Frequently Asked Questions
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. From yoga and stretching classes to enhanced fitness centres, keep your body and spirit in motion with onboard wellness offerings. Enjoy first-rate service, onboard and ashore, with prepaid gratuities and spend less at sea with onboard port taxes and charges included in your fare. Stay connected during your sailing with complimentary onboard wifi.
Savour the tastes of each destination along your route, with locally-sourced à la carte dining across flexible onboard venues. From four-course dinners in glass-walled dining rooms to Sky Deck barbecues or breakfast in bed, onboard dining is always available and always included. Pair each meal with a selection of regional wine and beer, along with soft drink options. For something cosy and indulgent, specialty teas and coffees are available 24/7 in the Club Lounge. Toast to nightly happy hour onboard, featuring complimentary cocktails and house beer and wine.
Discover every destination, your way, with a choice of daily onshore excursions led by expert guides. 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, at no extra cost. These options let you personalise your itinerary and experience each destination in a way that suits your travel style. If you prefer to wander on your own, complimentary bikes and e-bikes are free to borrow from the Adventure Centre.
Linger longer, dance harder, dine alfresco and toast under the stars. It doesn’t cost any extra to stay up late. Avalon After Dark offers a sparkling lineup of complimentary after-hours experiences, including overnight docking in Europe’s best cities, so you can continue roaming after sunset. After all, Europe is just as magical after hours.
Plus, when you book a perfectly packaged Avalon Waterways cruise holiday with us, your deal includes exclusive Bonus Value such as international flights, handpicked hotel stays and more.
Avalon Waterways sails the scenic river systems of Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Under picturesque bridges and past storybook villages, through rolling vineyards and vibrant cities, every bend reveals new wonders. No matter the river or season, there’s always something spectacular to see on an Avalon Waterways river cruise.
Popular Avalon Waterways destinations include:
- Rhine River: Art, fine dining and historic sites abound along the banks of the Rhine River. See the legendary canals of Amsterdam and the German Black Forest of fairytales.
- Danube River: Spectacular cities like Vienna, Budapest, Munich and Prague line the banks of the Danube river. See scenic old-country villages, fairytale castles and medieval fortresses.
- Seine River: Architecture, wine and romance flow down the river Siene. Taste the flavours of France and see the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and 37 picturesque bridges in Paris alone.
- Nile River: Temples, tombs and timeless views. Encounter Egyptian history cruising the longest river in the world before it drains into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Amazon River: Vast and untamed, seek elusive wildlife, incredible scenery and rare moments in the Peruvian Amazon.
As of 2026, Avalon Waterways operates an award-winning fleet of 20 Suite Ships, including fifteen ships in Europe, four in South America and Africa, and Avalon Saigon, sailing the Mekong River in Asia.
From the widest views on board to wider selections on shore, the Avalon fleet delivers a river cruise experience unlike any other. Panorama Suites are configured to highlight every view and designed with the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies, which open wide to provide an indoor-outdoor seating area that brings the view to you, without sacrificing room space.
On an Avalon Waterways river cruise, the scenery is the main event. Every onboard stateroom is an exterior room, offering sweeping views of the riverbanks as you glide past storybook towns, rolling vineyards, majestic castles and cobblestone streets. Slide open your Panorama Suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows to create an industry-first Open-Air Balcony and let in the brisk morning air and postcard-perfect sights.
While sailing, every meal is paired with panoramas as bountiful as the menu. In the Panorama Dining Room, breakfast is served with fresh brews and misty vineyard views. Lunch offers regional treats and homemade sweets, while dinner delivers your choice of four-course dining or lighter bites, backlit by glowing skylines. Fresh air meets fresh fare on the Sky Deck at Sky Grill, and complementary picnic baskets invite alfresco adventure, bringing new meaning to takeaway. With Avalon’s FlexDining, you choose when and where to indulge at your leisure.
Spaces onboard are intimate and sophisticated, designed to bring the outside in. Expect relaxed ambience and intuitive service, with fine details designed to delight. Just beyond the riverbank, dreamy destinations await. Explore them your way with Choice Excursions. As the sun sets, evenings fall on magnetic entertainment and moonlit escapes, inviting you to linger longer with Avalon After Dark. If you’re a curious traveller who craves meaningful experiences, Avalon Waterways is your invitation to cruise with the whim in your sails.
With Avalon Waterways, you’ll enjoy comfort without the crowds. By limiting capacity, Avalon ensures more room to move, a calmer onboard atmosphere and personalised service throughout your journey. With an average of just 150 guests per ship, you’ll enjoy an abundance of space to lounge, gather and indulge.
Boasting a guest‑to‑crew ratio of around 3:1, Avalon provides attentive, friendly service without feeling overmanaged. This balance helps you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where crew members remember your preferences, and you never wait long for assistance. Expect a smooth onboard flow and intimate cruising style with larger staterooms and beautifully designed spaces.
