Cruise the rivers of the world in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways. With a signature blend of style, space and personalisation, their modern fleet of Suite Ships promise a cruise like no other.

From active adventures to Christmas cruises and gourmet journeys, there’s a voyage for every type of traveller with Avalon Waterways.

Avalon Waterways offers the ultimate guide to cruising the magnificent rivers of Europe.
Explore the beauty of Europe with Avalon Waterways.

Avalon Waterways’ fleet of 18 ships sails on iconic waterways across three continents. Most are based in Europe, sailing on the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine and Douro rivers as well as through Burgundy and Provence in the south of France. Cruise the famed Amsterdam to Basel route through the centre of Europe, explore the castle-lined rivers of Germany, discover the ancient vineyards of Portugal or go off the beaten track on a Balkan Discovery voyage. Ships in Avalon Waterways’ European fleet carry between 100 and 166 passengers.

You’ll also find luxurious Avalon Waterways vessels on the Nile River in Egypt, on a Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, and on the Amazon River in Peru. These unique ships are custom-built for their destination and bring elements of local style and culture onboard. 

Follow your passions on holiday with one of Avalon Waterways’ Special Interest Cruises. The Storyteller Series is hosted by celebrity authors, actors, artists and musicians, while award-winning photographers will help you capture the perfect shot on a guided Photography cruise. There are cruses themed around Wine Appreciation, Beer Tasting and Culinary journeys, as well as Active & Discovery voyages where you can enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking and more.

Avalon Waterways’ inclusive fares cover just about everything you’ll need onboard, including all meals, wine and beer during lunch and dinner, most shore excursions, bicycles to use on shore, Wi-Fi, wellness activities onboard and much more. There are some additional costs for alcohol outside mealtimes and Guided Optional Excursions.

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.

The Avalon dining experience.
The Avalon dining experience.

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 cabin features Egyptian cotton linen, spacious wardrobes, flat-screen satellite TV, mini-bar and L’Occitane toiletries, plus a nightly turndown service.

Each of the Suite Ships in the Avalon Waterways fleet consists of 80 per cent Panorama Suites. These beautiful suites have huge windows that cover the entire external wall and open up into their signature Open-Air Balconies. Their full width is just over two metres in Europe and 3.3 metres in Asia.

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.

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.

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

At every port, Avalon Waterways offers a range of shore excursions that will show you the highlights and the hidden gems of your destination. They break their shore excursions into three categories:

  • Classic – local guides take you to iconic sites, historic landmarks and culturally important places.
  • Discovery – immersive experiences and hands-on activities focused around culture, music, art and food.
  • Active – for explorers who want to embrace nature and adventure, with hikinh, biking, kayaking and more.

On a Special Interest Cruise, you’ll enjoy carefully curated shore excursions that align with the interests, showing you another side of a destination. Think paddling through the canals of Amsterdam on a kayak, a painting workshop in the hometown of Vincent Van Gogh or a wine tasting in the cellar of a medieval castle along the Saone River.

All standard shore excursions are included in your cruise fare. There are also a selection of guided optional excursions available at an additional cost and include experiences like classical concerts, food tours or a visit to a microbrewery.

Avalon Waterways fleet

Europe

  • Avalon Artistry II
  • Avalon Alegria
  • Avalon Envision
  • Avalon View
  • Avalon Expression
  • Avalon Illumination
  • Avalon Imagery II
  • Avalon Impression
  • Avalon Panorama
  • Avalon Passion
  • Avalon Poetry II
  • Avalon Tapestry II
  • Avalon Tranquility II
  • Avalon Visionary
  • Avalon Vista

South America

  • Avalon Delfin III

Africa

  • Avalon MS Farah

Asia

  • Avalon Saigon