In 2004, excited by the promise of river cruising, Avalon Waterways was determined to invigorate the experience that, at the time, was characterized by older ships, limited space and land excursions operated as an afterthought. They were inspired to create a different kind of river cruise experience - one that would embrace and celebrate everything special about the travel style. And so, Avalon Waterways was born. Avalon is known for their award winning land programs, innovative ships and exotic itineraries.
Avalon Waterways Ships
With the launch of their very first ship, Avalon's inspired design innovations became the new standard, including the introduction of floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies on two decks of every Avalon vessel. They were also the first to bring a larger stateroom with deluxe hotel-style amenities to an entire fleet. Launched in May 2011, the Avalon Panorama became Avalon's introductory "Suite Ship" - the first of its kind in the industry. In 2012, the Panorama was joined by two equally impressive ships: the Avalon Vista and the Avalon Visionary.
Avalon Waterways Destinations
Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise. Discover fascinating history and authentic experiences, with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Plus, there's plenty of time to unwind.
Or take a trip down the Nile. The Nile River is the longest river in the world. So it follows that it would be long on enchantment, mystery and antiquity's most intriguing relics. The lifeline of Egyptian civilization, the Nile basin is a cultivated oasis of green vegetation in a country which would otherwise be entirely deserted.
Avalon Waterways offers River Cruises on the following rivers: Danube, Main, Mekong, Moselle, Nile, Rhine, Rhone, Seine and Yangtze.
Only Avalon makes space and views a top priority in every deluxe stateroom of every category on every ship in the fleet. Each Avalon Deluxe Stateroom enjoys an outside location and a square footage minimum of 172 square feet - the largest on the European rivers today, and a full 15% larger than the industry standard. Panorama Suites measure 200 square feet, Avalon Suites are an even larger 258 square feet, and Royal Suites are a spacious 300 square feet! Because of their smart designs and premium service that has earned a 98% satisfaction rating, you'll be comfortable, relaxed, and fully engaged with the passing scenery!
Avalon Waterways Dining
On an Avalon cruise, a spacious, open-seating dining room provides an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere and unimpeded views through full panoramic windows. Begin your mornings early or late - it's your choice. Either way, a sumptuous breakfast awaits. And for those times when a quiet Continental breakfast in bed sounds appealing, breakfast room service is also available. Enjoy lunch inside or outside over a menu of light fare. We think you'll agree the delightful Open-Air Bistro is the perfect place to lunch while admiring passing landscapes. Dinnertime beckons with 5-star service, the finest chef-inspired recipes, and complimentary regional wines.
Avalon Waterways does not offer dedicated Children's programs onboard their vessels.
Cruising from one destination to the next often takes place at night while passengers are sleeping, but sometimes the cruises will also sail during the day, giving passengers an opportunity to relax or enjoy the scenery. Avalon's inspired, 360-degree, engaging cruise experiences afford travelers the chance to immerse themselves into a destination and culture thanks to award-winning land programs and world-class guides. Egyptologists (along the Nile), Naturalists (in the Galapagos), Cruise Directors (in Europe, Southeast Asia and China) and special guest lecturers also offer a vast onboard educational program, giving cruisers the chance to soak in the history and culture of a region as they drift from village to village or island to island.
Avalon Waterways Past Guests
Avalon Waterways Past Passenger Program is called the Journeys Club. Journeys Club is the frequent travelers club for the Globus family of brands. Through it, Avalon will reward their frequent travelers with attractive perks. Cruisers must enroll in the club to receive benefits including exclusive promotions, special perks, and customized service.
You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never traveled like this.
Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia, or South America-your way!
The "Just Right" Way to River Cruise
What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.
Fuel your mind. Feed your soul.
Tantalizing flavors to suit your distinct taste. When you travel for fresh perspectives, shouldn’t every experience feel the same? We think so. Avalon is committed to delivering local flavor - right down to the table. Using fresh and local ingredients, our chefs introduce you to regional delights as well as comfort you with Western favorites in a variety of tasteful settings. From breezy al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro to elegant four-course dinners in the glass-walled dining room, you can savor fresh fare and the perspectives you crave day and night.
Cruises to Exotic Destinations
Experience all that Avalon has to offer in exotic locations like Southeast Asia, the Galápagos Island, Egypt or the Peruvian Amazon. A journey on one of Asia’s great rivers, Mekong or Irrawaddy, offers a tapestry of fascinating sights, colorful cultures, and ancient traditions. In South America you may embark down one of the world's vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon, or explore the home of some of the world's most fascinating animal life in the Galápagos Island
Avalon Waterways specializes in river cruises and small-ship cruising, and can boast the youngest fleet of ships in Europe – the oldest, the Avalon Tapestry, made its first voyage in 2006.
Though Avalon is known for travelling the great rivers of Europe in style and luxury, the small-ship cruises also allow more adventurous guests to explore the Nile and Lake Nasser in Egypt, the Yangtze in China, the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador.
Avalon allows its guests to customize their cruise to their liking, adding sightseeing trips that travel at different paces, extra days in exotic locations, and even the simple freedom of choosing where to eat dinner.Onboard Entertainment
Much of the onboard entertainment, like demonstrations and talks by local artisans and experts, centers on the culture of the ship’s ports of call, and the land and history that surround you as you sail. Avalon works with the tour company Globus to ensure there is always an expert on hand to answer any questions you have about your destination.
The ships are designed with elegance and comfort in mind, and at every turn travellers are greeted by another refined space in which to relax, have a drink with friends, or watch the Old World drift by.
In the mood for something a bit more active? Try one of the tours that go behind-the scenes of the ship. The suites on the Europe cruises are some of the most luxurious in the industry.
The Panorama Suite is 30% larger than the industry standard, and includes a wall-to-wall Panoramic Window, which opens to turn the entire room into a balcony. Even the standard suites come equipped with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that practically allow you to step out into the scenery.
Perhaps the best reason to take an Avalon Waterways cruise is the excursions offered, allowing travellers to visit the most important cities of Europe. The excursions travel at three different paces – Leisurely, Traditional, and Essential – to allow visitors to see what they want at the speed they want.
All of Avalon’s tours are accompanied by a Certified Local Guide, who takes you to the most important parts of the city and shares genuine knowledge and experiences. In several ports, there is even an option to take a bicycle tour, seeing the city or the surrounding area in a safe and fun way, accompanied by a local expert.
The small-ship cruises Avalon Waterways offers are vastly different from those that travel the rivers of Europe, but they offer just as much. Some require flights to reach the ship’s more isolated origin and destination ports, which include Quito, Lima, Luxor, Chongqing, Yichang, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City. In the Galápagos and along the Nile, Cruise Directors are replaced by Naturalists and Egyptologists, giving an expert’s account of what guests will see and experience on their once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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