Trafalgar River Cruises vs Avalon River Cruises

Why should we cruise with Trafalgar?

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

We are the world’s leading and most awarded travel brand spanning all seven continents of the globe. From the iconic to the unexpected, our guests connect to the real depth of the places we go. You'll break bread with the locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock the local secrets of our Travel Directors and Local Specialists. Everything is taken care of, so you'll travel with true ease and get the real thing - without worrying about a thing.

We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our read more JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by TreadRight, guests don't just leave footprints on the ground, but leave a lasting legacy for the betterment of locals and the future of their communities. It’s 72 years of destination experience and feedback from over 5 million happy guests that fuels our innovation to continually delivery simply the best holidays.

What rivers do Trafalgar explore?

Our thoughts...

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

Over 250 coach tours around the world, and one of our clients most popular touring companies, Trafalgar is part of the Travel Corporation, which includes under its umbrella the sister brands of Insight Vacations, AAT Kings, Uniworld, Luxury Gold, Contiki & Costsaver. With a worldwide presence, Trafalgar welcomes guests from around the world so you'll enjoy the company of many nationalities aboard your coach. Sitting between Insight and Costsaver, Trafalgar pride themselves in touring innovation, introducing 'Insider Experiences' (where you get to know and dine with the locals) and travel styles to suit those that prefer smaller groups or those read more that prefer a more leisurely itineraries. Look out for Trafalgar's 'Early Payment Savings' where you can enjoy significant savings on your trip if you book and pay early, as well as further savings if you're a past passenger on any of their aforementioned sister brands.

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

A broad international mix of couples, friends and solo travellers seeking an easy-going European river cruise with Trafalgar's familiar guided touring style and strong focus on local experiences.

Do Trafalgar river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers are welcome and can book their own stateroom, and a single supplement applies.

How inclusive are Trafalgar's river cruises?

Inclusive rather than fully all-inclusive, fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, tea, coffee and water, WiFi, daily included onboard and shore experiences and shipboard crew gratuities.

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

Additional costs include premium drinks, optional experiences, massage treatments, serviced laundry and gratuities for the Experience Director, Experience Manager, drivers and Local Specialists.

Do Trafalgar include shore excursions?

Daily included shore experiences are part of the fare, including Trafalgar's Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. Additional Optional Experiences are available for purchase.

What types of excusions are available?

A combination of included and optional sightseeing is offered. Included experiences cover key destination highlights and local encounters, while Optional Experiences provide additional cultural and sightseeing choices for an extra charge.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Onboard activities include local entertainers, culinary demonstrations, Captain's wheelhouse visits, nautical talks, games, wellness activities and use of the fitness area. Complimentary bikes and Nordic walking sticks are also available for exploring ashore.

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

All staterooms have river views. On Trafalgar Reverie and Verity, accommodation ranges from 151-square-foot Classic and Deluxe Staterooms to French Balcony Staterooms and 214-square-foot Riverview Suites, with ensuite bathrooms and daily servicing.

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.