Avalon Waterways
About Paris, France
Begin & end each day of your journey - perfectly. On any Avalon deck, your well-appointed Deluxe Stateroom or Suite is a spacious and inviting refuge.
Avalon River Cruising & Small Ship Cruising
With the launch of our very first ship, Avalon's inspired design innovations became the new standard, including the introduction of floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies on two decks of every Avalon vessel. We developed a Silent Drive System (SDS) for the stern of each ship to ensure our travelers the most quiet cruise experience possible. We were also the first to bring a larger stateroom with deluxe hotel-style amenities to an entire fleet. And, we elevated interior design from classic and traditional to contemporary and bright.
Maybe it's our Swiss heritage that gives us our passion for details, but we're the only river cruise operator that's personally involved from ship design to delivery – and every point in between. From meticulous millwork to hand-applied finishes, from designer lighting to enhanced soundproofing, from the conception and flow of the lounges to the placement of the windows, our ships are thoughtfully designed and appointed with materials praised for their quality, beauty and functionality. And, that's just on our ships.
Off our ships, our award-winning land programs transform tourists into travelers and storytellers and help them truly experience each destination with guided sightseeing in every port (complete with headsets), engaging port lectures, VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines and great cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors.
Year after year, thanks to the continuous feedback and encouragement of our travelers, Cruise Directors and travel agent partners, Avalon Waterways has unveiled new ships, amenities and experiences that set the standard in river cruising. Our views are panoramic and spaces large and inviting; comfort is king and dining is for your taste. And, thanks to our heritage through Globus, our itineraries are legendary.
Like the very rivers we travel, Avalon is continually moving forward, making improvements and embracing the world beyond. And it's this approach – our drive to exceed guest expectations by pushing the boundaries of the river cruise experience – that makes us not only the most contemporary cruise line on Europe's waters, but also the most consistent.
Largest Staterooms
Marvel at passing scenery from the comfort of your Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Across our entire European fleet, Avalon makes space, comfort, and views a top priority. In each and every category of every Avalon ship our Deluxe Staterooms are a step above the ordinary cabins found on other European ships. These delightful retreats boast an outside location and a minimum of 172 square feet - a full 15% larger than the industry standard and the largest on the European rivers today. On two of the three decks of each ship, Deluxe Staterooms include French Balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, bringing the epic scenery so close you'll feel you can touch it. Plus, our spacious suites - available on every Avalon ship - deliver even more room to relax in style. Transforming river cruise staterooms into premium accommodations is just one commitment that sets Avalon apart.
Suite Ships
When it comes to size, views, and design, nothing delivers the very best of river cruising like a Panorama Suite. First and foremost is the remarkably large living space that doesn't compromise your indoor square footage the way an exterior balcony does. Also exclusive to your Panorama Suite is the impressive Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window that transforms this living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. Open the window and become one with fresh breezes, aromatic riverbank vineyards, and delightful outdoor scenery that seems close enough to touch.
A full-size sitting area is perfect for quiet moments alone - and spacious enough to host a private cocktail party with new friends. Even the placement of the bed allows you to rise each morning and retire each night facing the magnificent passing riverscapes.
Exquisite Appointments
Begin & end each day of your journey - perfectly. On any Avalon deck, your well-appointed Deluxe Stateroom or Suite is a spacious and inviting refuge. You'll delight in the luxury of your deluxe Comfort Collection bed, wrapped in premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, and a choice of soft or firm pillows. You'll also appreciate your large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass shower door—as well as the ample closet space! And with large windows or floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors you'll never miss out on the never-ending views. In fact, you'll love your Avalon shipboard accommodations so much, you may never want to go home!
Contemporary Designs
Avalon ships were built with your comfort and pleasure in mind. Wherever you find yourself on the ship, elegant, contemporary spaces provide plenty of seating and cozy spots to relax. Meticulous millwork, hand-applied finishes, contemporary décor, and designer lighting surround you, providing a place you'll enjoy just relaxing and immersing yourself in the wonders of your river cruise adventure.
When Avalon Waterways unveiled the Avalon Panorama, the industry's first Suite Ship, we redefined the river cruise experience by enhancing traveler comfort and views, while also bringing indoor/outdoor living on board.
Panoramic Views
Enjoy all your ship has to offer - without missing the passing scenery. With Avalon, you never miss out, because we've designed our ships with a view at every turn. From elegant dining rooms and lounges to the state-of-the-art fitness center, Avalon ships are designed to frame every single riverbank vineyard, medieval castle, and quaint village. Even in the privacy of your deluxe stateroom or suite, you'll enjoy a floating room with a view. In fact, our ships feature panoramic windows in all public areas and full floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors in 85% of the deluxe staterooms on the Avalon fleet - a claim no other river cruise operator can make!
Elegant Dining
In addition to providing travelers the chance to immerse themselves in each destination they visit, we help them enjoy local cuisines, inspired by local ingredients and created by some of Europe's most highly skilled chefs, as well as regional wines on board our ships. With help from our top European chefs, we offer cruisers the dining experience they crave.
And, with Avalon, the "most important meal of the day" really is the "most important." In addition to providing our travelers Early- and Late-riser breakfast options, we provide them complimentary sparkling wine – great for Mimosas – and made-to-order egg stations as well as a robust breakfast buffet. Guests can also order continental breakfast in their room and have drinks delivered throughout the day.
Avalon's menu of options doesn't begin and end with food. In addition to offering cruisers the customary complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks at dinner and soft drinks included with lunch, we feature a Cocktail Hour on our ships for cruisers interested in enjoying local wine, beer and other spirits before dinner, while socializing with fellow travelers. Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, latte and premium, Lavazza coffee are also provided to our passengers throughout the day.
Desirable Amenities
Your Avalon cruise ship is your home away from home, where the facilities and conveniences you expect are ready and waiting. Tap into the complimentary Wi-Fi to keep in touch with family and friends back home. Stay perfectly in style with a visit to the hair salon. Keep up with your daily workouts at the fitness center. Avalon ships are built with an impressive collection of amenities to enhance your journey all along the way.
Personal Service
From the moment you step on board your Avalon river cruise ship, an English-speaking crew extends a warm welcome, delivering consummate personal service throughout your journey. The Cruise Director is readily available to help you make the most of each day, delivering educational commentary as you pass through interesting landscapes, and Guest Services is at your disposal to help make your time on board - and on shore - perfect.
Discover each destination through its culture, history, or regional wines. Whether you're passionate about music, art, history, politics, or wine, you can experience the very essence of your destination on one of Avalon's exclusive Special Interest cruises. Enhance your subject knowledge with expert onboard presentations. Mingle with others who share your passion. Avalon's limited-edition departures afford you these unique travel opportunities - and it's all at no additional cost!
