Avalon Waterways

Avalon sets a new standard in river and small ship cruising! Our ships are built with a warm and pleasant ambiance and with the travelers' comfort and safety in mind.

Our river cruise and small ships are sleek and elegant and part of a new generation of cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These cruise ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, modern private facilities, satellite television, floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms and some cabins with private balconies. There's Internet access (except on the Isabela II), fitness equipment and much more.

About River and Small Ship Cruises

Away from the hustle and bustle of busy highways, great rivers thread through beautiful landscapes. Experienced travelers agree that a river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to discover and explore the sights.

On a river journey you'll take in beautiful river landscapes, romantic castles, historic monuments or ancient burial sites, picturesque villages and exciting cities. It's a simple way to travel, but you'll be in the heart of each town, not seeing it from afar. Comprehensive sightseeing, your own exploration, and our abundant enrichment programs add to your authentic experience.
You'll enjoy fine food, impeccable service and lovely scenery while traveling on your river cruise vessel, with no packing and unpacking or worrying about logistics to waste your vacation time.

There are plenty of opportunities to unwind. Relax on deck, take photos or enjoy conversation with family or new friends. Think of this as your own personal journey of discovery with an abundance of that precious commodity--leisure time.
River Cruising lets you:
Explore well known cities as well as romantic small towns and villages
Visit many ports on one cruise
View ever-changing riverside scenery
Maximize sightseeing time
Enjoy free time to do as you please at each stop
Cruise smoothly with no waves
Enjoy your travel time with onboard activities
Skip daily luggage hassles
Meet new friends in an intimate setting
Dine elegantly in relaxing atmosphere
Experience local nightlife
Be pampered by your crew

The Most Enriching Experiences
Our Enrichment Program is among the best in river cruising. Experienced local guides will take you on sightseeing tours of wonderful towns and cities, plus you can spend the evening on shore, if the schedule permits. In addition to fascinating sightseeing on each itinerary, you can choose from a few optional outings, and there's always time to make your own discoveries as well. Back on board, you'll enjoy interactive presentations with area experts, wine tastings, local entertainment, and more. Look on each cruise itinerary page to see the Included Features and Special Highlights listed for each vacation.

Local Guides will take you on guided sightseeing tours of wonderful and historic destinations along the great rivers of Europe and China. Normally you'll enjoy half a day of sightseeing on shore, half a day cruising and ideally the evening in town if the schedule permits. The ship will be docked for a longer period in major cities like Vienna and Budapest.

One of the greatest advantages of traveling with Avalon Waterways is our experience. Avalon is part of the Globus family of brands. Globus has over 75 years experience operating escorted tours. With over 30 offices around the world, we have support when and where you need it, under any circumstances.

Unbeatable Value
We include all the main features of a destination without extra cost. Our volume buying power saves you money. And we handle all the logistics and details, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your cruise. Plus we provide all meals on board, a rich land excursion program and much more!

Also Included
Free airport transfers if you book your transatlantic flight with Avalon
Low airfares. Compare our competitive air-inclusive prices
Any hotels are listed on the tour page. Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling
All departures are guaranteed
Cruise Director on board the ship and during included hotel stays; Tour Director land and cruise portion in China; Egyptologist in Egypt, Tour Director for land portion in Ecuador and Expedition Team in the Galapagos; professional local guide while sightseeing
Inside visits shown in UPPERCASE in the itinerary description, including admission charges where applicable

Newest River Cruise Ships
Avalon sets a new standard in river cruising! Built to create a warm and pleasant ambiance, and with the travelers' comfort and safety in mind, our vessels are sleek and elegant and part of a new generation of river cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, modern private facilities, satellite television, floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms and some cabins with private balcony. There's internet access, fitness equipment and much more.

Luxurious Amenities
On each vessel panoramic views entice diners in the restaurant and public lounge, and there is ample outside viewing space. Enjoy a drink at the bar or in the lounge. Delight in the romantic European landscape as you sit outside on the Sun or Sky Deck. These ships have English-speaking staffs, non-smoking interiors, and Continental cuisine that appeals to the North American palate. You'll enjoy open seating and a leisurely single sitting at mealtimes, plus local wines and choice of entrees with every dinner.

Depending on the ship, travelers can work out in the gleaming fitness center, walk around the walking track, relax in the whirlpool, play a game with large chess pieces, visit the gift shop for souvenirs, or splash in the fun-pool. For those who want some pampering, there is a salon and massage service. Plus the quality furnishings, bedding and appointments lend a luxurious feel to just lounging around. Each vessel is designed with the passenger's complete comfort in mind.

Created for the North American market
These new ships are built for the North American market, with either entirely non-smoking interiors (Europe and Galapagos) or smoking restricted to specific areas (China and Egypt). The crews are English speaking. Staterooms are larger than most other river cruise vessels with comfortable beds and large windows to view the passing scenery. Meals are tailored to North American tastes, and in Europe coffee and tea are available at no extra charge throughout the day.

Learn about our ships: