Avalon Waterways is an upscale river cruise line known for contemporary ships, flexible sightseeing and one of the most distinctive stateroom designs in European river cruising.

The company's signature Panorama Suites turn the traditional river cruise cabin around—literally. Instead of facing an interior wall, the bed faces a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows so passengers can watch the passing scenery without getting out of bed.

Avalon combines that cabin design with a relaxed onboard atmosphere and a choice of Classic, Active and Discovery excursions that allows passengers to experience destinations in different ways.

Cruise Style: Upscale, relaxed and destination-focused river cruising

Best Known For: Panorama Suites, Open-Air Balconies and beds facing the river

Destinations: Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt and South America

Typical European Ship Size: Approximately 150 guests

Atmosphere: Contemporary, informal and relaxed

Dining: Flexible dining with regional influences

Shore Excursions: Classic, Active and Discovery choices

Active Options: Hiking, cycling and fitness activities on many European cruises

Bicycles: Bikes and e-bikes available aboard European Suite Ships

Wi-Fi: Included aboard European Suite Ships

Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of travel brands, giving the company roots in European touring that extend far beyond the beginning of its river cruise operation.

That touring background influenced Avalon's approach to river cruising.

The ship is important, but the purpose of the trip remains experiencing the destination.

One of the most important developments in Avalon's history was its Suite Ship concept.

River cruise cabins traditionally faced many of the same space limitations. A conventional exterior balcony could be attractive, but it also used valuable floor space.

Avalon approached the problem differently.

Its Panorama Suites use wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open widely to create what Avalon calls an Open-Air Balcony. Because the balcony area remains part of the room when the windows are closed, passengers don't permanently sacrifice interior living space.

Avalon also turned the bed to face the windows.

That seemingly simple decision became one of the company's most recognizable features.

Today, Avalon operates Suite Ships throughout Europe while offering more specialized river experiences in destinations including Southeast Asia, Egypt and South America.

The clearest difference is what happens when you enter a Panorama Suite.

The bed faces the river.

Most Panorama Suites are approximately 200 square feet and feature a large wall of floor-to-ceiling glass.

Open the windows and the room becomes an indoor-outdoor space.

Close them and the area remains usable interior space.

Avalon has also developed a flexible approach to sightseeing through Avalon Choice.

Depending upon the destination, passengers may choose among:

• Classic sightseeing
• Active excursions
• Discovery experiences
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Food and cultural experiences

That flexibility makes Avalon particularly interesting for travelers who want something beyond a traditional walking tour every day.

Danube River

The Danube is one of Avalon's major European destinations.

Itineraries can connect cities such as Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava with smaller communities throughout Austria, Germany and Eastern Europe.

Explore the Danube River

Rhine River

Avalon's Rhine cruises combine castles, vineyards, historic communities and cities across Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The Rhine is particularly well suited to Avalon's Panorama Suite concept because of the amount of scenic cruising.

Explore the Rhine River

Main River

The Main frequently forms part of longer journeys connecting the Rhine and Danube and provides access to historic communities across Germany.

Explore the Main River

Moselle River

The Moselle is known for vineyard-covered hillsides, wine villages and a more intimate atmosphere than Europe's busiest rivers.

Explore the Moselle River

Seine River

Avalon's Seine itineraries combine Paris with Normandy, French history, art and countryside.

Explore the Seine River

Rhône & Saône Rivers

Southern France combines exceptionally well with Avalon's Discovery experiences, particularly for travelers interested in food, wine, art and history.

Explore the Rhône River

Bordeaux Region

Avalon offers river cruising through the wine country surrounding Bordeaux, including waterways associated with the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde Estuary.

Douro River

Avalon operates a purpose-built Suite Ship on Portugal's Douro, combining the company's cabin concept with the special navigation requirements of the river.

Explore the Douro River

Mekong River

Avalon's Southeast Asian program explores Cambodia and Vietnam aboard a much smaller vessel designed for the Mekong.

Explore the Mekong River

Nile River

Avalon also offers Nile journeys focused heavily on ancient Egyptian history, archaeological sites and cultural exploration.

There is no single typical Avalon fare.

Prices vary based on the river, itinerary, season, departure date, stateroom and current promotions.

For general planning, many European Avalon cruises can fall in approximately the $3,000 to $5,000 per-person starting range, although promotional fares can be lower and longer itineraries, premium departures and Royal Suites can cost considerably more.

Compare the Total Vacation Price

Don't compare Avalon with another river cruise company solely by looking at the advertised starting fare.

Consider:

Cruise fare + airfare + gratuities + beverages + excursions + transfers + hotels + optional experiences.

The cabin category is especially important with Avalon because a lower-priced Deluxe Stateroom does not provide the same Panorama Suite experience that defines the brand.

Depending upon itinerary, inclusions can include:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
• Included Avalon Choice excursions
• Sparkling wine at breakfast
• Regional wine and beer with lunch and dinner
• Soft drinks throughout the day
• Coffee and tea
• Wi-Fi aboard European Suite Ships
• Fitness activities
• Adventure Host
• Bikes and e-bikes
• Onboard entertainment
• AvalonGO app

Specific inclusions can vary outside Europe.

Avalon emphasizes flexibility through its FlexDining approach.

Rather than making dining feel rigid, the company provides several ways to eat depending upon the ship and itinerary.

Passengers may find:

• Main dining room meals
• Bistro-style dining
• Casual options
• Al fresco dining
• Light meals
• Breakfast in bed

Regional food and wine are incorporated into the experience without making the cruise feel overly formal.

The Panorama Suite is the accommodation most closely associated with Avalon.

These approximately 200-square-foot rooms feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows and beds facing the passing scenery.

Panorama Suites make up the large majority of accommodations aboard Avalon's Suite Ships.

Royal Suites provide substantially more space while retaining the same focus on the view.

Deluxe Staterooms provide a lower-priced option but do not offer the complete Panorama Suite design.

When comparing Avalon fares, always verify which cabin category is being quoted.

This is one of the most important decisions when selecting a river cruise cabin.

River cruises are destination intensive. On many days passengers leave after breakfast and spend a large portion of the day ashore.

If you expect to participate in most excursions, you may find that a Standard or French Balcony stateroom gives you everything you need.

On the other hand, travelers who enjoy sitting privately outside with coffee in the morning or watching castles and vineyards pass may find a full veranda well worth the additional expense.

There is no universally correct choice.

Consider how you actually travel before spending the money to upgrade.

Avalon Choice generally organizes sightseeing into three broad approaches.

Classic excursions provide traditional guided sightseeing.

Discovery experiences may emphasize food, art, culture or hands-on activities.

Active excursions can include hiking, cycling and other more energetic ways of experiencing the destination.

Passengers can change their approach throughout the cruise rather than committing to one style.

Wellness on Avalon

European Suite Ships carry an Adventure Host who helps coordinate fitness activities and active excursions.

Fitness facilities have also been expanded aboard the fleet.

Bikes and e-bikes allow passengers to participate in organized cycling experiences or, where appropriate, explore independently.

Avalon's atmosphere is generally casual and contemporary.

The ships are designed around views, with large windows throughout the public spaces.

Passengers may find:

• Panorama Lounge
• Club Lounge
• Sky Deck
• Whirlpool or plunge pool
• Fitness center
• Adventure Center
• Dining venues
• Live entertainment
• Avalon After Dark activities

The destination remains the main attraction, but Avalon has been adding more evening programming for passengers who don't necessarily want the day to end after dinner.

Avalon's European ships are known as Suite Ships.

Most carry around 150 passengers and share the same basic philosophy: panoramic views, relatively spacious accommodations and a large percentage of Panorama Suites.

Avalon also uses smaller or specially designed vessels on rivers such as the Douro, Mekong, Nile and Amazon, where local navigation conditions require a different approach.

For most travelers, the best order is:

Choose the river → choose the itinerary → choose the stateroom → then compare the ship.

With Avalon, the difference between a Deluxe Stateroom and Panorama Suite is generally more important than the difference between two similar European Suite Ships.

Yes.

Avalon can be particularly attractive for first-time river cruisers concerned about cabin size or travelers who expect to spend meaningful time watching the scenery from their room.

The Rhine and Danube are especially strong first choices.

Avalon vs. Viking

Viking emphasizes fleetwide consistency, Scandinavian design and culturally focused sightseeing.

Avalon provides a more flexible excursion approach and a very different cabin design.

Explore Viking River Cruises

Avalon vs. AmaWaterways

Both offer active ways to explore.

AmaWaterways places greater emphasis on cycling, wellness, food and multiple walking-tour activity levels.

Avalon's most distinctive advantage is its Panorama Suite and Open-Air Balcony design.

Avalon vs. Scenic

Scenic operates at a more inclusive luxury level.

Avalon generally has a lower initial fare and a more relaxed premium approach.

Avalon vs. Uniworld

Uniworld emphasizes luxury, highly individual ship interiors and extensive inclusions.

Avalon is more contemporary and understated, with much of its identity centered on cabin views and flexibility.

Avalon is generally best described as an upscale or premium river cruise line.

Its Panorama and Royal Suites can feel luxurious, but companies such as Scenic, Tauck and Uniworld generally provide a higher level of inclusiveness and luxury service.

The distinction matters because “luxury” can describe either the physical accommodations or the complete service and inclusion package.

Avalon's greatest distinction is simple:

It designs the room around the river.

For travelers who value cabin views, flexible sightseeing, contemporary ships and the ability to choose between traditional and more active exploration, Avalon deserves serious consideration.

The river, itinerary, stateroom, inclusions and total vacation price should still be compared before deciding.

What is an Avalon Panorama Suite?

It is an approximately 200-square-foot stateroom featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bed positioned to face the river.

What is an Open-Air Balcony?

A large section of the Panorama Suite window opens to create an indoor-outdoor space without permanently sacrificing cabin floor space to a conventional exterior balcony.

Do the beds really face the river?

Yes. This is one of Avalon's signature design features.

Are excursions included?

Yes. Avalon Choice excursions are included, with Classic, Active and Discovery options available depending upon the itinerary.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Sparkling wine is included at breakfast, with regional wine and beer included at lunch and dinner. Other beverage offerings vary.

Does Avalon have bicycles?

Yes. European Suite Ships carry bikes and e-bikes.

Is Avalon good for active travelers?

Yes. Active excursions, cycling and Adventure Hosts provide more energetic options.

Are all Avalon cabins Panorama Suites?

No. Panorama Suites make up most accommodations, but Deluxe Staterooms and Royal Suites are also available.

Does Avalon have formal nights?

The atmosphere is generally relaxed rather than formal.

Is Avalon good for solo travelers?

Avalon periodically offers reduced or waived single supplements on selected departures and cabins. Availability varies.

Which Avalon river should I choose?

For a first European cruise, consider the Rhine or Danube.

For France, consider the Seine or Rhône.

For wine and scenery, consider the Douro or Moselle.

For something substantially different from Europe, consider the Mekong, Nile or Amazon.

Choosing the right river cruise involves more than selecting a cruise line.

All About Travel can help compare Avalon with Viking, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck, Emerald and other river cruise companies based on the river, itinerary, stateroom, excursions, inclusions and total vacation price.

Explore the Rivers

Explore Other River Cruise Lines