Avalon Waterways: Smaller Ships for Bigger Experiences

River Cruising with Avalon Waterways: Smaller Ships, Bigger Experiences

River cruising with Avalon Waterways is your chance to explore Europe at a gentler pace. Glide through iconic cities, charming villages and storybook landscapes, all from the comfort of a sleek, modern ship. With a fleet of smaller ships designed to encourage authentic experiences over fuss and splendour, Avalon Waterways puts the world at your feet.

If you’re a curious traveller who craves meaningful experiences, read on. We’ll take you inside Avalon Waterways ships, detail what’s included in your cruise and show you how Avalon’s choice excursions make every journey undeniably your own.

Inside Avalon Waterways ships

Built to slip under centuries-old bridges and sail through the heart of riverside towns, Avalon ships offer an intimate and immersive experience. The Avalon Waterways fleet combines sleek, modern design with boutique hotel-style comfort, giving you a luxurious home base as you cruise through Europe, Asia or South America.

Each Avalon cruise ship is thoughtfully designed to maximise the natural light and sweeping views. Onboard, you’ll enjoy spacious lounges, open-air balconies and panoramic windows that frame the ever-changing landscapes outside.

On average, Avalon’s award-winning Suite Ships carry just 150 guests. With a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you’ll enjoy attentive service without queues or crowds.

Suite staterooms with sweet views

Wake up with the world at your feet. Every stateroom on an Avalon Waterways river cruise is an exterior room, offering sweeping views of the riverbanks as you glide past storybook towns, rolling vineyards, majestic castles and cobblestone streets.

Avalon’s Suite Ships feature three well-appointed stateroom types. You’ll enjoy plenty of natural light and expansive river views from every room. Rest easy in a Comfort Collection Bed customised to your preferred firmness and savour the mornings with complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your door.

Book a Panorama Suite or Royal Suite to elevate your experience with the widest view in river cruising. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows open wide to create Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony, leaving nothing but incredible views between you and the passing riverbank.

A cozy, modern hotel room with a neatly made bed, warm lighting, and a large window offering a scenic river view. Armchairs and a coffee table complete the inviting space.

What’s included on an Avalon Waterways cruise

The big difference comes from the little touches. When you choose an Avalon Waterways cruise, almost everything is taken care of, so you can focus on the journey.

Savour rich premium coffee while the morning sun streams through wall-to-wall windows in the Panorama lounge. Enjoy regional wine or beer with your lunch and dinner. Borrow a bike for the day from the Adventure Centre to roam further. Let a Local Guide show you the sights with an onshore excursion. At the end of a big day, sink into bubbling whirlpool on the Sky Deck.

You’ll have access to a range of Active and Discovery excursions, from guided hikes and bike rides to interactive cooking classes and cultural workshops. These options let you personalise your itinerary and experience each destination in a way that suits your travel style.

A person in a white shirt toasts with a cocktail, while a waiter serves another drink against a scenic outdoor backdrop.

Avalon After Dark: Evenings worth staying up for

The new Avalon After Dark invites you to linger a little longer after hours. With overnight docking in some of Europe’s sparkling cities, you don’t have to miss the concerts, taverns or moonlit walks. Go sightseeing after sundown, letting the streetlamps light your way. Stray out into Vienna’s nightlife, toast the sunset in Budapest or slip into a speakeasy in Amsterdam.

Stay onboard for a sky deck soirée in the moonlight or a twilight toast with complimentary happy hour drinks. Settle in for lively evening ambience with live music or dancing in the Panorama Lounge. Your Comfort Collection Bed can wait until after a nightcap.

Exploring with Avalon Waterways Excursions

Satiate your curiosity however you choose with Avalon Choice Excursions. All Avalon cruises include classic, active and discovery excursions so you can pursue history, culture, cuisine or adventure with experiences of your choosing. With an average of 22 included excursions on an Active and Discovery cruise, you’ll get to know the region with a local guide, emphasis on local.

 

 

Classic Sightseeing

Go deeper with a classic sightseeing tour. Discover iconic landmarks, historic sites and cultural treasures with guided walking tours and visits to must-see attractions. Wander the halls of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace or admire the stained glass of an ancient cathedral. These tours offer rich storytelling, often paired with local tastings or behind-the-scenes access, letting you step into the past while staying grounded in the present.

A group of six smiling adults takes a selfie together in front of ancient Roman ruins, capturing a joyful, adventurous, and sunny travel moment.

 

 

Active Excursions

Get moving with active excursions. Perfect for travellers who like to stay active, these turn sightseeing into a full-body experience. See the sights from a unique vantage point on wheels, in a kayak or on your own two feet. Hike hilltop castles, cycle scenic riverbanks or paddle along peaceful waterways.

A man and a woman joyfully paddle a blue canoe on a calm lake, surrounded by lush green forest. Both are smiling, and water splashes energetically from their paddles.

 

 

Discovery Excursions

Dive in hands first with discovery excursions. These immersive activities let you cook regional dishes with a local chef, paint like a Dutch master or join a tasting hosted by a passionate local producer. These experiences are perfect for curious minds who want travel with texture, exploring culture through touch and taste.

An artist paints on a canvas on an easel in a well-lit studio, with various colors visible on the palette.

Ready to explore Europe by river?

With Avalon river cruising, every day brings a new view, a new adventure and a new way to connect with the world.

Explore available Avalon Waterways cruises, compare suites and discover excursions to match your travel style. Contact our CLIA-accredited Cruise Experts today.

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