Avalon Waterways River Cruises

A luxurious suite aboard a river cruise ship featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of a calm waterway lined with trees and distant houseboats. The modern bedroom includes a king bed with white linens, decorative orange accent pillows, a wooden ceiling detail, hardwood flooring, and cream-colored curtains framing the panoramic vista.
The official logo of Avalon Waterways, a river cruise company, featuring the company name in blue uppercase letters with a stylized wave design beneath it.

Smaller ships, bigger experiences – cruise your way

“No one ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and they’re not the same person,” said Heraclitus of ancient Greece. He could have said the same about an Avalon river cruise. Since no two travelers are the same, Avalon would never expect you to enjoy the same cruise as any other traveler. Even as you return again and again, your river cruises will be continually renewed and distinct from the ones before or after. Your opportunities are as varied as the vistas you’ll cruise past – from the vineyard-draped hillsides of the Rhine to the ancient temples along the Mekong. With Avalon Choice, you decide how each day unfolds: Classic sightseeing, immersive Discovery experiences, or Active adventures by bike, kayak, and on foot. Let your Extraordinary Adventures advisor craft a voyage tailored entirely to you.

Avalon Waterways takes pride in a fleet of river cruise ships unlike any other. Their innovative Suite Ships redefine what’s possible on the water, turning every stateroom into a front-row seat to the world’s most captivating waterways. As your dedicated travel advisors, we help you navigate the full range of Avalon’s itineraries – from Europe’s legendary rivers to the Mekong and the Ganges – matching each voyage to your personal interests, travel style, and pace. Beyond river cruising, Avalon also offers small-ship voyages in the Galápagos for those drawn to expedition-style exploration.

The Avalon Saigon, a modern river cruise ship, is moored along the Mekong River with its distinctive two-deck design featuring expansive windows and an open-air upper deck. The vessel displays contemporary cruise architecture with brown and white exterior coloring, docked near palm-lined riverbanks in Vietnam.
The Avalon Envision, a modern river cruise ship, navigates the Danube River with Budapest's iconic waterfront architecture visible in the background. The vessel features contemporary design with extensive glass paneling, multiple decks, and a sleek white and navy hull, exemplifying modern river cruising luxury.
The Avalon Imagery II, a modern river cruise ship, navigates along the Rhine River with forested hillsides and German villages visible in the background. The ship features contemporary design with large panoramic windows, multiple passenger decks, and a German flag, typical of European river cruises.
A scenic view of a river cruise ship's sun deck featuring a bright blue swimming pool, comfortable lounge chairs, and green artificial turf seating area. The ship is positioned along a calm river with tree-lined banks visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The Panorama Suite Ship Experience – Intimate Ships, Panoramic Views

Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ships accommodate between 128 and 166 guests, depending on the vessel and itinerary. That intimate size ensures personalized service, uncrowded public spaces, and easy access to destinations. Larger suites mean fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. Whether you’re reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, settling into the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the breeze over the bow from the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spaces to call your own.

The signature Panorama Suites feature the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising – at 200 square feet, they offer 30% more living space than the industry standard. With beds facing the view, you wake each morning to an ever-changing tableau of riverside villages, vineyards, and historic cities. The excellent crew-to-guest ratio means attentive, personalized service throughout your voyage, and the smaller ship capacity allows docking in the heart of towns and cities rather than industrial ports on the outskirts.

Cruise Search

FlexDining, Craft Cocktails & Unforgettable Excursions

The quintessential Avalon touch lives in every detail throughout their elegant river cruise ships. The Panorama Dining Room, with its sweeping panoramic views, brings the surrounding scenery right to your table. The Club Lounge Library is the kind of place where you settle into a great book, play cards, or challenge someone to a board game while making new friends. Grab a premium spirit in the upscale bar as you make your way to the Sky Deck – lavishly designed with a shade system, premium lounge chairs, and a whirlpool for unwinding under open skies.

Avalon’s FlexDining program means you eat when and where you want, from the main dining room’s regionally inspired menus to lighter fare at the Panorama Bistro or al fresco meals on the Sky Deck. Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks accompany lunch and dinner, and cocktail hour keeps the social atmosphere flowing. Ashore, Avalon Choice excursions let you tailor every port day – opt for a Classic guided tour, a hands-on Discovery experience, or an Active adventure by bike, kayak, or on foot. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you plan a mix that suits your pace perfectly.

Or call (352) 432-8131 to speak with a dedicated advisor.

Gallery

What’s Included In Your Cruise Package?

Your extraordinary cruise adventure comes with many included amenities from the cruise line. In addition, Extraordinary Adventures offers our clients extra complimentary benefits as well as popular upgrades to create a seamless door-to-door experience – all the more reason to select Extraordinary Adventures as your trusted cruise travel partner!

Included in Every Avalon Waterways Cruise

  • Multiple dining venues with regionally inspired cuisine
  • Onboard entertainment
  • The use of onboard facilities
  • Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with meals; cocktails during cocktail hour on select sailings
  • Complimentary shore excursions
  • Wi-Fi
  • Gratuities for ship crew and Cruise Director

Your Extraordinary Adventures Cruise Also Includes

  • Expert guidance choosing your itinerary, ship, and stateroom
  • Recommendations on shore excursions
  • Advice on cruise and travel policies and procedures
  • Emergency assistance while on your trip
  • Recommendations on travel insurance

Add Extraordinary Adventures White Glove Service

  • We arrange car service and transfers
  • We book flights*
  • We reserve hotel stays
  • We coordinate pre-cruise and post-cruise travel planning

$250 Planning Fee per stateroom.
Complimentary for guests who book an Avalon Waterways cruise*.
*Terms and conditions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avalon Waterways River Cruises

AvalonGO is Avalon Waterways’ mobile app that enhances your cruise experience before and during your voyage. It provides real-time ship information, daily schedules, destination guides, and the ability to book shore excursions and spa appointments. The app also includes audio walking tours for independent exploration and messaging features to stay connected with fellow travelers and crew. It’s a handy companion that puts your entire itinerary at your fingertips.

Avalon Choice gives you flexibility in how you experience your cruise. For excursions, choose from Classic (traditional guided tours), Discovery (hands-on cultural experiences), or Active (hiking, biking, kayaking). For dining, select from the main dining room, lighter fare at the Panorama Bistro, or al fresco options on the Sky Deck. You can mix and match throughout your voyage based on your daily preferences – no rigid schedules, no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about cruising your way.

Avalon Waterways cruises include all onboard meals featuring locally sourced cuisine, complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, complimentary Wi-Fi, port charges, use of onboard bicycles, and a selection of included shore excursions in every port. Gratuities for the ship’s crew and Cruise Director are also included in the cruise fare. Onboard entertainment, use of all ship facilities, and access to the AvalonGO mobile app round out an already generous package.

Avalon Waterways’ signature Panorama Suites are designed around one simple idea: bringing the destination inside. The innovative windows open fully, transforming your stateroom into an open-air balcony where the sights, sounds, and breezes of each port come right to you. With beds positioned to face the view, every morning begins with a new panorama. It’s a thoughtful design philosophy that defines the Avalon experience – for a detailed look at the suite dimensions and ship layout, see the Panorama Suite Ship Experience section above.

Avalon Waterways offers river cruises across Europe on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhone, Saone, Seine, and Dutch and Belgian waterways. Beyond Europe, they sail the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, the Ganges in India, and the Nile in Egypt. Avalon also offers small-ship voyages in the Galápagos Islands, bringing the same personalized approach to expedition-style cruising. Each destination showcases the unique culture and landscapes of the region, and your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you select the itinerary that best matches your interests and travel style.

Avalon Waterways offers multiple dining venues to suit your mood and appetite. The main Panorama Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with regionally inspired menus and sweeping views. The Panorama Bistro provides lighter fare and healthy options in a casual setting. Sky Deck dining offers al fresco meals when weather permits. Complimentary early-riser coffee and pastries are available each morning, and room service for continental breakfast means you never have to rush. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, with cocktails available during cocktail hour on select sailings.

Avalon Active Discovery cruises are designed for travelers who want immersive, hands-on experiences. These special sailings include activities like canoeing, hiking, biking, and paddleboarding, along with cultural experiences such as cooking classes, painting workshops, and local artisan visits. The ships carry equipment including bicycles, Nordic walking sticks, and kayaks for guest use throughout the voyage. It’s an ideal option if you prefer to engage with destinations physically and creatively rather than simply observing from a distance.

Yes, Avalon Waterways welcomes solo travelers with reduced or waived single supplements on select sailings. The intimate ship size makes it easy to meet fellow travelers, and the included excursions provide wonderful social opportunities. Open seating at meals encourages mingling, and many solo travelers appreciate the safety and convenience of river cruising for independent exploration. If you’re considering a solo voyage, your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can identify sailings with the best single supplement offers and help you find the perfect itinerary.

Avalon Waterways maintains a relaxed, resort casual dress code throughout the voyage. Comfortable daytime attire is appropriate for excursions and onboard activities. Evenings are smart casual – think nice jeans or slacks with a collared shirt or blouse. There are no formal nights, and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. This approach lets you focus on the scenery and experiences rather than packing an extensive wardrobe.

We recommend booking your Avalon Waterways river cruise 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for peak-season sailings such as Christmas markets along the Danube, tulip season in Holland and Belgium, or popular summer itineraries on the Rhine. With intimate ships carrying only 128 to 166 guests, stateroom categories – particularly the sought-after Panorama Suites – can sell out quickly. Booking early also gives you the best selection of departure dates and the opportunity to secure exclusive offers and VIP perks through Extraordinary Adventures. Your dedicated advisor can help you identify the ideal timing for your voyage and monitor availability on your behalf.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.

What Our Clients Say

Real clients. Real experiences. Never ordinary – always extraordinary.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“These two definitely know their ships, and if they don’t, they know where to find answers. We had never booked with an agent before, but after our first experience with Extraordinary Adventures, we were so pleased that we quickly booked our second cruise shortly after. Their response times are rapid, and their suggestions are immeasurable.”

Sabrina & Marty S

Verified Client · Google Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Scott and Laura were very helpful and professional from the first minute. The information I got saved me money and time. Wonderful, friendly, personal, and quick service. Response within minutes to all my questions. Thank you for the great work.”

Richard & Pascal F

Verified Client

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I gave them a budget, what I wanted, and potential dates. They did the rest! Gave me checklists for what to pack, suggestions of things to do, and the best plans for the biggest bang for our buck. They even checked on us when we returned to be sure we had an enjoyable experience.”

Kristy & Anthony R

Verified Client · Google Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“We have tried different venues to purchase cruises and definitely prefer working with Scott and Laura. They have always put our best interest at the forefront. They are professional and easy to contact and take the worry out of our travel plans.”

Michael & Virginia D

Verified Client · YouTube Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Scott and Laura are super knowledgeable and incredibly fast to respond to questions. They helped make our last cruise worry- and stress-free. I have referred two of my friends who used their services and were very happy. They will go out of their way to help. Super friendly!”

Darla C

Verified Client

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Laura and Scott are great people to help assist with any vacation needs. I found them to be very attentive to my wants and needs. They have been very informative, provided great suggestions to help make the most of my vacation, and they are very upfront and honest. I will definitely use Extraordinary Adventures again.”

Joshua & Rachel W

Verified Client · Google Review

Discover Europe’s Great Rivers with a Specialist Who Knows Every Bend

River cruising is one of the most intimate and rewarding ways to explore the world — gliding past medieval castles, vineyard-draped hillsides, and vibrant city centres at a relaxed pace. Our river cruise specialists will help you choose the right line, ship, and itinerary to match your sense of adventure and style of travel.