Avalon Waterways

From: European Cruise Guide

ABOVE: A couple enjoys the view from an Avalon cruise on the Danube. INSET BELOW: A stateroom and a junior suite's bathroom on the Avalon Artistry.

Avalon Waterways is a river-cruising line owned by Globus, a tour operator with more than 75 years of experience in Europe. Avalon focuses on the U.S. and Canadian market, with cruises on modern vessels such as the Avalon Panorama (the company's first "Suite Ship", which is being joined by two sister ships--Avalon Visionary and Avalon Vista--in 2012).

Avalon's ships feature oversized cabins and state-of-the-art amenities such as sliding glass doors, fitness rooms, free Internet access, and--in Royal Suites--complimentary iPads. Restaurants have open seating, and passengers are served wine, beer, or soft drinks at lunch and dinner without charge.

European itineraries range from 4 to 23 days in length, with travel on the waterways of Holland and Belgium, France, Germany, and Central Europe. Some itineraries include land tours before or after the river cruise.

Cruise line's Web site:

Avalon Waterways

Photos courtesy of Avalon Waterways.

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