Avalon Waterways Anmeldelser 1.892

A beautiful boat, excellent food, although it would have been nice to experienced some international flavours eg:
Japanese, Indian etc, however I could not fault the presentation and flavours of the food that was served.
The tours we went on were very good, knowledgeable, guides and fun to be with.
However a high percentage of the staff were very biased toward the American travellers and were always friendly helpful towards them, this could not be said about their attitude towards the UK travellers, on several occasion I experienced positive rudeness.
I am not a demanding person and always try to be as understanding as I can to people that are serving me. On our final day we had a long wait for our taxi and were kindly given the use of the lounge and lunch. Having waited some 30 minutes for a glass of sparking water, I went and waited at the bar whilst an American traveler was served. Much laughter was exchanged with this passenger and once served, the barman turned his back on me. When he was ready he turned, rolled his eyes and said
" Yeh what do you want"!!!..... one glass of slightly flat spring water was delivered with a thump on the bar and he turned away.
I know I had done nothing to offend this employee and had I not experienced and seen the same thing happened to others I would have thought is was a one off, however I felt uncomfortable most of the week with similar behaviour.
It's a shame, but if the preference is for the American travellers that fine by me, but I won't be travelling again with Avalon.

Well, speak as you find. I see many poor reviews of Avalon Waterways, but I have to say we have just returned from an Avalon river cruise on the Romantic Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel on Avalon Illumination and it was absolutely fabulous. Our Panorama Suite was roomy and beautifully appointed. Everything from the fresh orchid plant on the dressing table to the comfortable bed reeked quality. The shower room, tiled in marble, was equipped with L'Occitane handwash, body lotion, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. A nice touch was the scent diffuser in a little alcove. At all times the staff ensured the suite was immaculately clean. There are so many things I could say about the Panorama Suite, all good.

As to the food, it was top class, a generous buffet breakfast and a short menu including Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine were on offer every day. There was a buffet lunch in the Restaurant, which included a roast carved to order and the chef preparing a pasta dish fresh throughout the service. Salads, desserts and home made ice creams of the day. Upstairs in the Panorama lounge a lighter lunch was on offer, including a selection of salads, 2 main dishes, cooked vegetables and sandwiches, plus desserts. In the evening once again there was a choice of eating in the main restaurant or the Panorama lounge. The main restaurant offered a 5 course tasting menu with many choices. As with tasting menus each course was not enormous but given the number of courses more than adequate and all exquisitely presented. If none of the daily main courses were to your taste there were alternatives of beef tenderloin, grilled chicken breast, grilled salmon and the side dish of the day, every day.

Free wine (speciality wines of the region with dinner), beer and soft drinks were available during lunch and dinner hours and there was a "Happy hour" between 5.45 and 6.45 every evening. Each evening there was some kind of entertainment after dinner in the Panorama lounge including quizzes, karaoki, a rock band and a classical group.

The staff were absolutely lovely. They looked after us and spoiled us. I have to specially mention here Manuel and Ivan who worked in the Panorama lounge. They worked very hard but never stopped smiling! We also made some lovely cruise friends who we will be keeping in touch with.

As to the Excursions, there was at least one free one every day, sometimes a choice of two or 3, plus often a paid one. We had some excellent free ones including a visit to a mechanical music museum, coffee tasting, wine tasting and a tour of Amsterdam canals etc.

We have travelled all over the world over a period of 50+ years and experienced gourmet food on every continent, plus we are wine afficionados, but this was our first cruise and we were very pleasantly surprised. We will certainly consider another river cruise with Avalon.

My wife and I have just returned from our first River Cruise (Danube Dreams Westbound) operated by Avalon Waterways. This took us from Budapest in Hungary to Vilshofen in Germany via stops in Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz and Passau. We had an excellent experience, thanks to Avalon Waterways and all the Avalon Team on board the ‘Avalon View’.

We booked with Avalon, who we hadn’t heard of prior to booking, as a result of a suggestion from Barrhead Travel at the Gyle Edinburgh, who had previously provided us with excellent holiday suggestions. We are both extremely happy that we did.

Every aspect of the cruise, from the Lufthansa flights, the airport transfers, the ship, our cabin, the food, the tours and the local guides, was excellent. Every member of the Avalon team we came into contact with was helpful, friendly and very good at their jobs.

Our en-suite cabin was air conditioned, extremely clean, comfortable and more spacious than we had expected. Soundproofing was very good, although we did sometimes wake up at night as the ship negotiated a lock. There was a full height picture window which slid open if needed and through which we could watch the world go by during the day, although usually we chose to sit on the top floor ‘sky deck’ for this so we could get the sun.

The food, from breakfast, through lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, was all prepared to an extremely high standard and the menus reflected the cuisine of the country we were travelling through. During the eight days we were on the ship, we tried many different dishes, some for the first time, and enjoyed everything we ate (a reflection of the great job done by the Kitchen staff).

Some alcoholic drinks (e. g. house wine) and tea/coffee was included and there was a chilled drinks machine we could use to fill water bottles before the onshore tours. Other alcoholic drinks were charged for, although there was a ‘Happy Hour’ every day and special offers were made on different drinks throughout the week.

The onshore tours were excellent, very well organized by Avalon and led by very good, knowledgeable and entertaining local guides who communicated with us via a radio based earpiece which made it easy to hear their commentary over any background noise.

Based on the past few days, we have no hesitation in recommending Avalon to anyone thinking of booking a River Cruise holiday.

My husband and I recently took our first river cruise, Romantic Rhine Northbound . We had long thought about taking one of these cruises but we were a little concerned as we had heard from others about their trip with a competition line. Their reviews left a great deal to be desired and made us apprehensive about booking the trip. Our travel agent suggested Avalon as an alternative and could not have been more pleased with the service that we received. The staff could not do enough for us. The trip from beginning to end was perfect. All excursions were well planned with knowledgeable guides. Our cruise director Perla Campailla was the epitome of perfection throughout the trip and she worked diligently to give us the perfect experience from the time we met her in Lucerne, to our reluctant departure in Amsterdam. Captain Peter and his crew were most professional and he was always there on our departures and returns. The room attendant Maria was very polite and professional and our room was always spotless and organized. All the food staff were friendly and attentive to our needs and wants. A special shout-out to our servers Winda and her husband Buhdi who were always cheerful and quick to meet our table’s requirements. There was a tear in our eye on our last day on board and we wish them all well.

A company's character is not determined by how it handles day to day operations, but how it handles a crisis. This company fails miserably when Acts of God happen!
We are on what was supposed to be a Danube River Cruise from Prague to Budapest...we never sailed at all, even though Viking sailed for the last 3 days. Avalon chose to bus us everywhere. They didn't communicate well at all. Information was withheld and our cruise director, Helmut, would turn and walk away from guests if he didn't want to answer questions.
This was my 3rd Globus/Avalon trip but it will be the last. They excel in bus trips but not river trips. They don't know how to handle weather issues.

We just returned last week from this trip. It was so much fun. Our Cruise Director Valentine was great.
The Staff and Crew were excellent.
I loved everything, but thought time was too limited at the two highlight castles. One they took us to, we walked around the outside? If they had said we could go ahead and buy tickets and do our own tour we would have.
Another trip they took us to some park to eat chimney cake. Waste of time. We should have been at the castle and church. When we finally got there we were told we had a half hour. So that meant 15 minutes because we had to walk back to the bus.
Food was good. But, nothing earth shaking. Best eggs Benedicts for breakfast.
I will do it again, but on the Rhine.
Age of guest was a good mix. They had a good way to keep groups together. One was for slow walkers, one was for active hikers, last was for most people. So, we all got along great.
Fun time with fun people.

We are about to take our 5th trip
With Avalon. Everything is always impeccably well done. The staff and crew, the food and the tours are all exceptional. You can’t go wrong booking with Avalon.

We have just disembarked in Basel after cruising with Avalon along the Rhine from Amsterdam which departed on May 4.
What an amazing holiday we have been fortunate enough to experience with Avalon's expertise.
The AVALON VISTA ship was well equipped, modern cabins with sensational hot showers. The attentiveness offered by the house keeping staff was nothing short of exceptional. Our rooms were attended to twice daily and the attention to detail offered by the staff in this department was second to none.
The food variety and quality was outstanding. The wine selection offered with each meal was comprehensive and served in a very generous manner. The food and beverage staff were exceptional. To be greeted each dining experience by such consummate professionals was delightful. All staff were attentive, friendly and efficient. I would like to highlight Samir, Ayesh and George for being so delightful, so genuine and so attentive to our needs. It is very much appreciated. Our cruise was made so much more special by their interaction with us on a daily basis. The bar staff upstairs were hard working and very good at creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Robert and Muriso were incredibly efficient, professional and discrete. They did an amazing job of ensuring anything we needed was taken care of.
I'm not sure that the word 'no' is in the Avalon's staff vocabulary. They just seem to be able to make things happen for their guests.
We are so very grateful for the entire team. We will look forward to rebooking with you all again in the best future.
Regards, Thanks and Best Wishes 👏👏👏
Belinda and Donna from Australia

This was a river cruise from Paris to Normandy and back. Avalon proved that they do more than the essential aspects well (food, friendly staff, excellent housekeeping, etc.). We did guided excursions walking and by bicycle. The guides provided by Avalon were friendly and well informed. Other times we walked on our own, and we took the ship's bicycles out. All was as advertised.

Excellence in customer service was demonstrated throughout the trip. The water level on the river posed an issue for both the ship's crew and the tour director. They coped, they informed, they offered alternate, equivalent excursions, and they did so without showing how much frustration they must have felt. Throughout all this, they were always approachable.

The change to the docking plans meant we had to change a private excursion away from the ship. The crew was very helpful in arranging for our taxi service. That's no big deal in your own country. In another country that uses other phone systems, while speaking other languages - the crew's support was well 'above and beyond'.

Ideas for improvement?
Include home country on staff name badges.
Offer an option to share passenger contact information. Friendships form, and before realizing it, we've parted company.
Some coach transfers are lengthy. Be sure a toilet break is available soon after disembarking the bus.

I was recently on the Avalon Expression Rhine tour. I can only say it was over the top. Every detail was looked after. The cruise director Isvan was amazing with helping in any situation. The overview given by him each day was helpful, interesting and injected with such humour we were constantly laughing. He was always present to address any concerns. Having many food allergies I had no problems and the food and wait staff were amazing. I was so impressed that a meeting was held with the kitchen staff on the first day to go over dietary concerns. The food was delicious and the meal presentation in the evening was photograph worthy. Dharma was amazing and made sure every course was perfect and safe for me to eat.
The ship was spotless, modern, well appointed and up to date. Our rooms were well set up with no small detail missing, right down to very high end shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
The friendliness of the staff rubbed off on those on the cruise contributing to the making of many new friends. The excursions were well run, interesting and informative.
I would just like to say thankyou to every single person that made my holiday such a fun and amazing one that I will never forget. You all deserve 5 stars.
Trish O. Canada

This is my first river cruise, so I had nothing to compare it to. What exceeded any notion I had was how friendly and attentive the entire crew was. I feel I should say the sites were the highlights, but it was the crew that made my trip memorable and exceptional. From Dani, Radu, Bogdan, Feyzi, and Gabriel (the list can go on and on), every moment on board was filled with great food and fun.
I was on the Panorama. It was clean and seemed brand new. My bed faced the floor-to-ceiling windows, so I had great views. Ibrahim, the head chef, nailed it with all of our meals.

We would like to say a big thank you to all staff on Avalon Tranquility II . We were cruising with them in April 2024 . Very clean ship, food is great . Everyday excursions. Thank you Niki who made our room clean. Also thanks to Yosi,, Victor, Mansour and Ghassen for quick service and smiling faces . Ghassan I wish we will see you again and we will speak Russian with you . One more big thanks to Tomas and his team.
Svetlana and Barry

We went on the Romantic Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, and it was absolutely fantastic. Such a lovely ship and great service from the majority of the crew, particularly the Cruise Director and Maitre D'. We asked if the ship was full as you didn't feel cramped or crowded, and it was! There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere on the boat, you could wear what you wanted at all times and no pressure to do anything. We really appreciated the company not trying to fleece us for every penny while on the cruise, as has happened on other cruises. The excursions were well organised and the guides were very interesting and knowledgeable. Airport transfer all went smoothly too. The cabins were great and well looked after by the staff. I can't recommend this cruise highly enough.

False advertising
Monday advertised price of 4099 for jun 16 2025 to June 30 2025 European cruise. My travel agent tried to book Tuesday and they said advertised price was a mistake. Increased price thousands!
Lost me for sure due to false advertising bait and switch

Great meals, good local cuisine. Nice variety of tour options. Could improve on evening entertainment. We tended to back to our rooms after dinner as there was not much going on. Maybe an evening happy hour would get people out.

We took a river cruise thru Vietnam and Cambodia
It was to include two intra flights and only including one . We paid for two . The company made up an excuse of an issue they knew about for months and still charge tourists for two flights when only one will be scheduled
It is deceptive and false advertising. The tour and cruise would have been rated well if not for this issue . Our first and now last Globus tour.

This was my fourth cruise with Avalon and everything was excellent. The crew, the excursions and the ship were all outstanding. As a solo traveler, I always feel welcome and comfortable among crew and passengers alike. I will continue to travel with Avalon as I travel the world.

This was our second river cruise with Avalon and everything was just as we expected being top notch on friendliness, cleanliness, organized every day with excursions, and wonderful food.The cabin stewards were always on top of our cabin every time we left. The servers at the happy hour and meals were outstanding, especially Fabi, if you ever have on a river cruise.

It was a great trip…our 4th on Avalon. Water levels played havoc with the itinerary but the staff adjusted wonderfully.

The staff on the Avalon View and the Avalon Envision are the best in the business. We had to switch ships mid-trip because the Danube was flooding, but the switch was absolutely seamless. They were engaging, caring, thoughtful and very kind! They anticipated every need and the whole experience was magnificent. I can't wait until our next River Cruise. It will always be with Avalon!