BACKYour dreams. In full view. March 2019
On an Avalon Waterways river cruise, the possibilities are as wide open as the expansive views. The same company that reinvented river cruise ships has redefined the river cruise experience. Beyond the widest views on the water is an open invitation to experience your destination in more ways, in exceptional ways, in your way.
We navigate. You steer.
While we’ve thoughtfully planned a captivating collection of nautical journeys along the world’s legendary rivers, your final itinerary is completely up to you. With our proprietary YourWay options, you can extend your vacation before and after your cruise with exciting stays in worldly cities. And with our exclusive onboard Avalon Choice® offering, you have your pick of the widest array of included excursions – from classic sightseeing to immersive discoveries to active adventures. With the flexibility to choose exactly what you wish to do before, during and after your cruise, Avalon offers the most desirable amenity of all – the freedom to cruise your way.
The widest waterfront view of the world.
We promise more than a good view on an Avalon Waterways river cruise – we deliver the suite view. Our entire fleet in Europe and Southeast Asia is completely comprised of Suite Ships®, each featuring our Panorama SuitesSM with the widest opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-Air BalconySM, and an inviting bed facing the ever-changing scenery. Wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, our panoramic windows blur the line between outside and in, presenting the greatest window of opportunity in river cruising.
Dive in.
The greatest legends of the world were never bystanders, so when traveling the globe, why should you be? Our new Active & Discovery river cruises offer a deeper immersion into each destination with the most engaging activities imaginable. Practice your J-strokes as you canoe along legendary riverbanks or perfect your brushstrokes in a local art studio. Steer a bicycle through the scenic countryside or sear today’s catch in a lively cooking class. From inspiring food and wine tastings to invigorating jogging and hiking tours, our Active & Discovery river cruises along the Danube, Rhine and Rhône were designed for every type of doer.
The Ship
Redefining the Window of Opportunity: Our Vision. Your View.
We’ve mastered the art of blending luxury with comfort, and now—blurring the line between outside and in. Not only are our Panorama SuitesSM on our Suite ShipsSM 30% larger than the industry standard staterooms, our wall-to-wall and floor- to-ceiling windows open wider than any other, creating river cruising’s only Open-Air BalconySM and an open invitation to discover and dream.
And speaking of dreaming in our Panorama SuitesSM, we’ve turned our beds to face the window, giving you a bed with a view for the sweetest visions ever. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ve never seen Europe like this.
Wider Openings for the Wide-Eyed
Avalon Waterways Open-Air Balconies were designed with our guests’ views in mind. Our Open-Air Balconies blur the line between outside and in while forming a comfortable and spacious seating area for six and creating an open invitation to discover and dream.
Even better? Avalon’s balconies do not sacrifice room space. In contrast, we invite our guests to enjoy 100 percent of your Suite, 100 percent of the time.
We’re the only river cruise company that’s figured out how to give our cruisers everything they want - more space, indoor/outdoor living and huge views for miles in the comfort and privacy of their rooms. Our Open-Air Balconies are a retreat, an escape…A place to enjoy a snack, a drink, a good book and a stunning view.
Accommodations
Home Away From Home
We’re proud to have always provided river cruisers the most spacious staterooms in Europe. Not only do we offer our award-winning Avalon Deluxe Staterooms, but we feature our spacious 200-square-foot Panorama SuitesSM and 300-square-foot Royal Suites to give our guests even more room to relax with 360-degree views of Europe.
Inspired by design, our ships are crafted to entice all five senses. Some enhancements, including deluxe woven carpeting, fresh flowers, and premium L’Occitane® bath products. Avalon-branded premium bedding, plush linens, and marble bathrooms blend with a perfect balance of warm interiors, natural lighting, and panoramic views that are distinctive and unexpected. All combined, these design elements provide travelers with a unique feeling of space, freedom, and comfort not found on any other river cruise line.
Avalon Waterways offers cruisers an exclusive suite of premium Comfort Collection Beds® bedding in all European staterooms, fleet wide. Avalon cruisers have a choice of pillows, including pillows, as orthopedic mattresses, high-comfort mattress covers, European-style duvets, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, extra blankets, and bed configuration options. Guests also find added luxury with high-quality robes and slippers in each room across our fleet. We’ve also designed contemporary staterooms with the most available storage space, and plenty of thoughtful details like complimentary bottled water and fully-stocked mini-bars.
For some cruisers, comfort comes in the form of connection: staying in touch with friends, colleagues, and family members while away. Because of this, Avalon has taken great strides to enhance the technology available to guests on ship. In addition to offering them flat screen televisions and a wealth of news and entertainment options, Avalon provides cruisers with free Wi-Fi fleet wide.
Dining
From View to Table: Savor the Local Flavors of the World
From morning breakfast to elegant dinners, Avalon frees your taste buds from the ordinary. Using the freshest local ingredients, our talented chefs prepare mouthwatering recipes from the region through which you’re traveling and present them in a variety of inspiring settings. Our FlexDining® approach to onboard dining dispenses with strict seating times and limited restaurant options. Choose the onboard dining venue that suits your mood - from a breezy al fresco lunch at the Sky Grill to an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled dining room. For a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere, take a more casual approach to fine dining while mingling over several satisfying selections in our Panorama Bistro. Whichever table setting you choose, you’ll savor local flavors and the familiar favorites you may crave—as well as our Avalon Fresh® menu options—throughout your vacation. On an Avalon cruise, every meal is part of the journey.
Activities
Chart Your Course and Make Your Cruise Your Own with Avalon Choice
No two travelers are alike--so, why on earth should we expect you to enjoy the same things? With more expertly led discovery options than any other cruise line, we make it possible for you to explore each port according to what intrigues you most.
With Avalon ChoiceSM personalized and included Active & Discovery excursions and activities, you can experience each destination in the style and pace that’s best for you. Take in the classic sights, try local customs or culinary delights, or see each locale from new heights. Our Naturalists (in the Galápagos and the Amazon), Cruise Directors and Local Guides (in Europe), and special onboard guest lecturers bring each destination to life - from village to village or island to island. Stretch out on the Sky Deck to watch the world go by, or stretch your legs with yoga or a jog with your Avalon Adventure HostSM. Your pace, your preference.
Avalon’s expertise in each location is backed by award-winning tour leader, Globus—with more than 90 years of experience in showing the world to world travelers. With hundreds of staff on the ground, personalized service on board, and behind-the-scenes operation experts for vacations in over 75 countries around the world, we’re privy to the best included and optional excursions available.
We transform tourists into travelers and storytellers and help them truly experience each destination with guided sightseeing in every port (complete with headsets), daily port lectures, VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines and great cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors.
Avalon has designed included excursions and onboard activities for a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way.
In addition, our selection of optional excursions allows you to personalize your experience to suit your individual interests, passions, and style. Or, enjoy plenty of free-time opportunities for independent adventures. Your Avalon Adventure HostSM is there to help with suggestions, and our exclusive AvalonGO mobile app brings it all to life.
Services
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Regional wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Onboard enrichment activities. Onshore excursions with Local Guides. Special onboard entertainment. A customized mobile app loaded with navigation and suggestions to make the most of your free time. An exclusive experience features all the right inclusions, yet still leaves room for personalization-like our FlexDiningSM options to give you the freedom to choose when and where you dine on board. From formal seating in our glass-walled dining room to more casual atmospheres perfect for a quick plate, our delicious dining options are as unique as you are.
- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel
- A professional Cruise Director who delivers educational commentary as you travel through interesting landscapes, and who assists with requests and additional excursions
- An Avalon Adventure HostSM available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
- Friendly, English-speaking staff who deliver consummate personal service throughout your journey
- Avalon Choice® - Enjoy included sightseeing with Certified Local Guides, Guided Optional Excursions and Tours, and ample free time to explore on your own. Explore CLASSIC sights, embark on ACTIVE excursions, and make a new DISCOVERY through hands-on cultural and artistic experiences shared by local residents and experts
Avalon Ship Amenities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Complimentary computer use in public areas of the ship
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station offering complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day
- Upscale bar serving premium spirits; fresh fruit available throughout the day
- The Adventure Center, a source for active gear, including bicycles, maps and more for active pursuits on ship and on shore
- Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
- AvalonGO mobile app keeps you informed and on course before and during your cruise. Schedules, transfer details, daily itineraries, GPS, and dining and entertainment options for free time in each destination are at your fingertips. Post photos and comments to share with social media friends via real time posts!
