No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon. Relax in spacious Panorama Suites, where beds actually face the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows - so you can fall in love with every heart-melting view. Aboard our award-winning Suite Ships - awarded Best River Cruise Line and Best Cabins by Cruise Critic – you’ll enjoy bigger experiences and smaller crowds.
From your choice of daily excursions to complimentary Happy Hour cocktails, included gratuities and our guest-to-crew ratio of 3:1, you’ll discover that when it comes to the little touches, we think big.
Smaller Ships
Aboard our award-winning Suite Ships, “crowd pleasing” is not in our vocabulary. Instead, we set our sights on pleasing you with thoroughly modern, best-in-class ships averaging just 150 guests–or less. Smaller is a bigger idea in giving you the space, the time, and the personalised attention you deserve. The days of crowded cruising? That ship has sailed!
Bigger Experiences
Less crowds. More wow! On shore, Avalon keeps things personal with smaller excursion groups. That means front-row access to landmarks, richer connections with Local Guides, and deeper dives into culture, history, and hidden corners. We don’t just check the boxes. Avalon unlocks larger-than-life moments in smaller, smarter, and more intentional ways.
It doesn’t get any suiter.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.
Avalon Waterways' Ships
More about Avalon Waterways
Rooted in Heritage. Reaching for a Better World.
Since 1928, when we first began enlightening curious travelers from a rowboat across Lake Lugano, we’ve been committed to unveiling the world to those seeking greater meaning and memories – all while protecting its people, places, and traditions for generations to come. As a Swiss family-owned company, our legacy is rooted in connection, care, and curiosity – values that have guided us for nearly a century.
Although we ensure our guests travel without worries, our concerns are many – including our own footprint on the globe and respecting the paths of other people and cultures that make this world such a fascinating place.
As we approach our 100th anniversary, we invite you to travel deeper with us. To reflect on our past. To support progress around the globe. And to form more thoughtful, heartfelt connections wherever your journey takes you.
A Century of Dedication. A Century of Discovery.
From humble beginnings on the shores of Lake Lugano, the Globus family of brands (Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways) was born from a single rowboat and a bold vision – to share the wonders of the world with others. What began as a local operation has grown into a global journey, still guided by the same values of connection, care, and curiosity.
As a Swiss family-owned company, our legacy is deeply personal – built on trust, tradition, and a passion for travel that has been passed down through generations. For nearly 100 years, we’ve empowered travelers to connect with cultures, explore responsibly, and appreciate the rich traditions that shape our shared human experience.
Lighting A Path to a Better Tomorrow.
With every trip, we’re not only opening minds – we’re opening hearts. That’s the mission of the Lighthouse Project: Our commitment to making a positive impact by reducing our footprint and giving back to the people, places, and planet we visit.
From preserving endangered wildlife to supporting women’s livelihoods in Cambodia, and from protecting national parks to partnering with sustainable travel pioneers, we are proud to support organisations that shine a light on a brighter future.
Our Impact Areas
Keeping the World in the Best Light.
We’re committed to conservation at every turn – protecting waterways, preserving wildlife, and spotlighting organisations that fight for the Earth’s future–keeping in mind that no matter how far we travel, we share the same home.
Helping the Communities of the World Shine.
We believe the true magic of travel lies in human connection. Through the Lighthouse Project, we engage with local initiatives that uplift individuals and empower communities around the globe who share their worlds with us.
Keeping the Lights on For Generations to Come.
We stand tall for the stories, structures, and sites that shape our world. From historical monuments to cultural treasures, we invest in preserving sacred places and wide-open spaces–so future generations can reflect, learn, and grow.
Connecting with the World. And One Another.
Travel has the power to unite us. Through each trip, we seek to not only show you the world – but help you experience your place in it. By creating moments of wonder, awareness, and shared purpose, we nurture empathy across cultures and continents.
The more we go, the more we grow. And the more we connect – the more we care.
1628 Cruises ·
21 Ships
Cruise Regions
Nile
Amazon
Rhine
Danube
Main
Rhine/Danube
Rhine/Seine
Rhine/Seine/Rhone
Seine
Rhone/Saone
Mekong
Douro
Moselle
Gironde/Garonne
View cruises with this operator:
Reasons to Book
Consider Yourself at Home
Your favourite chair. Your go-to snack. Your signature sip. You can’t help but feel at home aboard an Avalon Suite Ship®. Avalon cruisers know that feeling aboard our intimate Suite Ships—not as another face in the crowd or a number on a guest list. When you cruise with Avalon, there are certain words you’ll never hear on board. “Take a number” is simply not in our vocabulary. That’s because our staff—from captain to crew to housekeeping to chefs—know the meaning of ‘You First’ when it comes to worldclass service. With a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you’ll enjoy personalised VIP treatment delivered with a relaxed luxury that’s never stuffy—just home, sweet home.
Avalon at Your Service
From your first welcome to our final wave goodbye, your Avalon staff and crew are at your service to ensure an extraordinary cruise experience. From Captain to Cruise Director to crew members, we deliver first-rate service that’s second to none.Your View is Ready
Your View is Ready
From our spacious, award-winning Panorama Suites to expansive Royal Suites to comfortably appointed Deluxe Staterooms, you'll drift away with innovative amenities and thoughtful details designed for the sweetest of Suite Ship® dreams.
Avalon Choice
Avalon casts cookie-cutter cruising overboard with more choices on board and on shore. From starting sooner or staying longer—you choose how you cruise with a variety of itineraries and Avalon Choice excursions that are perfect for you.
Active & Discovery Cruises
Avalon Active & Discovery cruises are packed with included excursions for classic history lovers, cultural discovery seekers, and active-minded explorers. Choose from a variety of included Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions that speak to you.
Avalon After Dark
We’re lighting up the night—and your holiday—with Avalon After Dark: a sparkling new lineup of after-hours experiences that prove some of the best stories begin at sunset. Who says river cruising ends when the sun dips below the horizon?
Avalon Amenities
It’s the little things that add up to a big, beautiful experience on each Avalon river cruise. Thoughtful little touches combine to create big impressions that are at the heart of everything we do on board our Avalon Suite Ships®.
Onboard Dining Delights
Dig into delicious where fresh, local ingredients inspire each fantastic dish. From regional flavours and traditional favourites—culinary excellence is served morning, noon, and night with a variety of venues and mouthwatering menus.
Onboard Libation Creations
From creative cocktails and mocktails to locally sourced, regional wines to complimentary happy hours, afternoon tea service, round-the-clock coffee to go and a healthy selection of H2O, there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate on an Avalon cruise.
Avalon Wellness
While Avalon shares the heart and soul of each destination, your heart and soul are also in view! From healthy dining options to a healthy doses of fitness activities, Avalon makes it easier than ever to follow your health-minded pursuits.
Members Club
With the Globus family of brands, you not only go beyond the ordinary, you can also see more of the world more often! With our Welcome Back Credit, the more you travel, the more credit you earn toward future vacations. You can easily redeem your Welcome Back Credit towards a future Avalon Waterways river cruise, or use your credit to experience a Globus or Cosmos tour.
When you’re ready, we’re here to deliver you the world beyond– stress-free and hassle-free. After all, we believe you deserve that credit!
WELCOME BACK CREDIT PROGRAM
How You Earn: While you’re enjoying your trip, you’re earning valuable Welcome Back Credits to use on a future vacation.
What You Earn: The credit amount is based on the overall value of your vacation, from a £100 - £225, or €120 – €250 credit per person.
How You Redeem: Upon returning home, visit GlobusFamily.com/WelcomeBack to activate your Welcome Back Credit. Only after activated are they ready for use toward a new trip.
Once activated, you’re on the doorstep of your next dream destination! Simply shop and book your next Globus family of brands trip with your travel agent or your Globus family of brands Vacation Planner within two years of the credit issue date, and your Welcome Back Credit value is applied to your new vacation. The best part is your credits combine with most promotions and deals.
So why wait? The credit you earned is waiting for you—and so are we!
The Fine Print: The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands holidays. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands holiday (excluding Custom Tours and Avalon Charters). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future holiday with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.