River Cruising in Europe, Asia, India, Egypt, South America
Recently returned from a fun-filled Danube Bucketeer Christmas Market Cruise on the 162 passenger Avalon Impression, we can report that Avalon Waterways, a member of the Globus Family of Brands, is living up to its reputation for high value, quality river cruising.
Avalon’s fleet of 21 ships sail the traditional rivers of Europe plus explore the Nile, Amazon, Mekong and Ganges Rivers and even the Galapagos Islands.
Please call us at 804-557-3006 to arrange your next Avalon Waterways cruise.
We have special price reductions for couples and solo travelers and air offers on many itineraries.
Small Details Matter
Recognizing that small details make a big difference, Avalon has upped its game: a choice of firmness in their exclusive “Comfort Collection Beds” and pillows, the plushest of towels, L’Occitane® bath products atop marble countertops, premium spirits at the upscale bar, and rich premium coffees in the Panorama and Club Lounge. Avalon is also committed to a healthy lifestyle including menu options, state-of-the-art fitness centers, free bicycles and kayaks for use in select ports, and a bubbling whirlpool on the Sky Deck awaiting your return from a busy afternoon ashore.
Avalon now offers multiple ways to enjoy cruising, including classic daily tours, cultural discovery sessions such as lectures, cooking and painting lessons and music recitals and active outdoor and health and wellness experiences, including daily yoga, hosted hikes, kayak excursions and bike riding afternoons along the river. Dinner and lunch are also offered in your choice of the main dining room and the Sky Lounge.
Shorter Cruise Options.
Avalon is a fine choice for the first-time river cruiser. For 2023 and 2024 watch for many shorter cruises that allow more river/shore combinations so you can see more of Europe in a week. We can easily combine an Avalon cruise with a Globus land tour to extend your vacation in Europe.
Excellent Staterooms
We were particularly impressed with the layout of the standard Panorama Suite. At 200 sq ft, the staterooms are 30% larger than typical staterooms, offered plenty of space for a desk, small couch, chair and table and ample floor to ceiling windows to bring in the beauty of the Danube.
Placing the bed at an angle facing the window enlarged the bathroom and offered a larger shower, a very smart design.
Theme Cruises
Avalon has introduced a variety of themed cruises to appeal to a wide range of tastes and interests:
Storyteller Series. Meet acclaimed authors, such as Diana Gabaldon of Outlander fame, who is personally hosting a Storyteller cruise with Avalon Waterways on the Danube River in 2024.
Wine Lover Cruises. Meet Masters of Wine to sample vintages, learn how to pair wines with food and tour legendary wine cellars on these Danube, Rhône, Rhine, Moselle, and Saône River cruises
Culinary Cruises. Dive deep into local cuisine on a southern France cruise on the Rhone and Saône Rivers.
Christmas Market Cruises. [Reader alert..we love Christmas Markets. ] From wooden stalls with handmade ornaments and hot-mulled wine to grand Christmas cathedrals and glistening lights, a winter cruise on the Danube, Main, or Rhine Rivers is a true gift of timeless tradition. See musical instruments come to life in Rüdesheim, Germany; taste Austrian Christmas cookies while sailing to Vienna; visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings; and see the magical Christmas markets of Nuremberg, Regensburg, Salzburg, Budapest, Prague, Cologne or Strasbourg.
Active and Discovery Cruises. This exciting type of cruise that introduces you to the people and places of Europe in the most engaged and fun ways imaginable. Every port gives you a world of possibilities as you interact with the locals and choose the dynamic, interactive activities that appeal to you most. It’s the Old World in a whole new way!
European History Cruises. Walk in the footsteps of heroes and cruise in the company of a WWII history expert who shares unforgettable stories of valor and courage. From the legendary beaches of Normandy and through Vimy Ridge, to Paris’ Les Invalides Museum, you’ll gain moving insight through onboard lectures and visits to historic sites and monuments. Or Explore the history, art, and architecture of the Habsburg dynasty and Austro-Hungarian Empire on a Habsburg & Royalty cruise on the Danube. Cruise in the company of a knowledgeable historian who shares insights into European royalty.
Jewish History Cruises. Deep in the Jewish quarters of Europe’s most historic cities, explore with experts the museums and monuments, the cemeteries and synagogues, and the touching and powerful stories behind them all. Onboard lectures shed light on significant moments in history while onboard presentations spotlight Jewish culture and traditions.
Garden and Nature River cruises. Nature lovers and green thumbs will relish the ultimate garden party on an Avalon Garden & Nature cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands at spring season.
Beer River Cruises. Cruise with a beer expert on board who delivers lectures on beer drinking that you’ll actually want to hear. Through Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland, and Belgium, we complement special onboard tastings with exclusive onshore experiences, leading you to the famous breweries, emerging microbreweries, and the beer halls, gardens, and pubs where Europe’s love affair with beer was born.
Photography River Cruises. Cruise with award-winning photographer Brenda Tharp. With 33 years as a professional photographer, Brenda is an accomplished author, speaker and instructor, whose images taken around the world have appeared widely in photographic publications, print media, and private collections.
