Skip to Main Content

Are you tempted by the luxury of an ocean cruise, but put off by the idea of days at sea, expensive extras and uninspiring views? Welcome to Avalon Waterways river cruises, where five-star service comes free from stuffiness, accommodation is spacious, food is top-restaurant quality and everything is included - right down to the gratuities*.

Why choose Avalon Waterways?

At Avalon, ‘included’ is one of our favourite words. Along with the widest suite views that river cruising has to offer, and the space to soak it up from your window-facing bed, our award-winning cruises come with the following:

  • Full-board dining with regional wine or beer at mealtimes
  • Complimentary Happy Hour
  • Included choice of daily excursions
  • Gratuities prepaid (see Travel Terms)

Customer Reviews

    Danube River Cruises

    As Europe's second-longest river and a vital means of transportation for 2,000 years, the Danube is the only major European river to flow from the west to the east. A stunning course in any direction!

    Why Cruise the Danube River?

    Douro River Cruises

    Meaning “River of Gold,” the Douro truly is a treasure that reveals the gems of Portugal’s wine region. Weaving a course through some of Europe’s most captivating vistas and charming villages.

    Why Cruise the Douro River?

    Garonne River Cruises

    Springing from the Spanish Pyrenees to the Gironde estuary at Bordeaux, the Garonne River flows through some of France’s most idyllic landscapes rich in history, artistry, cuisine, and wine, of course.

    Why Cruise the Garonne River?

    Rhine River Cruises

    Flowing from the Swiss Alps to Holland's North Sea, the Rhine is perhaps most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks.

    Why Cruise the Rhine River?

    Main River Cruises

    Quaint, quiet, & quintessentially German, the Main winds leisurely through the country's most stunning areas, passing hilltop castles & storybook medieval villages alike.

    Why Cruise the Main River?

    Moselle River Cruises

    Flowing through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, the Moselle River is known for the excellent wines produced along its banks as well as for its picturesque medieval castles.

    Why Cruise the Moselle River?

    Rhône River Cruises

    An important inland trade and transportation route since Greek times, the Rhône River flows south from the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean Sea, winding through the orchards and vineyards that inspired great artists in the Rhône Valley. 

    Why Cruise the Rhône River?

    Saône River Cruises

    The Saône River-its name derived from the Gallic river goddess, Souconna-flows from northeastern France to join the Rhône River in Lyon. The Saône passes through the picturesque wine-making landscapes of Burgundy and Beaujolais.

    Seine River Cruises

    The Seine rises just northwest of Dijon and flows in northwesterly through Paris before emptying into the English Channel at Le Havre. It's one of Europe's great historic rivers and since the early Middle Ages has been considered the river of Paris.

    Why Cruise the Seine River?

    The Nile River

    Follow the lifeline of Egyptian civilization and customs of ancient temples, royal tombs, and local villages along longest river in the world. Unravel the mysteries and marvel at mammoth feats that defy explanation and drive the imagination along the mysterious and legendary Nile River.   

    Why Cruise the Nile River?

    The Mekong River

    From its source high up in the Tibetan Plateau, the powerful Mekong River courses for over 3,000 miles through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, providing a lifeline for millions of people. Discover the graceful life along the Mother of Water through Cambodia and Vietnam.

    Why Cruise the Mekong River?

    The Galápagos Islands

    Consisting of 13 large and hundreds of small islands in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands are home to some of the world's most fascinating animal species found nowhere else in the world. Here, perfectly adapted giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and birds thrive on these rugged volcanic isles that inspired Charles Darwin.

    Why Cruise the Galápagos Islands?

    The Mighty Amazon River

    The Amazon River brims with biodiversity at its greatest in the untamed rainforest of Peru. This perfect ecosystem teems with flora and fauna in a kaleidoscope of life–with more than 800 species of bird, 7,000 flowering plants, and nearly 2,500 varieties of butterfly–not to mention a menagerie of exotic mammals and reptiles. Oh, and pink river dolphins, too.   

    Why Cruise the Amazon River?

Search all cruising offers

Embark on a European river cruise and glide in style through scenic panoramas that evolve from fairytale castles to stunning landscapes and grand cities. Marvel at medieval castles perched on vineyard-draped hills on the Rhine, explore historic capitals including Vienna and Budapest along the Danube, or witness a kaleidoscope of colours as tulip fields stretch along riverbanks on our spring Tulip Time cruise through Holland and Belgium. Each day with Avalon brings a wealth of new discovery experiences and whether you choose an included excursion, an optional guided visit or to explore on your own, you’re assured of moments to treasure.

    River Cruise Offers

    Search through a range of exclusive cruise deals and offers for European river cruising and more further afield. Then, pack your bags and get ready to set sail down the world’s most legendary waters for less.

    Panorama Suites

    Fancy a view of the world like no other? Avalon Panorama Suites give the solution, with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that river cruising has to offer.

Terms & Conditions

Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended survey of Avalon Waterways customer experience, 150 Good Housekeeping readers, 2023. We believe in providing a hassle- free experience for our valued customers, which is why we include gratuities in the cost of your cruise. Find out more in our travel terms.