Discover the Magic of Avalon Waterways: Redefining River Cruising

Posted on by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Europe from a unique and intimate perspective, river cruising is one of the best ways to do it. Imagine floating past picturesque villages, historic castles, and vibrant cities while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel on water. For travelers familiar with Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways offers a refreshingly distinct approach to cruising, combining innovation, comfort, and unparalleled service. Here’s why Avalon stands out and why a European river cruise is the ideal way to explore the continent.

Smaller Ships, Bigger Experiences

Avalon’s Suite Ships are designed with fewer passengers in mind, averaging just 150 guests. This ensures a more intimate, personalized experience compared to larger cruise lines. With fewer people on board, you’ll have more space to relax, better opportunities to connect with fellow travelers, and unmatched attention from the dedicated crew. This smaller scale gives you access to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Such a difference when compared to (ocean) cruise ships!

Let Happiness Flow: Your Home “Suite” Home

Avalon’s commitment to guest comfort is evident in their impeccable 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio. The crew is trained to provide attentive service without being intrusive, ensuring your needs are met with warmth and professionalism. Whether it’s remembering your name, or your favorite drink or offering personalized recommendations for shore excursions, the crew’s attention to detail makes all the difference.

Speaking of comfort, Avalon’s boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites redefine river cruising accommodations. These luxurious suites feature floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that transform into Open-Air Balconies—the widest in river cruising. With beds that face the ever-changing views, you can wake up to stunning scenery every morning, from the rolling vineyards of the Rhine to the charming towns along the Danube.

A Culinary Journey to Savor

One of the highlights of any Avalon cruise is the dining experience. Their FlexDining® approach allows you to enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine at your own pace. Whether you prefer a casual al fresco lunch, a light bite in the Panorama Bistro, or a multi-course dinner in the elegant dining room, every meal is a celebration of flavors. Talented chefs incorporate regional ingredients and recipes, ensuring that your taste buds travel as much as you do. Plus, with no rigid dining schedules, you have the freedom to dine when and where it suits you best.

An Exclusive Partnership with Globus

As part of the Globus family of brands, Avalon Waterways benefits from decades of tour expertise. This means access to world-renowned local guides and exclusive excursions that take you deeper into the heart of each destination. Whether it’s a guided tour of a centuries-old castle, a wine-tasting in Burgundy, or an exploration of Prague’s Gothic architecture, Avalon combines seamless cruising with enriching onshore experiences. It’s the best of both worlds.

Why Choose a European River Cruise?

River cruising offers a unique perspective on Europe that traditional land tours simply cannot match. Here’s why it’s the perfect way to explore the continent:

Unpack Once: Unlike land tours that require frequent packing and moving between hotels, a river cruise allows you to settle into your suite and let the destinations come to you.

See More, Stress Less: River cruises effortlessly blend travel and relaxation. Glide along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Seine, Dordogne or Douro and wake up in a new destination each day without worrying about train schedules or navigating unfamiliar roads.

Access to Hidden Gems: Smaller ships mean access to charming villages and ports that larger cruise ships can’t reach. From the storybook towns of Germany’s Romantic Road to the vibrant markets of Budapest, river cruising opens doors to authentic, less-touristed experiences. An ocean-going vessel certainly cannot dock in the middle of a city!

A Front-Row Seat to History: Europe’s rivers have been lifelines of trade and culture for centuries. Cruising them offers a front-row seat to historic landmarks, from medieval castles to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

All-Inclusive Convenience: With Avalon, so much is included: shore excursions, gourmet meals, onboard entertainment, and even airport transfers (when booking air through Avalon). It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a luxurious vacation.

Wide-Open Wonder Awaits

Avalon Waterways has redefined what it means to cruise Europe’s most beautiful rivers. With smaller ships, spacious suites, and a focus on personal service, they offer a river cruising experience unlike any other. Whether you’re sailing past the iconic windmills of the Netherlands, exploring the vineyards of France, or soaking in the history of Vienna, every moment is designed to inspire and delight.

If you’re ready to experience the magic of Avalon Waterways, I’d love to help you plan the perfect itinerary. Let’s explore your options and make your next adventure one to remember. Check out Avalon Waterways’ brochure here, and contact me with any and all questions!

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Published by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Hi, I’m Kenneth Reece — and I help make unforgettable vacations feel effortless. With 50 cruises under my belt (and more in the works!), I specialize in bucket-list travel experiences for grown-up travelers who want something a little more meaningful, a little more personal, and a lot more fun. Whether you're cruising the blue waters of the Caribbean, exploring the stunning coastlines of Alaska, or soaking in the magic of Europe one cobblestone street at a time — I’m here to help you plan a trip you’ll always remember. Lately, river cruising has completely captured my heart. There’s just something special about waking up each morning in a new European town, with your floating boutique hotel waiting to take you to the next charming stop. I love pairing these river cruises with guided land tours for a perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Princess Cruises has long been one of my favorites at sea, but I’ve sailed with many cruise lines and know how to match each client with the right one for them. I’ve also experienced the Disney magic around the world — from Disneyland and Walt Disney World to Tokyo and Paris — and I bring that same sense of wonder and thoughtful planning into everything I do. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling solo, or just need help making sense of all the choices out there, I’m here to be your guide. I love helping clients as much — or as little — as they prefer. From the first conversation to the moment you return home, you’ll know someone has your back. Let’s make your next trip easy, exciting, and completely tailored to you.