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Avalon Waterways offer magical river cruises with the ultimate view. Taking you deep into the destinations they sail, they boast one of the youngest fleet of award-winning ships. Experience 5* luxury as you cruise the popular waterways of Europe, or go further afield to the exotic Yangtze or Mekong. Their impressive fleet of river ships feature generous 200 sq feet signature Panorama Suites, providing guests with wall-to-wall windows facing out to the vistas they glide past.
The itineraries on Avalon Waterways are carefully curated, with enriching trips and experiences, for a truly immersive travel experience. The crew onboard go above and beyond to ensure guests are well attended and the ships are comfortable and sumptuous, with hand-finished décor. Avalon Waterways break the traditional one sitting, one restaurant mould often found in river cruising, with a range of dining choices. The freshest cuisine reflects the regions you travel through and the sommelier ensures the wines are perfectly paired. Dine al fresco at the Sky Grill, choose lighter options in the Panorama Lounge, or enjoy afternoon tea as you watch the glorious countryside go past.
Avalon caters to English-speaking travellers from North America, the U.K. and Australia/New Zealand. The average age of passengers is mid-50s to 60s, but the mix varies by itinerary, and on four- and five-night cruises, you'll find more 40-something travellers and others trying out river cruises for the first time. Children ages 8 and older are welcome onboard, but there is no formal youth program.
No, not really. You can't wear shorts at dinner, but, other than that the dress code is casual. At dinner you'll see mostly open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts or dresses for women. Some people op to dress up a bit nicer, though still relatively casual, for the welcome and farewell dinners (only on Europe river cruises).
Exactly what is included varies somewhat with the itineraries. In Europe, Asia and South America, coffee and tea are available free of charge all day long. In Europe a choice of complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks is included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfast. On the Mekong, Ganges and Amazon rivers, select soft drinks and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day and wine is included with lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi is free (except in the Amazon or Galapagos, where it's not available), as is dining (including breakfast in bed and picnic lunches to take on shore) and all onboard entertainment and enrichment. Most shore excursions are complimentary, including the line's Active Adventure options. You'll pay extra for gratuities, salon or spa treatments, laundry, onboard shop purchases and some special excursions.
Shore excursions are at the heart of activities on any Avalon sailing. Options can range from active excursions, such as canoeing the Danube or jogging through Amsterdam, to cultural experiences, like following the life of an Austrian worker or taking part in an Amsterdam painting class. Passengers who prefer to explore on their own can use the AvalonGO app loaded with a list of nearby attractions and hours of operation, historical facts, maps and directions as well as local cafes, restaurants, bars and entertainment options. Onboard, most passengers attend enrichment sessions, and the Local Favourites program brings regional performances onboard, as well as classes: tai chi or Mandarin lessons on the Yangtze, culinary demonstrations in France, etc.
English-speaking travellers who want to sail the world by river, exploring at their own pace.
Families with young children or travellers who depend on wheelchairs.
