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River Cruise Line Guide

About Avalon Waterways: Relaxed-luxury river

The Suite Ship line of the Globus family, famous for Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall Open-Air Balconies and beds that face the view.

2004 Founded Avalon Artistry, 2004 First ship Globus family of brands Parent About 150 in Europe; just 36 on Avalon Saigon Guests per ship 2,083 sailings bookable now
Avalon Waterways Avalon Waterways — view sailings →

About Avalon Waterways

“You see life differently. While others chase what's popular, you follow your own path. Your own voice has never led you astray. You've arrived, knowing what it’s taken to get here. At Avalon, they share your unique point of view. That's why they've designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit different. Spaces are bigger. Views are more epic. Excursions are more enriching. It's a step beyond the ordinary where you'll feel at home. Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia, South America, or Africa-your way!” — Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways launched its first ship, Avalon Artistry, in 2004, and has been rewriting the rules of river cruising ever since. Part of the Globus family of brands, the line has christened more than two dozen new ships across Europe and Southeast Asia—each one built around a single conviction: the scenery is the star. Europe's Suite Ships average just 150 guests, while the intimate Avalon Saigon carries only 36 on the Mekong.

The signature is the Panorama Suite. At 200 square feet—about 30% larger than the industry standard—these boutique-hotel-inspired suites span two full decks of every Suite Ship. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows slide open seven feet wide to become the industry's only Open-Air Balcony®, and the bed faces the ever-changing view rather than a never-changing wall. Comfort Collection beds, Egyptian cotton linens, and marble bathrooms complete the picture.

Ashore and aboard, choice drives the experience. Avalon Choice® menus average 22 included excursions per cruise—classic sightseeing, active hikes and paddles, or offbeat discoveries—while free bikes and e-bikes wait at the gangway. Evenings bring included happy hours and Avalon After Dark events; days flow through glass-walled Panorama dining rooms and a Sky Deck the length of a football field. It is a natural fit for travelers who want polish without stuffiness, and flexibility without fine print.

New & notable: Avalon Alegria, the line's newest Suite Ship, sails Portugal's Douro River carrying just 102 guests—and brings along her own pool.

Save on Avalon Waterways with Pavlus Travel

Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book Avalon Waterways through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows Avalon Waterways inside and out, from first quote to final port.

  • Exclusive Pavlus savings on every Avalon Waterways sailing
  • Lowest Price Guarantee — matched or beaten
  • Never any service or planning fees
  • A dedicated personal travel advisor, not a call center
  • 30+ years of negotiated cruise-line relationships
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The Avalon Waterways Experience

Panorama Suites

Two hundred square feet, about 30% larger than the industry standard, spanning two full decks of every Suite Ship with boutique-hotel styling.

Open-Air Balconies

The industry's only wall-to-wall windows that open seven feet wide in Europe, turning the whole suite into a balcony with a view.

Beds That Face the View

Avalon turned its beds toward the scenery instead of the wall, so the river's ever-changing panorama is the first thing you see.

Avalon Choice Excursions

An average of 22 included excursions per cruise across Classic, Active and Discovery styles, from guided walks to hikes, paddles and local encounters.

Active & Discovery

Purpose-built itineraries for travelers who want to do more than look—bike, hike, paint, cook and canoe your way along the river.

Avalon After Dark

Evenings stay lively with included happy hours, live music, trivia and themed events after the day's exploring is done.

What's Included with Avalon Waterways

  • Wine, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary nightly happy hour with wine, beer and specialty cocktails
  • Included excursions — an average of 22 choices per cruise via Avalon Choice
  • Free bikes and e-bikes to use in port
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi via Starlink
  • Yoga and stretching classes led by Adventure Hosts, plus fitness centers
  • 24/7 Club Lounge with complimentary specialty teas and coffees
  • In-room infotainment with 50+ free movies and the AvalonGO app

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping
Gratuities for your Cruise Director, Local Hosts, Local Guides, driver, and ship’s crew are not included in the vacation price (unless otherwise noted in the specific pricing details) and are discretionary.


Cancellation policy

Cancellation By Guest

Charges in the event of a cancellation:
Days Prior to DepartureCancellation Fee
Final Payment Date – 30 days50%
29 – 1 days80%
Day of departure or later100%
Last updated: March 9, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.
Smoking on board
Smoking is not allowed on transportation that is exclusively provided by Avalon. On cruise ships, smoking is restricted to certain areas of the vessel. Smoking includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, e-cigars or any other smoking device.


Traveling with minors
Passengers who are under 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult throughout the vacation, and are requested to share an adult’s accommodation. There are no connecting staterooms on Avalon Waterways. Children under 8 years of age are not recommended on any Avalon vacation. There are no child minded facilities or tours for children under 8 years old.
Pregnancy policy
Avalon does not have specialized facilities and/or treatments required for childbirth, prenatal, or early infant care on board its cruise ships, nor may those facilities be available at ports of call or on land stays. Avalon strongly urges pregnant passengers to consider the risks of traveling where necessary medical care for pregnancy may not be available and may not be reachable in a timely manner to address potential medical complications, problems, and emergencies that can occur during pregnancy.  Pregnant passengers past their sixth month of pregnancy cannot be accommodated.



Policies are provided by Avalon Waterways and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

Avalon Waterways Questions, Answered

What is Avalon Waterways?

Avalon Waterways is a premium river cruise line founded in 2004 as part of the Globus family of brands — one of the most respected names in guided travel for nearly a century. They operate across Europe (Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Douro, Seine), Southeast Asia (Mekong), and South America (Amazon and Galápagos extensions). Avalon is best known for their Suite Ships with panoramic Open-Air Balcony Suites — floor-to-ceiling wall-to-wall windows that open fully for a unique connection with the passing scenery. The Globus backing means strong operational infrastructure and a vast network of ground partners across every port.

How does Avalon compare to Viking and AmaWaterways?

Avalon differentiates primarily on stateroom design — the open-air panoramic suites with beds facing the windows are genuinely distinctive and sought-after. Pricing is generally slightly below AmaWaterways in the premium tier, making Avalon strong value. Viking is the market leader with the most departures and strong included excursion programming; their ships are more standardized in design. AmaWaterways leads on culinary programming and twin-balcony design. Avalon suits travelers who prioritize stateroom innovation and panoramic river views at a competitive price point.

Is Avalon Waterways worth booking?

Avalon consistently delivers strong value in the premium river cruise segment. The Suite Ship Open-Air Balcony concept — where you can lie in bed watching the riverbanks scroll past with the window wall fully open — is the most innovative stateroom design in the industry for those who want to wake up to moving scenery. Open-seating dining, a well-organized multi-tier excursion program, and the operational backing of the Globus infrastructure make Avalon a reliable, high-quality choice. For most travelers, Avalon delivers a premium experience without the ultra-luxury price tag of Scenic or Uniworld.

Is Avalon Waterways good for first-time river cruisers?

Avalon is one of the best entry points into river cruising. The Globus family connection means the excursion program is deeply experienced — Globus has been running European guided tours for decades, and that expertise translates directly into the shore experience. The open-seating dining removes the formality of assigned tables. The multi-tier excursion system (Classic, Discovery, Active) means guests can calibrate their pace rather than committing to one style. And the Globus infrastructure makes pre- and post-cruise land packages seamless. Many first-time river cruisers start with Avalon and become loyal repeat guests.

When is the best time to cruise with Avalon Waterways?

European river cruising peaks May, June, and September for weather, scenery, and manageable crowds. Christmas Market cruises on the Danube and Rhine (late November through December) are Avalon’s most sought-after departures — book 10–12 months in advance. Spring (April–May) offers tulip fields on the Rhine and competitive pricing; autumn (September–October) brings harvest festivals and vineyard visits through wine country. July and August are peak season with the highest demand. Low water levels can occasionally affect summer Danube itineraries, though Avalon manages disruptions proactively.

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