Avalon Waterways

The Avalon Fleet:   Why is river cruising on the rise? *Best and most convenient way to travel  *Intimate, personal atmosphere of a small ship  *No seasickness  *Enriching daily cultural experiences  *Ship docks in the heart of the city  *No traffic, no getting lost  *More time to enjoy the destination  *Easy to combine with a pre or post cruise   Sail on the newest ships on the European waterways. Avalon's impressive fleet averages just two years in age—compared to an industry average of seven years. By regularly adding new vessels built for today's traveler, Avalon is able to consistently offer the most inspired designs, innovative technologies, and key features and services throughout their entire fleet. River cruising means small-ship cruising. The small ships that can go close to what really counts. In Europe, choose from 9 different ships, all built between 2006 and 2011 and many itineraries on the great rivers of Europe.  

When you step on to an Avalon river cruise, your breath will be taken away by the magic that separates you from everyday life on dry land. You’ll glide past imposing medieval castles, lush riverbank vineyards, and remarkable ancient wonders on your European river cruise. Every gentle bend of the river reveals another fascinating sight as your luxurious river cruise ship winds its way through scenic landscapes, delivering you right to where many of Europe's most celebrated cities were born.   The Avalon Panorama  The Avalon Panorama is a unique “Suite Ship”, the first of its kind in the industry. The Panorama features two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows opening to create unique Open-Air Balconies SM, upgrades and enhancements throughout the ship, a host of new onboard amenities and services, and so much more. 

Avalon is backed by 80-plus years of travel expertise, more than 200 professional support staff members in Europe, and 37 offices worldwide, an ongoing collaboration to ensure guest satisfaction that continually raises the bar when it comes to river cruising and small-ship cruising. Offering the newest, quietest, and most spacious river cruise ships, state-of-the-art resort-style amenities, and incomparable service by English-speaking crews, Avalon lets you discover China.  

The Yangtze  Coursing over major distances, the Yangtze is the longest river in Asia with more than 3,915 miles. You will sail approximately 650 miles through the most impressive stretch of the river featuring the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, known as the Three Gorges.  Along the way, you will experience village life along the river banks and encounter the beauty of the mountains and the river. 

Captivating Galápagos  Consisting of 13 large and hundreds of small islands, the Galápagos Islands, a region of Ecuador, are home to some of the world’s most fascinating animal life.  You will sail the Galápagos on board a 46-stateroom ship called the Santa Cruz.  This experience is beyond traditional cruising.  It’s an expeditionary approach that allows you to authentically discover and explore the natural wonders of this region.  The Santa Cruz is built to luxurious standards and features an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.