Avalon River Cruises

Avalon Illumination

The Avalon Illumination shines in luxury river cruising, featuring expansive Panorama Suites with innovative Open-Air Balconies. Guests enjoy a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the Sky Deck's premium amenities, ensuring a journey as splendid as the scenery.
The Avalon Illumination shines in luxury river cruising, featuring expansive Panorama Suites with innovative Open-Air Balconies. Guests enjoy a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the Sky Deck's premium amenities, ensuring a journey as splendid as the scenery.
Cruise Departures
Cruise Departures
Ship Type
Ship Type
River Ship
Passengers
Passengers
166
No. Of Crew
No. Of Crew
47
Launch Date
Launched
2014
Last Refurbished
Refurbished
-

Avalon Illumination Cruises

Choose from 126 vacations cruising on board the Avalon Illumination

15 Days Amsterdam to Budapest

Operator: Avalon

From 5,399pp
Save 2,704pp

8 Days Budapest to Vilshofen

Operator: Avalon

From 3,035pp
Save 1,616pp

21 Days Bucharest to Prague

Operator: Avalon

From 8,667pp
Save 3,339pp

11 Days Bucharest to Budapest

Operator: Avalon

From 4,116pp
Save 1,663pp

Avalon Illumination Reviews

25 reviews of Avalon Illumination from past clients of Global Journeys
Avalon River Cruises Reviews
Reviews 25 Reviews
Average Rating 4.6 out of 5
5 Star
64%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Avalon Illumination Magic 1 Danube Dreams (Eastbound) , New Zealand, Apr 2025
What an amazing boat, crew and experience. From the welcome with a light lunch before a quick walk through Vilshofen before recording for check in and departure. While we had a small room in steerage, it was comfortable for our needs, bathroom perfect and petite. The only downfall of our room was lack of ventilation and sometimes there was an unpleasant read more smell. Other guests said the same. Food and drinks were plentiful and of high standards. Excursions were great when the local guides met expectations. The few that didn't meet expectations didn't get a tip, simple. Great that gratuities were included, as NZ isn't a tipping culture, this took a hassle away. The overall crew was fabulous with having great memories of having met them and knowing their stories. Bonus we made more friends 🧡
Danube Black Sea to Budapest 5 The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest & Budapest , NSW , Australia, Sep 2019
In Bucharest the Hilton Athenee Palace provided rooms of widely varying quality eg. Room 352 : Cracked hand basin; dirty, stained lounge chairs; torn, stained office chair; entrance carpet loose - a trip hazard. But some other rooms were 4 star. Perhaps a change of hotel would help. The Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel in Budapest was the epitome of a first read more class hotel.

Onboard our breakfast and lunch meals were buffet and quite good. For evening meals, whilst the waiters were superb, food took forever and evening meals typically took 2 hours and sometimes longer. When two chefs quit on the same day, and it took an hour between the appetiser and the main course, the Maitre D' insisted that there was no problem. Hotel staff and crew were otherwise friendly and obliging.
The only way to travel! 10 Magnificent Europe , NSW, Australia, Aug 2019
This was our second river cruise with Avalon and was just amazing. A 5 star floating hotel through the best parts of Europe! Incredible staff, who have the attitude of 'nothing is a problem' and do anything & everything to make your holiday the best. The food is amazing and be prepared to come off weighing more than when you started your cruise. The read more array/selection at every meal is extremely good, as is the selection of wines, beers etc. Our room was very comfortable and always serviced twice a day! Beautiful amenities are provided and all linen is very nice. Each town that we stopped in was incredible, as were the activities and extra options. We also had great entertainment on board too!

We were lucky enough to have Hannah Campbell help us again with our bookings and can’t thank her enough for the great and very professional job she did of organising our trip. Also the price of the trip, compared to other travel agencies, was very good. Highly recommend Global Journeys for all types of travel! Many thanks Hannah, you made our booking so easy and always kept us very well informed! Great job!
Best river cruise 3 Magnificent Rivers of Europe , NSW, Australia, Aug 2019
Best cruise I have been on. The staff were excellent, friendly and always helpful.The ship was great - rooms were much better than a large ocean cruise ship room. We all enjoyed the whole cruise and would have no hesitation in doing another trip with them.
The Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest   9 The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest & Budapest , WA, Australia, Aug 2018
I have just returned from my trip on the Danube. From arriving in Bucharest to leaving Budapest I could not fault this wonderful journey. I chose to do the Transylvania Extension - and the cruise that had the Danube Delta excursion (photo). Both one of the many highlights for me. All hotels Athenee Palace Hilton (Bucharest), Kronwell (Brasov) and read more Intercontinental (Budapest) exceeded my expectations. The local guides were all so friendly and knowledgeable and I learnt so much - in particular Juliana who joined us in Bucharest for the Transylvania Extension and left after the day trip to Constanta. I have travelled extensively and she was one of the best, a great young lady. I was a solo passenger and the cruise and airfares were organised by Madeline at Global Journeys. I have rated all aspects of this river cruise 10/10!
Great way to see Eastern Europe with Avalon   5 The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest & Budapest , NSW, Australia, Aug 2018
Took the 8 day cruise from Bucharest to Budapest via the Danube Delta. More remote than the western part of the Danube with few towns on the river, hence there were some long coach trips for sightseeing. However all worthwhile as there are many interesting places to visit. Highlights were the bird life on the Danube Delta, the river mouth at the Black read more Sea, the town of Constanta, passage through the Iron Gates and Veliko Tarnovo and Belogradchik in Bulgaria. Also took the pre-cruise extension to Transylvania which was worthwhile. Avalon Passion is a near new ship and pleasantly fitted out. Food was excellent with many local specialties available. Entertainment other than the resident pianist was only two shows before dinner, much less than previous cruises with Avalon and other operators.
Our First River Cruise   3 The Legendary Danube , VIC, Australia, Aug 2018
It was our first ever river cruise and we had medium expectations. Well, we simply loved the whole experience. Everything was perfect. The food was exceptional, the cabin was large with a balcony which we enjoyed and we were surprised how well the bathroom was designed. The cruise manager, Hendrick, was confident, humorous, organised and left us with read more no doubt that we were in good hands. We have been back home for five days and tonight we are already planning our next Avalon river cruise.
Lovely river cruise on the Danube   6 The Blue Danube Discovery , NSW, Australia, Aug 2018
We've recently returned from the 13 Day Blue Danube Discovery with Avalon Cruises. All in all the cruise was a great experience even though the waters of the Danube were very low in parts and our ship and itinerary had to be changed. We were unable to visit Nuremburg at all and stayed overnight in Linz and two nights in Passau which differed from the read more itinerary. Avalon were very kind in offering the Vienna concert to all passengers free of charge due to the changes.

However we still had our 7 nights on the ship which was very pleasant. Food was great; company was excellent and the wine and beer tastings were also fun. We had a singer aboard one evening who was also very good. Our tour director, Robert was very efficient and made us all laugh with his very dry wit! Global Journeys were excellent to deal with and I would certainly book through them again.
Big Disappointment 21 Magnificent Rivers of Europe , NSW, Australia, Jul 2018
Only spent 7 nights on cruise ship, then was told that the cruise could not continue due to low water levels on the Danube and the drought in Europe. I believe that Avalon Waterways would have been aware of this prior to our departure therefore giving us the option to opt out. We were given the option to leave the cruise after 7 days but that would read more have been costly for a lot of people and a great inconvenience as we had other airfares and accommodation booked for after the cruise.

We did enjoy the 7 nights of cruising but not happy with the long bus trips used to fulfil the rest of the programme. Avalon did do a wonderful job to put plan B into action but not the holiday we were after. River cruises need to be thoroughly invested before booking as we believe this has happened on a number of occasions, although no mention of this from agents etc. Had no problem booking with Global Journeys, thank you Hannah.
Avalon boat cruise up the Rhine 9 Magnificent Rivers of Europe , QLD, Australia, Jun 2018
We had a great time, even though there was trouble in the channel with it being blocked by another ship. Avalon overcame the problem by changing us to another one of their ships on the other side of the blockage, so we could continue our trip, if we had gone with a smaller company this would not have been possible. Staff were very good and food was read more great, the site seeing was good but I would have preferred to stop longer in some ports.

Life On Board Avalon Illumination What can you expect when cruising on board Avalon Illumination

Avalon Illumination
Avalon Illumination

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more

Our Vision. Your View.
Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

Deck Plans

Ship Profile
D
Deluxe Stateroom
E
Deluxe Stateroom
Indigo Deck (Level 1)
A
Panorama Suite
B
Panorama Suite
Sapphire Deck (Level 2)
P
Panorama Suite
S
Royal Suite
Royal Deck (Level 3)

Cabins

Avalon Illumination Deluxe Stateroom
Deluxe Stateroom
Cabin Type: River View

Avalon's Deluxe Stateroom on the Indigo Deck offers 172 sq. ft. of elegant comfort. Featuring Comfort Collection Beds with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, soft and firm pillows, and a choice of read more a queen-sized bed or two twins with nightly turn-down service. The stateroom includes two windows for natural light, a writing desk with a chair, and a full shower with a glass door.

The bathroom is designed with a large mirror, a lighted makeup mirror, a premium hairdryer, and L'Occitane bath products. Ample storage is provided with spacious three-door closets and under-bed luggage space. Modern amenities include a flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels and over 50 free movie options, an alarm clock, a direct-dial telephone, an in-room safe, individual climate control, USB ports and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.

Avalon Illumination Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite
Cabin Type: Balcony

Avalon's Panorama Suite, located on the Sapphire and Royal Decks, offers 200 sq. ft. of elegant space with a wall-to-wall panoramic window that transforms into an Open-Air Balcony. It features Comfort Collection Beds with read more Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, soft and firm pillows, and a choice of a queen-sized bed or two twins with nightly turn-down service.

The suite includes a six-person sitting area with a sofa, coffee table, writing desk, and chair. The bathroom is designed with marble countertops, a large mirror, a lighted makeup mirror, a full shower with a glass door, and L'Occitane bath products. Additional amenities include a flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels and over 50 free movie options, an alarm clock, a direct-dial telephone, a premium hairdryer, a well-stocked minibar, complimentary filtered water, an in-room safe, individual climate control, USB ports, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Spacious three-door closets and under-bed luggage storage provide ample space, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable onboard experience.

Avalon Illumination Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Cabin Type: Suite

Avalon's two Royal Suites on the Royal Deck offer 300 sq. ft. of the most spacious and luxurious accommodations on board. Each suite features a wall-to-wall panoramic window that opens to an Open-Air Balcony, allowing for read more breathtaking views. Comfort Collection Beds come with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, soft and firm pillows, and a choice of a king-sized bed or two twins with nightly turn-down service.

The suite includes a six-person sitting area with a sofa, coffee table, writing desk, and chair. The elegant bathroom boasts marble countertops, double sinks, a large mirror, a lighted makeup mirror, and a full shower with a glass door, along with premium L'Occitane bath products. Additional amenities include a flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels and over 50 free movie options, an alarm clock, a direct-dial telephone, a premium hairdryer, a well-stocked minibar, complimentary filtered water, an in-room safe, individual climate control, USB ports, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Spacious three-door closets and under-bed luggage storage ensure ample space, providing a refined and comfortable onboard experience.

Avalon Illumination Cruise Schedule

All 126 sailings by departure date on board Avalon Illumination
Starts
Days
Name
From - To
From
Starts
Tuesday
07 Apr 2026
Days
8
From - To
Budapest to Vilshofen
From
4,030pp
Starts
Tuesday
07 Apr 2026
Days
10
From - To
Budapest to Prague
From
4,719pp
Starts
Friday
24 Apr 2026
Days
8
From - To
Vilshofen to Budapest
From
4,330pp
Starts
Saturday
16 May 2026
Days
15
From - To
Budapest to Amsterdam
From
7,961pp
Starts
Saturday
30 May 2026
Days
15
Cruise Name
From - To
Amsterdam to Budapest
From
7,961pp
Starts
Friday
12 Jun 2026
Days
11
From - To
Budapest to Prague
From
5,468pp
Starts
Friday
12 Jun 2026
Days
9
From - To
Budapest to Vilshofen
From
4,779pp
Starts
Saturday
13 Jun 2026
Days
8
From - To
Budapest to Vilshofen
From
4,430pp
Starts
Saturday
13 Jun 2026
Days
10
From - To
Budapest to Prague
From
5,119pp
Starts
Thursday
18 Jun 2026
Days
10
From - To
Prague to Budapest
From
5,019pp
Starts
Saturday
20 Jun 2026
Days
8
From - To
Vilshofen to Budapest
From
4,330pp
Starts
Friday
26 Jun 2026
Days
11
From - To
Budapest to Prague
From
5,368pp
Starts
Friday
26 Jun 2026
Days
9
From - To
Budapest to Vilshofen
From
4,679pp
Starts
Saturday
27 Jun 2026
Days
8
From - To
Budapest to Vilshofen
From
4,330pp
Starts
Saturday
27 Jun 2026
Days
10
From - To
Budapest to Prague
From
5,019pp
Starts
Thursday
02 Jul 2026
Days
10
From - To
Prague to Budapest
From
5,019pp
Starts
Saturday
04 Jul 2026
Days
8
From - To
Vilshofen to Budapest
From
4,330pp
Starts
Saturday
11 Jul 2026
Days
15
From - To
Budapest to Amsterdam
From
7,761pp
Starts
Saturday
25 Jul 2026
Days
8
From - To
Amsterdam to Amsterdam
From
4,330pp
Starts
Saturday
01 Aug 2026
Days
15
Cruise Name
From - To
Amsterdam to Budapest
From
7,761pp
Starts
Tuesday
18 Aug 2026
Days
10
From - To
Prague to Budapest
From
5,319pp
Starts
Thursday
20 Aug 2026
Days
8
From - To
Vilshofen to Budapest
From
4,630pp
Starts
Tuesday
01 Sep 2026
Days
12
From - To
Prague to Budapest
From
6,885pp
Starts
Thursday
03 Sep 2026
Days
10
From - To
Vilshofen to Budapest
From
6,196pp
Starts
Saturday
12 Sep 2026
Days
15
From - To
Budapest to Amsterdam
From
7,961pp
Starts
Saturday
26 Sep 2026
Days
15
Cruise Name
From - To
Amsterdam to Budapest
From
7,861pp
Starts
Friday
11 Dec 2026
Days
8
From - To
Prague to Frankfurt
From
3,853pp
Starts
Friday
11 Dec 2026
Days
12
From - To
Prague to Basel
From
6,634pp
Starts
Sunday
13 Dec 2026
Days
6
From - To
Nuremberg to Frankfurt
From
3,164pp
Starts
Sunday
13 Dec 2026
Days
10
From - To
Nuremberg to Basel
From
5,945pp
Starts
Friday
18 Dec 2026
Days
5
From - To
Frankfurt to Basel
From
2,781pp
Starts
Friday
09 Apr 2027
Days
12
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
6,306pp
Starts
Friday
09 Apr 2027
Days
13
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
6,635pp
Starts
Sunday
11 Apr 2027
Days
10
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
5,446pp
Starts
Sunday
11 Apr 2027
Days
11
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
5,775pp
Starts
Monday
12 Apr 2027
Days
9
From - To
Oltenita to Budapest
From
5,187pp
Starts
Monday
19 Apr 2027
Days
10
From - To
Budapest to Bucharest
From
5,439pp
Starts
Monday
19 Apr 2027
Days
12
From - To
Budapest to Bucharest
From
6,299pp
Starts
Tuesday
20 Apr 2027
Days
8
Cruise Name
From - To
Budapest to Oltenita
From
4,851pp
Starts
Tuesday
20 Apr 2027
Days
9
From - To
Budapest to Bucharest
From
5,110pp
Starts
Tuesday
20 Apr 2027
Days
11
From - To
Budapest to Bucharest
From
5,970pp
Starts
Saturday
24 Apr 2027
Days
12
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
6,506pp
Starts
Saturday
24 Apr 2027
Days
13
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
6,835pp
Starts
Monday
26 Apr 2027
Days
10
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
5,646pp
Starts
Monday
26 Apr 2027
Days
11
From - To
Bucharest to Budapest
From
5,975pp
Starts
Tuesday
27 Apr 2027
Days
9
From - To
Oltenita to Budapest
From
5,387pp
Starts
Tuesday
04 May 2027
Days
10
From - To
Budapest to Bucharest
From
5,539pp
Starts
Tuesday
04 May 2027
Days
12
From - To
Budapest to Bucharest
From
6,399pp
Starts
Wednesday
05 May 2027
Days
8
Cruise Name
From - To
Budapest to Oltenita
From
4,951pp
Starts
Wednesday
05 May 2027
Days
9
From - To
Budapest to Bucharest
From
5,210pp
Cruise Content
Cabin images are sourced from Avalon River Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on sailing dates.