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Avalon Waterways

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Avalon Waterways fleet

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This is CruiseMapper's page that reviews and lists all Avalon Waterways river cruise ship itineraries, destinations, and ports of departure. We have all Avalon riverboat schedules (sail calendar with dates and prices PP). Another feature is the Avalon Waterways ships tracking service integrated into each page. This feature shows on a map the ship's location now (current position on the river).

The Avalon Waterways cruise company was founded in 2004 and is a brand name owned by Group Voyagers Inc (also known simply as "Globus family of brands" and "Globus Travel Group").

The company's headquarters (as part of the Globus family) are in the USA (Littleton, Colorado). Avalon's current President is Pam Hoffee (promoted from Managing Director in May 2022). Other company executives include Scott Nisbet (CEO-Chief Executive Officer), Steve Born (CMO-Chief Marketing Officer), Camille Olivere (CSO-Chief Sales Officer).

Avalon River Cruises

The premium travel brand and river cruise line Avalon Waterways (avalonwaterways.com) offers exceptional personalized services, with experience in guided vacations and cruising itineraries of over 80 years. Avalon travel experts are constantly thinking of their passengers and always put them first.

Avalon Cruises Avalon Waterways

The company uses small ships, and their guests do receive personalized service in absolutely no crowd. Avalon makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of destinations, as they include guided sightseeing tours and shore excursions in the basic fares.

All Avalon riverboats feature a quiet propulsion system and outside accommodations - among the largest of the river fleets. Avalon staterooms are relaxing and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, satellite TV, hotel-quality beds, bathrooms with full-sized showers, and even private balconies. The expansive sun decks, modern fitness equipment, and beauty salons are another extra.

Each Avalon Waterways ship features a relaxing Main Lounge with exciting panoramic river views, an intimate dining room, and Internet workstation area. Complimentary regional wines, soft drinks, and beer are offered during dinner and lunch. Expert tour directors present educational background: language, culture, even China art lessons, a specialist Egyptologist, lectures on wildlife and natural history of the Galapagos Islands - a plus for all Avalon inquisitive passengers.

Avalon riverboats

The Avalon cruise company became known worldwide with its unprecedented fleet expansion (see in the itinerary section / at least one new ship per year). The reason for so many newbuilds is Avalon's parent company Globus Group. Founded in 1928, the Globus group of companies manages over 30 businesses in the fields of tourism and aviation, offering annually over 10000 departures on over 300 unique itineraries.

This makes Globus one of the world's largest cruisetour agencies with operations in nearly 70 countries on 6 continents and servicing over 0,5 million passengers annually with a huge variety of escorted tours, all kinds of river cruise packages, and also selling independent travel package deals.

Avalon river cruise deals relate to the following destinations and countries

  • Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Holland, Hungary, France, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland)
  • North American (USA) Waterways (Mississippi River)
  • Asia (China/Yangtze, and Cambodia and Vietnam/Mekong Delta)
  • Africa (Egypt - Nile River and Lake Nasser)
  • South America (the Galapagos Islands, Amazon River)

Innovation and technology - in 2011, Avalon introduced the Panorama ship - industry's first Suite-class riverboat. On Avalon's "suite ships", ~80% of all staterooms are in Suite categories, sized 1/3 larger than the industry's average, with slide-opening wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, window-facing beds for a unique river cruising experience. Another design feature is the SDS "Silent Drive System" (providing quieter and smoother navigation), contemporary interior decor, surprisingly spacious public areas (fitted with plenty of woodwork, polished metal and glass), designer lighting, contemporary artworks.

All-Inclusive deals - all shore excursions and guided tours, food and beverages (including a locally-sourced selection of wines and 24hr tea/coffee/cake/cookies self-service station) and the superior service are included in the cruise fares. The onboard experience also features

  • premium (5-star hotel room) amenities - premium bedding, complimentary WiFi access, Sky Deck (Jacuzzi, premium loungers), Hair Salon, Fitness, well-stocked library. Guest in the Royal Suite category can also enjoy in-suite complimentary iPads.
  • cuisine / food - an open-seating dining, buffet-style breakfast, lunch buffets (2 hot dishes, soups, salads, various bread, and dessert choices), 4-course dinners, complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, 5-course welcome dinners and "chef tastings". These are non-smoking ships, with the exception of those sailing in China and Egypt.
  • shipboard entertainment - stylish bars and lounges, after dinner piano music and classy performances by local musicians, special events, movie nights, beer and wine tastings, a great onboard enrichment program (by lectures focused on the itinerary/region), expert tour directors.

Company's clientele/customers are generally well-travelled, 55+ aged, mostly English speaking. The majority of passengers are retired Americans (~60%), Australians (~25%), also from Canada (~10%) and UK (~5%). Hotel staff consists of mostly Eastern Europeans. Shipbuilding company is Neptun Werft. Parent company's website is GlobusAndCosmos.com

The following YouTube video reviews the Avalon Waterways Asia cruises - Vietnam (Mekong River) itineraries.

The following video reviews Avalon's "Suite Ships" cabins.

In 2019, the Avalon fleet left four 138-passenger riverboats - the sisterships Affinity , Felicity , Luminary and Creativity . These vessels are currently chartered by "Gate 1 Travel".

Inaugurated in 2020, the company's "Your Way" program allows Avalon cruise passengers to "chart their own course, at their own pace".

  • Globus (escorted tour vacation) with hotel accommodations, sightseeing, Tour Director, certified Local Guides, transportation and coach driver.
  • Monograms (independent vacation package) with hotel accommodations, sightseeing and on-site Local Host services.
  • Avalon Waterways land extension package with expert-guided sightseeing.

The "Avalon Choice" menu (offered on every cruisetour itinerary) allows choosing from a wide variety of price-included excursions grouped as:

  • DISCOVERY - interactive activities specifically designed to cater to passengers' interests (cooking classes, painting workshops, etc).
  • ACTIVE - guided trips (jogging tours, hiking, biking, paddling) along the destinations
  • CLASSIC - local expert-guided tours themed on the port's/destination's history, culture, architecture

The AvalonGO App helps customers to independently explore all itinerary destinations, providing detailed daily scheduled activities, itinerary information, nearby attractions, maps, travel directions, local dining (cafes, bars, restaurants) and entertainment options.

In 2022, the company introduced the sustainability "Lighthouse Project" (Planet-People-Places) aiming to protect waterways and wildlife and to promote organizations that support sustainability, communities and environmental preservation. As part of this project, in the period 2022-2024, the company planned to reduce its paper waste to ~1% (by replacing paper use with interactive digital technologies), to start using biofuel for bunkering, to reduce by 50% its total CO emissions, to install electric bow thrusters (on all older boats). As of 2022, Avalon already eliminated (shipboard and ashore) single-use plastics, reduced by 95% paper waste, invested in farmers (to secure locally-produced food and beverages and support local economies), installed LED lighting fleetwide), increased using shore power (while the boats are berthed) to further reduce pollution.

In December 2023, Avalon Waterways signed a multi-year charter deal with Arosa Cruises for two boats ( Affinity/Alea and Creativity/Clea ) starting operations for Arosa in April 2024.

Avalon Waterways cruise price Inclusions

All meals onboard are included in your fares (meals at breakfast, lunch, dinner). Also included are:

  • Captain's welcome and farewell parties (sparkling wine, canapes)
  • Welcome Aboard dinner, Farewell dinner
  • (daily) Afternoon Tea, Night Fare (served at 10:30 pm)
  • Local destination chef dinner
  • Meals and complimentary drinks (daily) - breakfast (sparkling wine-juices, made-to-order egg station), lunch (soft drinks), dinner (regional wines, beer, soda, choice of appetizers-entrees-desserts-cheese).
  • Staterooms amenities - 2 twin beds that convert to queen-size, 3-door ample closets (shelved), 1 private bathroom (with glass-door separation shower), a hairdryer, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, 2-seater sofa, coffee table, smart TV (satellite), a vanity desk, individual room climate control, direct-dial phone, mini-fridge, personal safe, deluxe pillow menu (soft/hard), 1,5L complimentary bottled water. Standard occupancy in all staterooms is 2 guests.
  • Other features - panoramic windows, contemporary design of public spaces, headsets (shore tours), premium coffees-cappuccinos-lattes, coffee self-serve station, a lounge for premium spirits, modern fitness center, premium bedding (BedsSM), luxury bath amenities (L'Occitane), early- and late-riser breakfast, full buffet breakfast, Alfresco lunches (Sky Bistro), regional food recipes, 4-course dinners (open seating), English-speaking crew, non-smoking environment, large modern bathrooms (showers are with sliding glass doors), flat TVs (satellite), 3-door closets. Alternative dinners with regional specialties are served at the Panorama Bistro (on the newest "Suite Ships"), complimentary maps and Nordic walking sticks (on tours).

Avalon Waterways cruise prices also Include city tours and excursions (with a local guide), but these visits and their features are subject to change (a substitute will be offered). All Avalon cruise rates in our articles are per passenger (double occupancy, airfare not included). On some of the Avalon cruises, mid-vacation flights are required.

Avalon river cruises Europe, Asia, USA hotel package deals

Note: Avalon river cruise deals are also inclusive of premium hotel stays (included in the ticket's price).

  • Avalon Waterways Europe hotel deals - Vienna (InterContinental), Budapest (InterContinental), Prague (InterContinental or Hilton), Paris (Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe, and Pullman Paris Montparnasse), Cote d'Azur (Fairmont Monte Carlo), Munich (Sofitel Munich Bayerpost), Cote d'Azur (Fairmont Monte Carlo), Bucharest (Athenee Palace Hilton).
  • Avalon Waterways Asia hotel deals - Thailand/Bangkok (InterContinental Bangkok), Cambodia/Siem Reap (Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa), Vietnam/Ho Chi Minh City (InterContinental Asiana Saigon). Avalon hotel partnerships in China/Tibet - Shanghai (Fairmont Peace), Xian (Hilton), Beijing (Fairmont), Chengdu (Shangri-La Hotel), Lijiang (Crowne Plaza), Lhasa (Sheraton - Four Points).
  • Avalon Waterways USA hotel deals - Chicago (Palmer House Hilton), Springfield (Hilton), Nashville (Opryland Hotel), Memphis (The Peabody Memphis) and New Orleans (Hilton New Orleans Riverside).
  • Avalon Waterways Amazon River (Peru, South America) hotel deals - Lima (Casa Andina Miraflores), Sacred Valley (Casa Andina Sacred Valley), Machu Picchu (Sumaq Hotel) and Cusco (Casa Andina Cusco).
  • Avalon Waterways Galapagos Islands (Ecuador, South America) hotel deals - Quito (Swissotel Quito), Galapagos (Finch Bay Hotel).
  • Avalon Waterways Egypt (Nile River) tours and hotel deals - Cairo (Oberoi Mena House, and Fairmont Heliopolis), Alexandria (Helnan Palestine). For Avalon's Nile cruises currently is chartered the ship MS Farah .

If some water level problems occur, or any technical problems, Avalon Waterways may operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to change the entire cruise tour program. Check the visa requirements with your travel agent - visas are the client's responsibility.

(new) Avalon Waterways FlexDining program

In 2019, the company introduced the so-called FlexDining on all boats in the fleet.

  • Dining is open seating / not fixed at all shipboard venues.
  • FlexDining allows passengers to enjoy more dining time flexibility at all onboard breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
  • At all the ship's dining venues (Main Restaurant, Panorama Bistro, Sky Grill) were added healthy food options with the new "Avalon Fresh" menu (introduced in 2017). The "Avalon Fresh" dining option is a partnership between Avalon Waterways and the German chefs Leo and Karl Wrenkh. The new menu offers healthy food made with freshest ingredients from local farms and suppliers,
  • In the restaurants fleetwide were added more 2-top tables for couples.
  • At Sky Deck (Sun Deck) was added bar service plus night snacks (upon request).
  • Complimentary picnic lunches are provided on all shore excursions and tours in ports of call.

Avalon's FlexDining allows all passengers to choose dining venue and times, an alfresco lunch (Sky Grill), less formal Panorama Bistro, 4-course dinner in the dining room restaurant.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Avalon Waterways suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all riverboats) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through late-July 2021.

Operations were planned to resume on October 1, 2020, but the fleet's pause was eventually extended through 2021 July (Europe and Asia).

All affected Avalon river cruise and cruisetour bookings received a full (100%) monetary refund, including on prepurchased through Avalon Waterways packages and services.

Itinerary of Avalon Waterways

Here are the shortcuts to all the Avalon Waterways river cruise line ships. The company operates a young fleet of mostly European riverboats aimed at North American, Australian and New Zealand passengers in their 50s or older. Avalon river cruises deals as itineraries and destinations extend to Egypt’s Nile River and China’s Yangtze River - from Hong Kong and Tibet to Ulaanbaatar. Avalon Waterways also operate the Galapagos Islands destination. In this section, you will find all their ships, itinerary information, complete sailing schedules with dates and prices to compare.

As an alternative to owning river cruise ships, Avalon leases them. The company makes partnerships with cruise ship companies that have operational ships in a particular destination and brand 1 or more boats as Avalon Waterways. The line charters these boats for up to 5 years, with the option to refurbish them or give them back to the owner. This way Avalon easily maintain one of the youngest and most modern fleets on this market. In the list below, the newest Avalon "Suite Ships" are starred (*). All "Suite Ships" are scheduled to sail on Danube, Main and Rhine river cruises in Europe.

In 2019, the Avalon fleet left the 138-passenger riverboats/sisterships Affinity , Felicity , Luminary and Creativity . These vessels are currently chartered by "Gate 1 Travel".

  • Avalon Angkor (2012) - Mekong River - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia. Since 2015 the ship operates as "Angkor Pandaw".
  • Avalon Artistry 2 (2013*) - Rhine River - Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland
  • Avalon Envision (2019) - Danube River - Danube River - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Avalon Expression (2013*) - Danube River - The Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovakia
  • Avalon Illumination (2014*) - the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey
  • Avalon Imagery (2016*) - the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers
  • Avalon Impression (2014*) - Danube River - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Avalon Myanmar (2015) - Irrawaddy river - Burma
  • Avalon Panorama (2011*) - the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers - The Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Avalon Passion (2016*) - the Danube, Main, Rhine, Holland, Black Sea
  • Avalon Poetry 2 (2014*) - the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers - Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland
  • Avalon Siem Reap (2015) - Mekong River - Cambodia and Vietnam
  • Avalon Tapestry 2 (2015*) - France (on Seine River leaving from Paris)
  • Avalon Tranquility 2 (2015*) - Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers
  • Avalon View (2020*) - Rhine and Danube
  • Avalon Visionary (2012*) - Danube and Rhine Rivers - Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland
  • Avalon Vista (2012*) - the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers - The Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Century Legend and Century Paragon offer the Yangtze River cruises in China. Both ships are privately-owned and operated by Viking under a charter. These riverboats are also chartered by other major European lines, like AmaWaterways , Viking and Uniworld .
  • American Queen steamboat (launched 1996) offers Mississippi River cruises in the USA. The riverboat is operated under charter - via a partnership with the "American Queen Steamboat Company".
  • Aria houseboat (launched 2010) offers Amazon River cruises in Peru (South America). The boat is chartered from Aqua Expeditions.
  • Kasr Ibrim (launched 1997) offers Lake Nasser cruises on the Nile River in Egypt. The ship is operated under a charter.
  • Sonesta St George (launched 2011) offers Nile River) cruises in Egypt, and is also operated under a charter.

In 2019, Avalon Waterways added 6 new options, including the company's first "Ganges River Cruise" in India. With the new itineraries are also introduced all-suite newbuild riverboats (with open-air, floor-ceiling balconies) and new shore excursions and onboard activities.

Avalon Waterways itinerary options are categorized into 3 classifications (CLASSIC, ACTIVE, DISCOVERY) allowing customers to tailor their cruise according to personal preferences, special interests, and activity level. The DISCOVERY programs target specific interests (like painting workshops and cooking classes) themed on the region's culture. ACTIVE programs target more energetic passengers and include options like guided jogging tours, cycling, hiking, paddling. CLASSIC programs are based on lectures (history- and culture-themed) and walking tours guided by professional local experts.

Avalon river cruise tracker

Our Avalon cruise ship tracker is a function integrated into all Avalon river cruise review pages. At page-bottom on each page, you'll find a map with the boat's current location (AIS position). All the real-time tracking data is provided by VesselFinder. It's all about convenience - you will find where is your Avalon Waterways ship cruising today and right now along its current itinerary - in real-time!

Enjoy the luxury travel cruising on your Avalon Waterways vacations!

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping line companies and their fleets are listed there.

Avalon Waterways related cruise news

River cruise companies cancel post-voyage extensions in Israel

River cruise companies cancel post-voyage extensions in Israel

Major river cruise companies operating on the Nile River in Egypt have adjusted their cruisetour itineraries in response to the recent events in...

Avalon Waterways adding new departures to meet 2023-2024 river cruise demands

Avalon Waterways adding new departures to meet 2023-2024 river cruise demands

Avalon Waterways reported its strongest first-quarter sales season ever. From witnessing an increase in reservations across France on the Seine...

River cruise lines cancel European sailings after Austria locks down borders

River cruise lines cancel European sailings after Austria locks down borders

After Austria temporarily locked down its borders and banned entry for international visitors through at least December 13, 2021, the unexpected...

Avalon Waterways expanding Storyteller Series to include an “All For You” cruise

Avalon Waterways expanding Storyteller Series to include an “All For You” cruise

Avalon Waterways announced it had expanded its Storyteller Series to include a brand new “All For You” voyage, featuring the American...

Avalon Waterways offers more Active & Discovery cruises 2022

Avalon Waterways offers more Active & Discovery cruises 2022

The "Active & Discovery" cruises of Avalon Waterways (land tour program with Avalon Choice excursions) are due to be more widely available in...

Avalon Waterways requires COVID vaccination, negative test or virus immunity

Avalon Waterways requires COVID vaccination, negative test or virus immunity

The river cruise company Avalon Waterways announced updates to its pre-cruise Health & Safety Protocols including proof of COVID vaccines...

Avalon Waterways introduces Active & Discovery river cruises 2021

Avalon Waterways introduces Active & Discovery river cruises 2021

One of the world's largest river cruise companies, Avalon Waterways announced an exclusive series of customizable "Active & Discovery" voyages...

Avalon Waterways introduces new “Short & Suite” river cruise itineraries

Avalon Waterways introduces new “Short & Suite” river cruise itineraries

One of the world's largest river cruise companies - Avalon Waterways - announced a selection of 4-5-6-day “Short and Suite” itineraries...

Avalon Waterways introduces new Danube cruise ports

Avalon Waterways introduces new Danube cruise ports

Along Europe's largest inland waterway - Danube River, which passes through 10 different countries, Avalon Waterways offers extraordinary experiences...

Avalon Waterways announces new Danube River ports and itineraries

Avalon Waterways announces new Danube River ports and itineraries

The river cruise company Avalon Waterways announced that its brochure for 2021 has 6 new Danube River cruise ports and 3 new cruisetours that visit...

  •   show more news

Cruising For All

Avalon Waterways Ships By Size And Age

Today I want to share a little about the Avalon Waterways Ships, I have spent a little time researching ships ages, size and passenger capacities of the fleet. As I figured this would be a great resource when planning your next river cruise. Ship age is something I like to consider when booking.

We have just enjoyed the best River Cruise on Avalon Waterways, Avalon Envision. Which most definitely confirmed our love for River Cruising, it’s a completely different experience to Ocean Cruising. Both have their merits, and will both feature heavily in my future travel plans. However in a nutshell, River Cruising is a completely different, more intimate experience.

One that takes you to new villages, towns and cities every day. Many that enable you to just walk off into town and explore. Anyhow in my bid to find out more about Avalon Waterways, which is a brand we have grown to love for all it offers explorers, sports, food and city lovers, I have done a little research on Avalon Ships.

Avalon Waterways ships by age and size

How Many River Cruise Ships Do Avalon Waterways Own?

Avalon Waterways own 19 river cruise ships, 14 of these are sailing European Rivers, 2 in Asia, 2 in South America and 1 on the Nile. The beauty of River Cruising with Avalon Waterways is that River Cruise Ships get you closer to to towns, villages and even cities such a Budapest, Vienna and Paris. Some in walking distance and that feels really special, plus making it so easy to visit otherwise difficult to get to places.

Avalon Waterway Ships By Age

Ships By Age At A Glance

This is just a quick peek at the Avalon Fleet by age, there is a full table further down the page however this is a quick overview. Why is age important when booking a cruise? Well it’s not to everyone, but some cruisers like to know the ship they are booking for their next river cruise, has all the latest innovations and features. What I will say is the standard is very high on Avalon Waterway Ships. What you will notice here is the fleet is a very young fleet. Also that the ships are all very stylish.

  • Envision, 2018
  • Saigon, 2018
  • Passion, 2016
  • Imagery ll, 2016
  • Tapestry ll, 2015
  • Tranquility ll, 2015
  • Ganges Voyager, 2015
  • Delphin lll
  • Poetry ll, 2014
  • Impression, 2014
  • Illumination, 2014
  • Expression, 2013
  • Artistry ll, 2013
  • Visionary, 2012
  • Vista, 2012
  • Panorama, 2011
  • MS Farah, 2011
  • Treasure Of Galapagos, 2009

Covered outside lounge, Avalon Waterways Ships By Size and Age

Avalon Waterways Ships By Age, Size, Passengers And Crew?

You will notice from the table below that Avalon Waterways work to a format. The ships are in groups and have the same footprints, this is great, as the design is similar across the fleet, only the colour palettes are different.

This means you know what to expect from your cruise and ship. However if newer ships are your thing then this table will help you decided which ship is best for you. Although you have to check out the MS Farah which looks totally unique, this ship was built in 2011 but really makes my want to go on a Nile River Cruise.

Avalon River Cruises By Size and Age

What’s Included On An Avalon River Cruise?

  • Full Board, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Cookies and snacks all day
  • Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and flavored and infused water available throughout the day
  • Welcome & farewell drinks
  • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
  • Happy hour every evening including featured drink specials
  • Complimentary Continental breakfast, room service
  • Use of sports equipment, and bikes
  • Port tours, (There are some paid options, but mostly included)
  • Earphones for port trips with a lanyard
  • A selection of books and board games to laon.

And there you have it, all the the Avalon Cruise Ships by age, size and passenger numbers. I hope that information is useful and helps you to book your next River Cruise. Also check out our Avalon Anvision Photo Tour and Review if you are tempted to book.

View of the Danube from Deck

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

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Avalon logo high res

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Rooms with a View

Avalon River Cruise Fleet

The River is Wide. So is Your View.

It’s hard to know where Avalon Panorama Suites SM  end and the view begins! That’s because no other river cruise fleet offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships®. Featuring the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising, your Avalon Panorama Suite is actually river cruising’s only Open–Air Balcony ® — with living space that’s 30% larger than the industry standard. And you’ll never have to choose between lying in bed or seeing the view because, unlike other river cruise cabin designs which put their beds against the wall, Avalon’s Comfort Collection Beds SM actually face the view — so you can stretch out and watch the world go by.

We’ve gone beyond the notion of small cabins with unusable “balconies” to extend your Panorama Suite into cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony. With nothing between you and the view, your wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows create a living picture postcard. Wake up to a whole new world to see an ever-changing view just outside your window. Think of it as a view with a room!

Panorama Suite

Royal suite.

The widest view in the whole wide world! Your view of the world is about to change for the bigger. We’ve transformed ordinary cruise cabins into our one-of-a-kind Open-Air Balcony featuring the only bed with a view in river cruising. Our floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic windows eliminate the need for a space-wasting balcony, giving you more room to stretch out with 30% more living space than the industry standard. When you retreat to your suite, you’ll never miss a moment of the ever-changing views. So dream on before you drift off in a bed with the dreamiest views in river cruising.

Cruise Planning

Rivers of avalon.

avalon waterways cruise ships

The Scoop: What to Know About Avalon Waterways

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.

GET CREATIVE: Hate Bus Tours? These Are the Unique Guided Tours for You

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.

BEST OF THE BEST: Best Tour Companies for Guided Tours

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. 

CHOOSE WELL: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking a Tour

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.

STAY LONGER: Should You Pay for a Tour Extension or Do It Yourself?

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.

More from TourScoop:

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  • Things to Consider When Packing for an Expedition Cruise
  • 10 Essentials for Your Next River Cruise

The post The Scoop: What to Know About Avalon Waterways appeared first on Tour Scoop .

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

IMAGES

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