Everything You Need to Know Before Booking an Avalon River Cruise
From spacious Panorama Suites and gourmet dining to expertly guided excursions, complimentary Wi-Fi, bicycles, and exceptional onboard service, Avalon Waterways includes far more than many travelers realize.
Knowing exactly what's included allows you to compare cruise lines fairly, budget accurately, avoid unexpected onboard expenses, and select the itinerary that best matches your travel style.
Take a look at the spacious Panorama Suites and see what makes Avalon unique.
How Avalon redefines what's included in luxury river cruising.
On many cruise lines, you pay a massive premium for a room with a view. Avalon redefines the standard by including its signature Panorama Suites in most categories.
While other lines charge extra for specialized or active tours, Avalon provides you with the freedom to choose your own path in almost every port at no additional cost.
Avalon believes that incredible culinary experiences should be part of the journey, without the hidden upcharges for premium dining common on other lines.
Avalon bundles a wide range of premium amenities into the overall vacation fare.
Award-winning Panorama Suites designed to maximize your view.
Regionally inspired cuisine crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Premium drinks included during meals and special events.
Expert-led tours in nearly every port tailored to your pace.
Stay connected throughout your journey at no extra cost.
Your dedicated onboard expert and concierge.
Authentic storytelling from residents who know the area best.
Maintain your healthy routines while sailing.
Explore the scenic European river paths on two wheels.
Destination-focused enrichment and relaxed evenings.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Meticulous service to keep your suite pristine.
Attentive crew anticipating your every need.
Let our luxury travel experts help you plan the perfect Avalon Waterways river cruise with all these amazing inclusions.
Contact Our ExpertsIn most cases, airfare is not included in the standard fare, though promotions and fly-and-cruise packages are frequently offered.
Gratuities for the Cruise Director, ship crew, and local guides are generally not automatically included.
While house wine and beer are included with meals, premium champagne, top-shelf spirits, and rare wines typically cost extra.
Certain specialty experiences like private tours, exclusive culinary events, or VIP excursions may require an additional fee.
Massages and beauty treatments, where available, require additional payment.
Laundry and pressing services are available but are not included in the standard cruise fare.
Comprehensive travel protection is highly recommended but purchased separately.
Souvenirs, artwork, local products, and personal purchases are at your own expense.
Additional personal costs like independent sightseeing, pre/post hotel expenses, and mini-bar purchases are extra.
"Luxury isn't measured by how many extras are offered—it's measured by how effortless the entire journey feels. Avalon succeeds because it combines spacious accommodations, enriching excursions, exceptional service, and destination immersion into one seamless experience."
Luxury Travel Expert
With more than four decades in the travel industry, visits to over 121 countries, and recognition as one of the travel industry's most respected luxury advisors, Angela Hughes helps travelers identify the cruise experiences that best align with their expectations, travel style, and budget.
Learn more about how Avalon allows you to explore destinations your way.
Everything you need to know about Avalon inclusions.
Avalon includes spacious luxury accommodations, all daily meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, daily guided shore excursions, complimentary Wi-Fi, bicycles, professional cruise directors, onboard entertainment, and port charges.
Yes, all meals onboard are included. This features daily breakfast and lunch buffets, à la carte selections, and four-course regionally inspired dinners.
Avalon includes complimentary house wine and beer with lunch and dinner, plus a daily Happy Hour with select complimentary drinks. Premium spirits and wines outside these times are an additional cost.
Yes! Avalon includes daily guided shore excursions in almost every port. Uniquely, they offer choices between Classic sightseeing, Active tours, and Discovery cultural experiences.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is included throughout the ship for all guests to stay connected during their journey.
Airport transfers are generally included if you purchase your airfare directly through Avalon Waterways or book specific fly-and-cruise promotional packages.
Avalon is highly inclusive but not fully all-inclusive. While accommodations, meals, many drinks, and excursions are covered, items like gratuities, premium spirits, and optional specialty excursions cost extra.
No, gratuities for the Cruise Director, ship crew, and local guides are typically not included in the base fare, allowing you to tip based on the quality of service received.
Complimentary drinks include coffee, specialty coffees, tea, soft drinks, bottled water, and wine or beer served during lunch and dinner.
Absolutely. Avalon offers incredible value by combining some of the largest standard suites in the industry (Panorama Suites) with flexible excursion options and excellent dining at a highly competitive premium price point.
Items generally not included are international airfare, gratuities, premium alcoholic beverages, optional premium excursions, spa treatments, laundry services, and travel insurance.
The Panorama Suite is widely considered the best choice. It features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that open to create an Open-Air Balcony®, with the bed facing the view.
Yes, most Avalon ships feature a fitness center with exercise equipment, yoga mats, and a stretching area to help you maintain your wellness routine.
Yes, many Avalon ships carry a fleet of complimentary bicycles for guests to use for independent exploration or on guided cycling excursions.
Both are premium lines. Avalon is known for its spacious Panorama Suites and relaxed flexibility, while AmaWaterways is highly regarded for its gourmet dining and extensive wellness programs.
Our team of river cruise specialists is here to match you with the perfect ship, itinerary, and suite.
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