Avalon Waterways has built a reputation for offering spacious accommodations, excellent service, and immersive itineraries. The Avalon Passion, part of their Suite Ship fleet, exemplifies these qualities with its modern design, signature Panorama Suites, and all-inclusive amenities. Having experienced the ship firsthand, I’m excited to share my insights on what makes the Avalon Passion a fantastic choice for river cruising.
Ship Design & Accommodations
One of the standout features of the Avalon Passion is its Panorama Suites. These staterooms are designed with an open-air balcony concept, offering wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that transform the entire room into a scenic viewing area. Unlike traditional river cruise balconies that can take up valuable cabin space, Avalon’s design maximizes indoor comfort while still providing an immersive view. The suites are spacious by river cruise standards (measuring 200 square feet), with plush bedding, contemporary decor, and well-appointed bathrooms featuring L'Occitane amenities. Fully 80% of the accommodations onboard feature this design so it's not just for folks who want to pay more to get more.
The ship accommodates approximately 166 passengers, creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Public spaces include a stylish lounge, a club lounge with refreshments, tables and even books and board games, a fitness center, and an open-air Sky Deck, which is perfect for enjoying passing landscapes and fresh air.
Dining Experience
Avalon Waterways places a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced cuisine, and the Avalon Passion is no exception. Enjoy cocktails during Happy Hour, or, as our amazing Cruise Director Tony called it, "Ecstatic Hour." The main dining room serves a mix of regional specialties and classic favorites, complemented by included wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. The Panorama Bistro offers a lighter, more casual dining option, while the Sky Deck has alfresco meals on select days.
At lunchtime, I especially enjoyed the soups and salad bar which featured a rotating assortment of veggies and dressings. It's so difficult at times to find fresh veggies when traveling that I took full advantage of this each day. What a lovely treat!
Each day, we were treated to a lovely tea time onboard featuring a variety of hot tea, coffee plus two kinds of delicious cake and other sweets. These were different every day and were a welcome highlight to each day onboard.
The dining room has open seating and you can choose tables ranging from two to eight guests. You can opt for whatever makes you most comfortable - sharing your day with new friends or enjoying an intimate meal with just your travel companion. Dietary needs are well accommodated, with vegetarian, gluten-free, and lighter options available.
On our last full day in Belgrade, the culinary team hosted a cookout at lunch time on the Sky Deck. We enjoyed burgers, brats, salad bar and delicious house-made ice cream.
Tips from Mary: Make sure your Travel Advisor notes any allergies or meal preferences in advance. The Food & Beverage Manager and Chef will meet with them upon embarkation to make sure everything is noted and correct.
Service & Crew
The service onboard the Avalon Passion is warm, attentive, and professional. The crew members are not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable about the destinations along the route. Your Cruise Director ensures a seamless experience, offering valuable insights and assisting guests with any needs. The housekeeping and dining staff go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment. Since being home, I really miss having my cabin cleaned and organized twice each day.
Onboard Activities & Entertainment
While river cruising is more about the destinations than onboard entertainment, Avalon provides a well-rounded selection of activities. Daily enrichment programs include lectures on history and culture, cooking demonstrations, and regional wine tastings. Your Adventure Host will offer morning exercise, or guided hikes and bike rides, depending on the itinerary. Our Adventure Host, Klaudie also organized a cornhole tournament one sunny afternoon.
One afternoon, we were treated to an onboard wine tasting with a local vineyard.
Evenings typically feature live music or performances by local artists. The ship also offers a well-equipped fitness center and complimentary bicycles for guests who wish to explore ports on their own.
Excursions & Itineraries
Avalon Waterways excels in offering a variety of shore excursions to cater to different interests. Their “Classic,” “Discovery,” and “Active” excursion categories allow guests to choose between guided sightseeing tours, hands-on cultural experiences, or outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The Avalon Passion sails along popular European rivers such as the Danube, providing breathtaking views of historic cities, charming villages, and iconic landmarks.
We enjoyed three bike excursions and my favorite was in Budapest. Our guide took us by some of the major sites in this magnificent city and we learned a lot along the way all while exploring on two wheels. We also hiked up to the castle in Bratislava and had free time to wander around. A wine tasting and a micro brewery were highlights as well. I love having choices each day and that's what Avalon offers - lots of variety to suit every guest.
Final Thoughts
Avalon Waterways delivers a refined and comfortable river cruise experience with spacious accommodations, excellent dining, and top-tier service. Their fleet of Suite Ships, like the Avalon Passion offer thoughtful design, innovative Panorama Suites, and enriching excursions make it a strong competitor in the river cruise market. Whether you’re a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Avalon Waterways offers an unforgettable journey through Europe’s waterways.
While I have always recommended Avalon Waterways, this personal experience reinforced that commitment for my clients. I feel very comfortable in offering Avalon and know that my clients will have an outstanding experience.
When you are ready to start planning your river cruise, please reach out to Trips by Mary / Mary Graham. With nine years in the travel business, I have the experience and expertise to plan your travels and make everything simple and seamless for you.
Schedule a Discover Call with me here: https://calendly.com/trips-by-mary/discoverymeeting
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