AmaWaterways vs Avalon River Cruises

Why should we cruise with AmaWaterways?

We asked AmaWaterways why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways is a global river cruise brand with a wonderfully personal feel. Guests from around the world share the experience, while English is the language used for onboard announcements and activities, making it easy to feel at home and connect with fellow travellers.

That sense of welcome begins with the crew. Their attentive service and the warm, relaxed atmosphere make the ship a pleasure to return to after each day ashore.

The destinations are a huge part of the appeal. AmaWaterways offers river journeys through Europe, read more Asia, Colombia and Egypt, as well as journeys in Southern Africa. The choice of included shore experiences is a real strength. You can explore local history and culture, discover regional food and wine, or choose a more active outing such as a guided walk or bike ride. With multiple, included shore experiences, from cultural, culinary or active, it’s easy for everyone to experience a destination in their own way.

Back on board, locally inspired dining and welcoming spaces give everyone time to unwind and share stories from the day. The details are thoughtfully taken care of, while guests have the freedom to make the journey their own.

For travellers looking for a river cruise that feels personal, enriching and genuinely enjoyable, AmaWaterways delivers an experience that stays with them long after they return home.

What rivers do AmaWaterways explore?

Our thoughts...

The low down on AmaWaterways from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

AmaWaterways is a renowned luxury river cruise line offering premium cruises across Europe’s great rivers as well as in Asia, Africa and more recently in South America! Until only recently, APT and Travelmarvel chartered AmaWaterways' ships for their river cruises, but that changed in 2025 when AmaWaterways setup operations in Australia. So many Aussies and Kiwis have already experienced being on board an Ama ship, but just under a different name!

Known for their spacious staterooms - many with signature twin balconies - and a strong focus on wellness, active excursions and personal service. With a wide variety of itineraries, innovative ship read more design and attention to detail from embarkation to disembarkation, AmaWaterways premium inclusive cruises stand out for thier blend of comfort, service and destination-rich cruise experiences.

Who are we likely to meet on a AmaWaterways river cruise?

A wide variety of travellers from around the world, generally aged 50+, including couples, solo travellers, active travellers and multi-generational groups. They have solo, twin, triple, quad and interconnecting rooms on many of their ships. People of all ages enjoy travelling with AmaWaterways.

Do AmaWaterways river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. AmaWaterways welcomes solo travellers and offers reduced or waived single supplements on selected sailings and cabin categories. Four ships in France offer dedicated solo cabins with no single supplement. The first day of each cruise, AmaWaterways ask for the solo travellers to meet at reception for a ship tour by the Captain, or First Officer to meet each other in a relaxed setting.

How inclusive are AmaWaterways' river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, WiFi, shore excursions in every port, free wellness classes daily, premium regional wines, beers and soft drinks with meals and during Cocktail Hour, you have access to unlimited cocktails or mocktails, to give you time to catch up with fellow guests. Australasian cruise fares also include gratuities for both ship crew and local guides.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Additional costs include top self beverages, plus drinks outside of meals & Cocktail Hour and spa and salon treatments. In Europe, there is only one optional tour - the Classical Music experience in Vienna - which costs extra. In all other regions, shore excursions are included. AmaWaterways offers a variety of pre & post cruise packages, where there are optional excursions if you wish to purchase them.

Do AmaWaterways include shore excursions?

Yes. Shore excursions are included in every port, with guided sightseeing, walking tours, hiking and cycling experiences depending on the destination. You're provided with a choice of up to 6 shore excursions per day, giving you the widest variety of shore experiences of any river cruise line.

What types of excusions are available?

AmaWaterways offers more choice of included shore excursions in Europe than any other river cruise line, with multiple options available on many days. Choose from city tours, cultural experiences, wine tastings, guided hikes and bike rides, often with different activity levels. In destinations such as the Mekong, Colombia and Africa, shore excursions are also included, although the choices avaialabe are be more limited.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Activities include daily fitness and wellness classes on many ships, swimming pools or whirlpools, walking tracks, fitness rooms, live entertainment and lounges. European ships also carry complimentary bicycles for guided or independent exploration ashore.

What are the cabins like on AmaWaterways' river ships?

All staterooms and suites offer river views, with accommodation ranging from picture-window cabins to French-balcony and balcony staterooms. Many of their European ships feature AmaWaterways' signature twin balconies combining a French balcony with an outside balcony.
The suites, besides being bigger, offer additional amenities including laundry, mini bar and personalised stewards. Every room on board AmaWaterways also has a Nespresso machine. And plentiful storage space.

Why should we cruise with Avalon?

We asked Avalon why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience.

Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites read more blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.

What rivers do Avalon explore?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Avalon from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Avalon Waterways have been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004 and its parent company was founded in Switzerland nearly a century ago. Avalon's modern luxury river ships, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, are a firm favourite amongst our past clients, and some of their itineraries are our biggest sellers. Avalon don't usually include Fly Offers with their cruise fare, so you'll need to book flights separately, but consequently their prices are cheaper than other luxury all-inclusive operators - and they offer some great Earlybird discounts too if you get in early. As part of the Globus Family group of Brands, you can also read more secure further discounts the next time you decide to travel by coach with either Globus or Cosmos.

Who are we likely to meet on a Avalon river cruise?

Travellers seeking relaxed river cruising with flexible dining, included sightseeing and a choice of classic, active and immersive experiences. Solo travellers are also well catered for.

Do Avalon river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Around 10% of Avalon guests travel solo, and Avalon regularly waives single supplements on selected European and Southeast Asia sailings.

How inclusive are Avalon's river cruises?

Inclusive. Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, a substantial choice of shore excursions, WiFi, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, fitness activities and onboard entertainment.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Gratuities for the onboard crew are included in the cruise fare for Aussies and Kiwis, but not for North Americans. Optional excursions and activities, laundry, premium food and beverages outside the included offering and transfers will cost extra.

Do Avalon include shore excursions?

Yes. Avalon Choice excursions are included, with sightseeing led by certified local guides and options spanning Classic, Active and Discovery experiences.

What types of excusions are available?

Avalon offers Classic, Active and Discovery excursions, with up to 28 included choices on some itineraries and an average of around 22 on Active & Discovery cruises. Complimentary bikes and e-bikes are also available for independent exploration.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Included onboard activities and facilities include live music, trivia, themed events, movies, fitness centres, yoga and stretching classes, an Adventure Host, lounges, a library, Sky Deck areas and whirlpools or plunge pools on selected ships.

What are the cabins like on Avalon's river ships?

All staterooms are exterior-facing. Around 80% are Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling Open-Air Balconies and beds positioned to face the river views. Deluxe Staterooms and larger suites are also available, depending on the ship.