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.

MS Farah — Avalon Waterways

In Arabic, Farah means happiness and joy. In this spirit, you'll sail on the MS Farah-one of Egypt's most elite ships on the Nile. Cruise in style and comfort, while enjoying the mysterious and magnificent sights and experiences only found in the Egyptian landscapes. The MS Farah ship offers 56 deluxe cabins and 2 Royal Suites that feature style and comfort with oversized French balconies that are virtually wall-sized. Avalon insists on the best view and the best crew to treat you like royalty while exploring the treasures of the pharaohs on this Nile River cruise! Exploring the Nile River aboard the MS Farah is an elegant, first-class experience with a touch of mystery combined with an old world spirit of adventure, and state-of-the-art comfort, of course! Avalon's Nile River cruise aboard the MS Farah carries you into the exotic world of pharaohs, explorers, and legends, while introducing you to locals who share the traditions of generations. Relax with onboard features, including Deluxe and Royal Suite, spa services, Wi-Fi, gourmet dining, and a caring crew who create an exceptional experience in comfort, customer service, and classic adventure on board one of the Nile's most elite river ships. * Please note: For the few rivers not sailed by Avalon Suite Ships®, we carefully select only the best river ships that meet our high standard of excellence in quality, comfort, and amenities. Avalon personally charters the MS Farah to deliver the exceptional experience cruisers have come to expect from Avalon Waterways.*

**Room features: ** - LCD TV- Mini bar- Private safe box- Internet connection- Private bathroom- Bathtub- French balcony- Premium hairdryer- Individually controlled air-conditioned system- Pillow menu included: choose from a range of soft, water, orthopedic, and sponge pillows.

**Room Features** - LCD TV- Mini bar- Private safe box- Internet connection- Private bathroom- Bathtub- Premium hairdryer- Individually controlled air-conditioned system- Pillow menu included: choose from a range of soft, water, orthopedic, and sponge pillows.- French balcony

**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!

The restaurant is located on the Lower Deck. - Vegetarian options for lunch and dinner.- Tea and coffee will be served during lunch and dinner.- Barbecue lunches and dinners on sun deck (weather permitting).- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

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.

More information coming soon.

The Lounge is located on the Main Deck.

The Reception is located on the Main Deck.

Special library dedicated to Paulo Coelho.

**Elegant. Exotic. Egypt.** The course of Egyptian civilization can be found on the Nile River. Africa’s longest river flows through Egypt’s sacred sites, ancient temples, tombs, and local villages as its waters travel more than 4,000 miles on its journey from Lake Victoria through Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt. Passing rainforests, mountains, savannas, swamps, and desert landscapes, it culminates in the fertile Nile Delta and pours into the Mediterranean Sea. As it has throughout history, the Nile River flows with commanding power and mystery, with legendary ancient stories along Egypt’s Great River.

**Mysteries of the Nile** Exploring the Nile River should be an elegant, first-class experience with a touch of mystery combined with an old world spirit of adventure, and state-of-the-art comfort, of course! Avalon’s Nile River cruise aboard the MS Farah carries you into the exotic world of pharaohs, explorers, and legends, while introducing you to locals who share the traditions of generations. Relax with onboard features, including Deluxe and Royal Suite, spa services, Wi-Fi, gourmet dining, and a caring crew who create an exceptional experience in comfort, customer service, and classic adventure on board one of the Nile’s most elite river ships.

The Spa can be located on the Wheel H Deck.

The Gym can be located on the Wheel H 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.