- Avalon Waterways will reposition in 2027 due to increased demand.
- The Seine continues to grow in popularity for the line.
- The Artistry II will be the line’s second vessel on the Seine.
Increased demand for river cruising has urged Avalon Waterways to meet demand in France with the repositioning of Avalon Artistry II in 2027 to The Seine.
Once the 2026 season has completed in France’s Bordeaux region, Artistry II will relocate to The Seine, where she will bring in extra allure for passengers seeking river cruising options on France’s most desired river.
The ship is currently sailing in France’s Bordeaux region and will make the move after it completes its 2026 season. The Seine is one of the most requested rivers for cruises, with Paris and Normandy sailings being top draws for Avalon passengers.
The Artistry II wont be the line’s first vessel to be positioned on The Seine. She will be Avalon’s second vessel on the Seine when it debuts there next year. However, the Artistry II did have a short-lived stay in Bordeaux, after only being introduced there last year. Once she repositions to The Seine, Avalon says the line has no plans to continue cruise itineraries for the Bordeaux region.
Avalon President, Pam Hoffee says “Avalon is committed to growing with purpose. That means listening closely to our guests and aligning our fleet of Suite Ships with destinations where river cruising delivers the greatest depth, diversity and demand. France continues to outperform, particularly along the Seine, and we’re making moves to support that momentum for guests.”
Avalon Artistry II
Avalon Artistry II is a 128-passenger vessel, with current sailings along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the Bordeaux region. It is one of Avalon’s Suite Ships, built to offer a premium river cruising experience with a focus on spacious accommodations, expansive views and elevated onboard amenities.
It launched in 2013, the Artistry II targets an intimate river cruise environment, staffed by about 37 crew members. The vessel measures roughly 110 m (361 ft) long and 12 m wide, with a service speed of about 13 knots. She features four decks, including a dedicated Sky Deck with lounge space, whirlpool and outdoor bistro seating.
Artistry II is known for its suites. The Panorama Suites make up 52 of the 64 staterooms, and are roughly 200 square feet — more than 30 per cent larger than the industry standard. The suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that open to create Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony. Beds are oriented so guests wake up facing the river views.
There are also two Royal Suites with even larger space and seating areas, plus a handful of smaller Deluxe Staterooms.
Cabins are outfitted with luxury touches like comfort collection beds, Egyptian cotton linens, L’Occitane bath products, climate control, mini-bars and entertainment systems, and most offer French-balcony views.
The onboard public spaces are designed to optimise socialising, relaxation and wellness. The Panorama Lounge & Bar has wide river views that will be appreciated on The Seine. There’s a Fitness Center with modern equipment, a Sky Deck featuring premium lounge chairs, a whirlpool, shade canopies and deck games. And the dining venues include a main restaurant, Panorama Bistro and the al fresco Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck.
Guests also typically enjoy complimentary WiFi, guided shore excursions, enrichment lectures, 24-hour beverage stations and curated local entertainment as part of their cruise fare.
Strategic Shift Anchored in Demand
Ms Hoffee said the redeployment reflects a broader strategy of aligning the line’s fleet with passenger preferences. “Avalon is committed to growing with purpose,” she said, noting that France, especially the Seine corridor, continues to outperform other markets in terms of demand.
By adding the Artistry II to its Seine roster, Avalon will effectively increase capacity on one of its strongest-performing river destinations. The vessel will serve as the company’s second Suite Ship on the Seine, complementing existing operations and giving travellers more choice on one of Europe’s most popular waterways.
Implications for Bordeaux Sailings
The repositioning also signals a pullback from Bordeaux itineraries: with the Artistry II’s departure, Avalon currently has no announced plans to continue Bordeaux river cruises beyond the end of the 2026 season.
Introduced only recently, Avalon’s Bordeaux program, designed to showcase France’s famed wine regions, has offered guests vineyard-focused experiences on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. However, bookings for that region have lagged compared to other French river routes anchored on the Seine and Rhône.
