What is Avalon Waterways and what is its heritage?

Avalon Waterways is a luxury river cruise line that is part of the Globus family of brands. It was launched in 2004 and traces its heritage back to 1928 when Antonio Mantegazza founded Globus in Lugano, Switzerland. The company offers over 80 itineraries on 13 rivers plus the Galapagos, covering 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. It has been awarded 'ServiceMark with Distinction' from the Institute of Customer Service, an industry first for a travel company.

What rivers and destinations does Avalon Waterways cover in the 2026-2027 brochure?

Avalon covers the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Saône, Douro, and Mekong rivers, as well as Dutch and Belgian waterways. Destinations span Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Portugal, Southeast Asia (Vietnam and Cambodia), and Egypt. The brochure also includes festive Christmas cruises in Alsace, Germany, and along the Danube.

What unique destinations beyond Europe does Avalon offer in the 2025-2026 brochure?

Beyond Europe, Avalon offers the Mekong Discovery (8 days) and Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (13 days) in Southeast Asia; From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon (11 days) in South America; Ecuador & Its Galapagos Islands (8 days); Discover the Galapagos & Peru (15 days); and Taste of Egypt (10 days) on the Nile.

What makes Avalon Waterways' Suite Ships unique?

Avalon's Suite Ships feature the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising with an Open-Air Balcony design. The Panorama Suites offer living space that is 30% larger than the industry standard. Uniquely, the Comfort Collection Beds face the view rather than the wall, so guests can watch the scenery while lying in bed. Avalon launched the first Suite Ship in 2011.

What range of cruise durations does Avalon Waterways offer in 2025-2026?

Avalon offers a wide range of cruise durations from 5-day festive cruises (such as Christmastime in Alsace & Germany) up to 25-day extended voyages (From Romania to the North Sea). Popular mid-range options include 8-day cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and French rivers, 13-day Mekong cruises, and 15-day multi-river itineraries like Magnificent Europe and Grand France.

Does Avalon Waterways offer no-fly cruise options?

Yes, Avalon offers no-fly cruises that depart from Paris or Amsterdam, allowing guests to travel by rail instead of flying. Guests can depart from London St Pancras station and arrive in Paris in just over two hours via Eurostar. Eligible itineraries include Active & Discovery on the Seine, Paris to Normandy, Tulip Time Cruise, and Grand Tulip Cruise of Holland & Belgium.

What is included on every Avalon Waterways cruise?

Every Avalon cruise includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast and wine and beer with lunch and dinner; soft drinks throughout the day; an expert Cruise Director; complimentary Wi-Fi; gratuities for Cruise Director and crew; complimentary daily Happy Hour; Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station; AvalonGO mobile app; an Avalon Adventure Host; Avalon Choice excursions (Classic, Active, or Discovery); and Welcome Back Credit toward future trips.

Avalon Expression — Avalon Waterways

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Express yourself while cruising your way on the Avalon Expression!

Stateroom Features: Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Egyptian super-combed cotton linens European-style duvets Soft & firm pillows Extra blankets Choice of bed configuration Nightly turn-down service Bedside tables with reading lamps Premium Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Easy under-bed luggage storage Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options Alarm clock Direct-dial telephone Bathrobes & slippers Well-stocked minibar Complimentary filtered water In-room safe Individual climate control Elegant, contemporary design Large mirror in bathroom Two windows Full shower with glass door Writing desk and chair Lighted makeup mirror Complimentary Wi-Fi One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins USB Ports

**Farm-To-Fork Fare. ** Fresh and local. While you take in the bountiful views, our innovative chefs bring the local bounties to your plate. **TIME TO INDULGE! ** Pull up a chair or pull up the covers with your choice of dining experiences—from dinner in the dining room, to delicacies on the sky deck, to breakfast in bed! **Breakfast** Fresh brews and panoramic views are served with countless sunrise selections including towers of super foods and made-to-order specialties. **Lunch** Refuel for your adventures with regional treats and homemade sweets—from out-of-this-world specialty dishes to down-to-earth favourites you crave. **Dinner** Whether you opt for a sumptuous four-course dinner or a lighter tasting menu, hand-crafted excellence is always on the menu. **Avalon Fresh: The heart-healthy menu everyone loves. ** With our exclusive Avalon Fresh menu, you can take an indulgent cruise without drifting from your healthy habits. From eye-opening juices at breakfast to artfully crafted salads at lunch to high-protein plates at dinner, Avalon Fresh options—including vegetarian and vegan specialties—are available at every meal so you can guiltlessly partake in creative cuisine without sacrificing great taste. **Dinner's Ready (Or Breakfast & Lunch) When You Are. ** Avalon's Flex Dining® puts a whole new meaning to "Where should we eat?" with your choice of when and where you dine on board. Mix it up with a variety of menus and venues without the strict schedules that cut into your fun. Dine in style in your ship's spacious and elegant glass-walled Panorama Dining Room or mix it up with bite-sized delights in the cozy Panorama Bistro. Al fresco dining more your style? Grab a complimentary picnic basket for a tasty takeaway on shore, pull up a chair for an al fresco lunch on the observation deck, or savour sizzling selections atop the Sky Deck with specialties served hot off the Sky Grill! Need an afternoon nosh? Be our guest for elegant tea service each afternoon in the Panorama Bistro to satisfy your sweet tooth!

A spacious, open-seating dining room with elegant dining service and large panoramic windows is situated on the Sapphire∘ deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly, and delicious four-course dinners in the evening. **AVALON FRESH** With our exclusive Avalon Fresh menu, you can take an indulgent cruise without drifting from your healthy habits. From energizing juices at breakfast to artfully crafted salads at lunch to high-protein plates at dinner, Avalon Fresh options—including vegetarian and vegan specialties—are available at every meal so you can guiltlessly partake in creative cuisine without sacrificing great taste.

On a sunny day, enjoy hand carved meats and expansive buffets including fresh salads and amazing homemade soups, all a view courtesy of the Sky Grill.

Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.

Your favorite chair. Your go-to snack. Your signature sip. You can’t help but feel at home aboard an Avalon Suite Ship. Avalon cruisers know that feeling aboard our intimate Suite Ships—not as another face in the crowd or a number on a guest list. When you cruise with Avalon, there are certain words you’ll never hear on board. “Take a number” is simply not in our vocabulary. That’s because our staff—from captain to crew to housekeeping to chefs—know the meaning of ‘You First’ when it comes to worldclass service. With a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you’ll enjoy personalized VIP treatment delivered with a relaxed luxury that’s never stuffy—just home, sweet home. **CONSIDER YOURSELF AT HOME** Like magic, Avalon makes wide open spaces feel comfy and cozy with the perfect spots to stretch out and enjoy the view, engaging conversation, or the peace and quiet you crave. From the Club Lounge to the Observation Lounge to the Panorama Lounge, you’re sure to find the perfect place to take it all in.

The Panorama Lounge and bar can be found on the Royal Deck.

The Observation Lounge on the Royal Deck, gives guests a prime view to enjoy the premium spirits.

Enjoy a quiet moment in the Club Lounge whilst enjoying a cappuccino.

The Reception can be found on the Royal Deck.

Guests will find a small Library onboard and guests may check out books from the ship's library free of charge.

**CURATE YOUR CURIOSITIES.** The greatest days are the ones where we wake to a wide-open agenda, a world of possibilities and a blank canvas to color as we please. All Avalon cruises present an exciting menu of included Avalon Choice excursions that put our cruisers in the pursuit of history, mystery, culture, and cuisine with an unparalleled variety in elevated ways. With Avalon, cruisers can be choosers. **Play your way with included Choice Excursions!** Paddle through picturesque landscapes or pedal through classic cityscapes. Stir up delicious dishes passed down through generations or mix up paints to trace the strokes of artistic geniuses. Dream through ancient castle halls or dally along the alleys of cobblestoned villages. Pick how you play with exclusive and included Avalon Choice excursions for the perfect way to play to your preferences, passion, and personal style. **A LOCAL GUIDE WHO’S ACTUALLY LOCAL.** What is an Expert Local Guide? It goes without saying, but we think a true local guide knows the region from experience—not a guidebook. Your local guides on an Avalon Waterways vacation have a passion for sharing the legends and stories behind the sites. They love to share their corner of the world with you, so you walk away with a true feeling and understanding for newly discovered destinations.

**FOR THE MOVER.** Whether you enjoy sightseeing by kayak, on two wheels, or on your own two feet, you’ll relish the energy of Avalon’s Active excursion collection. Biking, hiking, and boating tours pack real get-up-and-go for those who like to do the same.

**FOR THE DOER.** An awakening for the senses, Avalon’s Discovery excursions present heartwarming, brain-tingling, hands-on adventure. Pull up a chair to hear a Viennese waltz, roll up your sleeves to paint like Van Gogh, or grab an apron to whip up a local delicacy.

**FOR THE DREAMER.** Nothing beats the classics! Avalon’s Classic excursions put you in the story with timeless tales on guided tours in iconic cities, capitals, and castles. Skip the lines while your heart skips a beat in the rooms where history happened.

The Adventure Center in your ship’s lobby has everything you need to make every day count, including FitBit trackers, stretch bands, yoga mats and more. For those who believe the world is a gym, your Adventure Host is ready to help you cruise down the road, up a mountain, or along the riverbank with complimentary bicycles, Nordic walking sticks and kayaks. **Complimentary Bicycles** Cyclists rejoice! Every Avalon ship is equipped with complimentary bicycles and e-bikes for scenic land cruising and in-town adventures. See your Avalon Adventure Host for maps, suggestions and personally tailored routes created with Komoot, the top-rated planning and navigation app for cycling and hiking.

**Fit for All. ** Saying hello to adventure doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your healthy habits and restorative rituals. From heart-healthy menu options and heart-pumping activities–from mindful yoga moves to more bikes to explore on shore and innovative ways to work out in our refreshed onboard fitness center, Avalon makes it easy to remain a picture of health amidst the most beautiful scenery in the world.

**On Board Fitness Center** Although heart rates are naturally elevated on an Avalon cruise, every Avalon Suite Ship features an updated fitness center—complete with the latest cardio and weight-training equipment—for those not looking to give their abs, biceps or triceps a vacation. **Whirlpool Atop The Skydeck** Although heart rates are naturally elevated on an Avalon cruise, every Avalon Suite Ship features an updated fitness center—complete with the latest cardio and weight-training equipment—for those not looking to give their abs, biceps or triceps a vacation. Avalon travelers enjoy immersive experiences at every turn. Soak up the culture and cuisine of fascinating regions, then toast the day with therapeutic bubbles in the soothing Sky Deck whirlpool. **Yoga On Board** Before you set out to discover the lives of kings, queens and conquerors, you can easily find your inner warrior, cobra or happy baby. Avalon Adventure Hosts kick-start each day with a combination of yoga poses, Pilates exercises and gentle stretches in the fresh morning air on the Sky Deck or with panoramic views in the Panorama Lounge. Downward dogs welcome.

Situated on the Royal Deck you might like to take advantage of the onboard hairdresser to indulge in a manicure or hair styling.

Relax after a long day and play a game with your fellow guests at the game area towards the rear of the deck.

Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details and **[contact us](https://www.avalonwaterways.co.uk/contact/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJU6Wxbp7-hI9hvvTgnE8zAHAFeLFCZY8CzI_dvCVWxrCoTFR0PsFahoCTgkQAvD_BwE)** to learn more.

In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

We know that some travellers may have specific dietary requests. Unfortunately, dietary requirements cannot be guaranteed on our vacations. We make our best effort to accommodate your requests, but our vessels, as well as hotels and restaurants, may not be able to manage specific diet requirements. Dietary requirements should be advised at time of booking and we ask that you also discuss these with your Hotel Manager upon embarkation.

Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

All ships have non-smoking interiors. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship.

All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. On Amazon and Galápagos ships, first-aid-trained staff is available.

Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Check the price list in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms as this is a safety hazard. Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. Laundry service is not available in the Galápagos.

All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms.

Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations. Avalon maintains a policy of "Leave Only Footprints and Take Only Photos." Our staff and major service providers strive to ensure that no removal of any natural or cultural artifacts or materials occurs to ensure each environment looks and functions the same before and after our visit. Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance.

On a sunny day, enjoy hand carved meats and expansive buffets including fresh salads and amazing homemade soups, all a view courtesy of the Sky Grill.