Avalon Waterways

This is CruiseMapper's page that reviews and lists all Avalon Waterways river cruise ship itineraries, destinations, and departure ports. We provide complete Avalon riverboat schedules (sailing calendar with dates and per-person prices). Another key feature is the Avalon Waterways ship tracking service integrated into each ship’s page. This shows the ship’s current location on a map (real-time river position).

Avalon Waterways was founded in 2004 and is a brand owned by Group Voyagers Inc (also known as "Globus family of brands" or "Globus Travel Group").

The company’s headquarters (part of the Globus family) are in Littleton, Colorado, USA. Avalon's current President is Pam Hoffee (promoted from Managing Director in May 2022). Other key executives include Scott Nisbet (CEO – Chief Executive Officer), Steve Born (CMO – Chief Marketing Officer), and Camille Olivere (CSO – Chief Sales Officer).

Avalon River Cruises

Avalon Waterways (avalonwaterways.com), a premium travel brand and river cruise line, offers exceptional personalized service backed by over 80 years of experience in guided vacations and cruise itineraries. Avalon’s travel experts consistently prioritize their passengers’ experience.

The company operates small ships, ensuring personalized service without crowds. Avalon makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of each destination by including guided sightseeing tours and shore excursions in the base fares.

All Avalon riverboats feature quiet propulsion systems and spacious outside accommodations—among the largest in the river cruise industry. Staterooms are relaxing and comfortable, offering floor-to-ceiling glass doors, satellite TV, hotel-quality beds, full-sized showers, and private balconies. Additional amenities include expansive sun decks, modern fitness equipment, and beauty salons.

Each ship includes a relaxing Main Lounge with panoramic river views, an intimate dining room, and an Internet workstation area. Complimentary regional wines, soft drinks, and beer are offered during lunch and dinner. Expert tour directors enhance the experience with educational content such as local language, culture, Chinese art lessons, lectures from an Egyptologist, and wildlife talks on the Galapagos Islands—perfect for curious travelers.

Avalon Riverboats

Avalon became globally recognized thanks to rapid fleet expansion (see the itinerary section, with at least one new ship launched annually). This growth is driven by its parent company, the Globus Group. Founded in 1928, the Globus family of brands operates over 30 businesses in tourism and aviation, offering more than 10,000 departures annually across 300+ unique itineraries.

Globus is one of the world’s largest cruisetour companies, operating in nearly 70 countries across 6 continents and serving over 500,000 passengers annually with a vast range of escorted tours, river cruises, and independent travel packages.

Avalon’s river cruise deals cover the following regions and countries:

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Hungary, France, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Portugal (Douro River)
• North America: USA (Mississippi River)
• Asia: China (Yangtze River), Cambodia and Vietnam (Mekong Delta)
• Africa: Egypt (Nile River, Lake Nasser)
• South America: Galapagos Islands, Amazon River

In 2011, Avalon launched the Panorama, the industry’s first Suite-class riverboat. On Avalon’s Suite Ships, approximately 80% of staterooms are suites, about one-third larger than the industry average. These feature slide-opening wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, window-facing beds, and a unique cruising experience. Other design highlights include the SDS "Silent Drive System" (for smoother, quieter navigation), modern decor, spacious public areas with polished wood, metal, glass, designer lighting, and contemporary artwork.

All-inclusive deals include all shore excursions and guided tours, meals, beverages (locally sourced wines, 24-hour tea/coffee/cake/cookies station), and superior onboard service. The onboard experience also includes:

• 5-star hotel-style amenities: premium bedding, free WiFi, Sky Deck with Jacuzzi and loungers, hair salon, fitness center, well-stocked library. Royal Suite guests also receive complimentary in-suite iPads.
• Dining: Open seating, buffet breakfasts, lunch buffets (hot dishes, soups, salads, bread, desserts), 4-course dinners, complimentary wine with meals, 5-course welcome dinners, and chef tastings. All ships are non-smoking, except those operating in China and Egypt.
• Entertainment: Stylish bars and lounges, piano music after dinner, local performances, special events, movie nights, beer/wine tastings, and an engaging enrichment program with lectures focused on destinations. Expert tour directors lead all excursions.

The typical Avalon passenger is well-traveled, aged 55+, and English-speaking. Most guests are retired Americans (~60%), Australians (~25%), Canadians (~10%), and British (~5%). Hotel staff are primarily Eastern European. Avalon ships are built by Neptun Werft. The parent company’s website is GlobusAndCosmos.com.

In 2019, Avalon transferred four 138-passenger riverboats—Affinity, Felicity, Luminary, and Creativity—to "Gate 1 Travel" under charter.

In 2020, Avalon launched the "Your Way" program, allowing guests to travel at their own pace with customizable options:

• Globus escorted tours with hotels, sightseeing, tour director, guides, and transportation
• Monograms independent travel packages with hotels, sightseeing, and local host services
• Avalon Waterways land extensions with expert-guided tours

The “Avalon Choice” program on every cruise includes a variety of complimentary excursions grouped into:

• DISCOVERY – hands-on experiences like cooking or painting classes
• ACTIVE – jogging, hiking, biking, or paddling tours
• CLASSIC – guided tours highlighting history, culture, and architecture

The AvalonGO App allows independent exploration with detailed daily schedules, itinerary info, maps, travel directions, nearby attractions, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.

In 2022, Avalon launched the sustainability-focused "Lighthouse Project" (Planet-People-Places) to protect waterways and wildlife and support sustainable tourism. From 2022 to 2024, the company aimed to reduce paper waste to ~1% by switching to digital technology, start biofuel usage, cut CO emissions by 50%, and install electric bow thrusters on older ships. As of 2022, Avalon had eliminated single-use plastics, cut paper waste by 95%, supported local farmers, installed LED lighting fleetwide, and increased shore power use while docked.

In December 2023, Avalon signed a multi-year charter agreement with Arosa Cruises for two ships (Affinity/Alea and Creativity/Clea) to begin operating under Arosa in April 2024.

In 2024, Avalon Waterways started its Suite Ship fleet renovation/refurbishment project. The upgrades included interiors (decor updates in all public spaces/flooring, furniture), faster Starlink Internet connectivity (a second antenna added on each boat), Sky Deck (redesign, new furniture), Observation Lounge (more seating), Gym (new Kinesis One machines, more free weights), onboard bicycles (added 15x new conventional plus 4 e-bikes per boat).  The refurbishments were phased for three years - 2024 (Passion, Imagery 2, Poetry 2, Panorama, Vista), 2025 (Artistry 2, Impression, Illumination, Tapestry 2, Tranquility 2) and 2026 (Expression, Visionary).

Avalon Waterways Cruise Price Inclusions

All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included in the fare, along with:

• Captain’s welcome and farewell parties (sparkling wine, canapés)
• Welcome Aboard and Farewell dinners
• Daily Afternoon Tea and Night Fare (served at 10:30 pm)
• Local destination chef dinners
• Daily complimentary drinks: breakfast (sparkling wine, juices, made-to-order egg station), lunch (soft drinks), dinner (regional wines, beer, soda, and a variety of appetizers, entrées, desserts, cheese)
• Stateroom amenities: 2 twin beds (convertible to queen), 3-door closets, private bathroom with glass-door shower, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, 2-seater sofa, coffee table, smart satellite TV, vanity desk, individual climate control, direct-dial phone, mini-fridge, personal safe, deluxe pillow menu, and 1.5L bottled water. Staterooms accommodate 2 guests.
• Additional features: panoramic windows, modern public areas, tour headsets, premium coffees (espresso, cappuccino, lattes), self-serve station, premium spirits lounge, fitness center, luxury bath products (L’Occitane), early and late riser breakfasts, Alfresco lunches (Sky Bistro), regional cuisine, 4-course dinners (open seating), English-speaking crew, smoke-free environment, spacious bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, alternative dinners at the Panorama Bistro (Suite Ships), complimentary maps, Nordic walking sticks for tours.

Avalon cruise prices also include city tours and guided excursions (with a local guide), though details may vary. Cruise fares in our articles are per person (based on double occupancy, excluding airfare). Some itineraries require mid-vacation flights.

Avalon River Cruises Europe, Asia, USA Hotel Package Deals

Note: Avalon river cruise packages also include premium hotel stays as part of the fare.

• Europe: Vienna (InterContinental), Budapest (InterContinental), Prague (InterContinental or Hilton), Paris (Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe, Pullman Paris Montparnasse), Cote d’Azur (Fairmont Monte Carlo), Munich (Sofitel Munich Bayerpost), Bucharest (Athenee Palace Hilton)
• Asia: Bangkok (InterContinental), Siem Reap (Victoria Angkor Resort), Ho Chi Minh City (InterContinental Asiana Saigon); China/Tibet - Shanghai (Fairmont Peace), Xian (Hilton), Beijing (Fairmont), Chengdu (Shangri-La), Lijiang (Crowne Plaza), Lhasa (Sheraton - Four Points)
• USA: Chicago (Palmer House Hilton), Springfield (Hilton), Nashville (Opryland Hotel), Memphis (The Peabody), New Orleans (Hilton Riverside)
• Amazon River (Peru): Lima (Casa Andina Miraflores), Sacred Valley (Casa Andina), Machu Picchu (Sumaq Hotel), Cusco (Casa Andina)
• Galapagos Islands (Ecuador): Quito (Swissotel), Galapagos (Finch Bay Hotel)
• Egypt (Nile River): Cairo (Oberoi Mena House, Fairmont Heliopolis), Alexandria (Helnan Palestine). The MS Farah is currently chartered for Nile cruises.

If low water levels or technical issues arise, Avalon may operate itineraries by motorcoach or revise the cruise tour. Check visa requirements with your travel agent—visas are the guest’s responsibility.

(New) Avalon Waterways FlexDining Program

In 2019, Avalon introduced FlexDining across the fleet:

• Open seating at all dining venues
• Greater flexibility for breakfast, lunch, and dinner times
• Healthy food options via the “Avalon Fresh” menu (introduced in 2017), a collaboration with German chefs Leo and Karl Wrenkh, featuring locally sourced ingredients
• More two-top tables added for couples
• Sky Deck bar service and night snacks (on request)
• Complimentary picnic lunches on all shore excursions and port tours

FlexDining lets guests choose where and when to dine—whether it’s an alfresco lunch at Sky Grill, a casual bite at Panorama Bistro, or a 4-course dinner in the Main Restaurant.

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Avalon Waterways suspended all passenger operations from March 14, 2020, through late July 2021.

Although a restart was initially planned for October 1, 2020, the pause was extended through July 2021 across Europe and Asia.

All affected bookings received a full (100%) refund, including all pre-purchased Avalon packages and services.

Here are the shortcuts to all Avalon Waterways river cruise line ships. The company operates a young fleet of primarily European riverboats, catering to North American, Australian, and New Zealand travelers aged 50 and older. Avalon river cruise itineraries extend to Egypt's Nile River and China’s Yangtze River — from Hong Kong and Tibet to Ulaanbaatar. Avalon Waterways also operates cruises to the Galapagos Islands. In this section, you'll find all their ships, itinerary details, complete sailing schedules with dates and pricing for easy comparison.

Instead of owning river cruise ships, Avalon leases them. The company partners with shipowners that have operational vessels in specific destinations, branding one or more boats as "Avalon Waterways." These boats are typically chartered for up to five years, with the option for Avalon to refurbish or return them. This strategy allows Avalon to maintain one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry.

In the list below, the newest Avalon "Suite Ships" are marked with an asterisk (*). All Suite Ships are scheduled to sail on Danube, Main, and Rhine river cruises in Europe.

In 2019, the Avalon fleet retired the 138-passenger sister ships Affinity, Felicity, Luminary, and Creativity. These vessels are currently chartered by "Gate 1 Travel".

• Avalon Angkor (2012) - Mekong River - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia. Since 2015, the ship has operated as "Angkor Pandaw."
• Avalon Artistry 2 (2013*) - Rhine River - Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland
• Avalon Envision (2019) - Danube River - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
• Avalon Expression (2013*) - Danube River - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovakia
• Avalon Illumination (2014*) - Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey
• Avalon Imagery (2016*) - Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers
• Avalon Impression (2014*) - Danube River - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
• Avalon Myanmar (2015) - Irrawaddy River - Myanmar (Burma)
• Avalon Panorama (2011*) - Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
• Avalon Passion (2016*) - Danube, Main, Rhine Rivers, and the Black Sea
• Avalon Poetry 2 (2014*) - Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers - Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland
• Avalon Siem Reap (2015) - Mekong River - Cambodia and Vietnam
• Avalon Tapestry 2 (2015*) - Seine River, France (departing from Paris)
• Avalon Tranquility 2 (2015*) - Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers
• Avalon View (2020*) - Rhine and Danube Rivers
• Avalon Visionary (2012*) - Danube and Rhine Rivers - Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland
• Avalon Vista (2012*) - Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers - Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia
• Century Legend and Century Paragon offer Yangtze River cruises in China. Both ships are privately owned and operated under charter by Viking. These riverboats are also chartered by other major European lines such as AmaWaterways, Viking, and Uniworld.
• American Queen steamboat (launched 1996) offers Mississippi River cruises in the USA. The vessel is operated under a charter agreement with the "American Queen Steamboat Company."
• Aria houseboat (launched 2010) offers Amazon River cruises in Peru (South America), chartered from Aqua Expeditions.
• Kasr Ibrim (launched 1997) offers Lake Nasser cruises on the Nile River in Egypt under charter.
• Sonesta St George (launched 2011) offers Nile River cruises in Egypt, also under charter.
• Avalon Alegria (launched 2024) offers Douro River cruises in Portugal and is chartered from DouroAzul.

In 2019, Avalon Waterways introduced six new options, including the company’s first Ganges River cruise in India. These new itineraries feature all-suite newbuild riverboats with open-air, floor-to-ceiling balconies, as well as enhanced shore excursions and onboard activities.

Avalon Waterways' itineraries are divided into three categories: CLASSIC, ACTIVE, and DISCOVERY, allowing travelers to customize their cruise experience based on interests and activity levels. DISCOVERY programs focus on regional culture and may include painting workshops or cooking classes. ACTIVE programs are geared toward energetic passengers, offering guided jogging tours, cycling, hiking, or paddling. CLASSIC programs center on history- and culture-themed lectures and walking tours led by local experts.

Douro River cruise itinerary (Avalon Alegria)

In 2024, Avalon introduced the newbuild ship Avalon Alegria, deployed year-round on Portugal's Douro River. Departures are from Lisbon, with land/bus transfers to Oporto/Leixoes. Avalon Alegria offers two itineraries: a classic 7-day roundtrip from Oporto (visiting Regua, Pocinho, Aregos), and a 10-day cruisetour that includes three hotel nights in Lisbon.

The ship's 10-day itinerary, "Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro," includes 38 shore excursions — Classic (scheduled/complimentary) and Discovery and Active (optional/extra cost). Land excursions feature guided bike rides, food and wine tastings, baking traditional Portuguese pastries, visits to private farms, and local cuisine sampling. Guests can also take part in a craft class led by a professional painter to create Portugal’s iconic blue-and-white azulejo tiles.

The table below outlines the Douro cruise itinerary's destinations:

Avalon's 2024 Douro cruisetour prices started at GBP 2730 (EUR 3180 / USD 3450) per person, based on double occupancy.

Avalon river cruise tracker

Our Avalon cruise ship tracker is available on all Avalon river cruise review pages. At the bottom of each page, you’ll find a live map showing the ship’s current location (AIS position), powered by VesselFinder. It's a convenient way to see where your Avalon Waterways ship is sailing in real time along its current itinerary.

Enjoy luxury travel on your Avalon Waterways vacation!

Note: You can find CruiseMapper’s complete list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river cruise lines and their fleets are listed there.