River Cruising with Avalon Waterways

Christmas Markets River Cruise

River Cruising is one of my favorite ways to see Europe. There are several river cruise companies out there and through the years, I’ve sailed most of them. My extensive experience in sailing and selling river cruises has taught me which companies stand out from the others.

One of my favorites is Avalon Waterways. Their Panorama Suites are truly what make them stand out from other river cruise companies. Each ship is comprised primarily of Panorama Suites, which means they are not just for the high-end guests. I love that the beds face the window, not the wall. And that window is from floor to ceiling, wall to wall. A sliding glass door opens your room to the world outside making your entire stateroom your balcony. Afternoons of sailing can be spent in the quiet of your own stateroom while you watch incredible scenery pass by.

It may not sound like an important point, but I need to note that the bathrooms in the Panorama Suites are very spacious. There’s also plenty of storage for your personal toiletries. You may think I’m silly to point out this detail, but if you could see the teeny tiny bathrooms on some of the other river cruise ships, you’d understand how significant this really is! 

Another thing that makes Avalon stand apart from the others is their specific “Active & Discovery” itineraries that open the river cruising experience to those who aren’t ready to slow down their active lifestyle simply because they’re on vacation. You can do hikes through mountains and bike rides along the river. You can do culinary and art experiences. They will take you off the beaten path and into adventure! If you’re tired from the bike ride you did the day before, you can slow down the pace today and participate in an archery lesson. There’s truly something for everyone, regardless of your fitness level.

Avalon has pushed the boundaries and broken the rules. River cruising is no longer just for people “of a certain age.” It’s for anyone who dreams of seeing the very best of Europe and immersing themselves into culture and history.   

My “Partner-In-Travel” Eustacia and I often lead river cruise groups so please ask me about what our next adventure might be!