AVALON WATERWAYS
INNOVATIVE. TRANSFORMATIVE. ORIGINAL.
WELCOME ABOARD AVALON WATERWAYS.
Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways.
Take one step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides, they are a-changin’.
WELCOME TO A NEW WAVE IN CRUISING
The greatest days are the ones where we wake to a wide-open agenda, a world of possibilities and a blank canvas to color as we please. When you wake up to all of that – and the world at your feet, quite literally, thanks to your Suite Ship accommodations – you’re in for the best days of your life with Avalon.
COLOSSAL SIGHTS, NOT SHIPS
While ocean cruise ships are celebrated for their size, ours are built to sail under centuries-old bridges and right up to the charming villages of the Old World with ease.
TRADE SEA DAYS FOR SEE DAYS
On a typical ocean cruise, you spend a lot of your time seeing the deep blue sea. With Avalon, the scenic and storied shoreline—dotted with fairytale villages, rolling vineyards and towering castles—is always in view.
BETTER BY DESIGN
Avalon Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry. Our innovative suite designs elevate river cruising as the only river cruise ships with open-air balconies and beds that actually face the view—not the wall.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW.
No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships,® featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. 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. Think of it as a view with a room!
THE ART OF MAKING YOU FEEL AT HOME
We don’t just reserve the warmth and comfort for your room on an Avalon river cruise — we share our welcoming spirit throughout the entire ship and carry it onto shore. From the Captain and Cruise Director to your stateroom attendant and wait staff, we deliver exquisite service that’s professional, courteous, and informative. Whether you’re on board or on shore, we take special care to ensure that you are perfectly taken care of every step of the way.
FARM-TO-FORK FARE
With our exclusive Avalon Fresh menu, you can take an indulgent cruise without drifting from your healthy habits. From eye-opening juices at breakfast to artfully crafted salads at lunch to high-protein plates at dinner, Avalon Fresh options—including vegetarian and vegan specialties—are available at every meal so you can guiltlessly partake in creative cuisine without sacrificing great taste.
THE AVALON TOUCH IN EVERY DETAIL
When it comes to the little touches, we think big—like your choice of firmness in our exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSM and pillows, 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. It’s the Avalon difference, and it doesn’t get much better than that!
YOUR CRUISE. YOUR WAY.
Regional wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Complimentary continental breakfast served in your room. Onboard cultural presentations and local entertainment. Onshore excursions with expert Local Guides. Free Wi-Fi. Adventure Center with gear and guidance to explore your way. Avalon Adventure HostSM to direct or accompany you on active pursuits. The freedom to enjoy river cruising your way. You’re not like everyone else. Why should your river cruise be like everyone else’s?
A LOCAL GUIDE WHO’S ACTUALLY LOCAL
What is an expert Local Guide? The answer is in the name…Local! Your Local Guides on an Avalon Waterways vacation have a passion for sharing the legends and stories behind the sites. They love to share their corner of the world with you, so you walk away with a true feeling and understanding for newly discovered destinations.
CHOICE EXCURSIONS, YOUR WAY
Paddle through picturesque landscapes or pedal through classic cityscapes. Stir up delicious dishes passed down through generations, dream through ancient castle halls or dally along the alleys of cobblestoned villages. From interactive discoveries to traditional sightseeing, you can tailor a trip to suit your interests and pace.
FOR THE MOVER
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. Biking, hiking, and boating tours pack real get-up-and-go for those who like to do the same.
FOR THE DOER
An awakening for the senses, Avalon’s Discovery excursions present heartwarming, brain-tingling, 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.
FOR THE DREAMER
Nothing beats the classics! Avalon’s Classic excursions put you at the center of the story with timeless tales on guided tours in iconic cities, capitals, and castles. Skip the lines while your heart skips a beat in the places where history was made.
HOME SUITE HOME.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold and gestures are grand. Your choice of Comfort CollectionSM mattresses and pillows. Egyptian cotton sheets and European-style duvets. Marble-top bathrooms with roomy glass-enclosed showers. Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. These thoughtful amenities and spacious designs are what cruising elevated is all about. So, consider yourself at home—but with a better view!
Deluxe Stateroom
Indulge in the comfort and elegance of Avalon Waterways’ Deluxe Staterooms, where every detail is designed to enhance your river cruise experience. With two windows providing stunning river views, you’ll feel immersed in the breathtaking river landscapes.
Panorama Suite
Our signature stateroom, it’s hard to tell where the luxury of your Panorama Suite ends and the world outside begins. Rise each day to your wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic window, and the industry’s only Open–Air Balcony®—with nothing between you and the view.
Royal Suite
Indulge in the ultimate luxury of Avalon Waterways’ Royal Suite, where every detail is crafted to elevate your river cruise experience. Featuring a separate seating area with a sofa, armchairs, and a table, every moment in the Royal Suite is a testament to Avalon’s commitment to exceptional luxury and service.
10D PARIS WITH BONJOUR BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE
Port of Calls : Paris – Bordeaux – Cadillac-sur-Garonne – Cussac Fort Médoc – Blaye – Bourg – Libourne – Bordeaux
8D ROMANTIC RHINE
Port of Calls : Amsterdam – Cologne – Rüdesheim – Mainz – Kehl – Breisach – Basel
THINGS TO KNOW
Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. Check with your travel agent on the port location.
What clothes should I pack for excursions?
During your Avalon journey, your days will be filled with a range of exciting excursions. We recommend dressing for enjoyment and practicality, as weather conditions can be unpredictable. Layering is always a wise choice for outdoor activities, and it’s helpful to bring a small backpack or handbag to store jackets and sweaters. Don’t forget to pack your most comfortable walking or athletic shoes to keep your feet happy and active. Please note that certain excursions may also have specific requirements, such as covering knees or shoulders in holy places or avoiding shorts during evening events in ports-of-call.
If you’re looking to stay active and have some fun, we’re excited to let you know that an Adventure Host will be available on all European cruises. They will lead daily workouts and assist you in pursuing your own fitness goals, whether it’s biking, hiking, or other individual adventures. Dress for your personal fitness success and embrace the active opportunities available to you.
Can I book transfers?
We can organise departure transfers for you, as well as pick up from the airport, should you require it. Transfers are provided by independent third-party transportation companies (where available).
Our mission is to make your trip as seamless as possible, just ask us how.
Can I book flights with my cruise?
Holiday Tours offers a wide range of flight options to get you from here to there – from a huge range of carriers, seating selection and preferred pricing from our airline partners. And we’ll ensure your flight schedule is perfectly coordinated with your cruise – speak to our travel advisors for more information.
When can I book Optional Excursions?
Prior to the commencement of your holiday, you have the option to preview and pre-book additional excursions up to 90 days in advance. These excursions will also be accessible during your holiday but can no longer be booked online once within 4 days of the scheduled excursion date. By securing your excursions and activities in advance, you can tailor your cruise to suit your preferences, and effectively plan your schedule and finances. To acquire excursions for your cruise, simply login to your MyAccount or MyAvalon and find the Optional Excursions section. We recommend you book early to avoid excursions selling out.
What meals are included on board?
All meals are included on board Avalon Waterways – prepared by talented chefs who serve regional specialties as well as familiar favourites using only the freshest, local ingredients.
In Europe, enjoy daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch and daily four-course à la carte dinner. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or indulge in the Panorama Bistro’s tasting menu. Daily afternoon tea is also included, as well as complimentary room service for continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
On the Mekong, a mix of Western and local dishes are offered; in the Galápagos, you’ll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western options.
Click here to learn more about Avalon’s onboard dining. Should you have any dietary restrictions, please inform your travel advisor.
What if I require medical services?
Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. On Amazon and Galápagos ships, first-aid-trained staff are available.
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