Avalon Waterways, known for its innovative ship designs, is owned by Globus family of brands, a long-established tour operator that serves more than 500,000 passengers each year. Avalon’s river cruises feature “Suite Ships” with spacious Panorama suites, wall-to-wall windows and open-air balconies for spectacular views.
In addition to stating to have been the first to have introduced floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies on two decks of every vessel, the company also says it was the first to bring larger staterooms (two full decks measuring between 200 and 300 square feet) and deluxe hotel-style amenities to an entire fleet.
Sailing since: 2004
Number of ships: 23
Itineraries: From eight to 24 days
Destinations:
Europe (Rivers: Danube, Main, Mosel, Rhine, Rhone, Saone, Seine)
Countries visited: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey
Africa – Egypt (Nile River)
South America – Peru (Amazon River); Galapagos Islands
Asia (Rivers: Irrawaddy, Mekong, Yangtze)
Countries visited: Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam
Theme Cruises: Active Discovery, Art, Beer, Christmas Markets, Culinary, Golf, World War II History, Music, Jazz, Wellness, Wine
Amenities: Included in the fares are shore excursions in every port of call; all dining onboard; soft drinks with lunch; fine wine and beer with dinner; internet access and Wi-Fi
- Most staterooms are 200-square foot Panorama Suites; largest stateroom goes to 300 square feet and smallest stateroom is 172 square feet
- Beds face the windows
- Members of Globus’ Journeys Club receive discounts and other perks for traveling within the family of brands
- Complimentary sparkling wine and juices with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch and wine or beer with dinner
- Every cruise includes shore excursions with local guides and VIP access into the must-see sites, free Wi-Fi, choice of dining options with open seating and onboard enrichment activities
- Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate and premium coffees
- Fitness center, hair salon and Sky Deck whirlpool (European ships)
- Bottled water in every stateroom, replenished regularly
- Robes and slippers in every stateroom
- Premium bath amenities from L’Occitane
- 166 passenger count
Bonus: More than 80 percent of the total accommodations aboard Avalon’s Suite Ships in Europe are 200-square foot Panorama Suites, 30% larger than the average stateroom.