About Avalon Waterways

In 2004, excited by the promise of river cruising, we were determined to invigorate the experience that, at the time, was characterized by older ships, limited space and land excursions operated as an afterthought. We were inspired to create a different kind of river cruise experience - one that would embrace and celebrate everything special about the travel style, so we unveiled Avalon Waterways.

With the launch of our very first ship, Avalon's inspired design innovations became the new standard, including the introduction of floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies on two decks of every Avalon vessel. We developed a Silent Drive System (SDS) for the stern of each ship to ensure our travelers the most quiet cruise experience possible. We were also the first to bring a larger stateroom with deluxe hotel-style amenities to an entire fleet. And, we elevated interior design from classic and traditional to contemporary and bright.

Maybe it's our Swiss heritage that gives us our passion for details, but we're the only river cruise operator that's personally involved from ship design to delivery – and every point in between. From meticulous millwork to hand-applied finishes, from designer lighting to enhanced soundproofing, from the conception and flow of the lounges to the placement of the windows, our ships are thoughtfully designed and appointed with materials praised for their quality, beauty and functionality. And, that's just on our ships.

Off our ships, our award-winning land programs transform tourists into travelers and storytellers and help them truly experience each destination with guided sightseeing in every port (complete with headsets), engaging port lectures, VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines and great cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors.

Year after year, thanks to the continuous feedback and encouragement of our travelers, Cruise Directors and travel agent partners, Avalon Waterways has unveiled new ships, amenities and experiences that set the standard in river cruising. Our views are panoramic and spaces large and inviting; comfort is king and dining is for your taste. And, thanks to our heritage through Globus, our itineraries are legendary.

Like the very rivers we travel, Avalon Waterways is continually moving forward, making improvements and embracing the world beyond. And it's this approach – our drive to continue to exceed traveler expectations by pushing the boundaries of the river cruise experience – that has inspired us to create a new class of ship set to debut in 2011. With the introduction of this new vessel, as well as countless service and amenity enhancements fleet-wide, Avalon Waterways is destined to once again revolutionize river cruising.

What Do I Need to KNow Before I Leave?

Air Conditioning and Heating
All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms.

Beverages
Choice of of complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included with dinner on Avalon Europe River Cruises. In Europe and the Galápagos, coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day from “early riser” breakfast through dinner. On the Yangtze, sodas are included at lunch and dinner.

Clothing
Dress aboard and on shore is casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts, slacks, dresses. Coats and ties may be worn. The Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners are dressy, but not formal.

Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure.

Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs and consist of local food adjusted for North American tastes. There is a full buffet breakfast, and in Europe a buffet lunch including choice of soups and main courses with appetizer, salad or sandwich, and dessert. On the Yangtze, a mix of Western and Chinese dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you’ll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of entrées.

Dining
When it comes to dining, you’ll savor your destination in more ways than one. Whether you’re planning a busy day of sightseeing or a relaxing day on board, start each day with the breakfast that’s right for you! Sumptuous breakfast buffets feature menu items that are conveniently color coded to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy. Meanwhile, tantalizing lunch buffets will please your palate, and each onboard sit-down dinner features an inviting selection of appetizers, soups, entrees (including vegetarian choices), desserts, and complimentary coffee, tea, and regional wines. From the rouladen of Germany to the fine wines of France, our professional chefs will delight your tastebuds with regional specialties as well as Western favorites (complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included with dinner on Avalon Europe River Cruises). And for those times when a quiet breakfast sounds appealing, room service of Continental breakfast is available in all Royal Deck staterooms and suites on our European ships.

Electricity
Electricity on board is 220v. The bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. You will need an adapter or converter to use in other outlets in the stateroom for any small personal items such as a razor, curling iron or alarm clock. In the Galápagos, electrical outlets are 110v with American type outlets.

Gratuities
Gratuities on board and on land are not included in the cruise price. Tipping is a personal way to show your satisfaction for good service and is always appreciated. It is recommended that tips be paid in cash.

Hair Dryers
All ships have hair dryers for passenger use; please ask at the reception desk if one is not in your stateroom.

Laundry
Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Check the price list in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms; the laundry service will do pressing for a fee.

Library
You may check out books from the ship’s library free of charge. We ask that you return them before your cruise ends.

Medical Services
Due to the proximity to land, medical services can be called from shore rapidly. In the Galápagos, there is a physician on board.

News
The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions and tour departure times.

Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Onboard Shop
Each ship has a shop area offering accessories, film, souvenirs and some select personal and toiletry items.

Safes
Ships have in-room safes. In the Galápagos, valuables may be stored in the ship’s safe free of charge.

Smoking
In Europe and in the Galápagos, all ships have non-smoking interiors. Smoking is only permitted on the Sky Deck. On the Victoria Anna and Royal Lotus smoking is limited to certain areas of the ship.

Special Occasions
Passengers celebrating special occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, should alert ship personnel upon boarding the ship.

Telephones
Each stateroom has a direct dial telephone which may be used to call between staterooms. Ship-to-shore calls are also available. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. In the Galápagos, there are two satellite-linked pay phones available for use in the reception lounge.

Television
Each stateroom has color satellite TV and will receive some English programming. There is a shipboard information channel and a channel with entertainment videos or movies. A TV is found in the ship’s library in the Galápagos only.

Your Shipboard Account
For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your cruise, you will receive a total which can be paid with cash or charged to a credit card.

Currency and Credit Cards

In Europe:
Most of the countries you will be visiting in Europe use the Euro. Exceptions are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia; they all have their own currencies but the Euro is accepted in many establishments. Many locations accept major credit cards; however in small towns they are not widely accepted. In these cases and for incidentals or small vendors, you will need some local currency. ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. Prior to your departure, confirm with your bank that your ATM or credit card and PIN number will work abroad. All purchases on board are charged to your room account. The onboard currency is the Euro. U.S. currency and traveler’s checks may be exchanged for Euro. For payment of shipboard accounts, Euro and U.S. dollars are accepted as well as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diner’s Club. A fee is charged for the use of traveler’s checks. Personal checks cannot be cashed on board.

In China:
U.S. dollars are widely accepted on shore. The local currency is the Yuan. ATM machines will dispense yuan or they can be purchased on board the ship using U.S. dollars. The currency on board is the yuan. Shipboard accounts can be settled in cash, traveler’s checks or most major credit cards.

In Ecuador:
Ecuador uses US Dollars as their official currency. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns. In smaller towns cash is recommended. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card, cash or travelers checks.

In Egypt:
The official currency in the Egyptian pound, but Euros and US Dollars are widely accepted. In small towns it is recommended to carry small amounts of local currency, but vendors in tourist areas are likely to accept US Dollars. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns. ATMs are available in most larger cities. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card or with cash. Travelers checks are not accepted.