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Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)

15th Dec 2024 | 7 nights | Avalon | Avalon Panorama

Excursions included
Free wi-fi
Drinks included with meals
Breisach
Strasbourg
Mainz
Rhine Gorge
Koblenz
Cologne
Amsterdam
Excursions included
Free wi-fi
Drinks included with meals

Itinerary Overview

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany, and Holland! Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border. Here you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, and marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and a visit to the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, then pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Last stop in Germany is Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral.

At the conclusion of your Rhine River cruise, you’ll spend time in colorful Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city on an included canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Spend free time discovering world-famous museums, and an abundance of restaurants in the vibrant, modern capital of Holland.

Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
15th Dec 2024 Sunday
Basel
2
16th Dec 2024 Monday
Breisach
3
17th Dec 2024 Tuesday
Strasbourg
4
18th Dec 2024 Wednesday
Mainz
5
19th Dec 2024 Thursday
Rhine Gorge
5
19th Dec 2024 Thursday
Koblenz
6
20th Dec 2024 Friday
Cologne
7
21st Dec 2024 Saturday
Amsterdam
8
22nd Dec 2024 Sunday
Amsterdam

As new ships flood the burgeoning river-cruise market, each one-upping the other with better bells and more whistles, the what-will-they-think-of-next game is in full swing. Avalon Waterways' entry into the competition is 164-passenger Avalon Panorama, whose "Panorama Suite" innovation is brilliant in its simplicity.

In developing the new design, Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus family of brands, faced the obstacles that all ships plying the rivers of Europe must conquer. That is, the company wanted to provide passengers with balconies and more public open space onboard, while concurrently dealing with European river constraints. (Think varying water levels, low bridges, narrow locks and tiny docks.)

So, how did Avalon Panorama rise to the challenge? Magnificently. Each Panorama Suite features an 11-foot-wide, seven-foot-tall wall of glass that can slide to reveal a gaping, almost magical open-air expanse. When the doors are opened, take my word, you'll feel as if the entire cabin was outdoors.

Freed from having to set aside space for dedicated outdoor balconies, the 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are 15 percent larger than many river ship cabins, allowing room in each for a queen bed, a small couch, table and chair. It's no surprise that reaction has been positive.

Public gathering spaces have also been maxed out on the 443-foot-long, 37.4-foot-wide ship with four decks. In addition to the ship long sky deck, there's a large indoor lounge, a smaller indoor club lounge and an outdoor covered seating area in the front of the ship, perfect for open-air sightseeing on rainy days.

Interior design is contemporary chic, with lots of dark espresso woods highlighted with colourful modern art and deep orange rugs and furniture. Think Scandinavian rather than French Provincial. A French influence can be felt, however, in the high-quality L'Occitane bath products -- which sport a delicious lemon verbena scent -- and the fine wines, such as a full-bodied Cotes de Roussillon from the south of France.

Knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides led shore excursions (at least one daily excursion was included), and the excursions were enhanced with the use of wireless headsets.

The ship docks at a different place each day and cruises mostly at night, with daytime sailings confined to exceptionally scenic portions of the journey. Included morning walking tours instantly familiarize passengers with the typically small towns, and within a few hours, it's easy to feel a real affinity for each village's markets, churches and riverfront walking paths. The leisurely rhythm of the region's slower pace of life is impossible to resist, and in just a few days, drinking an afternoon beverage among the regulars at the local Biergarten or buying a hunk of fresh farm cheese from a market stand becomes second nature.

Country-club casual is the order of the day. Leave the jeans and T-shirts, as well as the opulent evening gowns and tuxes, at home. At dinner, understated cocktail dresses and jackets (sans ties) are appropriate. Bring good walking shoes.

You won't find any large-scale or lavish productions onboard Panorama, but live music is presented in the main lounge each night. A piano player is most common, but full dance bands are also offered. Accessible classical music performances are not to be missed.

A happy hour is typically held at the bar before dinner each night, with two-for-one and drink-of-the-day specials. Drinks, especially beer and wine, are reasonably priced.

Daily educational seminars, led by the cruise director on topics like the history of the surrounding countryside or details about the next port, are held in the lounge or on the sky deck. Well-done handouts, such as a map of all the castles visible from the ship between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, are available.

A daily guided shore excursion is included. Walking tours, which are usually about two hours long, are informative and interesting. Tours of specific sites, such as Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim and the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, are also included. Optional tours are offered too.

By river-ship standards, the fitness area, which includes a treadmill, two stationary bikes and a set of free weights, is rather large. Free refrigerated bottled water is a nice touch.

The ship usually docks somewhere that offers a riverfront path, convenient for outdoor walking or running. Bikes are not available onboard ship, but optional bike excursions are offered in Amsterdam and Dürnstein, Austria.

The ship's sky deck has lounge chairs, tables and chairs, a whirlpool, a small golf putting area and oversize chess and backgammon games. Four separate, shaded areas are provided.

A small salon with hair and nail services is also available.

Fans of clean-cut, contemporary design will feel comfortable in Panorama's boutique-hotel-style décor. The dark woods, creamy whites and beiges and rich reds and burnt oranges create a swanky, elegant vibe.

From the understated yet stylish lobby, a curved, split staircase leads up to the third deck, and a five-step split staircase leads down to the second deck, giving the illusion of an extra deck and a larger, airier space. The lobby includes two computer terminals and a printer, but free Wi-Fi throughout the ship also supports personal laptops.

In the ship's forward is a large lounge that's comfortably furnished with cushioned rattan-inspired chairs and sofas, and a horseshoe-shaped bar, all surrounded by windows. The lounge serves as a gathering place for entertainment, lectures and happy hours. Two sets of screens and projectors, which drop from the ceiling, can be used for presentations.

At the bow of the ship is the smaller club lounge, where continental breakfast is served and the cappuccino machine, available 24/7, is situated. The room also includes a wide-screen 55-inch television that swings out for presentations and is equipped with a Wii video game system; a small but adequate library of books, running the gamut from "The Da Vinci Code" to "Lord of the Flies"; and board games like Monopoly, Yahtzee and Deal or No Deal.

Smoking is allowed only in outdoor areas of the ship where ashtrays have been placed. An elevator is available for those with limited mobility.

Like on most cruises, no one goes hungry on a Panorama sailing. Unlike so many cruises, however, the galley doesn't serve mounds of pedestrian, high-caloric foods that cause instant regret.

Panorama's menu might best be described as Continental with local influences. Wines, produce and dishes from Austria and the Middle Rhine region of Germany are daily features. On a couple of early-morning strolls, I passed a crewmember heading back to the ship carrying fresh local produce, such as succulent strawberries and plump white asparagus, which later showed up on the dinner table.

Passengers have four choices for breakfast: Early riser's breakfast, served from 6 to 7 a.m. and late riser's breakfast, served from 8 to 10 a.m., both in the Club Lounge, offering fruit, coffee, tea, juice and pastries. Room service breakfast, available for a surcharge, consists of the same choices. The best bet was the buffet breakfast, which consisted of European-style cheeses and cold cuts, yogurts, made-to-order omelettes and eggs, fruit, breakfast meats, scrambled eggs and -- my personal favourite -- Bircher muesli, a traditional Swiss recipe of rolled oats, fruit and milk; sparkling wine was also served.

Between noon and 2 p.m., buffet lunch is set up in the main restaurant. And, on most days, weather permitting, an open-air bistro-style grill lunch is offered on the sky deck. Capacity for the outdoor seating is limited, so sign up early. Maybe food just tastes better served outdoors, but the grilled bratwursts, skirt steaks and chicken breasts, accompanied by corn-on-the-cob and fresh salads, all hit the spot.

Buffet lunch in the restaurant has more choices. A typical spread offered salads, a hot soup, cold soup, made-to-order pasta, a carving station and hot dishes, such as cordon bleu and broiled tilapia. Caesar's salad, a grilled dish and a sandwich with fries were also on the daily lunch menu. Save room for the best part of the meal -- dessert. The ice cream buffet of rich vanilla and a second varying flavour, offered daily, is complemented with condiments that range from chocolate sauce to flaked coconut. And don't even think about missing dessert on the days that offer tiramisu with chocolate sauce or the apple strudel with vanilla custard sauce.

Dinner is a four-course banquet, served promptly at 7 p.m. There's no option for arriving within a window of time. Seating is open, and most tables hold at least four people. Each day, a local regional specialty, such as Quarkkäulchen, a pancakelike dish, or Kartoffelsuppe, potato soup, is served. A healthy menu option is also offered, featuring items like summer vegetable soup, glazed cod and poached fillet of chicken with steamed vegetables. Also, grilled salmon and grilled chicken are available every night. Some favourites from my voyage: crispy roast duck ` l'orange, the dessert cheese platter and cream of eggplant soup.

Oenophiles rejoice: Included white, rose and red wines accompany each dinner. Premium bottles of wine are also available for purchase, and passengers are allowed to bring their own wine onboard.

And just in case three meals a day are not enough, coffee, tea, cake and sandwiches are served in the main lounge at 4 p.m., and late-night hors d'oeuvres are on offer in the main lounge at 10:30 p.m. Fruit, cookies and cappuccino, coffee and tea are available 24/7 in the club lounge.

The Panorama Suites, at 200 square feet each, are significantly larger than those found on most river ships. The 11-foot-wide, seven-foot-tall wall-to-wall windows open to a gaping seven feet, with protective horizontal rails across the lower half. The concept appears so smartly simple that it's a wonder no one thought of this a long time ago. On my recent sailing, when I sat on the chair or lay on the bed (naturally, it faces the window), it felt as if I were outdoors. The sounds and smells of the shoreline -- horses neighing, ducks quacking, beer garden laughter, kids playing -- all wafted through the room as the boat cruised through the scenic tableau.

Going through locks was an up-close-and-personal experience: It was tempting to reach out and touch the stone sides as the cabin darkened. But, even with doors closed, the cabin's expansive views made me feel connected to the outdoors. Yes, there were thick drapes to block the sights of waving locals, but it seemed a shame to cut off the ever-changing view, even at night.

The ship also offers 17 172-square-foot deluxe cabins outfitted with standard windows that offer limited views (read: no open-air balconies) and two 300-square-foot Royal Suites with panoramic windows.

Cabin design and décor throughout is simple yet elegant. All cabins have Avalon's signature "Comfort Collection," with orthopaedic mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, firm or soft pillows and fluffy European-style duvets. For some Americans, the lack of traditional sheets may be initially disconcerting, but I had no trouble getting used to the European system. Twenty-six--inch flat-screen TV's (each Royal Suite's duo of TV's has 26-inch and 31.5-inch screens) with several English-language news channels and movie channels is standard; an odd offering is several channels of fireplace videos.

In the Panorama and Royal suites, long expanses of mirrors on one side make the cabins seem even bigger, although it can be confusing to watch the view both coming and going if the mirrors are within your sight line. The suites' couches and upholstered chairs (two chairs in the Royal suite) are sturdily comfortable instead of plush, and small tables raise and lower for easier in-cabin dining. The Royal suites also have separate toilets, twin sinks and king-size beds that can be converted to two twins. Panorama Suites and deluxe staterooms have queen-size beds that can be converted to twins.

Other cabin features include adequate shelves and closet space with lots of hangers, an in-cabin safe and a live orchid. On my sojourn, two litres of complimentary water were always at hand.

Comfortably proportioned bathrooms are decorated with floor-to-ceiling marble and outfitted with L'Occitane bath products, hair dryers and cotton robes. A thoughtful touch is differently coloured towel sets, so couples can easily recognize their own.

Noise is not an issue, as the ship has been designed with special soundproofing materials.

Sky Deck
Royal Deck
Sapphire Deck
Indigo Deck

Best for...

English-speaking travellers who want to sail the world by river, exploring at their own pace.

Not the best for...

Families with young children or travellers who depend on wheelchairs.

Who goes on Avalon cruise ships?

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.


Do I have to dress up on a Avalon cruise?

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).


Is everything included on Avalon 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.


What are Avalon's most popular activities?

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.


  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily
  • Sky Grill with made-to-order al fresco dining
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
  • Complimentary happy hour before dinner
  • Complimentary water stations
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day
  • Overseas transfers to and from ship
  • Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
  • Friendly, English-speaking staff delivering consummate personal service
  • Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides; and MyAvalonSM Guided Optional Excursions
  • AvalonGO mobile app with itinerary information before and during your cruise, including schedules, transfer details, daily itineraries, GPS, and dining and entertainment options—and social media feature for real-time posts
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Complimentary computer stations
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Centre

Inclusions may differ depending on region. Please check with our team.

Embark Date
Inside
Outside
Balcony
Suite

Avalon Christmas Market River Cruises

Avalon Christmas Market Cruises

Sail into the season of European Christmas markets, aglow with the warmth of a simpler time. From wooden stalls with handmade ornaments and hot-mulled wine to grand Christmas cathedrals and glistening lights, a winter cruise on the Danube, Main, or Rhine Rivers is a true gift of timeless tradition. See musical instruments come to life in Rüdesheim, Germany; taste Austrian Christmas cookies while sailing to Vienna; visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings; and see the magical Christmas markets of Budapest, Prague, or Strasbourg.

Christmas River Cruises

Christmas River Cruises

Make it the most wonderful time of year...

Experience the enchantment of European Christmas markets, where twinkling fairy lights illuminate the festive scene. Wander through charming market stalls adorned with glistening decorations and indulge in glorious treats that tantalise the senses. Embrace the spirit of the season by immersing yourself in the magic of these bustling markets while on a delightful river cruise.

While snowfall might not be guaranteed, the warmth of the holiday season is assured. Savour the comforting aroma of hot mulled wine, delight in delectable treats, and immerse yourself in the contagious Christmas cheer that permeates every corner of Europe's markets. Join a festive journey and discover the joyous traditions and vibrant atmosphere that make these markets a winter wonderland worth experiencing.

Prices based on:

Deluxe Stateroom - Indigo Deck Aft
Deluxe Stateroom - Indigo Deck Aft

  • One queen-sized bed or two twin Comfort Collection beds with luxurious mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets and soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps & USB ports
  • En-suite with full shower with glass door, large mirror, L'Occitane bath products, bathrobes, slippers & hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Lighted make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Two windows
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Located on the Indigo Deck
  • 172 sq. ft.

Cabin Grade Cruise
D £2,366 pp

Panorama Suite - Sapphire Deck Forward
Panorama Suite - Sapphire Deck Forward

  • One queen-sized bed or two twin Comfort Collection beds with luxurious mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets and soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps & USB ports
  • En-suite with full shower with glass door, large mirror, marble countertops, L'Occitane bath products, bathrobes & slippers & hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Lighted make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Wall-to-wall panoramic window with open-air balcony
  • 6-person sitting area with sofa & coffee table
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Located on the Sapphire Deck
  • 200 sq. ft.

Cabin Grade Cruise
A £3,186 pp
Panorama Suite - Royal Deck
Panorama Suite - Royal Deck

  • One queen-sized bed or two twin Comfort Collection beds with luxurious mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets and soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps & USB ports
  • En-suite with full shower with glass door, large mirror, marble countertops, L'Occitane bath products, bathrobes & slippers & hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Lighted make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Wall-to-wall panoramic window with open-air balcony
  • 6-person sitting area with sofa & coffee table
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Located on the Royal Deck
  • 200 sq. ft.

Cabin Grade Cruise
P £3,234 pp

Royal Suite
Royal Suite

  • One queen-sized bed or two twin Comfort Collection beds with luxurious mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets and soft & firm pillows.
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps & USB ports
  • En-suite with full shower with glass door, double sinks, large mirror, marble countertops, L'Occitane bath products, bathrobes & slippers & hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Lighted make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Two windows
  • 6-person sitting area with sofa & coffee table
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Located on the Royal Deck
  • 300 sq. ft.

Cabin Grade Cruise
S £4,151 pp
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