You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.
Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.
What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.
Inspired by Local Ingredients. Created by Top Chefs. Savored by All Aboard.
In addition to providing travelers the chance to immerse themselves in each destination they visit, we help them enjoy local cuisines, inspired by local ingredients and created by some of Europe's most highly skilled chefs, as well as regional wines on board our ships.
With help from our top European chefs, we offer cruisers the dining experience they crave. Some of the highlights of our vast menu of dining choices include:
Giving cruisers a choice of appetizer, salad, entrée, cheese and dessert
Featuring local fare options at each meal
Highlighting sustainable cuisine on our French itineraries
Providing cruisers more healthy menu options including low calorie, low sodium and glucose-free cuisine
Introducing Night Fare, served at 10:30 PM to cap off each day with a treat
And, with Avalon, the "most important meal of the day" really is the "most important." In addition to providing our travelers Early- and Late-riser breakfast options, we provide them complimentary sparkling wine – great for Mimosas – and made-to-order egg stations as well as a robust breakfast buffet. Guests can also order continental breakfast in their room and have drinks delivered throughout the day.
Avalon's menu of options doesn't begin and end with food. In addition to offering cruisers the customary complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks at dinner and soft drinks included with lunch, we feature a Cocktail Hour on our ships for cruisers interested in enjoying local wine, beer and other spirits before dinner, while socializing with fellow travelers. Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, latte and premium, Lavazza coffee are also provided to our passengers throughout the day. And, if that's not enough, we provide cruisers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages that can be pre-purchased.
We also recognize that many of our cruisers are celebrating special occasions on our ships. That's why we offer them the chance to commemorate a birthday or anniversary with Celebration Package selections.
Meal Schedule
Early Riser Coffee, 6 a.m.
Start your day right with self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies, and assorted finger foods.
Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a tempting selection of breads, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Hot items such as eggs, sausage, and bacon vary daily.*
*Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded on all Avalon Waterways river cruise ships to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
Late Riser Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies and assorted finger foods.
Lunch Buffet, 12:30 p.m.
Select from intriguing appetizers, hearty soups, hot dishes, homemade breads, cold cuts and cheeses, salads, and delectable desserts.
Afternoon Tea, 4 p.m.
Take a mid-day break with coffee or tea and cake or cookies served in the lounge or on the top deck.
Dinner, 7:30 p.m.
Dine elegantly with a sit-down meal served in a single sitting. The chef will delight you with gourmet selections and the perfect, complimentary wines (complimentary beer or soft drinks also available). Menus typically feature an appetizer, soup, entrée, dessert, and coffee or tea.
Night Fare, 10:30 p.m.
Note: Meal times may vary depending on cruise schedule.
Gratuities on board and on land are not included in the cruise price (except for Exclusive Collection cruises & New Zealand & Australian Guests). Tipping is a way to show your satisfaction for good service and is part of the cruising way of life. Many Australians and New Zealanders are unfamiliar with this custom and are unsure what to do when onboard, therefore Avalon Waterways have built in the cost to your cruise fare for all cruises in Europe. Please note we are unable to facilitate pre paid gratuities in Egypt, China or South America.
n our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
Like a lot of people, a trip to Alaska was something we both had wanted to do for quite some time. However fitting it in was difficult. Sarah from Quay Travel managed that very efficiently. What to me was proving frustrating, sometimes there are too many options, was to Sarah, not a problem. She found for us a cruise which suited our timing, and then arranged the best flight options to get us to Seattle. YES - we thought that is all organised, however we had decided to sort out our shore excursions . For what ever reason the cruise line’s web site did not like me. A Quay Cruise staff member willingly took us under her care and quickly sorted matters out for us. My wife and I are very pleased to say that everything on our trip which was organised here in NZ by Quay Cruise happened when and as it should. Our thanks to Sarah and her Team - the hassle is taken out of travelling.
When we returned from Alaska I said to my husband we would never be going on another cruise - because nothing could beat that experience. Perfect in every way, excellently chosen accommodation and smooth transitions. Thanks Quay Cruise.
It’s a long way from Auckland to Alaska and return. That’s why you need the best Travel Agent to plan your cruise; find the perfect ship for you and deliver you home again. Michelle and the team are the best in the biz. We wouldn’t go further than NZ without them. Now, where to next?
We first met Margaret when one of our grandsons attended the same daycare centre as her daughter. Since that time we have been fortunate in having Margaret take care of the planning for the cruises we have sailed on. She always pays attention to every detail in helping us plan our holidays and in particular her knowledge with regard to cruises means that we know we are getting the best deal and service available. She goes that extra mile to ensure every holiday is special.
To help you discover ways to explore the world, we're pleased to share the Signature Travel Networks digital magazine, The Travel Magazine.
Pocket Travel Guides is a free app that gives you access to information about the cities you are visiting before you leave.