Avalon Waterways
Suite Ships designed around the view, with the bed turned to face the wall of windows.
The river line that rethought the room
Avalon Waterways is best known for one very good idea. On its Suite Ships the bed faces the window, not the wall, so the Open-Air Balcony becomes the focus of the room and the passing scenery is the first thing you see each morning. It is a small change that reshapes the whole cabin.
The line is part of the Globus family of brands, a company whose roots reach back to 1928 and a rowboat ferrying goods across Lake Lugano in Switzerland. Avalon began river operations in 2004 with a single ship, Avalon Artistry, and has since grown into a modern European fleet averaging around 150 guests.
The style is contemporary and relaxed, with a flexible approach ashore that lets guests pick between classic sightseeing, gentle activity and free time. It draws travelers who want a clean, current look and the freedom to shape their own days.
- Style
- Modern, flexible
- Fleet
- Modern Suite Ships
- Guests
- 128 to 166
- Fares
- All-inclusive
- Sails to
- Europe, Asia, S. America
- Founded
- 2004 (Globus family)
“Avalon Waterways turned the river cabin around, putting the bed and the view on the same side of the room.”
Suite Ships and the Open-Air Balcony
The Panorama Suites that define the fleet devote two full decks to wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open to form the Open-Air Balcony. Turning the bed toward that glass gives these suites some of the most generous, view-forward layouts on the rivers.
The ships are modern and uncluttered, carrying roughly 128 to 166 guests. That size keeps the atmosphere calm and social without ever feeling crowded, and the top deck stays a quiet place to watch Europe drift by.
All-inclusive, and easy about it
Fares are all-inclusive. They cover accommodations, meals, regional wine, beer and spirits with lunch and dinner, onboard entertainment, gratuities and a choice of excursions in each port, so the day-to-day cost is settled before you sail.
Ashore, the Avalon Choice approach lets you match the pace to your mood, from included classic sightseeing to more active options and stretches of free time. It is a flexible style that suits both first-time river cruisers and seasoned repeaters.
Europe first, with reach well beyond it
The heart of the program is Europe, on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhone, Seine and Douro, with festive Christmas market sailings among the seasonal favorites. Itineraries typically run a week, with longer combinations available.
Avalon also reaches well beyond the continent, with river cruises on the Mekong in Southeast Asia and on the waterways of South America, the Galapagos and beyond. We help you pick the region, ship and season that fit the trip you want.
Why book through us
Exclusive Avalon value
Group amenities and onboard credit on Avalon Waterways sailings that you will not find booking direct.
Combinable offers
Our exclusive value can usually be layered with Avalon's current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.
River specialists
Advisors who know the Suite Ships deck by deck and match the right river, cabin and season to you.
Seamless land and sea
Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a CDV land tour where your river cruise begins or ends.
More river cruises we love
AmaWaterways
Inventive, food-forward river ships with twin balconies and complimentary bicycles.
Explore AmaWaterwaysEmerald Cruises
Contemporary Star-Ships with an indoor pool that becomes a cinema after dark.
Explore Emerald CruisesViking River
The largest name in European river cruising, with clean Scandinavian design throughout.
Explore Viking RiverRiviera River Cruises
A British river line with a friendly, good-value take on Europe waterways.
Explore Riviera River CruisesFrequently asked questions
What is Avalon Waterways known for?
Is Avalon Waterways all-inclusive?
Is alcohol included on Avalon Waterways?
Who owns Avalon Waterways?
How many passengers are on an Avalon river cruise?
Where does Avalon Waterways sail?
What is the average age on an Avalon cruise?
What is the dress code on Avalon Waterways?
How much does an Avalon Waterways cruise cost?
Ready to sail with Avalon Waterways?
Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.