Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways: the back story
The back story
About Avalon Waterways: the back story
Avalon calls its ships Suite Ships and its rooms Panorama Suites, and both names describe the same idea: a wall of glass that opens to the river, and a bed that faces it.
Built around the view
On an Avalon cruise, the line likes to say, the scenery is not a backdrop but the main event. Its Suite Ships are designed so that the river is never out of sight: castles on the hillsides, terraced vineyards, cathedral spires and swans gliding past, all seen through floor-to-ceiling glass.
The Panorama Suite
The heart of the idea is the Panorama Suite, which takes up two full decks of every Suite Ship. Instead of a small balcony, each has what Avalon calls the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony: wall-to-wall windows that slide open 7 ft wide in Europe and 11 ft wide in Southeast Asia, bringing the outside in. At 200 sq ft, the suites are generous for a river ship, and the Comfort Collection beds face the window rather than the wall.
See the world. Not the wall.
Small ships, more choice
The ships average 150 guests or fewer, with a crew ratio of three guests to every crew member. Ashore, Avalon Choice excursions let you pick between Classic, Discovery and Active outings, from VIP access to landmarks to kayaking or exploring by e-bike, with up to 28 included on a single cruise. For time on your own, the Adventure Center lends bikes, e-bikes, maps and gear.
Dining your way
FlexDining means you choose when and where to eat: al fresco on the Sky Deck, in the Panorama Bistro or the Panorama Dining Room, or breakfast in bed with the river outside. Wine, beer and soft drinks come with meals, there is a daily Happy Hour, and in the evenings Avalon After Dark brings live music, Sky Grill dinners, rooftop cocktails and trivia.
Our advice:
Our advice: Avalon is a fine choice if the view from your room matters most; every Panorama Suite has the same wall-to-wall window, so the entry suite is excellent value. Use the Avalon Choice excursions to mix a classic city tour with an active day by bike or kayak.
Why it's on our list
- Suite Ships averaging 150 guests or fewer
- Open-Air Balconies
- Beds that face the view
- Up to 28 included excursions
- 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Avalon Waterways: the back story before you go.