Last updated on April 12th, 2024

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – Intro

A Swiss company created Avalon Waterways River Cruises in 2004. The cruise line is known for their standard of floor-to-ceiling windows and the option of French balconies. They have the same commitment to views in their open-air bistros and sky decks. Most suites have wall to wall panoramic windows with open-air balconies. Most beds face the window.

Ships in the Avalon fleet average 150 passengers. Avalon operates vessels in Europe and Asia. They coordinate cruises with other companies in Egypt, China, the Amazon and the Galápagos. Avalon is able to sail directly from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Saigon, Vietnam due to the small size of its ship. Other cruise lines may use buses for portions of the journey.

Front Deck Lounge, Avalon Waterways

Front Deck Lounge

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – Europe

In Europe Avalon operates on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône and Seine Rivers. You can take a Virtual Tour here or see an overview of the Avalon Waterways Fleet here. See European cruises available by river.

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – Asia & Africa

The Avalon Saigon operates on the Mekong River between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Saigon, Vietnam. Mekong River cruises also have add ons to Bangkok or Hanoi. The MS Farah cruises the Nile River in Egypt.

Avalon Myanmar, Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – South America

You can tour the Galápagos and Amazon with Avalon Waterways. For the Galápagos guests cruise on the Treasure of the Galapago.  Guests visiting the Peruvian Amazon travel on the Delfin III.

Avalon Waterways – Theme Cruises

Special Interest Cruises might concentrate on cooking, wine, music, history, Jewish heritage or Christmas.

Dining Room, Avalon Waterways

Dining Room

Avalon Waterways – Guest Profile

  • Educated 50+ people who like to travel.
  • Affluent 60-year olds with dual income.
  • Previous travel experience on ocean cruisers and motor coaches.
  • Usually married with a household income over $100,000, and only 7 percent still have children at home.
  • 79% have traveled on 4 or more international trips.
  • 70% have been on at least 2 ocean cruises.
  • 27% have taken 2 or 3 river cruise vacations.
Panorama Suite, Avalon Waterways

Panorama Suite

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – Staterooms

Staterooms on European cruises are a minimum of 172 sq ft. Most staterooms have floor to ceiling windows, except for the lowest deck, which has half height windows. Panorama Suites are 200 sq ft. Royal Suites are 300 sq ft.

Stateroom, Avalon Passion, Avalon Waterways

Stateroom

Avalon Waterways River Cruises – Included Amenities

  • All meals are included. Meals are available in the main dining room or at the bistro with alfresco seating.
  • Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees.
  • Complimentary bottled water in staterooms.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
  • Excursions are provided at each port and do not need to be pre-booked. Bike rentals are available at some ports.
  • Fitness Center
  • Enrichment lectures, a piano player and local entertainers brought onboard at various ports of call.
  • Hair dryer, mini fridge, safes.
  • Sky Deck whirlpool (all European ships).
  • Library.
Sky Deck, Avalon Waterways

Sky Deck

Avalon Waterways – Not Included

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages for service between meals.
  • Tips to your tour or cruise director, local guide, driver and/or ship’s crew.
  • Laundry (available for a fee).
  • Hair salon (manicures available).
  • Electrical adapters for the Amazon Discover.
Avalon Tranquillity Lounge, Avalon Waterways

Avalon Lounge

Avalon Waterways – Policies

Smoking – Passengers can only smoke on the vessel’s outside decks where ashtrays are available.

Tipping & Gratuities – Gratuities are not included in the cruise fees.  Avalon has suggested amounts for tips and gratuities.

Avalon Standard Cancellation Fees –

  • 90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price plus Travel Protection payments.
  • 59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price plus Travel Protection payments.
  • 29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price plus Travel Protection payments.
  • On departure day and later: 100% of total price plus Travel Protection payments.

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