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 the Globus family of brands approaches its centennial birthday, we invite you to join us in our celebration of heritage, history, culture, customs, and respect for others and our planet.
Like the world’s great rivers, Avalon is always redefining and innovating our course by elevating river cruising experiences above the ordinary. By charting new horizons inspired by your passions and pursuits, we put you in the captain’s seat to navigate new and exciting ways to cruise your way with more choices than ever before. From the first throw of the bowline to the last drop of the anchor, our modern take on river cruising makes waves in the most memorable and meaningful ways. Welcome aboard the wide-open wonder of Avalon.
River cruisers know that size matters when cruising the great rivers of Europe. Aboard our innovative, award-winning Suite Ships, “crowd pleasing” is not in our vocabulary. In fact, Avalon’s best-in-class ships average just 150 guests – some even less – to give you the space, the time, and the attention you deserve—both on board and on shore. With a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, we’ve perfected the art of making you feel at home with more room to dream, dance, dine, and discover.
Lose the crowd with smaller groups on shore to explore each destination with a personal expert Local Guide. Smaller is better with limited excursion group sizes (averaging just 24 guests) for bigger, up-close and personal experiences in fascinating destinations for larger-than-life insights and inspirations that go beyond the guidebooks. Avalon brings you closer to grand history and great cultures in a big way—only smaller!
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.
As part of the Globus family of brands, Avalon Waterways is honored to be consistently named No. 1 and Best in Class by the industry’s most trusted authorities and travel lovers. But it's the miles of smiles on the faces of our guests that bring the best rewards—from the first throw of the bowlines to the last drop of the anchor.
That’s Cruising Elevated!
Bid bonjour to the bountiful beauty of Bordeaux! Cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers through one of France’s most exquisite regions famed for its legendary vineyards and wines. From regal castles to romantic wine cellars and chateaux to cathedrals and culinary delights of Southwestern France. Sweeten your Bordeaux cruise with itineraries that also include Paris and more delightful destinations. This is how we France!
Your cruise story doesn’t need to end when the sun goes down! At Avalon Waterways, we believe the best stories don’t just happen by day—they come alive after dark. That’s why we’re rolling out Avalon After Dark, an electrifying new lineup of nighttime experiences that will change the way you cruise!
Avalon Waterways is taking our award-winning Suite Ships to the next level with a fleet-wide design refresh! From fresh new interior décor and enhanced outdoor spaces to next-level Starlink Wi-Fi and ultra-efficient engines for smooth, environmentally sustainable sailing—the only thing that won’t change is the ever-changing widest views in river cruising!
As you set sail on the world’s most legendary waters, you’re free to chart your course with a collection of the most intriguing experiences that speak to you – both on board and on shore. With the wind in your hair, whim in your heart, and as many as 28 included excursions on your cruising itinerary, you hold the compass to point in any direction you choose.