Avalon Waterways brings a fresh approach to European river cruising, designed for travelers who want more space, more flexibility, and more authentic experiences. Their signature Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open completely, creating an indoor-outdoor living space unlike anything else on the rivers. With 200 square feet of room (about 30% larger than standard river cruise cabins), you’ll actually have space to unpack and relax.
What sets Avalon apart is their “Active Discovery” philosophy: choose your own adventure each day rather than following a single regimented shore excursion. Whether you want to bike through vineyards, kayak alongside castles, or take a traditional walking tour, Avalon gives you options that match your travel style. Their fleet of Suite Ships consistently earns top ratings from river cruise travelers, and we’ve experienced their approach firsthand – they’ve figured out how to balance structure with flexibility, comfort with adventure.
Avalon is currently featuring special savings on 2026 European river cruises, with offers including free airfare from select U.S. cities, reduced airfare options, prepaid gratuities, and waived single supplements on select sailings. Savings range from $1,500 to $3,000 per couple depending on itinerary and travel dates. These promotions are combinable in some cases, maximizing value for your European river cruise vacation.
Contact us for current availability and to find the best offer combination for your preferred sailing dates and itinerary.
Avalon Waterways redefines river cruising with their Suite Ships, designed around flexibility and authentic experiences. Here’s what sets an Avalon river cruise apart:
Panorama Suites – 200 square feet with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open completely, creating the river cruise industry’s only true Open-Air Balcony. About 30% larger than standard river cruise cabins, with beds facing the view instead of the wall.
Active Discovery Excursions – Choose your adventure style each day: classic walking tours, active options like biking and hiking, or immersive experiences like cooking classes and painting workshops. Multiple activity levels available on every sailing.
Fresh Moves Programming – Onboard fitness classes, wellness activities, and evening entertainment that goes beyond the typical river cruise experience. From sunrise yoga on the Sky Deck to live music and themed events after dinner.
Farm-to-Table Dining – Locally sourced ingredients, regional specialties, and flexible dining options including the Panorama Bistro for casual breakfast and lunch.
Personalized Service – Smaller group sizes on shore excursions, attentive crew, and the freedom to craft your own daily experience rather than following a rigid schedule.
Award-Winning Fleet – Consistently rated as the top river cruise line by travelers, Avalon’s Suite Ships combine thoughtful design with authentic destination experiences.
River cruising shouldn’t come with surprise charges for the experiences that matter most. Avalon Waterways builds the best parts of your vacation right into the cruise fare – no nickel-and-diming, no hidden fees, no upsells for things you came to enjoy. From the wine with dinner to the e-bike ride through medieval villages, from sunrise yoga to evening cocktails under the stars, it’s all included. This is the Avalon difference: the memories you came for aren’t add-ons, they’re simply part of your river cruise experience.
Every stateroom on Avalon’s Suite Ships is exterior-facing with river views – no inside cabins to avoid. Most guests enjoy Panorama Suites at 200 square feet, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open completely to create Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony. The thoughtful design places your bed facing the windows instead of the wall, so you wake each morning to castles, vineyards, and medieval villages drifting past. Comfort Collection beds with Egyptian cotton linens ensure quality sleep, while marble bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane bath products add luxury touches. With about 30% more space than standard river cruise cabins, you’ll actually have room to unpack your suitcase, relax in the seating area, and enjoy your in-room breakfast without feeling cramped. This is how river cruising should feel: spacious, comfortable, and designed around the scenery you came to experience.
Every port offers multiple included excursion options designed around different activity levels and interests. Choose classic guided walking tours to learn history and architecture, select active options like castle hikes and kayaking trips, or opt for immersive Discovery experiences such as chocolate workshops and cooking classes. With an average of 22 included excursions throughout your cruise, you’re looking at 2-3 choices in every port – giving you the freedom to match your daily energy level and interests. Complimentary bikes and e-bikes are available at each stop for independent exploration when you’d rather wander the cobblestone streets on your own schedule. Unlike river cruise lines that charge premium prices for “active” excursions, Avalon includes these options in your cruise fare, making it easier to try that vineyard bike ride or riverside hike without calculating additional costs.
Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner every day of your cruise. But Avalon takes beverage inclusions further than most river cruise lines: enjoy complimentary Happy Hour each evening (every night except your first) featuring wine, beer, specialty cocktails, and zero-proof options created by award-winning mixologist Martin Hudák. The 24/7 Club Lounge offers complimentary specialty teas and coffees anytime you want them – perfect for early risers who want their cappuccino before breakfast service begins, or night owls enjoying a nightcap while watching the river lights. Unlike ocean cruises where drinks packages can add $500+ per person to your vacation cost, Avalon includes the beverages most travelers actually want throughout their day.
Traditional cruising assigns you a table and a time for dinner. Avalon’s FlexDining approach gives you complete freedom to eat when, where, and with whom you choose. Sleep in after a late night and grab lunch at the Panorama Bistro instead of rushing to breakfast. Enjoy elegant four-course dinners in the glass-walled main dining room one night, then opt for casual al fresco dining on the Sky Deck the next. Order breakfast in bed and watch the riverside castles drift past your Open-Air Balcony. Afternoon tea service with pastries provides the perfect break between excursions, while the Club Lounge keeps sweet and savory snacks available throughout the day. This flexibility matters when you’ve spent the morning biking through vineyards and want to shower and relax before dinner – no need to rush to make a fixed seating time.
Avalon’s Fresh Moves programming keeps you engaged from sunrise to late evening. Start your day with yoga or stretching classes on the Sky Deck led by Adventure Hosts, then use the enhanced fitness center with its new equipment before your shore excursion. The complimentary bikes and e-bikes aren’t just for ports – they’re part of Avalon’s overall wellness approach to keeping your body and spirit in motion throughout your cruise. When the sun sets, Avalon After Dark brings evening energy with live music, trivia competitions, dance parties, and themed events that go well beyond the typical piano bar entertainment found on most river cruises. Enjoy al fresco dinners under the stars on the Sky Deck, late-night cocktails in the lounge during overnight stays in legendary cities like Paris or Vienna, or simply relax in your Panorama Suite with Avalon’s complimentary movie selection. The nights shine as brightly as the days.
Complimentary Wi-Fi via Starlink keeps you connected throughout the ship – fast enough to video chat with family back home or share your river cruise photos to social media in real-time. Every stateroom includes a free infotainment system with 50+ movies on demand, perfect for relaxing before dinner or unwinding after a full day of exploration. Download the AvalonGO app before your cruise to access daily itineraries, excursion details, onboard menus, and ship information – keeping everything you need at your fingertips from the moment you book until you disembark.
Award-Winning Staterooms Designed Around the View
Cruise Critic named Avalon Best Cabins in River Cruising, and after seeing these spaces firsthand, it’s easy to understand why. While most river cruise ships treat cabins as an afterthought – small rooms where you sleep between excursions – Avalon flipped the entire design philosophy. Every stateroom is exterior-facing and built around a simple but revolutionary concept: you came for the scenery, so your room should celebrate it.
Biggest. Boldest. Best.
At 300 square feet, Royal Suites offer the ultimate in river cruise indulgence – twice the size of standard river cruise cabins and 50% larger than Avalon’s already-spacious Panorama Suites. These expansive accommodations feature separate living areas with generous seating, double sinks, two full bathrooms (a genuine luxury on river cruises where space is typically at a premium), and Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony supersized for maximum outdoor enjoyment. Thoughtfully designed for travelers who want to go all-in on space and style, Royal Suites combine boutique hotel elegance with residential comfort. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning coffee with panoramic river views, entertaining new friends you’ve met onboard, or unwinding after a full day of exploration, this is where elevated living meets the European scenery you came to experience. Perfect for longer cruises, special celebrations, or travelers who simply appreciate having genuine living space rather than just a place to sleep.
The Star of Our Suite Ships
At 200 square feet – an average of 30% larger than the industry standard – Panorama Suites make up 80% of Avalon’s staterooms across two full decks. This isn’t an upgrade category you need to request; it’s simply how most guests sail with Avalon. These boutique-hotel-inspired spaces feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open a full seven feet wide, creating Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony. The revolutionary design places every Comfort Collection bed facing the ever-changing scenery, so your first sight each morning is a medieval castle, terraced vineyard, or Gothic spire drifting past – not a blank wall like on traditional river cruise ships. Comfortable seating areas provide space to actually relax in your room between excursions, while thoughtful storage solutions mean you can unpack and settle in rather than living out of your suitcase. It’s the perfect fusion of indoor elegance and outdoor immersion, designed to connect you with every destination from the moment you wake until you drift to sleep with riverside lights reflecting on the water.
The Perfect Space to Dream
At 172 square feet, Avalon’s Deluxe Staterooms exceed the river cruise industry average (typically 150 square feet or less) while delivering surprising functionality in a more compact footprint. Though smaller than Panorama Suites, these cabins are thoughtfully designed with smart storage solutions, inviting comfort, and Avalon’s signature quality touches throughout. Each stateroom features the same Comfort Collection beds with Egyptian cotton linens, marble bathrooms with L’Occitane products, and exterior-facing windows that bring natural light and river views into your space. Ideal for travelers who prefer cozy, well-appointed accommodations without sacrificing comfort – or for those who plan to spend most waking hours exploring destinations rather than relaxing in their room – Deluxe Staterooms deliver excellent value while maintaining the elevated experience Avalon is known for. Every detail is considered, from the efficient layout that maximizes usable space to the quality finishes that create a welcoming retreat after full days of adventure.
Avalon staterooms aren’t just about square footage and views – the substance is in the details. Adjustable tables rise or lower to meet your needs, whether you’re working on your laptop or enjoying breakfast in bed. Spa-inspired bathrooms feature marble countertops, glass-enclosed showers, plush towels, bathrobes, slippers, and L’Occitane bath products. Smart storage solutions include full closets plus additional space under the bed for luggage, while writing desks with chairs give you a proper workspace when needed.
The Comfort Collection Beds come with pillow menus, luxurious mattress toppers, and four firmness options to customize your sleep experience, plus your choice of bed configuration. Starlink Wi-Fi delivers fast, reliable connectivity throughout your cruise, while complimentary infotainment systems and flatscreen TVs offer 50+ free movies when you want to unwind in your room. Bedside tables with reading lamps, full-size closet mirrors, vanity stations with lighted makeup mirrors, and climate control ensure your personal comfort.
Practical amenities include in-room safes for valuables, stocked minibars, direct-dial telephones, hairdryers, alarm clocks, and complimentary glass-bottled water replenished daily. Twice-daily housekeeping with nightly turndown service means you return to a refreshed room after every excursion, the kind of attention to detail that makes a week-long cruise feel effortless.
Does Avalon Waterways accept children?
Avalon’s minimum age requirement is 8 years old. Children under 8 are not permitted on any Avalon cruise, and there are no dedicated children’s programs or youth activities onboard. Passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and share accommodations with that adult. Avalon’s river cruises are designed primarily for adult travelers, though families with older children and teenagers are welcome.
How many passengers sail on Avalon ships?
Avalon’s European Suite Ships typically accommodate between 128 and 166 passengers, depending on the specific vessel. This smaller passenger count creates a more intimate cruising experience compared to ocean ships, with higher crew-to-guest ratios and personalized service. The Treasure of Galápagos accommodates just 16 passengers for an ultra-intimate expedition experience.
Are gratuities included on Avalon cruises?
Gratuities for onboard crew (including ship staff, housekeeping, and dining room service) are included in your cruise fare for most sailings. However, gratuities for Cruise Directors, Local Hosts, Local Guides, and motorcoach drivers are not included and are left to your discretion. Avalon suggests approximately €3 per person per day for the Cruise Director and €12 per person per day for ship crew. Some promotional offers include prepaid gratuities – check your specific sailing details.
Is beer and wine included with meals?
Yes! Avalon includes complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner throughout your cruise. Sparkling wine is also included with breakfast. Beyond meals, Avalon offers a complimentary Happy Hour each evening (every night except your first) featuring wine, beer, specialty cocktails, and zero-proof options created by award-winning mixologist Martin Hudák. Specialty coffees, teas, and filtered water are available 24/7 in the Club Lounge at no additional charge.
Does Avalon offer a drinks package?
No, Avalon does not offer a separate drinks package for purchase. Instead, they include substantial beverage offerings in your cruise fare: wine and beer with all lunches and dinners, daily Happy Hour with cocktails and mocktails, and 24/7 complimentary specialty coffees and teas. Premium spirits, specialty cocktails outside of Happy Hour, and other premium beverages can be purchased à la carte at the Panorama Lounge bar.
How large are Avalon staterooms?
Avalon offers three accommodation types. Deluxe Staterooms are 172 square feet – larger than the typical river cruise cabin (usually 150 square feet or less). Panorama Suites are 200 square feet, about 30% larger than industry standard, and make up 80% of accommodations on Avalon’s Suite Ships. Royal Suites are the most spacious at 300 square feet with separate living areas and two full bathrooms. All staterooms are exterior-facing with river views.
What’s the difference between Avalon and other river cruise lines?
Avalon’s signature differentiator is the Panorama Suite design: wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open a full seven feet wide to create an Open-Air Balcony, with beds facing the windows instead of the wall. The Avalon Choice excursion system offers multiple activity levels in each port (Classic, Active, or Discovery), allowing you to customize your daily experience. FlexDining eliminates fixed seating times, and complimentary Happy Hour extends beverage inclusions beyond most competitors.
Can I choose my dining time on Avalon?
Yes. Avalon’s FlexDining system eliminates fixed seating times and assigned tables. You choose when, where, and with whom you dine. Options include elegant multi-course dinners in the main dining room, casual dining at the Panorama Bistro, al fresco meals on the Sky Deck, or breakfast in bed delivered to your stateroom. This flexibility allows you to dine according to your schedule and preferences rather than working around rigid seating assignments.
Are shore excursions included with Avalon?
Yes. Avalon includes an average of 22 excursions throughout your cruise, with multiple options in every port. You can choose from Classic guided tours, Active options like biking and hiking, or Discovery experiences such as cooking classes and artisan workshops. Complimentary bikes and e-bikes are also available at each port for independent exploration. Unlike some river cruise lines that charge premium prices for active excursions, Avalon includes these options in your cruise fare.
Does Avalon have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi via Starlink is available throughout the ship, providing fast and reliable connectivity for video calls, social media, and email. Each stateroom also includes a free infotainment system with 50+ movies on demand, and the AvalonGO app provides access to daily itineraries, excursion details, and ship information before and during your cruise.
