- The river cruise line is announcing a specialised program for when the sun goes down.
- There will be after-dark shore excursions in towns and cities like Avignon, Budapest, Vienna, and much more.
- Onboard, guests can take part in karaoke, trivia, and late-night dancing.
Starting next year, Avalon Waterways will be introducing a new program for guests to experience river cruising after hours.
The Avalon After Dark program will have dedicated entertainment to more after-dark port adventures as well as Sky Grill dinners under the stars.
“Sunsets don’t need to signal the end of the day’s adventure on a river cruise,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways.
“Instead, we’re keeping the night alive with unforgettable experiences, from moonlit toasts on the Sky Deck to impromptu dance parties and late-night explorations made possible by overnight docking in legendary cities and settings.”
Late night dancing and karaoke
Starting on the ship, as the sun sets, the Panorama Lounge is set to light up with live music, special performances, themed trivia, karaoke, and impromptu dance parties.
Guests can belt out classic tunes, test their knowledge over nightly cocktail specials, or hit the dance floor. Avalon After Dark is encouraging guests to linger in the Panorama Lounge, sipping, swaying and savouring longer evenings on board.
Dinner with a view
New for 2026, Avalon is introducing Sky Grill Dinners – an open-air dining experience where fresh flavours and sunset views take centre stage. The chefs will feature take inspiration from local cuisine paired with local wines. Guests can also have drinks under the stars.
Moonlit Ports & Midnight Pubs
As part of its Avalon After Dark program, Avalon is also encouraging guests to experience Europe’s most legendary cities and settings after the streetlights flicker on with more overnight docking in places like:
- Budapest. Sip cocktails at a ruin bar or enjoy the beauty of Buda Castle as it lights up the night sky.
- Vienna. Take in a classical concert, enjoy a Viennese coffee at dusk or indulge in a midnight craving of Sachertorte.
- Amsterdam. Wander the canals, find a speakeasy or enjoy live jazz in a candlelit club.
- Rüdesheim. Stoll the Drosselgasse where cosy wine taverns stay lively well into the night.
- Avignon. Enjoy a moonlit walk past the Palais des Papes or dine alfresco in a starlit square.
Avalon’s commitment to late-night docking in some of the world’s most fascinating places invites guests to linger longer, explore deeper and soak up the magic of the world’s best sights by night.
“We’re re-writing the script for river cruising after hours,” added Hoffee. “Avalon After Dark promises evenings worth staying up for.”
