An Introduction to Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is a prominent river cruise line known for its innovative "Suite Ships" and a dedication to providing an elevated and immersive river cruising experience. Part of the Globus family of brands, Avalon emphasizes panoramic views, spacious accommodations, and a wide array of included excursions, catering to travelers seeking comfort and cultural exploration.
A Brief History
Avalon Waterways was founded in 2004 as a division of the Globus family of brands, a travel company with a rich history dating back to 1928. Building on Globus's extensive experience in escorted tours, Avalon set out to redefine river cruising by prioritizing guest comfort and unique sightseeing opportunities.
A significant milestone for Avalon came in 2011 with the launch of the Avalon Panorama, which introduced their signature "Suite Ship" design. This innovative concept featured the industry's only Open-Air Balconies with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that slide open wider than any other, transforming the living space into an open-air balcony. This design allows guests in their Panorama Suites to enjoy the view from their bed, which is uniquely positioned to face the river.
Since then, Avalon has continued to expand its fleet of "Suite Ships" across Europe, and also offers specialized vessels for cruises in Asia and South America. They've consistently introduced new itineraries and programs like "Active & Discovery" cruises, which offer a diverse range of included excursions from gentle sightseeing to active pursuits, further enhancing the guest experience. Avalon's commitment to sustainability is also evident through initiatives like their "Lighthouse Project."
The Fleet: "Suite Ships" with a View
Avalon Waterways operates a modern and consistent fleet of river cruise ships, primarily distinguished by their "Suite Ship" design, particularly in Europe. These vessels are characterized by their comfortable amenities, spacious accommodations, and a focus on maximizing views of the passing scenery.
Key Features across the European "Suite Ship" Fleet often include:
Panorama Suites: The majority of accommodations are 200-square-foot Panorama Suites featuring the innovative Open-Air Balcony and beds facing the river.
Multiple Dining Venues: Including the main dining room, Panorama Bistro for casual meals, and the Sky Grill for al fresco dining (weather permitting).
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Available throughout the ship.
Included Excursions: A variety of daily excursions with options for different activity levels (Active, Discovery, Classic).
Complimentary Local Wines & Beer: Served with lunch and dinner.
Fitness Center: Onboard facilities for exercise.
Complimentary Bicycles: For exploring destinations ashore.
Notable Ships:
European "Suite Ships" (166 guests or 128 guests):
Avalon View | Avalon Envision | Avalon Passion | Avalon Tapestry II | Avalon Tranquility II | Avalon Poetry II | Avalon Illumination | Avalon Impression | Avalon Expression | Avalon Artistry II | Avalon Visionary | Avalon Vista | Avalon Panorama | Avalon Alegria.
Asia Ships (smaller for specific waterways):
Current Starting Ports and Itineraries (2025-2026):
Avalon Waterways offers extensive river cruise itineraries across Europe, Asia, and new for 2025/2026, South America. Their voyages are designed to provide in-depth cultural immersion, often featuring city tours, local experiences, and active options.
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Key Rivers and Example Starting Ports for 2025-2026 include:
Europe:
The most comprehensive selection of itineraries.
Danube River:
Budapest (Hungary) | Vilshofen (Germany) | Nuremberg (Germany) | Passau (Germany).
Rhine River:
Amsterdam (Netherlands) | Basel (Switzerland) | Frankfurt (Germany).
Moselle & Main Rivers:
Trier (Germany) | Nuremberg (Germany).
Seine River (France):
Rhône & Saône Rivers (France):
Lyon (France) | Chalon-sur-Saône (France) | Arles (France).
Douro River (Portugal):
Dordogne & Garonne Rivers (France):
Dutch & Belgian Waterways:
Asia:
Mekong River (Vietnam & Cambodia):
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) | Siem Reap (Cambodia).
Ganges River (India):
South America:
Amazon River (Peru):
Magdalena River (Colombia):
Cartagena (Colombia) | Barranquilla (Colombia).
Avalon Waterways also offers various themed cruises, including "Active & Discovery" voyages, "Wine Cruises," and specialized "Christmas Market" and "Festive" itineraries.
Official Websites
Avalon Waterways maintains a strong online presence for its global clientele, with region-specific sites.
USA Official Website: https://www.avalonwaterways.com/
UK Official Website: https://www.avalonwaterways.co.uk/
You may also find information through other Globus family of brands websites (Globus, Cosmos, Monograms).
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When planning your enriching river cruise with Avalon Waterways, it is essential to remain highly vigilant against potential scam attempts that, unfortunately, target travellers. Be aware of these common red flags:
"Free Cruise" or "Exclusive Offer" Traps: Be highly suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails, texts, or social media messages claiming you've won a "free Avalon Waterways cruise" or are eligible for an impossibly low-priced "exclusive" deal. These invariably come with hidden fees, demands for immediate payment for "port taxes" or "service charges," or are simply phishing attempts to collect your personal data or pressure you into buying something else entirely. Avalon Waterways, as a well-known brand, can be a target for such fraudulent schemes.
Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create highly convincing fake websites that mimic Avalon Waterways' official site or reputable travel agencies. They also send deceptive phishing emails that appear legitimate. Their goal is to trick you into entering your login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive personal information. Always manually type the official website address (e.g., avalonwaterways.com or avalonwaterways.co.uk) into your browser's address bar or use trusted bookmarks. Double-check the URL very carefully before entering any data, looking for subtle misspellings or unusual domain extensions.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of any offer that demands an immediate decision due to a "limited-time offer" that will expire in minutes or hours. This tactic is used by fraudsters to prevent you from doing proper research or verifying the offer's legitimacy.
Unusual Payment Requests: Never agree to pay for a cruise via untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency if requested by an individual or an unverified entity. Legitimate cruise lines and their authorized partners use secure, traceable payment methods (e.g., credit cards).
To ensure your enriching Avalon Waterways journey begins safely and securely, always book directly through the official Avalon Waterways website for your region or through a well-established, reputable travel advisor who is familiar with Avalon Waterways' offerings. If an offer feels suspicious, or if you receive any communication that raises red flags, contact Avalon Waterways directly using the official contact information found on their verified website, not from the suspicious offer itself. Embrace your panoramic river adventure with complete peace of mind.
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