Avalon Ships - A Closer Look

I’ve had the pleasure of touring or staying onboard three Avalon ships based on European rivers:

Avalon Envision
Avalon Imagery II
Avalon Passion

My lasting impression of all of Avalon’s beautiful ships is their incredible Panoramic Suites. Each suite includes wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create a stunning open-air balcony. These are the biggest windows that I’ve seen onboard a river ship.

This article introduces Avalon Waterways and gives an overview of what to expect onboard.

If you are thinking about booking an Avalon river cruise, get in touch and I’ll guide you through the process and help you choose the right option. My service is included.

Avalon’s river cruise ships offer a blend of luxury, comfort, and modern design.

Avalon Suite Ship Design – Spacious with Panoramic Views

Avalon’s Suite Ships are designed to offer more space and comfort compared to traditional river cruise ships. The fleet includes ships that accommodate between 128 and 166 guests, so they don’t feel busy. A unique feature is the Panorama Suites, which are 30% larger than the average staterooms on other river cruise lines. Each suite includes an incredible wall of glass that opens up to create an open-air balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of their room. The bed is also positioned to case the window.

Dining Options – Regional Cuisine and Flexible Dining

Avalon’s culinary offerings are centred around regional cuisine, reflecting the destinations visited along the cruise. They have a farm-to-fork philosophy and include fresh, organic local ingredients.

The main dining room serves a buffet-style breakfast and lunch, while dinner is a multi-course affair featuring local specialties. The Panorama Bistro offers a more casual dining experience with lighter, tapas-style dishes, and the Sky Grill on the sun deck provides an al fresco option with barbecue fare.

Flexible dining times and open seating allow guests to dine at their leisure and with different companions or on their own each night, creating a social atmosphere without the formality of assigned seating.

Avalon’s Flex Dining gives a lot of choice about where and when to eat, for example:

Panorama Dining Room – breakfast, lunch and a 4-course dinner
Panorama Bistro for lighter snacks
Sky Grill for alfresco meals
Club Lounge for tea, coffee and treats
Room service for continental breakfast, lunch and dinner
A complimentary picnic basket – for you to take ashore

Public Spaces – Comfort with a View

The public areas on Avalon’s ships are designed for relaxation and maximise the view. The Panorama Lounge serves as a social hub, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing uninterrupted river views. Additional spaces include the Club Lounge, which offers complimentary beverages and snacks, and the Sky Deck (sun deck), featuring a walking track, chairs and tables, loungers, and some shade.

River Cruising with Avalon – What’s Included

Avalon Waterways is known for its inclusive pricing, which covers a range of onboard and onshore services. Guests can relax and enjoy their cruise without worrying about extra costs.

Accommodation: Luxurious Panorama Suites
Meals: Full board dining, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as afternoon tea and snacks.
Drinks: Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are available throughout the day.
Excursions: A variety of shore excursions tailored to different interests are included at each destination. Guests can choose from Classic, Discovery, or Active options to suit their preferences.
Onboard Activities: Evening entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and local performances are offered during the cruise.
Gratuities: Tipping for the crew and local guides is covered.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the ship.
Transfers: Airport transfers may be included with the booking, depending on the package.

Personalised Service

Each time I’ve been onboard an Avalon ship, I’ve received excellent service. The staff are happy to assist and provide a warm welcome.

Destinations:

As well as many of the European rivers, you can travel with Avalon to rivers around the world.

Rhine
Danube
Douro
Garonne and Dordogne
Main
Moselle
Rhone
Saone
Seine
Mekong
Nile
Peruvian Amazon

Avalon even have a small Yacht sailing around the Galapagos Islands.

In Summary

For me, the standout features of Avalon river cruises are the beautiful Panorama Suites and the sumptuous dining experience. My clients have all loved their experiences and given fantastic feedback. They have talked about attentive service, delicious food and comfortable suites. They have also enjoyed the choice of excursions including active options.

If you’re considering an Avalon river cruise, please get in touch. I can sometimes get exclusive offers that are not advertised online.