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Avalon Tapestry II

Avalon Vista

Avalon Tranquility II

Avalon Imagery II

Avalon Expression

Avalon Panorama

Avalon Visionary

Avalon Impression

Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Passion

Avalon Artistry II

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Best Trip with Parents Ever

Jost Van Dyke

We had never been on a cruise of any kind before.  My husband wasn’t fond of going on a sea cruise so we opted last minute for this river cruise with Avalon, one of the best decisions we’ve made in many years as it turned out!

We were impressed with the customer focussed organisation and service provided by Avalon and its members of staff.  To achieve such seamlessness indicates that this company has good management and that its staff are attentive to their customers.

We couldn’t fault the food, we were slightly worried that there might be too much food but whilst there are lots of choices and courses the portions are not over the top.  You can therefore eat as much or as little as you choose.  The wine, cocktails and beers available were much better quality than we had envisaged, very good.  The cruise director Istfan did a marvellous job of keeping everyone up to date, managing the on board entertainment and generally ensuring everyone’s questions and queries were met in a timely fashion.  

The cleaning staff must have cleaned our room three times a day whilst we were either dining or out on an excursion.  The bar staff, captain of the ship and his staff were all so friendly and kind which created a marvellously relaxing culture on board. We will go on holiday with Avalon again after this.  It was one of the most relaxing and interesting holidays we’ve had in years.

Rhine Cruise - Amsterdam to Basel

This was our first River Cruise, we could not have picked a better company to travel with. Prior to departure the travel information we received was second to none, on arrival our connections were informative and on arriving at the ship we were welcomed on board by all staff that passed us and introduced to other guests already onboard.

Our room was perfect very comfortable and clean ( and maintained to the same high standard morning and night throughout the cruise). Throughout the cruise the food and hospitality was excellent, wonderful choice and great presentation. The daily briefings were informative and fun. We went on six excursions and did not regret one, all well planned with very good guides. The entertainment at night was fun and relaxing. We can not speak highly enough about all the staff onboard, they were so friendly liked a laugh, very helpful and made the cruise a wonderful experience.

Overall we give Avalon and the Cruise we were on 10/10 and have already started to plan our next one. A great opportunity to meet new friends in a non crowded environment, with personal service in a very professional manner.

Fantastic experience cruising with Avalon

I chose the cruise, because my friend is not able to do big walking tours as we used to and always wanted to see more of the River Rhine….So I decided that is our best way to go…..I was sceptical, could not imagine touring on a ship. At the end we were both exited. We could not have made a better decision: everything was wonderful: the staff, so caring, smiling all the time, hard working young people …exceptional. Everybody being interested in our well-being . The guides and tours could not have been planned better and carried out more professionally.I particularly liked the different options of groups from slow to more intensive walkers, with the option of taking the bus I.e. back. Very elegant for people in need like my friend. The food on the ship was fabulous, a mix between local specialities of the region and different other dishes. Extra orders could be made, no problem…I enjoyed every single day a lot. No problem for vegetarians either. I special thank you goes to our cruise director and the manager of our ship..you two were most amazing: we all felt appreciated and honoured to be guests of your ship. Nothing was a problem for you and your crew. Both of you inspired and encouraged us, too…..What a wonderful experience.

We loved your evening programm and your humour during the briefings a lot.

 Y friend and I agreed in the end: this was not our last tour with Avalon cruises and we will highly recommend your to our friends. Thanks for everything!

Simply fabulous

We chose Avalon having got a good last minute deal and having heard from former river cruisers about infirm and very elderly clients on river cruises. Avalon has an ‘Active’ excursion leader and as such appeals to a slightly younger crowd. You do not have to be active to enjoy the cruise, it’s all at your own pace but the active excursions gave this cruise an edge in our opinion. 

We cruised down river from Basel to Amsterdam and had an amazing experience in no doubt due to the cruise director  - István Pinter. 

The panorama suite was ready for us when we boarded (about 2pm) and a light luncheon buffet had been prepared. And so the holiday began….

We found the room excellent for our needs. The large sliding windows providing wonderful ( and not so wonderful - When docked!)  views as we cruised along. Adequate storage for clothes and a good bathroom. 

There were only 106 passengers on board this particular cruise and that may possibly have given us an advantage over others. 

We could not fault anything - The lounges, our room and facilities on board were excellent, our fellow passengers (Mainly American/Canadian,  a few fellow Brits, Australians  and New Zealanders and a couple of others) were friendly, sociable and great fun to be with. The organised excursions interesting (tour guides varied however) and well planned.

Everything we ate or drank was delicious and any specific request actioned upon quickly. And then there was Happy Hour - Let us just say this was a VERY happy Happy Hour and our drinks were quickly replenished. As this hour was totally free on our cruise you can imagine the demands on all the bar staff - I can only congratulate them all.  Remember, it’s not all about the alcohol, they did some great ‘Virgin’ cocktails too.  

All the staff were wonderful. They worked their socks off, literally non-stop. They are an asset to the company and should anyone be a little reticent about tipping, please don’t. They all deserve as much as they can get. 

Every evening the cruise director would give detailed information on any upcoming excursions and delivered the information in an entertaining way. 

I do realise this review is glowing  - it deserves to be - but just to be clear I have not been bribed nor do I have any affiliation to the company or its subsidiaries!

Superlative first time river cruise experience with Avalon

Cabin are large and spaceious and setup properly for viewing the sights as you cruise the Rhine. Balconies on the others sacrifice indoors space for a narrow outside sitting space. Not worth it. Special excursions are given that are not given on other river cruises. Small and quaint. You will definitely make friends from around the world more easily. Whether it be at breakfast, lunch, dinner or any of the evenings events. Our cruise director, Amila, was the very best! Bar now. She always kept you informed about every event. Didn’t mind repeating herself so you were sure of things. I always loved the evenings Port talks. I could listen to them two or three times each evening. I had a few minor personal problems that were handled as if I was the only passenger aboard. My wife happened to leave an expensive shawl in our cabin. We called. Hopefully it will be mailed to her. We will always cruise on Avalon in the future!

Amila cruise director 

There are no better views from your cabin than with Avalon Waterways. I’ve sailed with Avalon before and love the 200’ cabin, with 11 foot glass wall that opens up to 7’ of water, sun, fresh air & spectacular views which can be seen from my river-facing bed!! Awesome!!!

New awesome concepts are: 

1. the fabulous coffee machine in the lounge area 2. station to refill water bottles 

3. Pre-dinner Happy Hour- although limited choices 

Staff were incredible… even more so than the last time sailing. My awesome favourites: 

Winnie, Nathalia, Dejan, Sri, Stephan, Jagdish

All so attentive!!

Food & wine were plentiful although I felt the quality of some ingredients was not great.

Caramel sauce was not buttery, chocolate sauce was grainy, fake whipped cream sometimes, cakes at tea time looked lavish but not top quality. Cheesecakes were great, though. I’m a home-baker , though, and only use top quality ingredients.

WIFI- terrible to the point of non-existent & only available in the lounge-needs a huge improvement.

Overall, fabulous service & overall terrific sailing and would be more than happy to sail with Avalon Waterways again!

Sailing with excellent service

We loved the service, value, organization, energy, food, excursions and our room. There is not one thing I can say that is negative. The entire Avalonian's model is superb in every way! We are already looking to book our next trip! Unlike other boats this one is superior with certain things that you don't realize until you are on the cruise for the first time. Covered decks on top for days you ride down the rivers during the day are critical. They also handle every single transfer including your luggage. We didn't move ours from getting our of baggage claim to getting back to the airport. We saw where other lines make you move your own from hotels, buses etc. The food and the staff were just fantastic. They knew what you liked after the first day in regards to drink orders and dietary needs. I honestly don't know what they could do to improve their model and the way they take care of their guests! We are ready to go again as soon as we can!

Our first river cruise after many big sea cruises, and it was fantastic! Avalon did everything top notch. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure that everything was great. Floating down the river was so relaxing and the scenery was beautiful. 

Our cabin was on the top floor and the view from it was great, especially from the bed facing the window wall. 

The excursions and tour guides were very good. Hiking with our adventure host was fun. The free time in each place was nice to wander and find little restaurants. Walking tours were informative. Each town was full of history and very scenic. True old world charm.

The musicians that came onboard at a couple of ports were terrific. Trivia was fun too. Relaxing in the lounge after dinner with new friends was wonderful. 

Absolutely loved everything! We will definitely do another river cruise with Avalon!

Fantastic vacation!

My wife and I were really keen to try river cruising as had never considered that type of holiday previously. We love our European city breaks and this seemed an excellent way to see several cities and places of interest without the need for multiple flights. Plus the Romantic Rhine covers 4 countries which is a great bonus. Am now absolutely hooked on river cruising as the best way to travel! Couldn't fault the Avalon experience in any way, as it achieved all the sense of space and quality of service we'd hoped for whist remaining friendly, relaxed and fun. Cruise director Stefano was excellent and typified the professionalism and approachability of all the staff onboard a beautiful and spacious ship. Fellow guests were equally friendly and a great mix of Europeans, North Americans, Australians and Asians. Can't wait to book again, probably a Danube cruise but DEFINITELY with Avalon!!

Wunderbar! A Holiday Like No Other

We chose Avalon Panorama for our first ever river cruise. We flew from the UK to Basel, stayed the night before in St Louis & joined the ship next day. The staff were super friendly & within a few minutes of arriving we were told our cabin was ready for us. We unpacked & quickly returned for the lunch being served in the upstairs lounge. We had a very tasty lasagne, a vegetarian rice dish was offered too. Washed down with a cheeky glass of very acceptable red, we departed for our walking tour of Basel, which was most interesting.

The evening meal was served in the downstairs dining room, with its excellent staff. Its a 4 course affair, so plenty of time to socialize with your fellow passengers, we made friends with US, Canadian, Australian & UK guests. Generally: Salad or appetizer, then choice of 2 soups, main course of meat or fish or vegetarian ( daily staples are also available, IE Steak /salmon, chicken), desert or cheese. On the evening of the the Gala dinner, we had an extra course of Lobster too. Plenty of very good, local wines were served each evening and lunch, all were excellent. After dinner, recorded music was played in the upstairs Lounge and there was plenty of space & seating for all to enjoy a drink there with new friends. On 2 occasions we were treated to live entertainment, a real treat and all enjoyed greatly.

Every day included a sightseeing excursion, some half day, some full day.  Alternative trips or experiences were available and also your Adventure host would take you hiking or biking if you choose.

Every detail was planned so beautifully & Bram, our Cruise Director was incredibly helpful. We were worried after the driest summer ever & the consequent river levels had been low but we were told that Avalon coped by providing 2 ships above and below the 'dry area'. Thankfully The Rhine was back to full for our October trip.

The Sky Deck, up top was immense, which came into its own on the Rhine Gorge day; warm sun and dozens of castles, truly magnificent. Another gem is the smaller Club Lounge at the ship's rear, it's a secret! Nice and quiet, bean to cup machines in all lounges, plus biscuits, fruit, juices, waters.

Our first river cruise but hopefully not our last.

Well planned excursions, good food, superb service & great scenery on Avalon Panorama

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