An Introduction To Avalon Waterways

What to expect onboard an Avalon Waterways river cruise

Their newest ships are all-suite ships, with a unique layout where your bed is angled to face gorgeous river views, Avalon Waterways is redefining river cruising with their luxury 5* hotel-style cruise ships. 

Their main travel focus is on European destinations, where they really shine. Their newest ships are all-suite ships, with a unique layout where your bed is angled to face the view out your window! It’s easy to see why European rivers are full of happy Avalon passengers.

But did you know that Avalon Waterways also travels to exclusive locations in Asia and the Amazon! 

Once you read this introduction to Avalon Waterways you’ll understand why people are choosing to cruise with this fantastic river cruise line again and again…

Meet The Fleet

Avalon Waterways has 22 ships in their fleet, sailing in locations across Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. 

European Ships

Avalon Alegria

Avalon View

Avalon Imagery II

Avalon Tranquility II

Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Impression

Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Vista

Avalon Envision

Avalon Passion

Avalon Tapestry II

Avalon Illumination

Avalon Expression

Avalon Panorama

Asia Ships

Avalon Saigon

South America Ships

Delfin III

Treasure Galapagos

Africa Ships

MS Farah

Accommodation

Suites

All of Avalon Waterways’ staterooms are luxurious suites which come equipped with an open-air balcony and boast the widest view in river cruising. You’ll be able to sleep easy in your choice of Comfort CollectionSMmattresses and pillows. All beds also come fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets.

As well as cosy bedding, all staterooms and suites onboard an Avalon cruise are equipped with soft and fluffy towels, a fully-stocked mini-bar, flat screen TV, and luscious L’Occitane® bath products. 

Dining

Avalon takes great pride in serving up incredible dining experiences and menus, whether that’s a four-course dinner, relaxed al fresco lunch or a tasting menu. Expert chefs onboard prepare delicious dishes with fresh, quality ingredients in every meal. Dishes can range from a seared Victoria Perch on a champagne sauce to a juicy rack of New Zealand lamb accompanied by a tomato aubergine ragout. 

This detailed approach to dining is led by Avalon’s Executive Chef Krisztian Restas, a river cruise chef veteran who researches and crafts ever-changing menus for every single Avalon Waterways itinerary! 

Alongside the regionally sourced cuisines as part of the main dining experience onboard, you can also experience healthy dishes developed as part of the exciting Avalon Fresh initiative. Healthy dishes which utilise fresh and flavourful ingredients are at the heart of the Avalon Fresh scheme, which are created in collaboration with brothers Leo and Karl Wrenkh, leading Austrian chefs. 

Raised in the first high-quality vegetarian restaurant in Austria, the duo have an immense passion for using quality, locally grown ingredients to create a memorable dining experience for guests.

Dining options

While onboard an Avalon Waterways cruise, you will have a fabulous variety of dining options to enjoy all day long for the duration of your river voyage. 

Start the day on your river cruise with a hearty a la carte breakfast, which will include several enticing items such as cereals, fresh fruits, pastries, juices, and cold cuts of meat and cheese plus Avalon Fresh recipes. Freshly prepared eggs, bacon and sausages change daily. 

After a morning exploring incredible sites, sit down for an a la carte lunch buffet, which has a frequently changing selection of regional dishes, Avalon Fresh items, carving and pasta stations. Or, why not enjoy lunch at the Sky Grill (weather permitting) or in the Panorama Lounge. If you would rather sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed, Avalon Waterways also offers complimentary continental room service breakfast. 

If you’re still onshore at lunchtime, you don’t need to fret about picking up a sandwich or snack in port. Avalon Waterways will prepare your very own picnic lunch box for independent excursions, so you won’t go hungry while exploring new destinations! 

Feeling peckish? Enjoy Afternoon Tea, complete with tea, coffee, sandwiches and sweet snacks, served on the top deck in the mid-afternoons. 

In the evenings onboard an Avalon Waterways cruise, you’ll be enchanted by the luxurious, elegant four-course a la carte dinners served in the Panorama Dining Room. This gastronomic experience is true culinary theatre onboard, as chefs take great pride in preparing gourmet starters, soups, main courses, and desserts or cheese courses to delight your tastebuds. Complimentary wines, beers and soft drinks are served with dinner. 

Many cruise ships will operate fixed seating and dining times for dinner. But on an Avalon Waterways cruise, they operate a FlexDining initiative which means dining times will be available to suit your own schedule - whether that’s a leisurely early dinner with the sunset or a decadent late evening meal. If you’d rather have a more relaxed evening meal, the Panorama Bistro and Sky Grill will also be open for dinner. 

Drinks

Avalon Waterways take just as much pride in their drinks menu as they do in their food menus. 

Spearheading Avalon Waterway’s beverage options is expert mixologist Martin Hudak, who honed his expert cocktail knowledge at the Savoy Hotel. He now runs a cocktail bar in Sydney, named Maybe Sammy, and heads up the Slovak Bar Show alongside his work for Avalon Waterways. 

Martin has crafted signature cocktails for Avalon Waterways, including the East Stinger and a classic Espresso Martini, all served in the Panorama Lounge onboard their fleet of vessels. 

Excursions

When it comes to excursions, Avalon Waterways has pretty much nailed the whole thing. With Avalon Choice, you can choose from different types of excursions based on the kind of holiday you are after. 

So whether you’re looking to raise a glass at an Austrian wine-tasting or breathe in the delights of Cologne on a jogging tour, you can experience the destinations you visit at the pace you would like. 

There are three different types of excursions to choose from: Classic, Discovery and Active. 

Classic excursions allow you to get into the true heart of destinations, as local guides gain you access to famous sites and provide information on local legends, heritage and history. 

Discovery excursions immerse you in local cultural experiences, from exploring world-famous galleries to whipping up local cuisines. 

Active excursions are for adventurous travellers, as these experiences can range from hikes to historic castles, bike rides in idyllic locations, kayaking in awe-inspiring landscapes and more. 

What’s included?

Avalon Waterways has an exceptional array of amenities included as part of their cruise fares. 

Alongside delicious daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast, wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner, speciality cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolates, teas, cookies, and cosy accommodations, equipped with Comfort Collection beds and L’Occitane bath products, you’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout your river cruise ship, your choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions, plus sightseeing experiences with expert, certified local guides and much, much more.