Avalon River Cruise Reviews
The 493 Avalon River Cruise reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have traveled with Avalon. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
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I absolutely loved it. I was a solo traveller and felt welcomed. Cleanliness was paramount and people cleaned hands before meals. Meals and service were splendid and I loved that we could get off each day and explore those wonderful towns. Many happy memories. Staff were polite and unobtrusive and provided top-notch service.
We thoroughly enjoyed travelling again with Avalon. There staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble. Each of the cities we visited was beautiful in its own way and lying on the top deck on a sunny day, watching the castles along the edge of the Rhine was a true pleasure.
Relaxing Avalon River Cruise 2
Graham & Caroline Vincent, SA, Australia, Aug 2016
It's difficult to criticise Avalon because they do river cruising so well. They are very well organised, the ship is very comfortable, the ship staff are fantastic and it is difficult to get off at the end having not put on weight as the food is top quality. This was out third cruise with Avalon and the main thing that stood out on this cruise as notable read more was that most of the cruising was done overnight except the stretch between Passau and Melk which is done during one afternoon and is well worth being on board for (some people were off on optional tours that day). Some people don't like overnight cruising as it can be a bit disruptive to your sleep with vibration due to running engines and bumping as you pass through locks. Having said that, the ship is generally very quiet for sleeping and although we did notice the odd vibration or bump, you do get used to it and it didn't effect us very much.
There are nearly 80 locks to go through on this cruise but most you will hardly notice. One other noticeable thing was that the ship did not dock in many of the towns visited along the way. We were quite often dropped off before the towns and then bussed to the town. After the visit to the town we were bussed back to the ship which had sailed on down the river. This was different to other cruises where we were often docked in the towns and could walk into the towns. This is however only a minor point and didn't tarnish our experience. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed this cruise.
There are nearly 80 locks to go through on this cruise but most you will hardly notice. One other noticeable thing was that the ship did not dock in many of the towns visited along the way. We were quite often dropped off before the towns and then bussed to the town. After the visit to the town we were bussed back to the ship which had sailed on down the river. This was different to other cruises where we were often docked in the towns and could walk into the towns. This is however only a minor point and didn't tarnish our experience. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed this cruise.
This was basically two tours. The first section was on the Affinity. We were lucky with the Captain and the Cruise Directory who went to both ships. However on the Affinity we did not enjoy the same service that we enjoyed on a previous Avalon ship. We found the Hotel Manager and the restaurant manager to be not that friendly and not as welcoming read more as expected. There was one exceptional staff member called Emile that provided very good service. At one stage the Restaurant manager had told a waitress to not serve alcohol to us after the main meal. This is not what we experience on a previous Avalon ship. Once we mentioned this to the Cruise Director the Hotel Manager and restaurant manager spoke to us an blamed the waitress. We observed other people getting served alcohol after their main meal. Also when they have the Bistro meal I the lounge all the good waiters are servicing in that area and the main dinning room is under staffed. When you have a beer in the dining room it is not as cold as it should be as they pour it into jugs from the bar upstairs and they get warm. I would suggest that they have a tap beer in the dining room area. This was the same at both ships.
The second leg was the Creativity which was a total more enjoyable experience. The Hotel Manager (Vincent) was excellent and he greeted us on all occasion we returned to the ship after and excursion. He and the Captain were wonderful. The Captain also welcomed us on returning to the ship. All the waiters , front desk staff and bar staff on the Creativity were excellent. It was a far better experience on the Creativity than the Affinity. Nancy the Cruise Director was also excellent on both tours. The Monograms extra stay at the Pullman was also very good. Our experience on the Affinity has made us think about another Cruise line and not Avalon in the Future. We have been very good ambassadors for Avalon after our trip on the Expression from Budapest but the Affinity experience may change our minds. We would have no hesitation recommending the Creativity as a fun ship to be on.
The second leg was the Creativity which was a total more enjoyable experience. The Hotel Manager (Vincent) was excellent and he greeted us on all occasion we returned to the ship after and excursion. He and the Captain were wonderful. The Captain also welcomed us on returning to the ship. All the waiters , front desk staff and bar staff on the Creativity were excellent. It was a far better experience on the Creativity than the Affinity. Nancy the Cruise Director was also excellent on both tours. The Monograms extra stay at the Pullman was also very good. Our experience on the Affinity has made us think about another Cruise line and not Avalon in the Future. We have been very good ambassadors for Avalon after our trip on the Expression from Budapest but the Affinity experience may change our minds. We would have no hesitation recommending the Creativity as a fun ship to be on.
2nd Great Avalon Waterways River Cruise 4
The Blue Danube Discovery
Doug & Heather Williamson, VIC, Australia, Aug 2016
Trip booked through Global Journeys went very smoothly. Avalon Illumination was all we could have hoped for. Food, crew and accommodation excellent. Guides on tours were exceptional - especially Helena in Prague. The best part of the cruise was friendships formed with travelers from other countries.
Fantastic and memorable trip from Amsterdam to Budapest 1
Magnificent Europe
Yvonne R, NSW, Australia, Aug 2016
Loved everything about our trip...we visited some beautiful little towns along the way and really couldn't fault the service of the Avalon staff and the ship was beautiful. Thank you Hannah at Global Journeys, for making everything so easy for us and providing such great service. Hope to do another cruise in the near future.
Great holiday with Danube River Cruise & Boat & Bike tour of Holland the highlights 4
The Legendary Danube
Russell & Joy Tidmarsh, New Zealand, Jul 2016
First time with Emirates and could not fault the experience. Avalon River Cruise just great , well organised with excellent tour guide. One small criticism was after paying for balcony room to often we berthed at locations only to be looking into adjacent boat bed room only half a metre away.
Relaxing and scenic holiday 4
The Blue Danube Discovery
Eric & Carmel Bogle, SA, Australia, Jul 2016
The best part of this holiday was floating down the Danube watching the scenery gliding past like some endless giant picture postcard.....our suite and bathroom were both immaculate and of decent proportions, while the bed was extremely comfortable. Our fellow passengers were sociable and friendly, but there was still ample opportunity and space to read more do your own thing when it suited.
Very relaxing holiday with heaps to see and do. Wonderful crew on the Avalon Felicity who looked after us to a T. Upgraded us to a suite when the air conditioner in our room leaked. The food was first class and the choice of wine was perfect.
Enjoyable holiday 1
The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles
Trevor & Margaret, WA, Australia, Jul 2016
We were really surprised how wonderful the scenery was on the Moselle river. The beautiful little German towns, with excellently restored medieval houses were a surprise to us. The boat was spacious and the staff most helpful. The trips were mainly well organised, though some elderly people found the walking a little difficult. If I had to be critical read more the only thing that was annoying was that we did not leave Paris until nearly 4pm to go to Luxembourg. That meant that by the time we got there it was a rush for dinner.
Very enjoyable cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam 8
Magnificent Rivers of Europe
Wellington Wanderers, New Zealand, Jul 2016
As first time river cruisers we weren't sure what to expect but this was an excellent cruise experience. Easily arranged with Global Journeys and well put together by Avalon. Every day was a new adventure. Hard to pick a single highlight but medieval Rothenberg was a standout. Every meal gave variety & was excellent quality, with afternoon tea & supper read more just in case you were still hungry! Wine at dinner was more than enough and half price drinks at daily happy hour was good value. The staff were friendly and helpful. Kiwis were the majority on our cruise (Yeh), with others from Australia, USA, Canada & UK. We easily made friends and had a great time. Oh, I must mention the panorama suites with wide opening windows. A much more flexible alternative to a balcony and it gave more space in the room. On reflection I'm happy we cruised from Budapest to Amsterdam, although no doubt we would have enjoyed it the other way around as well. This is a cruise well worth considering.
River Cruise Avalon Visionary 1
Robert & Janet Abel, New Zealand, Jun 2016
The tour started poorly because of river levels and on the first evening we were put in a hotel overnight instead of joining the boat. The set meal served was sub standard very disappointing. The second day was spent on a long coach ride to join the boat, for the day's lost off the boat we were promised a 50 per cent refund which our tour director advised read more would come through you our agent. The tour now proceeded OK with the top deck and facilities closed. Tour now continued with a certain amount of uncertainty due to river levels and it was advised the final part could have to be completed by coach and we could pull out and be part refunded if we desired. This was not a option we could consider because of onward bookings already in place. On the positive side the crew, food and tours were very good and they made every effort to make our holiday enjoyable. The pre dinner drinks were not free only happy hour disappointing for the price paid.
Amsterdam to Budapest was an experience of a lifetime. The excursions were excellent and the food was to die for. Our cabin was very comfortable and cruise director was very entertaining and helpful. Thanks again Yvonne Brooks for your efficient and helpful advise in booking our trip of a life time.
The whole experience was excellent, room was small but it made us comfortable (the bed was too comfortable!). The excursions were well planned and efficient, the staff could not do enough for us. The only comment I would have was that the Movenpick in Zurich had no facilities for showering - this could have helped us settle in after our overnight train read more from the Netherlands adventure.
Most of the cruise was very enjoyable, with a comfortable standard of ship, food and service. Visits to towns along the way we're interesting though brief. Unfortunately the ship did not take us past Mannheim due to high water. Alternative arrangements were very efficient, but of course involved many hours of bus travel. River travel is subject to the vagaries of nature!
A truly wonderful experience travelling from Amsterdam to Budapest. All arrangements were well managed and complete from the airport pickup in Amsterdam to the airport drop off in Budapest and everything in between. The ship was exceptional; clean and comfortable a true home from home, we looked forward to the comfort of our room and bed each night. read more The food, service and the wine was excellent and the crew so friendly and accommodating. The cruise and the sights and tours were amazing, we were never bored and often exhausted. Thank you Global Journeys for a great, care free and well organised holiday that surpassed our expectations. We will definitely be back.
Wonderful relaxing holiday 1
Burgundy & Provence (Northbound)
John & Jennifer Banjs, QLD, Australia, May 2016
We will book with Global Journeys again for sure. Hannah has always looked after us and we would recommend to anyone. Avalon was great to cruise with. This was our second time with them. Unfortunately the first time the Danube did not have enough water and this time the Rhone had too much water to pass under bridges. Our cruises were cut a little read more short but not our cruise ship experience. Avalon and the cruise directors handled the problem very well.
Started our holiday flying premium economy with Cathy Pacific, no problem with this airline, great service, just make sure you ask for seats near windows or isle seats as it is easier to move around and is more comfortable. Costs a bit more but well worth it on a long flight. Flew into Amsterdam early morning was able to get into our room which was read more a great start to the day. Couple of days of sightseeing before cruise. Avalon cruise member were there to help us the next morning with baggage and embankment details for that afternoon. Hassle free. Great trip on the Danube and Rhine, wonderful villages exciting cities. Avalon Illumination fantastic.
The whole trip ran very smoothly and was well organised by the operator operator Avalon and its staff on board. I would happily travel, with Avalon on another river cruise. The ship was called Imagery II. It began cruises in 2016 , so everything on board was very new. Trip highlights :- All the included shore excursions esp Heidelberg. Optional excursion read more to tulip flower show at Keukenhof, Holland was stunning. Being a solo traveller, I appreciated the opportunity mix with all passengers and dine with different people at every single meal. I was never alone. All the meals were of excellent quality and most suited to me being a diabetic as I could choose easily between many options offered. My cabin was spacious and the bed was extremely comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole cruise.
We had an amazing trip along the Rhine & Moselle rivers. 2
The Rhine & Moselle (Southbound)
Lynette & Lorenzo Galletti, Australia, Apr 2016
The hole experience was amazing. The staff were very friendly and the other passengers on board were all friendly as well, which really added to the enjoyment of the cruise. All of the included excursions were extremely good as well, with the guides all being very knowledgeable and friendly. We travelled in May and the weather was a bit hit and miss. read more Some days were cold and wet and others were quite pleasant. I don't think we would choose to travel at that time of year again. Avalon Waterways lived up to all of our expectations and we would have no hesitation in recommending them to others. Finally we wish to thank Global Journeys for their efficient service and friendly staff. Michelle White was our contact there and she was always very helpful and friendly. We have booked through Global Journeys before and intend to book our next trip through them again.
