Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways launched in 2004 as the river cruise arm of the Globus family of brands, a family-owned touring company with decades of experience in escorted travel. That touring background shapes Avalon’s focus on well-organized excursions and flexible ways to explore each port.

The European fleet is made up of Suite Ships, many with two decks of Panorama Suites in which the bed faces the view and the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows slide open to turn the room into an open-air balcony. Ships carry roughly 130 to 170 guests and sail the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône and Saône, and the Douro in Portugal. In Asia, Avalon offers Mekong River journeys in Vietnam and Cambodia combined with land touring.

Most European cruises last seven to fifteen nights, with popular routes such as Budapest to Nuremberg or Amsterdam to Basel, plus Christmas market sailings in December and tulip-time cruises in spring.

Avalon feels relaxed, contemporary and comfortable. Guests are mostly North American couples and friends in their 50s to 70s, along with solo travelers and some multigenerational groups. Dress is casual, with smart casual at dinner and no formal nights. The ships’ interiors are bright and modern, and the Panorama Suites are a major draw for travelers who want river views from bed. Each port offers a choice of excursions: Classic (guided sightseeing), Discovery (hands-on cultural experiences) and Active (bike rides, hikes or kayaking), so the trip can be gentle or energetic. Evenings are quiet, and Avalon has added more onboard evening programming in recent seasons.

Meals are served in the main dining room, with buffet breakfasts and lunches and multi-course dinners featuring regional specialties. A casual lounge offers lighter options, and Avalon Fresh adds plant-based and healthy choices. Wine, beer and soft drinks come with lunch and dinner at no charge.

Evenings include local musicians and performers who come aboard, lectures on the region, a pianist in the lounge and occasional themed events. Many guests spend evenings strolling ashore when the ship docks overnight in cities such as Vienna or Budapest.

Children can sail, but there are no kids programs and families are uncommon outside of special departures. The experience is designed for adults.

Panorama Suites are the signature: roomy for a river ship, with the bed facing wall-to-wall windows that open to create an open-air balcony. Larger suites on the upper decks add more space, and lower-deck staterooms have fixed windows at a lower cost.

Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, along with specialty coffees and tea. Cocktails and drinks outside mealtimes cost extra unless you buy a beverage package.

Gratuities are not included in Avalon fares. Suggested amounts for the crew, cruise director and local guides are provided, and you can pay them onboard.

Avalon is part of the Globus family of brands’ Journeys Club, which gives returning guests savings on future trips across Avalon and its sister touring brands.