expect at any international hotel chain.

Another impressive aspect of the meals is that beer and wine is free during lunch and dinner. And they’re not shy about topping up your glass!

I probably drink a bit more than I really should’ve because each night there are different wines on offer that come from the local regions and, in such a famous wine-producing area of Europe, it seems a waste not to taste them all!

Seeing as we’re talking about drinking now, let me tell you a bit about the bar on the Avalon Impression.

Again, if you have bad memories from ocean cruises, don’t worry. There are no drinks packages on the Avalon ships and this is not a booze cruise (frankly, there’s just too much to see and do on the trip to waste your time with a hangover!).

But that doesn’t mean people don’t want to unwind with a drink in the evening and that’s how it’s designed.

The bar is in the large lounge area at the front of the ship where people tend to gather and where the daily ship briefings are given. It’s there for those who want it but it is not a focal point of the common area.

Each night there is a happy hour before dinner (which also coincides with the ship briefing), where the drinks are half price. It’s a great way to do things – you can have a cheap cocktail or glass of wine while you listen to the information.

The standard prices for the drinks are about €4.5 for a pint of beer, €5 for a glass of wine, and €8 for a gin and tonic. It makes the half-price happy hour very affordable!

After dinner, if you’re like me and you’ve had a fair amount of wine during the meal, all you may want is another glass or two as you continue your conversations before you go to bed.

This Avalon cruise from Budapest to Linz is no ordinary cruise. It’s called an ‘Active & Discovery’ trip and I want to quickly explain what each of those things mean.

There’s often a perception that European river cruises are quite boring because there’s not much to do. Well, the ‘active’ part of this trip defies that notion. Each day there are included activities that get the blood pumping (obviously you can choose whether you want to do them or not).

For instance, one day I join an excursion that goes cycling through the Wachau Valley in Austria. This cultural landscape is actually a World Heritage Site because of the rolling hills of vineyards and quaint villages that lie within it.

It’s a beautiful part of Austria that follows the course of the Danube River and that’s what we do on our bikes.

As we go past vines, old churches, and pretty town squares, our local guides tell us the stories of the region. But beyond that we also see some incredible landscapes while appreciating the challenge of the exercise as well.

Another day I join a group of passengers for a hike up to the top of a hill, along a dirt path and through the forest, to an incredible viewpoint.

From here we have an amazing view of a hairpin curve of the river, the blue sky shining above the green trees running down to the shore, and our ship sailing through the water to meet us at the bottom of the hill when we walk back down.

There are also opportunities to do your own thing – you don’t always have to be on an organised activity. For instance, we’re in Vienna for two days and I borrow one of the ships bikes, as you can do at any time for free.

I take the bike for the whole day and go cycling through the city centre, all the way to Schonbrunn Palace , where I tie it up and go inside this incredible residence of the Habsburgs.

In some ways, this is more activity than I’ve had in recent weeks and I enjoy the chance to get my body moving so much. Then again, I am eating and drinking so much, I’m sure I’m not losing any weight!

The ‘discovery’ part of the cruise also involves activities that you can choose to go on, and they aim to offer more in-depth experiences that show you a different side of the places that you’re visiting.

For instance, when we’re in Budapest , I go on a caving tour that takes us on paths underneath the ground to see the formations created by thermal waters.

At the same time, other passengers go on a Retro tour, where they drive around in a Trabant car to visit some of the sites in the city that remain from the Soviet days.

In Vienna, there’s a morning tour that shows us a slice of local life – the public transport, markets, residences. And there’s also the opportunity to go on a tour of an old absinthe shop to learn about the history of the drink and do some tastings.

There’s a very special experience one evening when we go to Clam Castle, a historic home on a hilltop near where we’ve moored for the night in Austria. Here, the castle’s owner, the count, shows us his home and hosts us for some drinks.

And on one of the last nights of the cruise, there’s a pub crawl through Linz with some local guys that is also a good cultural tour of one of Austria’s main cities.

Many times in my travels I have seen large groups of retirees shuffling through museums listening to a guide through an earpiece. Most of the time, these were cruise excursions. Nothing we did on this trip even came close to that.

Now, I have no fear in giving a balanced review and I would want to share with you any criticism I have about the ship or the itinerary. The problem is, I honestly don’t really have any.

I thought my room was so comfortable and I always loved being in it. I enjoyed the food, the wine, and the coffee. The onboard staff were really lovely, and it was nice to mingle with other passengers. I always felt safe and the captain was excellent.

The only slight comment I would have is about the excursions. While some of the excursions were the highlights of my trip, I did find some to be better than others. However, I think this was more about my expectations.

There were times when I had something in my head, and the activity turned out to be a bit different. If I had known better, I probably would have chosen a different option. There were certainly plenty of other things I could’ve done instead.

So, if you are going to do an Active & Discovery trip yourself, my only piece of advice would be to ask a few more questions about what the excursions involve, to make sure the one you choose is what you expect it to be.

And, finally, the other thing to talk about is the price – and this is a big thing (and a big price).

European river cruises are generally not cheap and I think this is probably one of the reason why they have traditionally been popular with older people. But that’s not the full story.

This Avalon Active and Discovery Cruise is 9 days long and costs about US$4500 per person. That means for a couple, the cruise is costing $1000 a day.

In some ways, there is good value here. You are getting very comfortable accommodation, transport, an included activity each day, three meals, lots of wine – not to mention the convenience and comfort that comes with the cruise.

On the other hand, if you were to plan your own trip from Hungary and Austria, you would be able to find the same level of luxury for less than $1000 a day.

There is good news, though. The figure I am quoting is the standard price for the cruise – but it’s actually often quite cheaper. If you aren’t travelling in peak season, you will normally find a better price. And there are also quite often really good deals advertised that include free flights or upgrades.

So, my advice is to be aware that there is a large cost to a trip like this but, if you want to come on the cruise, you can save a lot of money with some clever timing!

As I wrap up, I realise that I haven’t mentioned things like the free wifi, the free coffee and biscuits available 24 hours a day, and the friendly staff who you get to know quite well by the end of the trip.

All of these small things add to the experience I’ve just described and I don’t think I need to tell you much more about them. Hopefully you’ve already got the idea that the Avalon ships are full of little details that are designed to make your cruise experience as enjoyable as possible.

They certainly made my cruise better than I could have imagined. This was my first time on a European river cruise and I didn’t quite know what to expect and was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it. In the end, I loved it, and I think it was this ship and the unique itinerary that made it so great!

14 thoughts on “What to expect with Avalon Waterways”

We did Budapest to Amsterdam on Avalon Visionary 24 May to 8 th June 2023 Everything was superb ship, staff, meals with cruise director Valentin a master at his job. My only disappointment was the sound of music optional excursion wasn’t as much as l expected it was more about Salzburg Have recommended Avalon to friends as they followed my fb tour photos

I appreciated this article, because we will have our first Avalon Cruise, and first ever river cruise in Europe in April 2024. Your description of daily events, meals, etc… gave me some insight on what to expect. Thank you for your thoughtful reporting!

We will be on the Avalon Tulip cruise in April 2024. Really looking forward to that.

Thank you Michael for your in depth review. My wife and I will be cruising with Avalon in October ’24 on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel. Our first ever European holiday (we’re from the land Downunder) I wanted to book with a quality cruise company. Reviews such as yours make me very comfortable that I have made the correct decision.

Thank you! We will be taking the Danube Dream cruise in April 2024 and this was very helpful. My first time in Europe and first River Cruise as well

Hi Leslie…we are too!

We will be doing the Seine River cruise in October which is also our first time in Europe. I did a lot of research before I chose Avalon and your review confirms that we made a good choice.

I have been on several Avalon river cruises and noted that your $1000/day price per couple doesn’t mention that this is the cost of ONLY the room you stay in. The cruise itself is an additional $4000+/-,add gratuities, port charges, and airfare (which isn’t always included) and trip insurance. You are looking at a significantly higher cost. I noted that the trip cost isn’t mentioned anywhere online or in their brochures. Only cabin cost. I feel more transparency is needed by Avalon without having to call them.

Not sure I understand. Compare the river cruise to exploring on your own, both have airfare and probably/possibly travel insurance so lets’ set that aside. then we need to account for Food & Drinks/Lodging, tips, daily tours, (optional bike rental), River cruise includes these (not just the room) while on your own you pay for everything separately.

Sure paying on your own can be done cheaper. But you also have the convenience of not having to pack and waste time traveling city to city, and having to decide on where to eat each day.

I’m not trying to defend the river cruise, but isn’t the cost for everything, not just “the room” AKA lodging? I am confused as to what extra $4k you mention is on the river cruise.

No idea what you’re talking about. We paid about $4000/person and it covered everything on the cruise‍♂️ That would be around $8000 for an 8-day cruise($1000/day). Pretty easy math

I have taken both Avalon and Viking Cruise. I love them both. One thing I loved about Viking was the drink package. While I don’t over indulge, I did find it very convenient. Coming back from an excursion, my wife and I would take a right turn when boarding and visit the bar for a cocktail. We would catchup with others doing the same thing. Without the drink package I go back to my cabin and head back out for dinner. While I could take it or leave it, I prefer to take the drink package when available. The idea of “This is not a booze cruise” falls short for me. On vacation, I am looking for convenience. That being said, I will be cruising again on Avalon in a few weeks.

I went on my first trip to Europe via a river cruise on Tranquility II. If I never go on another trip, I will know that I had the best cruise of my life and will be satisfied that I took the cruise with Avalon. The accommodations were wonderful, the food and drinks were top notch, but the crew made the whole trip as memorable and awesome as it was. The Amsterdam to Brussels trip was a dream with captivating architecture and informative tours about the areas we were in. I LOVED MY TRIP! I will have the best memories of a lifetime because I took this river cruise. Hats off to the people who make all this possible at Avalon.

My wife and I are taking a river cruise in 2026 on the Avalon ImageryII. Has anyone been on that ship and is there any room better than another

Great insights! I’m really excited to learn more about the unique experiences Avalon Waterways has to offer in 2024. The itinerary options sound fantastic, and I can’t wait to explore the beautiful destinations along the rivers. Thanks for sharing!

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The Scoop: What to Know About Avalon Waterways

This award-winning river cruise company focuses on experiences and food..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Avalon Waterways  is a river cruise company with itineraries on some of the world’s most well-known rivers and the cities on their banks. Excursions and activities onboard and off the company’s 14 ships immerse passengers in the local culture and cuisine and include options like guided walking tours, canoe trips, and cooking classes.

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Food is a big focus at Avalon, and ships feature multiple dining venues where passengers can take advantage of the company’s FlexDining program. Another initiative, Avalon Fresh, incorporates local ingredients to create dishes that are both healthy and inventive.

TourScoop Takeaways 

• Destinations: 70+ itineraries/four continents
• Tour Size Average: The average ship holds 150 guests, with some, like the  Avalon Saigon  in Southwest Asia, carrying just 36 passengers.
• Tour Type: River cruise ship

How to Book

Cruises can be booked by phone with an Avalon Vacation Planner at 877-797-8791 or through a  travel advisor . You can also chat with a Vacation Planner through the Avalon Waterways website.

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Credibility Check

Avalon Waterways has received a slew of  awards and accolades , including being named a top river cruise line by Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure. It has a  Cruise Critic user ranking  of 4.7 out of 5 and rates 4.7 out 5 on  TravelStride .

Tour Destinations

Avalon Waterways travels on 10 rivers through 22 countries on more than 70 different cruise itineraries. Passengers can travel throughout Europe on rivers including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, and Seine, visiting counties such as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, and Switzerland. There are also cruise itineraries to Cambodia and Vietnam in Southeast Asia; the Galapagos, Peru, and the Amazon in South America; and Egypt. 

River cruise types include classic European river cruises, active itineraries, holiday season cruises, and cruises focused on interests including cuisine, wine, photography, gardens and nature, and history. Typical itineraries range from eight to 16 days, but there are also options for shorter four- to six-day trips and sailings of three weeks or longer. 

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Tour Guides

English-speaking staff aboard Avalon ships include Adventure Hosts who can provide information on onboard fitness activities and connect passengers with excursions and gear (think bikes, walking sticks) for exploring the destinations they’re visiting. Expert local guides lead excursions. And street directions, restaurant recommendations, and other information are always on hand in the the AvalonGO mobile app. 

What’s Included

Almost everything is included on an Avalon Waterways cruise. That means the price includes:

• Daily meals
• Wine/beer/soft drinks with dinners and lunch and Champagne with breakfast
• Complimentary Happy Hour
• Accommodations in an exterior stateroom (more than 80% featuring open-air balconies)
• Up to 28 included excursions on itineraries
• Use of bikes and e-bikes
• Exercise classes with Adventure Hosts
• On-board entertainment and classes
• Complimentary computer stations
• Complimentary water stations

What’s Not Included

• Optional excursions

Typical Travelers

The average Avalon traveler is in their 50s or 60s. But the variety of itineraries offered broadens that age range. The company’s Active & Discovery Cruises are popular for multigenerational travel and its Storyteller Cruises that feature celebrity hosts drawing in many first-time river cruisers.

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Avalon river cruises also appeal to solo travelers, and the company waives the single supplement on a select number of staterooms on every departure. There are no special arrangements or activities for children on the ships, and no children under the age of eight are allowed on the company’s cruises.

Communication

Avalon Vacation Planners  are available by phone, email, and online chat from booking through travel. Passengers receive five pre-trip email communications after booking, which include a Travel Packet with a detailed itinerary, schedule, and flight information (if flights are booked through Avalon); destination information; tips and guidelines on pre-trip requirements and preparation for their destination; and the ability to add optional excursions to their trip 90 days or closer to the departure date. Avalon also provides access to its AvalonGO app 30 to 40 days prior to departure, which includes information on the destination and excursions, schedules, and interactive maps.

Loyalty Program

Avalon Waterways is part of the  Globus Family of Brands , which offers a Welcome Back Credit for returning guests. Each time you travel with a Globus Family of Brands operator, you can earn up to a $250 per person Welcome Back Credit to use toward your next vacation. Guests have two years to book a vacation using their credit with Avalon Waterways, Globus, or Cosmos. 

Sustainability Efforts

Avalon Waterways has undertaken numerous  sustainability efforts , including supporting environmental organizations like Trees4Travel and The Ocean Cleanup. The company has eliminated single-use plastics onboard its ships, installed LED lighting fleet-wide, reduced paper waste by 80% onboard, and committed to using shore power while docked wherever available to reduce emissions. Avalon has longer-term goals to reach zero emissions and unveil the first, fully electric river cruise vessel.

Health and Safety Practices

Avalon has continued enhanced cleaning procedures that include daily disinfecting, air-filtration practices, the use of electrostatic and UV disinfecting technologies, and hand sanitizing stations when entering the ship and dining venues. For even more peace of mind, you can purchase Avalon’s  Travel Protection Plan  that includes a cancel-for-any-reason benefit and covers trip interruption expenses. 

Family Companies

Avalon Waterways is one of the  Globus Family of Brands , which also include tour companies Globus and Cosmos.

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Avalon Waterways

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Avalon Waterways Reviews (229)

A taste of the danube with 2 nights in budapest (westbound), danube dreams (eastbound) 2024, a taste of the danube (westbound), romantic rhine with 1 night in amsterdam (southbound) 2024.

Festive Season on the Blue Danube Discovery 2023

Romantic rhine with 1 night in amsterdam, mount pilatus, 1 night in lucerne & 3 nights in lake como (southbound) 2025, the danube from the black sea to budapest, active & discovery on the moselle with 2 nights in paris 2023, taste of egypt 2023, romantic rhine (northbound) 2024, avalon waterways tours.

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

• Go sightseeing in Cologne and view the famous cathedral Explore Amsterdam's waterways or visit Muiderslot Castle Join a guided tour to the Black Forest or discover Colmar Cruise along the mighty Rhine, relax & enjoy the scenery Enjoy the variety of food, wines & onboard entertainment

• Explore the ship on your first night Bike along the Rhine or tour the Black Forest See Strasbourg's cathedral and La Petite France Visit Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat Cruise Amsterdam's canals or walk the city

Paris to Normandy 2024

• Explore Paris on your first day Tour Giverny and Monet's gardens Bike along the Seine river Visit historic WWII Normandy beaches Walk through Van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise

• Board your Suite Ship in Munich Hike along the Ilz River in Passau Tour Melk's Benedictine Abbey Explore Vienna's historic landmarks Attend a Royal Waltz Concert in Vienna

The Legendary Danube 2024

• Board your Suite Ship in Nuremberg Cycle or explore Nuremberg's historic sites Stroll through Regensburg's medieval streets Discover Vienna's imperial architecture Tour Budapest and relax in thermal baths

The Legendary Danube with 2 Nights in Prague 2024

• Explore Prague's historic sites and cuisine Tour Nuremberg's medieval architecture Stroll through Regensburg's ancient streets Visit Melk Abbey and cruise the Wachau Valley Discover Vienna's imperial landmarks

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Northbound) 2025

• Explore historic sites in Hanoi Cruise through Ha Long Bay's isles Cook and taste Vietnamese dishes Uncover Cu Chi Tunnels' secrets Witness Angkor Wat's sunrise

Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

• Explore Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise Walk through Cologne's iconic Christmas markets Tour the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim Visit Heidelberg Castle and the world's largest wine barrel Experience Strasbourg's festive Christmas markets

Avalon Waterways Destinations

• France (78)
• Germany (67)
• Austria (19)
• Netherlands (6)

Avalon Waterways Videos

About Avalon Waterways

Introduced in 2003, Avalon Waterways sets the standard in river and small-ship cruising with a young fleet, the most included shore excursions, the widest range of choices and extraordinary itineraries. Our Suite Ships® feature one-of-a-kind Panorama SuitesSM, with the widest opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-Air BalconySM, and beds facing the incredible views. Beyond our wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows is a world waiting to be explored—your way. Whether you want to enjoy a guided walking tour of one of Europe's great cities, join a cooking class or paddle a canoe, our Avalon Choice® selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities. When you prefer to explore on your own, we can help you with all the recommendations, information and gear you need with our new Adventure Center and AvalonGO Mobile App. And when it's time to refuel, your dining options on board are as wide open as your views, with our new FlexDining® choices.

Wider Windows for Wide-eyed Adventurers The Open-Air BalconySM is designed with your views in mind. For those who have always looked deeper, we redefined the window of opportunity with river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony. A Panorama SuiteSM feature on the Suite Ships® of Avalon, these wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a comfortable and spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ve never seen Europe like this. Fuel your mind. Feed your soul antalizing flavors to suit your distinct taste. When you travel for fresh perspectives, shouldn’t every experience feel the same? We think so. Avalon is committed to delivering local flavor - right down to the table. Using fresh and local ingredients, our chefs introduce you to regional delights as well as comfort you with Western favorites in a variety of tasteful settings. From breezy al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro to elegant four-course dinners in the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, you can savor fresh fare and the perspectives you crave day and night. Avalon Fresh® - the perfect pairing of fresh air and fresh fare Avalon Fresh® is the perfect pairing of fresh air and fresh fare. Brothers Karl and Leo Wrenkh - two of Europe's rising culinary stars – have partnered with Avalon to present the latest concept in "haute cuisine." With Avalon Fresh, travelers can guiltlessly indulge in a mouthwatering menu that combines the freshest ingredients with surprising flavors and a dash of innovation. With the philosophy of procuring ingredients from small farms and local producers, the Wrenkh brothers bring the passing landscape to the plate for an inspiring, fulfilling and healthful dining experience. Cruises to Exotic Destinations Experience all that Avalon has to offer in exotic locations like Southeast Asia, the Galápagos Island or the Peruvian Amazon. A journey on the Mekong or on the Ganges in India offers a tapestry of fascinating sights, colorful cultures, and ancient traditions. In South America you may embark down one of the world's vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon, or explore the home of some of the world's most fascinating animal life in the Galápagos Island.

Avalon Shore Excursions

Avalon Choice Avalon has designed included excursions and onboard activities for a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. In addition, our selection of optional excursions (not included) allows you to personalize your experience to suit your individual interests, passions, and style. Or, enjoy plenty of free-time opportunities for independent adventures. Your Avalon Adventure HostSM is there to help with suggestions, and our exclusive AvalonGO mobile app brings it all to life. Classic A local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations and the “must see” sites. Discovery Inspiring and interactive hands-on activities designed to speak to your interests - you spend your day immersing yourself in the destination’s unique culture. Active Embark on energetic excursions keeping you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Health & Safety with Avalon Waterways

COVID 19 Health & Safety Measures The following requirements are in place traveling Internationally and domestically beginning Sept. 1, 2021: - Full vaccination against COVID-19 in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English. Vaccination documentation must include information that identifies the person and vaccination date(s). Proof of full vaccination must show that official vaccination dose(s) were administered at least 14-days prior to the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. Globus accepts vaccines authorized or recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Travelers may encounter additional requirements if their vaccine is not recognized by the travel destination. For children who do not qualify for vaccination, one of the two forms of documentation are required to travel: 1) Verifiable negative COVID-19 test result in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English. Testing must be performed by an entity recognized by your government of residence, using a viral test (NAAT/PCR or antigen). The test result documentation must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A negative test result must show the test was done within 72 hours before the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. 2) If you recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months, and have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel instead with documentation of recovery, which includes a positive test result and a letter from your health care provider that states you have been cleared to end isolation (return to work, travel, etc.) The test result documentation and letter must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A positive test result must show test was done within 3 months of the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. A SAFE & WARM WELCOME: We will enact new tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including adherence to social distancing requirements. BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE: We will ensure safe distances for our guests throughout the journey, on coach and during excursions. This includes providing masks for our guests use at any time where social proximity could be an issue as well as the possibility of reducing group sizes, if required. And wireless listening technology—including our Go Beyond Devices in Europe—enables safe distances between our guests and other travelers on excursions. CRUISING WITH CONFIDENCE Avalon Waterways invites cruisers to say “hello” to the world’s most fascinating places with unmatched intrigue, curiosity, wonder and joy. Along the way, we’ve discovered the sights to see, encountered the people to meet, engaged in the customs to sample and indulged in the cuisine to savor. And we’ve done this while bundling amazing ports and shore excursions with the industry’s only Suite Ship® fleet to help you greet the globe on a journey where happiness flows. When you’re ready to travel again, we're here to support you. Your safety, as well as the safety of our employees and partners, has always been our top priority, which is why new physical distancing and cleaning measures have been put in place on all of our tours. Our new Cruising with Confidence policy features new health and safety procedures from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, without taking away from having the time of your life. The policy will evolve as time goes on and as we continue to monitor local public health recommendations, but what won’t change is our commitment to keeping you safe as you explore our big, beautiful world. SIZE MATTERS With Avalon, big things come in small packages. With fewer than 150 guests per cruise, you can rest assured that every inch of your ship is attended to with our famous attention to detail, including enhanced onboard protocols to help ensure a safe and healthy voyage for all. The lower guest count combined with our spacious ship design means you’ll always find extra room to make yourself comfortable—in your stateroom and around the ship. COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS. We’ve instituted enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship in our Suite fleet, with steps that go above-and-beyond Avalon’s already strict procedures. These include deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises as well as dining areas between each meal service and the inspection and disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship. FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT. In addition to our unique Open-Air BalconySM stateroom design, promising both fresh air and wide-open perspectives, the air in our ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with clean, fresh, outside air. A CREW THAT STANDS BY YOU. With a guest to crew ratio of 3:1, our attention is always on guest comfort, health and safety. And we’ve taken extra measures to ensure a healthy crew, including additional training, medical certificates required prior to start the season, daily temperature checks, regular crew health screenings and social distancing in crew living quarters. CAREFREE CONFIDENCE. The world has changed, but what remains certain is our commitment to your peace-of-mind while traveling. Not only have we enhanced our on-trip health and safety protocols with our Avalon Assurance program, we are also offering you risk-free, hassle-free and strings-free bookings with a 2021 Peace of Mind Travel Plan. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CRUISING WITH US Avalon is dedicated to giving our guests a safe, stress-free getaway. To that end, with help from our Global Health & Safety Team, we’ve established a set of enhanced pre- and on-trip protocols and procedures to ensure health – and happiness – throughout your journey with us. View Onboard Protocols & Procedures: https://www.avalonwaterways.com/user/images/Avalon_Assurance.pdf BEFORE YOU GO We’ll take every step to ensure you and your traveling companions are ready for the journey. Along with a host of pre-trip info to ensure you’re prepared for your cruise, you’ll have access to the AvalonGO App—a great resource for your cruise schedule and details, onboard amenities and services, destination information, and updates related to your cruise. And as an additional assurance measure, we’re providing guests with a set of health and safety advice and instructions, ensuring that all health considerations have been taken into account before leaving home. PEACE OF MIND FOR YOUR RESERVATION And what if you want to change your plans? No problem! Each new booking comes with our 2021 Peace of Mind Travel Plan, enabling you to change your travel plans with us to a new date, destination or even brand up until final payment. Plus, we’re here for you. Our Vacation Planners are available each day to answer questions and ensure you’re confident in your upcoming journey—we love to hear from you! WELCOME ABOARD You’ll receive a warm welcome by your Avalon crew. They’re ready, willing and able to ensure that you have a healthy and happy journey with us—here’s how: ON EMBARKATION Cruise Directors, Adventure Hosts, dining, housekeeping and reception staff, drivers and local guides wear face masks when with guests, ensuring the spread of joy, not germs, while also making masks available to guests, as needed, throughout your journey. Key crew members are trained in First Aid and CPR, as well as our enhanced health and safety protocols They’re supported 24/7 by our local offices, who are well-equipped to handle on-trip issues They have extensive local knowledge to help enjoy your destination safely, including information on navigating your shore excursions with confidence, as well as a host of independent exploration options. ENHANCED WELCOMING PROCEDURES Onboard health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew. Guest temperatures will be checked at embarkation and when returning to the ship throughout the cruise. If any guest shows signs of sickness or have a high temperature, your Cruise Director will assist in finding local medical facilities. Direction and details on social distancing throughout your cruise. Luggage disinfection prior to boarding the ship (with our team wearing gloves and masks). WHILE TRAVELING Avalon goes the extra mile to ensure your home away from home, your Avalon ship, is clean and safe throughout your voyage. This includes enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols, followed with the utmost diligence, including twice daily stateroom cleaning and hourly cleaning of the ship’s common areas. Lounges and Dining Rooms receive special attention before and after each use. And cruising with Avalon removes many “touch points” of travel, including luggage handling, checking in and out of hotels, and the purchase of sightseeing tickets. All this ensures only hearts are touched, not hands. We’ve also taken the extra step of removal of many printed items, replaced with easy-to-access information at our interactive kiosks, on screens throughout the ship, and via the AvalonGO App. And safety extends off the ship, as well. Our shore excursions include expedited entry into must-see attractions, which means no waiting in long, crowded queues of people. For moments when touch is necessary, hand sanitizers are at-the-ready throughout each ship and on our vehicles. COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS. Avalon has put in place enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, such as these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalon’s already strict procedures, including: Use of electrostatic disinfecting systems Disinfection of all dining areas between meals Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including: Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet or exceed the highest CDC standards Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) sanitized between cruises EXTRA ROOM TO ROAM. Avalon’s unique Suite ShipSM design means extra space throughout the ship. With 15% fewer guests than the average river cruise, Avalon assures that each guest has room to stretch out and relax. And we’re reducing ship capacity further, per local requirements, for even more space onboard. Additional dining areas have been also been established to ensure safe social distancing during meals, and Avalon will adjust the ratio of guides and coaches for excursions, as required, accounting for safe distances while in port. ENSURING HEALTHY (AND HAPPY) GUESTS. Guests are asked to keep a close eye on how they’re feeling and report any new symptoms to a crew member so we can make sure they get the help they need. If anyone should become ill while traveling with us, we’ll ask them to isolate until they can be seen by a medical professional. Because we sail in inland waterways, high quality local medical services are always nearby. ENSURING HEALTHY (AND HAPPY) CREW. Healthy crews help keep a healthy cruise, and Avalon goes to great lengths to ensure that’s the case. Medical certificates for each crew member are required prior to start of sailing season, and we’ve instituted daily temperature checks along with regular health screenings. Social distancing is enabled in the crew quarters as well as throughout each ship. And while you enjoy your vacation, we are working behind-the-scenes to ensure safety with hands-free services, as traditional self-services have been replaced by staff service, including buffet meals. HEADING FOR HOME Our aim is that your cruise leaves you as healthy as—and happier than—when you left. Efficient and reliable airport transfers are available (and are included when you purchase flights with us), so that’s one less thing to worry about. As you prepare for the journey home, If you need any assistance or are not feeling 100%, just let your Cruise Director know and we can help find local medical assistance to get you ship-shape before your return. Avalon Waterways’ health and safety guidelines and protocols (The Avalon Assurance Program) have been developed in partnership with IGI Limited, a company that specializes in travel-related health and safety measures, and long-time industry consultant Ian Greaves. Additionally, Avalon’s team includes two Hygiene & Procedure Officers who’s roles are to ensure the seamless execution of these protocols across our European fleet. These protocols have received approvals of the World Travel & Tourism Council as well as United States Tour Operator Association. Avalon Waterways will continue to review and update Assurance initiatives as we make our return to the world, including adhering to – and building upon – the standards set forth by travel and health agencies across the globe, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC), the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Sustainability

  From our inception, The Globus family of brands has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travelers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people. Immersed in enlightening experiences, we naturally gain a deeper appreciation – one that leads to greater compassion, consideration and curiosity as we ask ourselves, what else can we do to protect our planet, preserve our sacred places and help humankind? Globus Lighthouse Project Enter the Globus® Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways, Cosmos, and Monograms, invite our travelers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow. This op has the following sustainability certifications: Sustainable Travel International & One Planet Network These are the initiatives that this operator has in place to make your adventure more sustainable: Sustainability Programs - We host community-building or sustainability projects for tour-goers to partake in Supporting Destinations and Local Communities - Hires local guides - Brings our passengers to locally run restaurants & businesses - We consciously try to reduce over-tourism by taking travellers outside of the main visitor hubs Reducing Waste - Does not offer any single use plastic on tour - Has a recycling program for our guests on tour Animal Welfare - Does not offer any tours that include elephant riding - Does not offer any tours that use animals for entertainment - We avoid places that sell/eat parts of endangered animals on tour Transportation - Uses local transportation while on tour - Uses energy-efficient transportation while on tour Accommodation - Tours stay in locally run hotels/accommodations - Selects accommodation providers that have sustainability programs in place - Most/all of our suppliers have sustainability programs in place Company Culture - Hosts community-building or sustainability projects for staff to partake in - Educates passengers about sustainability while on tour - Educates people about sustainability through our marketing

Avalon Waterways Ships

Avalon Imagery

Avalon Affinity

Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Expression

Avalon Felicity

Avalon Illumination

Avalon Imagery II

Avalon Impression

Avalon Luminary

Avalon Myanmar

Avalon Panorama

Avalon Passion

Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Siem Reap

Avalon Tapestry II

Avalon Tranquillity II

Avalon Visionary

Avalon Vista

Treasure of Galapagos

Avalon Saigon

Avalon Envision

Avalon View

Ganges Voyager

Questions & Answers

What is the difference between a classic avalon cruise and an active discovery cruise.

In 2019, every Avalon cruise will now offer three different types of included excursions: - Classic excursions – for clients that want to enjoy the iconic, “must see” sites (as an example, a canal cruise in Amsterdam) - Discovery excursions – for clients that may have already seen the “must see” sites or that may want to do something more experiential, like do a wine tasting or take a cooking classes (back to Amsterdam, maybe these clients would prefer to take a painting class instead of that canal cruise) - Active excursions – for clients that like to stay in motion - jogging, paddling or biking while onshore (sticking with the Amsterdam example, these clients may want to take a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, with stops along the way for commentary) So, whether you are on a Classic Avalon cruises OR an Active Discovery cruise, you will have your choice of all 3 types of excursions. On a Classic Avalon cruise, the mix of excursions is 80% Classic, and 20% Active and Discovery. On an Active Discovery cruise, the mix of included excursions is 20% Classic and 80% Active and Discovery.

What beverages are included?

Avalon included wine, beer and non-alcoholic alternatives with all onboard dinners. At lunch soft drink is included and in Europe complimentary regional wine and beer are also available. At all other times, alcoholic beverages are available for an additional charge. In Europe and the Mekong and Irrawaddy, regular coffee, tea and iced tea are available free of charge throughout the day from the self service coffee stations. On the Mekong, Irrawaddy and Amazon cruises, local beer, spirits and soft drinks are included. On the Yangtze and Galapagos coffee, tea and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.

Are staterooms air-conditioned?

All staterooms on the ship are air-conditioned and heated for your own comfort.

What is the electricity power in the staterooms?

Electricity on board the Avalon Waterways ships is 220v which requires a European Adaptor. You will need an adaptor or converter to use in your stateroom.

How do we make purchases on the cruise?

Avalon operates a cashless system on the ships so all purchases and shipboard services are credited to your account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive your account which can be paid with cash or credit cards.

Are laundry facilities available?

A laundry service is available on board for an additional fee with the price list being available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned onboard, however, an ironing service is available. Unfortunately, laundry facilities are not available on the Galapagos cruise.

Is smoking allowed on the ship?

In Europe and in the Galapagos, all ships have non-smoking interiors. with smoking only permitted on the Sky Deck. On the Avalon Siem Reap, Avalon Myanmar, Century Legend and the Amazon Discovery, smoking is permitted in designated areas only.

Is there a safe in the cabin?

Although Avalon recommended that you leave valuables at home, all staterooms are equipped with a safe and any items that exceed the size of the safe can be checked into the ship's reception desk.

Is there a dress code?

Our goal is to make you feel at home on your Avalon cruise. That’s why the dress code on board is casual and comfortable. Formality is not our style, and you won’t be required to pack dresses or sport coats for your Avalon cruise. Some guests do prefer to dress up for occasions such as the Captain’s Reception and Farewell Dinner. You’re welcome to wear what suits you best. We also like to keep things comfortable for all guests, so we kindly request that shorts not be worn in the Dining Room or Panorama Lounge in the evenings, and that bathing suits are worn only on the Sky Deck. With these small suggestions, your style is fine with us, and your comfort is always our priority.

How much luggage can I bring?

Porterage for one suitcase on tour is included in the cruise cost. However please note that due to limited coach capacity and keeping within the guidelines of Occupation Health and safety, Avalon strongly recommends that this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 76x53x28cm (30"x 21"x 11") and weight not exceeding 22 kg (50 lbs). Avalon do understand that slight variations to these dimensions will occur and provided the variations are only slight, luggage will be accepted on the coach. Due to limited space on luggage racks in the coach, carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 30x28x14cm (12"x11"x6"). For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on motorcoaches and minibuses as these bags can cause damage to persons and property if it falls from the overhead compartments for any reason. A carry-on bag and a handbag will be suitable inside the coach.

What is the bed configuration in the cabins?

European vessels can be configured as either one bed or two separate beds. Unless advised, the default in the cabin will be two separate beds pushed together with separate bedding. If your preference is for one bed or two separate beds apart, please request this at time of booking with our cruise specialist. Please note triple bedding is not available.

Will I need a passport and visa?

Passports are needed when travelling outside your home country. Your passport should have at least six months validity once your trip concludes. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries and it is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour.

Are prices based on double occupancy?

The prices of the cruise are per person and are based on two persons sharing a room. If you are a single traveller a single room supplement will be required.

Are transfers included?

Transfers from the meeting hotel to the ship are included in the cruise price. However, if you require airport transfers you can purchase these for an additional cost when making your cruise booking with your cruise specialist.

How old does a child have to be to travel with Avalon Waterways?

Avalon does not accept children under the age of 8 and an adult must accompany travellers who are less than 18 years old on the cruise departure date.

What is the staff to guest ratio?

So passengers receive unmatched personal service, the average staff to guest ratio is one Avalon staff member per three guests.

Will I be travelling with people from other nationalities?

As Avalon Waterways is an international company, you will be travelling with like-minded cruise enthusiasts from countries as diverse as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as Europe and Asia regions.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard the ships?

All the European fleets have complimentary internet onboard. Wi-Fi will be available in the Panorama lounge on the Mekong. You will be given a passcode at the reception to access your complimentary Wi-Fi.  Please note that the internet connection will not always be steady due to sailing in remote areas.   

When will I receive my final documents?

Your final documents will be sent to you via your confirmed booking conversation page approximately 3 to 2 weeks before departure. 

How do I book optional excursions?

Optional excursions can be purchased up to 90 days in advance via your "MyAvalon" account.  These excursions will also be available to be booked onboard the ship, however, please note that they can no longer be purchased online once within 3 days of the scheduled excursion date. 

Is there a shop onboard the ship?

Ships will include a shop area where passengers can find souvenirs and a limited selection of personal and toiletry items. Please note that ships in the Galápagos do not have onboard shops.

Contact our Travel Experts

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Balkan Discovery

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• Onboard welcome reception
• Choice of beer experience or guided tour in Vukovar; choice of guided tour with wine tasting or guided bike tour in Ilok
• Choice of highlights of Novi Sad or hike to Petrovaradin Fortress or honey and wine tasting; walk in Novi Sad with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; on board lecture
• Choice of visit to Golubač fortress or visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge
• Choice of guided tour to Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik, see the rock formations or visit a local winery with wine tasting or biking in Vidin with your Adventure Host
• Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi or a guided sightseeing in Rousse or; bike with your Adventure Host
• Experience the extraordinary destinations of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the Balkans
• You’ll cruise through the rich landscapes and cultural locales of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania

What's this trip about?

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• Small Ship Cruise

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Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR

BUDAPEST-PARLIAMENT.jpg

History and Beer

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Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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(Breakfast)

BUCHAREST-PARLIAMENT.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

Other avalon waterways reviews.

Stephanie Mantell

A lot to recommend BUT .........

A beautiful boat, excellent food, although it would have been nice to experienced some international flavours eg: Japanese, Indian etc, however I could not fault the...

Patti Evans

Fantastic service and experience

Well, speak as you find. I see many poor reviews of Avalon Waterways, but I have to say we have just returned from an Avalon river cruise on the Romantic Rhine from...

Fantastic River Cruise With Avalon Waterways

My wife and I have just returned from our first River Cruise (Danube Dreams Westbound) operated by Avalon Waterways. This took us from Budapest in Hungary to Vilshof...

See all Other Avalon Waterways reviews

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Tour operator, avalon waterways.

CRUISING ELEVATED. Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

I T DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER. Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS. As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/ On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH. While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

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