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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A relaxing river cruise through the south of France 2
Burgundy & Provence (Northbound)
Bruce & Lai, VIC, Australia, Apr 2017
Our 2nd cruise with Avalon, and once again the food was fantastic, the room was beautiful, the crew were exceptional. A much more relaxed cruise when compared to the Gems, but still very enjoyable. The ship was only about half full. We did many of the optional outings to ensure we enjoyed ourselves and to see as much as we could (although choices are read more limited when compared to the Gems cruise but we knew that), Cannes, Avignon, Lyon, Old Medieval Town, Old Chateau for wine tasting, and ending in Paris in a wonderful old yet magnificent hotel. A friendly bunch of people on the cruise, and we all got on well.
We stayed in Paris for 3 extra nights to do our own relaxing and sight seeing (Paris Disneyland was fabulous). We should have come into Cannes a few days earlier, but didn't realise Nice and Monte Carlo were so close and easy access by train. We will do some more travelling, and look forward to travelling with Avalon and Global Journeys again (Thanks again Hannah).
We stayed in Paris for 3 extra nights to do our own relaxing and sight seeing (Paris Disneyland was fabulous). We should have come into Cannes a few days earlier, but didn't realise Nice and Monte Carlo were so close and easy access by train. We will do some more travelling, and look forward to travelling with Avalon and Global Journeys again (Thanks again Hannah).
The trip was fantastic, most of all, the cruise and the daily itinerary was well explained and organised. The Avalon river cruise was exceptional, the staff was wondering, and the meals were a delight, although when compared to an ocean cruise, there were less variety, however, each meal was delicate and finely done. The itinerary and onboard entertainment read more was really good, on most towns/cities, there were a city walking tour organised, and choice of other tours in the afternoon with extra payments if so desired. The highlight would be the walking tours as well as the onboard entertainment invited on board on the Avalon. The downside I feel is that the river cruise is a lot more expensive in general compared to a ocean cruise, keeping in mind that a lot of excursions are included. Global Journeys have made it easy for us to follow the instructions and provided great communications during the time of organisation. I would definitely book with again again in the near future.
Our first river cruise and it was extremely good 12
The Legendary Danube
Tim & Rose, NSW, Australia, Apr 2017
The trip was very well organised, the included tours good, the range of optional excursions quite varied and most were good, the crew were magnificent and very friendly, the food magnificent and in no short supply by any means. The cruise director was very professional and helpful (even organised a short ANZAC day event for the Australians and New Zealanders). read more The cabins and beds were very comfortable and well sound insulated, and the floor-to-ceiling door sliding open to allow full view uninterrupted views was magnificent. Couldn't fault any aspect of the cruise.
Magnificent Europe with Avalon 3
Magnificent Rivers of Europe
Ian & Marilyn, VIC, Australia, Apr 2017
I took an Avalon cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam with my 90 yr old mother and found the Avalon service to be impecable. Everything was 5 star, the rooms, service, staff, food and excursions were all better than expected and catered very well for slower walkers. Would highly recommend.
I arrived on board ill - caught something most unpleasant a couple of days earlier on the train from Paris to Amsterdam, where the lady beside me coughed and spluttered the entire trip. On boarding, I banished myself to by cabin/stateroom to avoid contaminating others. Crew were amazing - providing me with room service making sure I ate, Tour Guide read more tried at least three times to find me a doctor without success, and when I emerged from my self imposed isolation fellow passengers were also very caring and made sure I was OK all the time. Awesome care. Thank you.
The Avalon Passion was a beautiful ship and all the staff from the Captain to cleaning crew were amazing!. Monica our Cruise Director was so helpful and informative, from her constant guidance with tours and her commentary on picturesque parts if the cruise. The food was so delicious, so many choices and you could help yourself to coffee and tea any read more time of day and there was even biscuits in one of the lounges. On-board entertainment was excellent and varied. I can't fault any part of our journey even though the weather gods didn't co-operate (it was a bit cold for the first week)! Congratulations Avalon and thank you.
As with any cruise, the overall experience depends on a combination of the ship and crew, the quality of the itinerary, and the social mix with fellow passengers. On a small ship, such as this, there is the opportunity to develop friendships with other passengers, and to enhance the trip in that way. That was certainly our experience. We were also pleased read more that most travel between destinations was at night, thus allowing us to make the most of the day in port. The shore excursions were well organised and the guides were exceptional in their knowledge and ability to bring the history of a destination alive. We learnt a great deal.
An amazing cruise over the festive season! This time of year brought a different traveller to the river, we had a few families on board which was fantastic giving the cruise a different vibe! Weather was great but unfortunately no snow. Ship and staff were fantastic as was the food and selection. Our second cruise and I'm sure it wont be our last.
9 Day Christmas on the Danube 1
Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)
Ric Lester, WA, Australia, Nov 2016
We had an absolute ball on this river cruise. The boat was amazing, cabin excellent, meals wonderful, staff amazing, cruise director was excellent and very approachable and the we met some wonderful people. Will definitely be doing another cruise with Avalon!
Excellent holiday - especially in Autumn with tree colours and fewer crowds. The cabins and lounges were comfortable. The boat handling and locks and other ships were intriguing. The crew members and guides were efficient AND friendly. The daily information was inspiring. The food was healthy and plentiful with lots of choices - even though I'm vegetarian. read more The museums and shops were entertaining at every shore stop. The architecture was intriguing and sometime awesome - took lots of photos to absorb the details later. So many highlights - electric biking through Dutch farmland, patisseries in Strasbourg etc. The Prague hotel was very classy and the city was fun to explore. Salzburg was so lovely I'm tempted to go back and live there for a while.
Would recommend the itinerary to my friends 6
Magnificent Europe
Keith Brewster, NSW, Australia, Oct 2016
The whole itinerary was well presented, organised and went to plan. A good all round holiday. Good,accommodation and tours were all good. I would recommend the itinerary to my friends. Value for money, as a single traveler, could be a down side. Regardless it was a good experience.
Avalon Waterways 'hardware' lived up to all expectations. The October weather was better than average but we just managed to complete the full cruise as a lack of rain meant the Danube was only just navigable (shallow water) at the Nurenberg end. Food was generally very good though the breakfast and lunch menus were similar daily (but of a good quality). read more Shore excursions varied from very interesting and enjoyable to one or two that were a little mundane. Their pricing seemed on the expensive side when compared to the purchase of similar tours in situ. There was plenty of opportunity for own adventures, however. The crew were very helpful, though I think that at the end of the cruise season they may have been a little tired and were a bit reluctant to enter conversation; this may have been to do with language too as I only speak English.
Cities visited on this cruise (Blue Danube Discovery - Budapest to Prague) were well chosen for history, architecture and culinary experiences. Passengers were a good bunch, dominated by North Americans (American cruise line?). Overall I was very pleased to complete this journey which has been a long term objective and I would recommend it. Booking was easy through Global Journeys with one comment that contact seemed to be principally by email following voice message. Direct phone communication may have been easier on one or two occasions (minor comment after a hassle free experience).
Cities visited on this cruise (Blue Danube Discovery - Budapest to Prague) were well chosen for history, architecture and culinary experiences. Passengers were a good bunch, dominated by North Americans (American cruise line?). Overall I was very pleased to complete this journey which has been a long term objective and I would recommend it. Booking was easy through Global Journeys with one comment that contact seemed to be principally by email following voice message. Direct phone communication may have been easier on one or two occasions (minor comment after a hassle free experience).
This was our first river cruise with Avalon and we found the overall experience wonderful. From beginning to end we could leave everything to them and just kick back and enjoy the experience. The scenery was spectacular and the villages visited very charming. The service on board the River Ship Tapestry was excellent- the staff warm, friendly and accommodating. read more This particular cruise was chosen because we just wanted to relax and see a little of France, following our escorted tour through Europe, and were very surprised that it exceeded our expectations. We had a lower cabin and have to say that this was great as it did not look into other ship cabins when double docked. We spent very little time in the cabin as there was so much to see off shore and lots to talk about with friends made on the cruise - in the lounge, on the deck or in the dining room. The music and fun on the dance floor was terrific. The meals were well thought out and the dining experience was tremendous. We would definitely travel with Avalon again.
Lazy Sailing Down the Danube 1
Balkan Discovery with Bucharest
Joyce Soder, QLD, Australia, Sep 2016
The overall organisation of the holiday from booking to the completion in Bucharest was efficient and helpful.The accommodation in the hotels and on the boat was of a high standard. The hotels were also located in convenient locations so one could get out and explore whilst in the cities. The tours were very good, interesting but a bit slow. It is recommended read more that one bus be for the people who like to get out and move around quickly with a guide to make the most of their time on shore. A few times I felt like I was doing the senior shuffle when I could have used that extra hour for further exploration or a bit of shopping. The mix of people on board was excellent and welcoming to a single traveller. Praise must be given to Monica for running a tight ship. She was very clear and concise on the daily programmes and they ran efficiently. The staff were very good in their service and the chef's menu suited all dietary and calorie requirements.
The highlights of our Legendary Danube trip were the tours of the cities of Prague, Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest and the tour through the beautiful Austrian lakes region.
It was so relaxing to sail along the french rivers and have everything taken care of. We saw so many lovely old villages and towns.So much more than you could do on your own. The crew were wonderful and so was the food. Our cruise director Tony was excellent.
This was our first experience of river cruising. We had a great time. The facilities on our ship, Vista, were excellent. The Cruise Director, Istvan, and all the crew made our experience one to be remembered.
Our trip from Paris was faultless, commencing with excellent accommodation for 2 nights at the Westin Paris Vendome. Next day we enjoyed a guided sightseeing tour of the beautiful city. Then by TGV down to join our luxurious ship at Chalon Sur Saone with wine tasting at Beaune along the way. The next 7 days were really fabulous visiting many lovely read more towns and cities whilst being pampered, wined and dined on board the MS Avalon Affinity. Finally disembarking at Arles and then travelling to Monte Carlo with a final night at the luxurious Fairmont. All meals were excellent as were the hosts and local guides. We have no hesitation in recommending this tour.
Avalon were exceptional. Every member of staff was obliging and incredibly helpful. The ship was faultless as was the food. Excursions were well organised and punctual and our tour director was a real asset. I actually couldn't imagine another tour company surpassing this package.
Superb, relaxing with unobtrusive well trained staff 4
Romantic Rhine
Solo Traveller, QLD, Australia, Aug 2016
This was a perfect introduction to River cruising in a most scenic location providing an easy journey through ports that were central to European history. The ship was just a year old, the tour director kept things running smoothly and was available if needed, but didn't intrude. The cabin crew did a superb job and even my orchid was replaced mid-journey read more because it wasn't performing well enough. The captain and crew kept us running smoothly and without incident. We had a shore visit every day with a local guide and time to explore on our own and to visit a museum, a cathedral or shop or just relax in a European cafe or bar with the locals. Because we were a relatively small ship our numbers didn't overwhelm the historic cities at which we docked. The food was elegant, plentiful and delicious with many choices for breakfast and lunch and a more formal dinner with wines from the region. The waiters were well trained and polite and, as the crew concert showed, very funny. Avalon has a few sailings where they reserve a few cabins for solo travelers who don't have to pay a penalty which is why I chose the company. People were very nice to me and I didn't stand out because I am a widow on my own. As people age more of us will be left alone and we don't want to limit our horizons. Great journey Avalon. And as a bonus, the sun shone every day.
