Avalon Waterways — Open-Air River Cruising
Open-air river cruising — the widest view in river travel
About Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways has redefined river cruising with its Suite Ships — featuring the widest windows in river travel. The Open-Air Balcony Suites have floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that open fully to create a genuine open-air experience. Avalon's ships carry 128–166 guests and offer a premium, active-focused experience with a strong emphasis on local culture, cuisine, and adventure. Part of the Globus family of travel companies, Avalon brings decades of land tour expertise to the river.
Why Choose Avalon Waterways?
Avalon is the ideal choice for travellers who want the widest views in river cruising and an active, culturally immersive experience. The Open-Air Balcony Suites are genuinely unique — no other river cruise line offers the same open-air experience. Avalon's Active Discovery programme includes hiking, cycling, and kayaking alternatives at every port.
Highlights
- Open-Air Balcony Suites — floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that open fully
- The widest windows in river travel
- Active Discovery programme — hiking, cycling, and kayaking at every port
- 128–166 guests per ship — intimate and personal
- Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, and Mekong itineraries
- Globus family expertise — 90+ years of travel knowledge
Featured Ships
Explore the ships that make Avalon Waterwaysone of the world's great cruise lines.
Avalon Imagery II
Open-air river cruising — the widest windows on the Danube
Featured Itineraries
Evergreen itineraries — the routes that define Avalon Waterways.
8-Night Danube Discovery
Budapest to Vilshofen — the Danube's most beautiful stretch
Wendy's Insider Tips for Avalon Waterways
Avalon's Open-Air Balcony Suites are the widest windows in river cruising — book them for the best views.
Avalon's Active Discovery programme is excellent — the kayaking excursions are a highlight.
Avalon's Douro River itineraries in Portugal are outstanding — the terraced vineyards and port wine lodges are unforgettable.
Avalon's smaller ships (128 guests on some vessels) create a genuinely intimate atmosphere.
Ready to Sail with Avalon Waterways?
Tell Wendy about your dream cruise and she'll find the perfect ship, itinerary, and cabin for you.