Avalon Waterways (Globus) River Cruises

Learn More About Avalon Waterways (Globus) River Cruises

Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company that offers travelers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the world's waterways. The company has redefined cruising with its innovative and transformative approach that takes passengers off the beaten path and away from the ordinary. With unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon Waterways puts guests in the captain's seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the unexpected.

Avalon Waterways' Suite Ships offer guests a modern and luxurious cruising experience with the most impressive views of the water. Their Open-Air Balconies are unparalleled in the industry, with the widest-opening windows, allowing guests to indulge in the stunning scenery. Moreover, guests can enjoy their Comfort Collection beds strategically placed to face the picturesque surroundings. The company's commitment to excellence has been recognized with several awards, making it a top choice for both seasoned travelers and industry experts.

Avalon Waterways offers a curated collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse guests in both on-board and off-board activities. Guests can see more than just the sea as they explore legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes, with dock-to-discovery taking mere minutes. The company also presents the signature delicacies of the regions visited, with multiple dining venues and unexpected culinary experiences to enrich the gastronomic journey.

At Avalon Waterways, the crew is devoted to enhancing the cruising experience while reducing the company's impact on the world. Sustainability is a top priority, with energy conservation, water-saving, and waste-reducing practices implemented across operations, dining, and housekeeping on each ship.

Avalon Waterways has a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring guests receive the right amount of anticipation, attention, and space. The crew is devoted without being daunting, focused but not fussy, and supportive without being overbearing. Guests cherish the warmth of the crew members, and the feeling is mutual.

On-board dining experiences are varied, with a focus on local, healthy, and fresh ingredients. Collaborating with renowned Austrian chefs Leo and Karl Wrenkh, pioneers of the healthy dining movement, Avalon Waterways presents exclusive Avalon Fresh selections to its guests. Additionally, the company sources the finest regional wines from local vineyards of the regions they traverse, further enriching the guests' culinary experience.

• Avalon Waterways is a river cruising company that offers unique and immersive experiences on the world's most legendary waterways.
• The company's ships have an average of just 150 guests on board, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Avalon Waterways' ships are built to sail on the world's most legendary rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, and Yangtze.
• The company offers a variety of itineraries, including Christmas Market cruises and wine-themed cruises.
• The company's ships are designed to sail under centuries-old bridges and dock in charming villages, offering guests an intimate and immersive experience.
• Avalon Waterways offers a variety of curated experiences both on board and off, allowing guests to pack their passions and explore new cultures with ease.
• Avalon Waterways emphasizes shore excursions and offers a variety of options, including Classic, Discovery, and Active inclusions.
• Avalon Waterways' ships offer all-exterior suites, showcasing the views of the world passing by.
• The company's Suite Ships feature Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balconies that provide guests with unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Avalon Waterways has a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio and provides personalized service to its guests.
• The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact through sustainable practices in operations, dining, and housekeeping.
• The company's dining experiences feature local and regional cuisine, as well as healthy options created in collaboration with leading chefs in the healthy dining movement.
• Avalon Waterways offers a variety of libations, including craft cocktails designed by its award-winning mixologist and local wines produced by the best vineyards in the regions through which the ships sail.
• The company's beWell water stations promote hydration and reduce plastic use.
• Avalon Waterways has won numerous awards, including Best River Cruise Line, Best Cabins, and Best Shore Excursions.

Top Reasons To Choose Avalon Waterways (Globus) River Cruises

• Unforgettable Experiences:  Avalon Waterways offers unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration. The company's modern and luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising ensure that you have an unforgettable cruising experience.
• All-Exterior Suites:  Over 80% of Avalon Waterways' staterooms are Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balconies, showcasing the views of the world passing by. These wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open up to 7 feet wide in Europe and 11 feet wide in Southeast Asia - wider than any other balconies on the world's rivers and oceans.
• Dock to Discovery:  With Avalon Waterways, legendary landmarks, and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock-to-discovery takes mere minutes, making it easy for you to see more of the world and less of the sea.
• All-Inclusive Cruising:  Avalon Waterways offers all-inclusive cruising, with everything from regional wines and beer to on-board dining and excursion options included in the price. You'll have everything you need to make the most of your cruise experience without having to worry about additional expenses.
• Gastronomic Journey:  Avalon Waterways enhances the culinary voyage by providing several dining options, bringing delightful and unique culinary experiences to guests. The company presents the signature delicacies of the regions you visit while offering local, healthy, and sustainable dining options.
• Small Ships, Big Experiences:  Avalon Waterways' award-winning Suite Ships are built to sail under centuries-old bridges and right up to the charming villages of the Old World with ease. And with an average of just 150 guests on board, their ships promise dock-to-discovery in mere minutes, so you can skip queues and get straight to your "to-dos" when your local guides whisk you away for intimate and immersive excursions on shore.
• Avalon Choice:  With Avalon Choice, guests can personalize their cruising experience with a range of excursion options, from Classic to Discovery and Active inclusions. This makes it easy for guests to tailor their cruise to their interests and preferred level of activity.
• Local Flavors:  Avalon Waterways' FlexDining approach to onboard dining experiences brings back the question, "Where should we eat?" The company shares the flavors of the world with fresh local ingredients prepared by talented chefs.
• Avalon Fresh:  The culinary team at Avalon Waterways collaborates with renowned chefs in the healthy dining movement to offer Avalon Fresh selections. These dishes are exclusively created using the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers, allowing guests to savor flavorful meals that are both healthy and innovative. With Avalon Fresh, guests can indulge in energizing and nourishing meals without compromising their healthy habits while on vacation.
• State-of-the-Art Technology:  Avalon Waterways uses state-of-the-art technology on board, including the beWell water stations, which reduce plastic use and promote hydration, and the industry's only Open-Air Balconies, which allow guests to experience stunning views while enjoying the fresh air from their private balcony.
• Sustainability:  Avalon Waterways is committed to enhancing the cruising experience while reducing its impact on the world. The company is devoted to reducing, recycling, and repurposing at every turn, with a long list of green practices that are longer than the blue Danube.
• Exceptional Service:  Avalon Waterways has its 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio down to a science, providing guests with the right amount of anticipation, attention, and space to give each guest an exceptional and personalized experience. The crew is devoted, focused, and supportive, ensuring guests feel cherished and appreciated throughout their cruise.
• Cultural Immersion: With Avalon Waterways, cultural immersion is a top priority. From regional cuisine to unique excursions, guests have the opportunity to experience the local culture firsthand. Onshore activities include guided tours of historic landmarks, culinary experiences with local chefs, and visits to local markets and shops.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avalon Waterways (Globus) River Cruises

• What is the difference between river cruising and ocean cruising with Avalon Waterways?

  Avalon Waterways offers river cruises that allow guests to sail through some of the world's most legendary rivers. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises offer guests the opportunity to see the scenic and storied shoreline that is dotted with fairytale villages, rolling vineyards, and towering castles, which are always in view. Moreover, Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships are built to sail under centuries-old bridges and right up to the charming villages of the Old World with ease.

• How many people can each Avalon Waterways ship accommodate?

  Avalon Waterways offers intimate and luxurious ships that can accommodate up to 166 guests. With an exceptional guest-to-crew ratio of 3:1, guests can expect personalized service and attention to detail throughout their journey.

• What is included in an Avalon Waterways river cruise?

  Avalon Waterways offers an all-inclusive river cruise experience that includes a range of amenities, such as a daily buffet breakfast with a full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options, and daily specials. Guests can also enjoy daily lunch buffets featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options, and rotating chef's features, including carving & pasta stations.

• What kind of excursions are offered on Avalon Waterways river cruises?

  Avalon Waterways offers a curated collection of the most interesting experiences to immerse yourself in both on board and off. Onshore excursions are led by certified local guides who provide insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes access to must-see sights. Guests can choose from a range of options, such as Avalon Choice® selections of Classic, Discovery, and Active inclusions that elevate cruising with off-the-chart possibilities.

• What is the dining experience like with Avalon Waterways?

  Avalon Waterways presents guests with a myriad of dining options, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. From indulgent four-course dinners to complimentary room service that delivers Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner straight to the cabin door, the company provides a diverse culinary experience. Unlike other cruise lines that offer restrictive seating times in limited settings, Avalon Waterways adopts the innovative Avalon FlexDining® approach, giving guests the flexibility to dine as they please. The options include a breezy al fresco lunch at the Sky Grill, an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, or a more casual culinary experience in the Panorama Bistro.

• What are the staterooms like on Avalon Waterways ships?

  Avalon Waterways offers spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms that are equipped with modern amenities, such as flat-screen televisions, premium bedding, and private bathrooms with showers and L'Occitane® bath products.

Health and Safety Protocols on Avalon Waterways (Globus) River Cruises

Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is Avalon Waterways' commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, Avalon Waterways has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health – and happiness – of guests throughout their travels with us.

It all starts with Avalon Waterways' Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards—from start to finish. The following areas address Avalon Waterways' commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for guests.

WELCOME ABOARD

New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including:

• Social distancing throughout embarkation
• Mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew
• Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks)

FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT:

In addition to Avalon Waterways' Open-Air staterooms, the air in the ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air.

BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE:

New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avalon cruise include:

• Reducing ship capacity as required for more space on board per guest
• Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person
• Crew wearing masks for the duration of the cruise during any guest interaction
• Providing masks for guests to wear during any event where social proximity could become an issue, including disembarkation for excursions and safety drills
• Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions, as required

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS:

• Electrostatic disinfecting systems
• UV disinfecting systems

TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS:

Reducing risk with hands-free service, including:

• More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship
• Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship and entering dining venues as well as entering each public/common space
• Self-serve stations, including buffets, drinks, specialty coffees and snacks have been replaced with crew service
• All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by a full range of á la carte menu choices
• Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas

COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS:

Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalon’s already strict procedures:

• Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including:
  • Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards
  • Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises
• Disinfection of all dining areas between meals
• Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items
• Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship
• Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene

FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH:

Ensuring a healthy crew, including:

• Medical certificate required prior to start of contract
• Daily temperature checks
• Social distancing in crew living quarters
• Regular health screenings