Ultimate Guide

Is Avalon All Inclusive? Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

The Avalon Standard

What Is Included on an Avalon Waterways River Cruise?

Avalon Waterways may not market itself as fully all-inclusive, but its impressive collection of inclusions delivers exceptional value. For most guests, the vast majority of vacation expenses are covered before ever stepping onboard.

Enjoy spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, daily sightseeing, Wi-Fi, and premium onboard amenities as part of the standard experience. Avalon strikes the perfect balance of luxury and flexibility, allowing you to focus purely on enjoying Europe's majestic rivers.

Discover the difference

Quick Answer: Is Avalon All Inclusive?

No, Avalon Waterways is not completely all-inclusive, but it is highly inclusive. Your fare covers almost all vacation essentials—including spacious accommodations, daily guided excursions, gourmet dining, and regional wine or beer with meals.

Accommodations

Included

Daily Excursions

Included

Wine & Beer

Lunch & Dinner

Onboard Wi-Fi

Included

Overall Inclusiveness

Premium Value, Not Fully All-Inclusive

Gourmet Dining

Included

Bicycles

Included

Gratuities

Extra

Premium Spirits

Extra

The Verdict

Outstanding balance of luxury & price

Is Avalon All Inclusive?

What Your Cruise Fare Includes

SPACIOUS LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS FEATURED SEASON

Spacious Luxury Accommodations

"Every Avalon cruise includes your stateroom for the duration of your journey. One of Avalon's most distinctive features is its award-winning Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows and Open-Air Balcony® design."

Signature Season ExperienceBoutique Luxury River Cruising

What's Not Included on Avalon Waterways?

Luxury Inclusions

While Avalon includes far more than many travelers expect, understanding what isn't included allows you to budget accurately and avoid surprises..

International airfare (unless purchased as part of a package)

Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

Gratuities for cruise staff and local guides

Premium alcoholic beverages outside included meal service

Spa or salon treatments (where available)

Optional premium shore excursions

* Certain premium experiences may require additional reservations or costs.

Is Avalon More Inclusive Than Ocean Cruises?

Ocean Cruise

Typical Mainstream

Daily Excursions Usually Extra
Wine with Meals Often Extra
Wi-Fi Often Extra or Limited
Regional Experiences Limited
Larger Groups
Mixed Destination Focus

Avalon Waterways

Premium River Cruise

Daily Excursions Included
Wine and Beer with Meals Included
Wi-Fi Included
Regional Experiences Included
Smaller Groups
Strong Destination Focus

Comparison at a Glance

Avalon vs. Other Luxury Brands

Avalon Waterways

Spacious Suites, Excellent Excursion Choice, Wine with Lunch & Dinner Included, Excellent Overall Value.

Which River Cruise Line Is the Most All-Inclusive?

Scenic

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall Inclusiveness

Tauck

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall Inclusiveness

Uniworld

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Overall Inclusiveness

AmaWaterways

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Overall Inclusiveness

Avalon Waterways

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall Inclusiveness

Viking

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall Inclusiveness

Sample Budget for an Avalon River Cruise

Below is a realistic example for a 7-night European itinerary for one traveler.

Expense	Estimated Cost (USD)
Cruise Fare	$3,800–$6,500
Flights	$700–$1,800
Travel Insurance	$150–$500
Gratuities	$120–$250
Premium Drinks	$50–$300
Optional Excursions	$0–$400
Souvenirs	$100–$500
Pre/Post Cruise Hotel	$250–$900+

*Actual costs vary by season, itinerary, departure city, cabin category, and promotional offers.

Experience Avalon Waterways

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Speak with our luxury travel advisors to design your perfect itinerary.

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Who Should Choose Avalon Waterways?

Couples

The spacious Panorama Suites, romantic scenery, and relaxed atmosphere make Avalon an excellent choice for couples celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, or special occasions.

First-Time River Cruisers

Avalon's straightforward pricing, welcoming service, and well-organized itineraries make it an ideal introduction to river cruising.

Active Travelers

Guests who enjoy hiking, cycling, and immersive local experiences often appreciate Avalon's Active and Discovery excursion options.

Luxury Travelers Seeking Value

Avalon appeals to travelers who want premium accommodations and enriching experiences without paying ultra-luxury prices.

Find Your Match

Avalon May Not Be the Best Choice For…

Completely All-Inclusive Seekers

If your goal is to avoid virtually every additional expense, you may prefer ultra-luxury brands such as Scenic or Tauck, where inclusions often extend to gratuities, premium beverages, and butler service.

Families with Young Children

River cruises generally appeal more to adults than young families. Avalon does not focus on children's clubs or water slides.

Travelers Looking for Nightlife

Guests seeking casinos, Broadway-style productions, nightclubs, or late-night parties may prefer larger ocean cruise ships.

Travelers Who Prefer Large Resorts

Avalon ships intentionally remain small to access Europe's historic river ports.

✦ LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERTISE ✦

Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials

Luxury River Cruise Specialist & CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel

40+ YEARS EXPERTISE

Angela Hughes

Angela Hughes INSIGHTS & LEADERSHIPTrusted Greece Luxury Travel Authority

Angela Hughes has explored over 121 countries and spent more than four decades designing luxury travel experiences. She is widely recognized across the travel industry as a leading river cruise authority and active travel advocate.

"Choosing the right river cruise is about matching your personal travel style to the right experience. It's an investment in your memories."

— Angela Hughes, On Greece Planning

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Over 4 Decades Designing Luxury Travel Experiences
Explored 121+ Countries Across Seven Continents
Recognized Industry Leader & River Cruise Specialist
CEO & Founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Specialist in Active River Cruising & Multi-Generational Travel
Personal Relationships with Avalon Waterways Executives

Direct consultation & VIP cruise amenities with Angela Hughes.Consult with an Expert

Trips & Ships Luxury Travel provides value beyond simply making a reservation, helping travelers navigate choices and create personalized journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avalon Waterways is not completely all-inclusive, but it includes accommodations, daily gourmet meals, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, many shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. Airfare, gratuities, and premium alcoholic beverages usually cost extra.

It includes your stateroom, daily meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, a selection of guided shore excursions, onboard Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and bicycles for independent exploration.

Yes, complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and filtered water are included throughout the day. Wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner. Premium spirits and cocktails cost extra.

Usually, gratuities are not automatically included, although certain promotions or travel packages may include prepaid gratuities.

International airfare (usually), travel insurance, gratuities, premium alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and some optional, highly specialized shore excursions.

Yes, Avalon includes a generous selection of professionally guided excursions (Classic, Active, and Discovery options) in the cruise fare, though a few specialized ones may incur a fee.

Avalon is ideal for couples, first-time river cruisers, active travelers, and anyone seeking a premium, immersive experience with excellent value.

Airport transfers are generally not included in the cruise-only fare, but they can be added if you purchase your flights through Avalon or book a pre/post-cruise land extension.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for all guests.

Yes, Avalon's signature Panorama Suites feature Open-Air Balconies with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that open 7 feet wide, transforming the entire suite into a balcony.

Yes, Avalon ships feature a small onboard fitness center with treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights, as well as an Adventure Center offering complimentary bicycles for exploring ashore.

No, travel protection is highly recommended but must be purchased separately.

While regional wine and beer are included at lunch and dinner, premium spirits, cocktails, and drinks ordered outside of meal times require an additional purchase or beverage package.

The atmosphere is casually elegant. Daytime wear is comfortable and casual for exploring, while evenings are smart-casual (collared shirts for men, dresses or nice trousers for women). There are no formal nights.

Yes! Every Avalon ship carries a fleet of complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks that guests can check out to explore ports independently.

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