Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Years of experience have perfected their fleet of luxurious Suite Ships, authentic experiences and choice-driven itineraries along the world’s most mesmerising waterways. With award-winning Panorama Suites, expansive open-air balconies, elevated dining and unparalleled shore excursions, Avalon delivers a more intimate and immersive river cruise experience that is tailored to custom fit each guest.
Why Avalon Waterways?
No other fleet of river cruise ships offers guests a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships. The 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.
Suite Ships average just 150 guests – and some much less – to give cruisers the space, time, and attention they deserve on holiday. With Avalon, guests will enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease. While they believe in the relentless pursuit of perfection, they’re into pampering without the pomp, creating an atmosphere of relaxed luxury.
The Avalon difference can also be felt on shore. Guests are invited to tailor their cruise with an exciting menu of excursions, from immersive discoveries to active adventures. With 70 cruises across 12 rivers through 24 countries, Avalon’s range of itineraries also gives Australian travellers numerous options to choose from, making the possibilities as wide open as the views.
Avalon Waterways dining
Avalon Waterways has partnered with top chefs Karl and Leo Wrenkh, Austrian brothers whose food philosophy is ‘eating is life’. They have created a fresh, vibrant menu that uses ingredients from local farmers and suppliers, ensuring you can enjoy authentic regional flavours in a healthy-conscious way.
Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for. The Wrenkh brothers are behind the first high-end vegetarian restaurant in Vienna, so they create innovative meat-free menus inspired by local delicacies.
There are multiple dining options onboard Avalon Waterways’ European ships. Buffet breakfast and lunch and a four-course a la carte dinner are served in the main dining every day. You can also choose to dine al fresco at the Sky Grill on the Sky Deck or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge. Complimentary room service is also available for all meals.
On ships in Asia, Africa and South America there is a single restaurant, however you may also be able to dine outdoors on the Sun Deck weather permitting.
All meals are included in your cruise fare as well as sparkling wine with breakfast, and wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. You can also enjoy complimentary drinks during Happy Hour.
Avalon Waterways staterooms and suites
Bed down in some of the most spacious accommodation options on the rivers with Avalon Waterways. Even the entry-level deluxe staterooms are 20 per cent larger than the industry standard.
Each of Avalon’s modern, luxurious Suite Ships is comprised of two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring the industry’s only open-air balconies with the widest-opening windows in river cruising. Their full width is just over two metres in Europe and 3.3 metres in Asia. These 18.5-square-metre suites feature a unique design that maximises space and magnifies the view, with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.
You’ll also get to wake up to a spectacular view every morning. Avalon Waterways faces all their beds towards the windows, so you can admire the ever-changing vista as soon as you open your eyes. Think of it as a view with a room!
For the ultimate in luxury, choose the plush Royal Suite. With more than 27 square metres of space, you can relax in a comfortable sitting area and admire the views from two of Open-Air Balconies.
Larger suites also result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of spots to stretch out or just watch the world go by.
And when it comes to the little touches, Avalon thinks big – like your choice of firmness in the exclusive Comfort Collection Beds, the plushest of towels, L’Occitane bath products atop marble countertops, premium spirits at the upscale bar, and rich premium coffees in the Panorama and Club Lounge. You’ll find the Avalon touch in every detail.
Entertainment and activities onboard Avalon Waterways
Local musicians, performers and artists will regularly come onboard during your Avalon Waterways cruise to entertain you. Enriching talks or lectures will give you more information about upcoming destinations, history or cultural traditions. Experience the flavours of the region onboard with wine, food and chocolate tastings led by local experts.
Each Avalon Waterways vessel has an elegant onboard lounge where you can join your fellow passengers for a drink while enjoying live music. There’s also a small dancefloor if you are inspired to move and they sometimes host karaoke nights. Movie nights may be held during your cruise, showcasing a film that aligns with the region.
If you like to stay active on holiday, get in a workout at the fitness centre. The Avalon Adventure Hosts will start each day with a yoga session, or you can borrow a mat, stretch bands and other equipment from the Adventure Centre for your own practice.
For something more relaxing, soak in the whirlpool on the Sun Deck while admiring the view.
Avalon Waterways shore excursions
All Avalon cruises present an exciting menu of included Avalon Choice excursions that invite guests to personalise their experience to suit their interests and passions.
- Active excursions: Whether you enjoy sightseeing by kayak, on two wheels or on your own two feet, you’ll relish the energy of Avalon’s Active excursion collection. Paddle through spectacular scenery or pedal around bustling cityscapes.
- Discovery Excursions: An awakening for the senses, Avalon’s Discovery excursions present hands-on adventure. Pull up a chair to hear a Viennese waltz, roll up your sleeves to paint like Van Gogh, or grab an apron to whip up a local delicacy.Â
- Classic Excursions: Nothing beats the classics, especially when it comes to travelling back in time to bygone eras. Avalon’s Classic excursions present a colourful collection of guided walking tours through ancient fortresses, capitals, and castles.
And, for those cruisers looking for a break from the ordinary, but not from their extraordinary interests, Avalon Waterways offers a robust line-up of Special Interest cruises. There are dedicated themed cruises covering everything from wine and history to photography and Christmas departures, as well as the Storyteller Series hosted by celebrity authors, actors, artists and musicians.
Avalon Waterways fleet
Avalon Alegria
Explore Portugal’s dazzling Douro River on Avalon Alegria. This 262-foot ship has 14 deluxe staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, making for a spacious capacity of just 102 passengers. Enjoy the swimming pool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Artistry II
Sailing on the Danube, Rhine and beyond in Europe, the 361-foot Avalon Artistry II has 12 staterooms and 52 suites, including two full decks of Panorama Suites and two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon View
The 443-foot Avalon View sails mostly on the Danube River, with some itineraries along the Rhine and Main. With 16 staterooms and 67 suites – including two luxurious Royal Suites – it can carry up to 164 passengers. Enjoy the swimming pool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Envision
Cruise the rivers of Europe on Avalon Envision. This stylish 443-foot Suite Ship carries up to 164 guests in 16 staterooms and 67 suites, including two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Imagery II
Set out on a classic European river cruise on the 361-foot Avalon Imagery II. With 52 suites, including two full decks of Panorama Suites and two luxurious Royal Suites, and 12 staterooms, the 128 passengers travel in style and comfort. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Passion
Avalon Passion cruises the full width of Europe, from Amsterdam to the Balkans and beyond. This stylish 443-foot Suite Ship carries up to 164 guests in 16 staterooms and 67 suites, including two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Tranquillity II
Discover the beauty of the Danube, Rhine and Moselle on board Avalon Tranquility II. This 361-foot vessel carries 128 passengers in 12 staterooms and 52 suites, including two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Tapestry II
Cruising the gentle rivers of France, discover wine regions and fascinating history on board Avalon Tapestry II. This 361-foot vessel carries 128 passengers in 12 staterooms and 52 suites, including two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Poetry II
French fantasies await on a cruise onboard Avalon Poetry II. This 361-foot vessel carries 128 passengers in 12 staterooms and 52 suites, including two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Illumination
Explore the great rivers of Europe on Avalon Illumination. This stylish 443-foot Suite Ship carries up to 164 guests in 16 staterooms and 67 suites, including two full decks of Panorama Suites and two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Impression
Explore the great rivers of Europe on Avalon Impression. This stylish 443-foot Suite Ship carries up to 164 guests in 16 staterooms and 67 suites, including two full decks of Panorama Suites and two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Expression
Explore the great rivers of Europe on Avalon Expression. This stylish 443-foot Suite Ship carries up to 164 guests in 16 staterooms and 67 suites, including two full decks of Panorama Suites and two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Vista
Cruise the Rhine and Danube on the elegant Avalon Vista. This stylish 443-foot Suite Ship carries up to 164 guests in 16 staterooms and 67 suites, including two full decks of Panorama Suites and two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Visionary
Cruise the Danube from east or west on Avalon Visionary. This stylish 361-foot Suite Ship has 12 staterooms and 52 suites, including two full decks of Panorama Suites and two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Panorama
Sailing the romantic Rhine and the legendary Danube, Avalon Panorama was the first in the industry to feature two full decks of Panorama Suites. This 443-foot Suite Ship carries up to 164 guests in 16 staterooms and 67 suites, including two luxurious Royal Suites. Enjoy the whirlpool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
Avalon Saigon
Experience an intimate cruise along the storied Mekong River between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh with Avalon Saigon. This 195-foot ship carries just 38 passengers in 18 staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Onboard features include an open-air Observation Lounge, spa treatment room, fitness room, library and more.
Delfin III
The first Relais & Chateaux cruise in the world, Delfin III is one of the newest luxury vessels cruising Peru’s Amazon. Carrying just 44 passengers in nine staterooms and 13 suites, the ship promises five-star comforts in the most remote locations. Features include a plunge pool, Rainforest Spa, indoor/outdoor bar and lounge, and more.
Treasure of Galápagos
The nine-suite Treasure of Galápagos goes beyond traditional cruising and promises a truly intimate experience with a maximum of 16 guests. Recently refurbished, each spacious suite has large windows and a balcony in relaxed luxury. Soak in the Jacuzzi, relax on the Sun Deck, spot dolphins from the Observation Lounge and hear expedition lectures.
MS Farah
In Arabic, Farah means happiness and joy, fitting for one of the most elite ships on Egypt’s Nile River. It carries 112 passengers in 56 deluxe cabins and two Royal Suites, each with oversized French balconies. Explore the exotic world of the pharaohs while enjoying the swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room, libraries, telescopes and more.
Sonesta St George
Cruising along the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, the Sonesta St George carries 118 passengers in 47 staterooms and 10 suites. One of the most elegant ships on the Nile, the interiors are opulent. Onboard features include an oversized swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, spa, an elegant piano bar and multiple dining venues.
