Avalon River Cruises
Avalon Waterways puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you journey on one of 2,004 cruise departures along the world’s most memorable and mesmerising waterways.
Avalon Waterways puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you journey on one of 2,004 cruise departures along the world’s most memorable and mesmerising waterways.
Cruise Styles:
Featured River Cruises
15 Days Budapest to Amsterdam
Operator: Avalon
From 7,813pp
Save 4,230pp
Popular Destinations
Explore the following regions on one of 2,004 river cruises with Avalon
Avalon Cruise Fleet
Inclusions, itineraries, onboard facilities & deck plans of each Avalon cruise ship.
Ship Class: River Ship
Avalon Alegria, a dazzling addition to the Douro River, offers an intimate cruising experience with just 102 passengers. Its Panorama...
Ship Class: River Ship
The Avalon View, a gem in Europe's waterways, offers expansive Panorama Suites and a unique Open-Air Balcony experience. Guests enjoy...
Ship Class: River Ship
The Avalon Envision sets the benchmark in relaxed luxury cruising, with its Panorama Suites offering unparalleled river views through...
Ship Class: River Ship
Since first taking her maiden voyage on the Mekong River in 2018, the Avalon Saigon has been praised for delivering an intimate cruise...
Ship Class: River Ship
Avalon Waterways are so passionate about their Suite Ships, they christened this one the Avalon Passion! The ship features free Wi-Fi, a...
Ship Class: River Ship
Avalon Imagery II epitomises luxury river cruising, with its spacious Panorama Suites featuring Open-Air Balconies and panoramic windows....
Ship Class: River Ship
The Avalon Tranquility II offers a serene river cruising experience, combining peace with adventure. Enjoy the intimacy of Panorama Suites...
Ship Class: River Ship
The Avalon Tapestry II offers a unique river cruising experience with its Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, panoramic windows for an...
Avalon Reviews
River Cruise through South of France 0 Burgundy & Provence (Southbound) Norman and Gloria, ON, Canada, Oct 2025
We greatly enjoyed our river cruise. The staff on Poetry II were top-notch. We thank those who were especially helpful, like Matheus in reception, Marya in the dining room, and Carmen in housekeeping. Some really went out of their way to help me when I got sick during the cruise, such as Adrian who was super-accommodating in adjusting local tour arrangements, read more and Margarida who diligently served me a special medicinal drink using a very effective Portuguese recipe. This was a very positive experience and we look forward to joining another Avalon river cruise in the not too distant future.
The river of gold 0 Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro Susan, New Zealand, Oct 2025
Absolutely loved the cruise. Lovely new ship with great room and bathroom. Staff were fantastic - without fail friendly and helpful. Food was really good with plenty of variety, choice and local dishes. Really appreciated "compulsory happiness hour" with generous free drinks. This in contrast to another cruise line who I found over advertised and read more underdelivered. Ditto the included excursions - not just one ("not another dreary war memorial!") but a choice of three. Great dilemma to have. Good crowd - and never heard a complaint!
Avalon River Cruise 1 Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) Bert and Annie, Australia, Sep 2025
The ship, the crew, the food, the Cruise Director were fantastic. Interaction with the Global team was also first class and happy to recommend you to our friends. xox
Best Vacation EVER 1 Active & Discovery on the Danube with Budapest (Westbound) Karen and Patrick, IL, United States, Aug 2025
Perfect from start to finish. Globus covered all the details needed to start this fantastic journey. Avalon picked up right with Globus finished up. Our trip was perfect from the moment we met our transfer ride at the airport, to meeting our cruise director Carlos at the hotel, to getting on the boat and all the excursions. Everything was planned read more so well - even when our schedule had to be changed due to water levels on the Danube River. The excursions were fantastic, but the best part of the trip were the friendships we made. It was a sad to say good bye to our new friends the last evening aboard. Looking forward to working with Global Journeys on our next adventure.
Beautiful cruise down the Rhine 0 Romantic Rhine (Southbound) Lauren and Peter, QLD, Australia, Aug 2025
Lovely cruise Amsterdam to Basel - amazing places, great included excursions, good mix of fellow travelers from around the world. Beautiful ship and crew. Thoroughly enjoyed this cruise and would definitely recommend it. Traveled in August which was a bit warm but nice.
Paris & Bordeaux 0 French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux Tony and Lesley, WA, Australia, Aug 2025
Well this was a wonderful trip. Two very good river cruises with Avalon. Great food great touring and well organised by tour guide Marco. Thanks to Hannah for yet another well organised river cruise.
Amsterdam to Basel Rhine River Cruise 0 Romantic Rhine (Southbound) David and Marilyn, Australia, Aug 2025
Rachel was professional and answered all my enquiries promptly. We had a great time on the cruise. The staff, food & drinks were excellent. We met lots of lovely people and exchanged contact details to meet again. We really enjoyed the classical music evening. More of those please! The excursion tours were well done. Would we go again with Avalon...yes!
Visiting the previous Eastern bloc countries was something we had wanted to do for a while, and when we found this Avalon cruise through some of those locations, we were keen to go. Apart from being fascinated by how developed some of these cities are now, it was an eye-opener to hear stories of the Soviet-era communist regime and how people lived then. read more There were also relics left in their original condition as reminders of the world then, which was barely 30 years ago. A trip worth doing for us.
A special mention to Hannah, our travel advisor, who just made everything so easy for us to book and organise our cruise. She was extremely responsive and helpful to the questions we had and provided top class support for everything we needed. She's a real asset to Global Journeys.
A special mention to Hannah, our travel advisor, who just made everything so easy for us to book and organise our cruise. She was extremely responsive and helpful to the questions we had and provided top class support for everything we needed. She's a real asset to Global Journeys.
Avalon Brochures
Download the latest Avalon brochures to read at your convenience.
Avalon River Cruises (2027)
Discover the world’s most iconic rivers and waterways with Avalon River Cruises, where thoughtful journeys, spacious Suite Ships, and immersive experiences place you at the heart of every destination. From the Rhine and Danube to the Amazon and Galápagos, more enjoy unforgettable scenery, regional flavours, and expertly guided exploration, all backed by nearly a century of Swiss heritage and craftsmanship.
Avalon River Cruises (2026)
At Avalon, we are redefining river cruising by charting a different course than the big ships - no crowded tourist ports
or rushed schedules, just immersive journeys that keep you in the heart of each destination. Our modern Suite Ships sail
the world’s l moreegendary rivers and waterways, placing you just steps from vibrant cities, charming villages, and breathtaking scenery. Wake to Vienna at your doorstep, watch Budapest sparkle at night, or take in 360-degree views of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley from the Sky Deck. Cycle through Cologne or Paris, savour fine cuisine in Lyon, or sample sweets in Linz, then retreat to your spacious suite without missing a moment.
From Southeast Asia and Egypt to the Amazon and Galápagos, Avalon offers a front-row seat to the world’s most extraordinary places—all while unpacking once. Backed by nearly a century of Swiss heritage, we infuse precision, care, and timeless craftsmanship into every journey. Welcome aboard the wideopen wonder of Avalon. Your journey begins here.
or rushed schedules, just immersive journeys that keep you in the heart of each destination. Our modern Suite Ships sail
the world’s l moreegendary rivers and waterways, placing you just steps from vibrant cities, charming villages, and breathtaking scenery. Wake to Vienna at your doorstep, watch Budapest sparkle at night, or take in 360-degree views of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley from the Sky Deck. Cycle through Cologne or Paris, savour fine cuisine in Lyon, or sample sweets in Linz, then retreat to your spacious suite without missing a moment.
From Southeast Asia and Egypt to the Amazon and Galápagos, Avalon offers a front-row seat to the world’s most extraordinary places—all while unpacking once. Backed by nearly a century of Swiss heritage, we infuse precision, care, and timeless craftsmanship into every journey. Welcome aboard the wideopen wonder of Avalon. Your journey begins here.
The Avalon River Cruise Experience
Choose to travel with Avalon on your next adventure!
It's All About Your Outlook No other fleet or river cruise offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama Suites. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, they’re actually river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony - with nothing between you and the view.
While other river cruise cabins are designed with beds against a wall for a view of another wall, our Comfort Collection beds actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising.
Think of it as a view with a room!
No other fleet or river cruise offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships, featuring Avalon Panorama Suites. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, they’re actually river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony - with nothing between you and the view.
While other river cruise cabins are designed with beds against a wall for a view of another wall, our Comfort Collection beds actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising.
Think of it as a view with a room!
Included Luxury From meticulous millwork to hand applied finishes, Avalon's ships are thoughtfully designed and appointed with quality materials. Each Avalon Suite Ship was created with customer comfort as a priority.
Every well-appointed Deluxe Stateroom or Suite is a spacious refuge of inviting home-away-from-home features. Delight in a large private bathroom with full shower with glass door and premium L'Occitane bath products; quality robes and slippers; luxurious Comfort Collection Beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets; soft or firm pillows; ample closet space and under-bed storage; fully stocked minibars with complimentary bottled water; and flatscreen televisions with a movie channel and selection of films.
In addition, we boast countless amenities like complimentary access to Wi-Fi, local specialty dishes, regional wines and beers, a fitness centre, hair salon and more.
From meticulous millwork to hand applied finishes, Avalon's ships are thoughtfully designed and appointed with quality materials. Each Avalon Suite Ship was created with customer comfort as a priority.
Every well-appointed Deluxe Stateroom or Suite is a spacious refuge of inviting home-away-from-home features. Delight in a large private bathroom with full shower with glass door and premium L'Occitane bath products; quality robes and slippers; luxurious Comfort Collection Beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets; soft or firm pillows; ample closet space and under-bed storage; fully stocked minibars with complimentary bottled water; and flatscreen televisions with a movie channel and selection of films.
In addition, we boast countless amenities like complimentary access to Wi-Fi, local specialty dishes, regional wines and beers, a fitness centre, hair salon and more.
Over 85 years In Travel Avalon Waterways is one of the most reputable cruise operators on the waterways today. Family owned, the Globus Family have more than 85 years of experience planning itineraries and guiding holidays around the world.
You can book with confidence knowing that we have a 97% customer satisfaction rating and international recognition for our ships and service offerings. In 2004, excited by the promise of river cruising that (at the time) was characterized by older ships, limited space and land excursions that operated as an afterthought, Avalon Waterways was established to create a different kind of river cruise experience - one that would embrace and celebrate everything special about the travel style.
Avalon Waterways is one of the most reputable cruise operators on the waterways today. Family owned, the Globus Family have more than 85 years of experience planning itineraries and guiding holidays around the world.
You can book with confidence knowing that we have a 97% customer satisfaction rating and international recognition for our ships and service offerings. In 2004, excited by the promise of river cruising that (at the time) was characterized by older ships, limited space and land excursions that operated as an afterthought, Avalon Waterways was established to create a different kind of river cruise experience - one that would embrace and celebrate everything special about the travel style.
Explore More
Your guide to travelling with Avalon River Cruises
FAQs
Who will I be cruising with?
Avalon guests are a mix of passengers from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as Europe and Asia.
Are drinks included onboard?
Avalon offer complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, which are served with lunch and dinner onboard. Sparkling wine is also served with breakfast!
Is Wi-Fi included on my cruise?
All Avalon ships in Europe and Egypt have complimentary Wi-Fi available to guests. On the Mekong, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge.
Are excursions included?
Avalon include a range of Classic, Active and Discovery sightseeing options in your cruise fare. You can also pre-purchase Optional Excursions once your cruise is placed onto a 'Definite Departure' status.
When can I book my Optional Excursions?
Once your cruise is booked and confirmed, your Global Journeys Cruise Advisor will ask you to complete your Avalon ‘MyAccount’, where you can book your additional excursions between 90-4 days prior to the excursion date. Availability is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis, so we recommend booking your shore excursions as soon as possible.
Are airport transfers included?
No, but you can pre-purchase Avalon’s airport transfers if your flights arrive and/or depart on the first and last days of your cruise, or with pre and/or post-cruise accommodation booked as part of your Avalon cruise package.
Do I need to tip during my cruise?
For Aussies & Kiwis, gratuities are included in your cruise fare for your Cruise Director and Ship's Crew. For shore excursions, suggested gratuities are €2 per guest for local guides and €1 per guest for drivers, per excursion. These are not included in your cruise price and must be paid in cash.
How much luggage can I bring?
Avalon recommend guests bring one (1) suitcase per person, with the weight not exceeding 22kg (48lbs). You can find further details on luggage limits in your final cruise documents. Remember that airlines have their own luggage restrictions as well.
Do I need a travel adaptor?
Electricity onboard Avalon Waterways ships ranges from 110v-220v. Specific electricity details for your ship will be included in your final cruise documents. It is recommended to pack an international travel adaptor, as well as a converter if your appliances are not dual voltage.
What do I wear on my cruise?
The dress code with Avalon Waterways is casual, so dress for comfort and practicality. Dinner attire is smart casual (open-neck shirts, pants, dresses are fine). Some guests dress up for the Captain’s Reception and Farewell Dinner, but it's not required.
Remember to consider the places you’ll visit in each destination and if there are any dress codes or cultural expectations – we’d hate for you to miss out on any must-see sites!
Remember to consider the places you’ll visit in each destination and if there are any dress codes or cultural expectations – we’d hate for you to miss out on any must-see sites!
What should I pack?
We suggest packing layers to cover all temperatures. Include appropriate clothes, comfortable shoes, and a small backpack for your time ashore. You might want to pack a mix of smart-casual and dressy options for your time onboard. Adventure Hosts will also lead daily workouts on European cruises, so pack your active wear and dress for fitness success.
How do I pay for things onboard?
Avalon use a cashless system where all onboard services and purchases are added to a shipboard account. At the end of your cruise, your account can be settled with either cash or credit card (traveller’s cheques incur a fee).
What currency is used onboard?
In Europe, Euro and US Dollars are accepted by Avalon Waterways, as well as American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Diner’s Club. In Southeast Asia, Avalon accepts US Dollars and payment using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or cash.
Can I cruise with Avalon Waterways as a single traveller?
Single travellers can sail with Avalon, and enjoy the privacy of their own stateroom, however a Single Supplement will apply. Avalon occasionally offer Single Supplement Waivers on select itineraries and sailing dates, so be sure to speak with your Global Journeys Cruise Advisor if you’re thinking of cruising solo.
Where can I do my laundry?
Avalon Waterways offer a laundry service on their ships. You'll find the price list and details for arranging laundry services in your stateroom.
Will there be children onboard?
You might see some younger travellers onboard your Avalon ship, but there are no special arrangements or activities for children so it’s unlikely you’ll see many, if any.
When do I embark and disembark my cruise?
Details on when and where to embark and disembark your cruise will be provided in your final travel documents.
What’s the best side of the ship to book my cabin?
There isn't a specific right or wrong side to book your cabin. Both sides offer generous views, allowing you to choose based on personal preference and cabin availability.
Will I get seasick on a river cruise?
It's uncommon to experience seasickness on a river cruise, given the calm waters and slower ship movement. If you’re concerned, consult your doctor before departure for peace of mind.
When will I receive my cruise documents?
Your Global Journeys Cruise Advisor will email your final cruise documents to you about 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided we have received all the required information we need from you. Bon Voyage!
What is SafetyNet Protection?
If you’re unsure of your commitments leading up to your departure, Avalon Waterways offer an optional SafetyNet Protection policy for an additional fee, allowing you to amend your trip without penalty. Read more here. If you'd like to include this protection, please let your Global Journeys Cruise Advisor know.
Do I need a visa?
You will need to contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your itinerary for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality. More information can be found here.
Do I need travel insurance?
Australian Medicare, New Zealand ACC and private health insurance will not cover you for any medical costs while away. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance at the time you pay your deposit.
Travel insurance is an essential part of your holiday plans. Be aware when organising your insurance, that uninsured travellers (or their families) and travellers without the appropriate level of cover, are held personally liable for cancellation, medical and associated costs incurred at any time whether before the cruise, on board or overseas.
Global Journeys recommends Cover-More Travel Insurance.
Travel insurance is an essential part of your holiday plans. Be aware when organising your insurance, that uninsured travellers (or their families) and travellers without the appropriate level of cover, are held personally liable for cancellation, medical and associated costs incurred at any time whether before the cruise, on board or overseas.
Global Journeys recommends Cover-More Travel Insurance.
Terms & Conditions
All the boring small print. We recommend you read them, as no one likes surprises!
- Please read Avalon River Cruises Terms & Conditions
- Please also read Global Journeys' Terms & Conditions if you haven't already.
