Avalon Passion Reviews

We loved visiting the little medieval towns along the Danube and Rhine Rivers and learning more of their histories and modern lives.

Once again Yvonne and the team at Global have ensured a wonderful holiday experience. Our Avalon river cruise was an excellent way to see Eastern Europe. Initially we though 20 nights may have been too long to spend on a river cruise but we had to be dragged off the boat at the end. Terrific cabin, great food and wonderful staff. The experience was read more unforgettable and we would highly recommend both Avalon and Global Journeys. The itinerary was interesting and optional tours good value. Nancy, our cruise director was exceptional.

Overall the cruise from Budapest to Bucharest with extension to Brasov was enjoyable. Pick up from Budapest to hotel was on time and courteous. Accommodation at Sofitel in Budapest was excellent and breakfast choices excellent. Having to obtain our own lunches and dinners for 2 days was inconvenient. Checkout at 11 am and no program for 4 1/2 hours, read more with no accommodation and luggage was extremely inconvenient. Stopover in Cetate with presentation/entertainment by owner was fascinating and locally made product tasting was delicious. Accommodation and breakfast at Athenee Palace Hilton was excellent.

The breakfast, lunches and dinners on the river cruise were good, but lacked variety and missing local food fare, basically menus remain unchanged from day to day and any changes were minor. Chef's presentations were average. fish selections poor- overcooked and not very tasty.

Crew on board were helpful but some not very friendly and warm. The cruise director provided scant information on the tours and had to be coerced to provide basic information i.e. duration, ease of walking, lunch options etc. Entertainment on board was boring particularly detailed historical facts on the countries were were visiting. Musical performance only 1 presented and very amateurish. Shore tours covered mainly palaces, fortresses, museums, castles, the excursion to Pecs was the best tour. Most tours involved walking over uneven surfaces and steep hills especially for seniors and over 60's, as a result we had to forgo some tours. Global journeys could improve on their customer service. (GJ: Ouch)

Had a small hick up with not being picked up at the airport by Avalon, after waiting for 2 hours we caught a taxi and Avalon refunded the money with no problems. The overall trip was fantastic but the weather was cool as it was spring. everybody on the boat was very friendly and the staff were tremendous. The sightseeing was amazing with so much history, read more the cruise through the canal with all the locks was very impressive, would recommend the trip, we had a great time.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our first cruise with Avalon and it did not disappoint! Great cabin, amazing staff, delicious food and selection of drinks. We plan to have many more!