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Avalon River Cruises - Laundry Services

By willbrook , August 10, 2013 in River Cruising

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My wife and I are taking our first river cruise next year on board the Avalon Artistry II. Can anyone advise if laundry services are available on Avalon river vessels? Thanks. Willbrook

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Yes, there is laundry service on the Artistry II. It was very reasonable and quick turn around when we used it earlier this year.

Thanks for the prompt response.

Do you know if there is a laundry room for guests to use or is the laundry done for you?

Laundry is done for you.

tassietravellers

tassietravellers

We were on the Avalon Panorama last august and we thought the laundry services prices were quite reasonable and very prompt.

I did wash under wear in our cabin, but other clothes we did send to be laundered. :)

Mimosa09

Just curious. I heard prices were by the piece, but is it the same procedure as the big ocean ships? They wash your laundry in warm water & machine dry?

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What to expect with Avalon Waterways

I take you through all the details of an Avalon Waterways river cruise ship – the rooms, the food, the bar, the activities, and more!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: February 2, 2023

Not all river cruises are created equal. This is what I realise as I float down the Danube onboard the Avalon Impression.

In my previous story, I confessed that this was my first time on a European river cruise – and that my expectations and preconceptions had been all wrong.

I realised that there is much more flexibility than I thought, more variety than I imagined, and more authenticity than I expected.

But, as I say, not all river cruises are the same. There are two things that make this trip a little unlike others.

The first is the ship itself – because Avalon Waterways has some differences in its layout, style, and service.

The second is that I’m on an ‘ Active & Discovery ‘ itinerary – a relatively new idea from Avalon that is aimed at a broader market than the traditional river cruiser. That’s why I was invited to try the trip myself so I could tell you more about it.

If you haven’t read my first story about my overall impression of this river cruise from Budapest to Linz, I would recommend you check it out.

 Because now I want to go into some of the specifics of an Avalon Waterways ship and an Active & Discovery itinerary, to help you get a better impression of what it’s like to be on the Avalon Impression (see what I did there – pretty clunky, right?).

First let’s talk about the ship overall. I didn’t realise this previously but most river cruise ships in Europe are the same size. That’s because they need to be able to fit into the locks that they pass through. So, because each company makes their ships just small enough to get through a lock, they’ve all pretty much got the same dimensions.

This means it’s what you do with the same space that sets the ships apart. Let me paint you a picture of how Avalon does its ships.

An Avalon ship is 135 metres long and has three interior levels and a deck. You can get an amazing 3D look at the whole thing with this virtual reality tour from Avalon:

The bottom level has technical stuff at the front and guest rooms at the rear. These rooms have windows but not the full length ones that can be opened on the other two levels.

The second level has the dining room and kitchen at the front and rooms at the rear.

The third level has outdoor seating at the very front, then the lounge and bar, with the concierge in the middle, with rooms at the rear, and a club lounge at the very back.

And then the deck has a bit of space at the front, then the captain’s bridge, with some outdoor seating behind that, and then the majority of the space is lounge chairs and some other spaces to relax.

Having never been inside a river cruise ship before, I had not previously given the interior design too much thought. But, because we occasionally docked alongside other ships and had to walk through them to shore, I came to realise there’s a big variety in how they look.

It gave me a real appreciation of the Avalon ships, which aim to be comfortable and casual (you are on holiday, after all) but are still stylish.

It is clear that thought had gone into every detail, like in the lounge where there were tables to play cards, pairs of plush seats for couples that didn’t want company, or large open couch areas for groups – all a bit different but all cohesive in their style. Simple but classy.

Meanwhile, as I pass through other ships, I see one that looks like it should be the setting for an Agatha Christie novel, while the interior design of another looks like a dictator’s mausoleum!

(I guess everyone has different tastes and so these ships cater to them… but they’re not my style, I’m afraid.)

Let’s look now at the bedrooms, which are one of the biggest selling points of the Avalon ships. I am in one of the Panorama Suites, which most of the rooms on the ship are (65 of them out of 83). So that’s what I’ll focus on.

The first thing you notice is the bed, which is facing the window. It seems so obvious that you would want to look at the view from your bed, but most river cruise ships don’t do this, they have their beds facing a side wall.

The other thing that is really special is the window, which runs the full length and height of the wall and opens two-thirds of the way across.

Avalon calls this an ‘Open-Air Balcony’, which basically means that it feels as if you’re on a balcony if you sit inside and open up your window the whole way.

While this is clearly marketing talk, I do agree that it’s the best way to design the room because, if you were to have an actual balcony, the room would have to be much smaller because the ship can’t be built any wider.

Aside from the bed and the window, there’s a small couch and table, a desk, a TV with news channels and free on-demand movies, two wardrobes, and a large bathroom with a shower.

All in all, a very comfortable space that I wish I could have spent even more time in!

It’s also worth mentioning that it was cleaned twice a day and that was done discreetly while you were at meals.  

Speaking of meals, the food on the cruise was one of my highlights and it’s definitely an element of the trip that shouldn’t be understated.

If you’ve ever been on an ocean cruise and still have traumatic memories of huge crowds of people fighting for the large buffets of mass-produced food trays, don’t worry, this is the complete opposite.

The main meal each day is the dinner, which is a sit-down four-course meal. (This is included in the price for everyone). There is a menu with choices for the entree, soup, main dish, and dessert… and it’s all the quality you would expect at a top restaurant in the city you are near.

In fact, that’s one of the aims – to make it seem like you are in a local restaurant. The menu is based on where the ship is at the moment, with regional ingredients used to make regional dishes.

When we’re still in Hungary one evening, I have Hortobagyi Palacsinta (Hungarian pancakes with minced pork) for my entree, Palocleves (Hungarian lamb chowder) for my soup, and braised beef cheek as my main. (Other options included a Karfiol Levels cauliflower soup, Turos Csusza noodles, and Fogas Korhely sea bass fillet.)

Lunch is slightly more relaxed because, with the activities, not everyone has time for a long meal. So it’s generally served as a buffet but with the chefs on hand to slice meat and serve some special dishes.

Twice during the cruise, there is also a BBQ on the deck as an option for lunch and I really enjoying sitting outside with my steak and salad.

Breakfast is also a buffet meal with a good selection of hot and cold options, with local influences but also the standard food you would expect at any international hotel chain.

Another impressive aspect of the meals is that beer and wine is free during lunch and dinner. And they’re not shy about topping up your glass!

I probably drink a bit more than I really should’ve because each night there are different wines on offer that come from the local regions and, in such a famous wine-producing area of Europe, it seems a waste not to taste them all!

Seeing as we’re talking about drinking now, let me tell you a bit about the bar on the Avalon Impression.

Again, if you have bad memories from ocean cruises, don’t worry. There are no drinks packages on the Avalon ships and this is not a booze cruise (frankly, there’s just too much to see and do on the trip to waste your time with a hangover!).

But that doesn’t mean people don’t want to unwind with a drink in the evening and that’s how it’s designed.

The bar is in the large lounge area at the front of the ship where people tend to gather and where the daily ship briefings are given. It’s there for those who want it but it is not a focal point of the common area.

Each night there is a happy hour before dinner (which also coincides with the ship briefing), where the drinks are half price. It’s a great way to do things – you can have a cheap cocktail or glass of wine while you listen to the information.

The standard prices for the drinks are about €4.5 for a pint of beer, €5 for a glass of wine, and €8 for a gin and tonic. It makes the half-price happy hour very affordable!

After dinner, if you’re like me and you’ve had a fair amount of wine during the meal, all you may want is another glass or two as you continue your conversations before you go to bed.

This Avalon cruise from Budapest to Linz is no ordinary cruise. It’s called an ‘Active & Discovery’ trip and I want to quickly explain what each of those things mean.

There’s often a perception that European river cruises are quite boring because there’s not much to do. Well, the ‘active’ part of this trip defies that notion. Each day there are included activities that get the blood pumping (obviously you can choose whether you want to do them or not).

For instance, one day I join an excursion that goes cycling through the Wachau Valley in Austria. This cultural landscape is actually a World Heritage Site because of the rolling hills of vineyards and quaint villages that lie within it.

It’s a beautiful part of Austria that follows the course of the Danube River and that’s what we do on our bikes.

As we go past vines, old churches, and pretty town squares, our local guides tell us the stories of the region. But beyond that we also see some incredible landscapes while appreciating the challenge of the exercise as well.

Another day I join a group of passengers for a hike up to the top of a hill, along a dirt path and through the forest, to an incredible viewpoint.

From here we have an amazing view of a hairpin curve of the river, the blue sky shining above the green trees running down to the shore, and our ship sailing through the water to meet us at the bottom of the hill when we walk back down.

There are also opportunities to do your own thing – you don’t always have to be on an organised activity. For instance, we’re in Vienna for two days and I borrow one of the ships bikes, as you can do at any time for free.

I take the bike for the whole day and go cycling through the city centre, all the way to Schonbrunn Palace , where I tie it up and go inside this incredible residence of the Habsburgs.

In some ways, this is more activity than I’ve had in recent weeks and I enjoy the chance to get my body moving so much. Then again, I am eating and drinking so much, I’m sure I’m not losing any weight!

The ‘discovery’ part of the cruise also involves activities that you can choose to go on, and they aim to offer more in-depth experiences that show you a different side of the places that you’re visiting.

For instance, when we’re in Budapest , I go on a caving tour that takes us on paths underneath the ground to see the formations created by thermal waters.

At the same time, other passengers go on a Retro tour, where they drive around in a Trabant car to visit some of the sites in the city that remain from the Soviet days.

In Vienna, there’s a morning tour that shows us a slice of local life – the public transport, markets, residences. And there’s also the opportunity to go on a tour of an old absinthe shop to learn about the history of the drink and do some tastings.

There’s a very special experience one evening when we go to Clam Castle, a historic home on a hilltop near where we’ve moored for the night in Austria. Here, the castle’s owner, the count, shows us his home and hosts us for some drinks.

And on one of the last nights of the cruise, there’s a pub crawl through Linz with some local guys that is also a good cultural tour of one of Austria’s main cities.

Many times in my travels I have seen large groups of retirees shuffling through museums listening to a guide through an earpiece. Most of the time, these were cruise excursions. Nothing we did on this trip even came close to that.

Now, I have no fear in giving a balanced review and I would want to share with you any criticism I have about the ship or the itinerary. The problem is, I honestly don’t really have any.

I thought my room was so comfortable and I always loved being in it. I enjoyed the food, the wine, and the coffee. The onboard staff were really lovely, and it was nice to mingle with other passengers. I always felt safe and the captain was excellent.

The only slight comment I would have is about the excursions. While some of the excursions were the highlights of my trip, I did find some to be better than others. However, I think this was more about my expectations.

There were times when I had something in my head, and the activity turned out to be a bit different. If I had known better, I probably would have chosen a different option. There were certainly plenty of other things I could’ve done instead.

So, if you are going to do an Active & Discovery trip yourself, my only piece of advice would be to ask a few more questions about what the excursions involve, to make sure the one you choose is what you expect it to be.

And, finally, the other thing to talk about is the price – and this is a big thing (and a big price).

European river cruises are generally not cheap and I think this is probably one of the reason why they have traditionally been popular with older people. But that’s not the full story.

This Avalon Active and Discovery Cruise is 9 days long and costs about US$4500 per person. That means for a couple, the cruise is costing $1000 a day.

In some ways, there is good value here. You are getting very comfortable accommodation, transport, an included activity each day, three meals, lots of wine – not to mention the convenience and comfort that comes with the cruise.

On the other hand, if you were to plan your own trip from Hungary and Austria, you would be able to find the same level of luxury for less than $1000 a day.

There is good news, though. The figure I am quoting is the standard price for the cruise – but it’s actually often quite cheaper. If you aren’t travelling in peak season, you will normally find a better price. And there are also quite often really good deals advertised that include free flights or upgrades.

So, my advice is to be aware that there is a large cost to a trip like this but, if you want to come on the cruise, you can save a lot of money with some clever timing!

As I wrap up, I realise that I haven’t mentioned things like the free wifi, the free coffee and biscuits available 24 hours a day, and the friendly staff who you get to know quite well by the end of the trip.

All of these small things add to the experience I’ve just described and I don’t think I need to tell you much more about them. Hopefully you’ve already got the idea that the Avalon ships are full of little details that are designed to make your cruise experience as enjoyable as possible.

They certainly made my cruise better than I could have imagined. This was my first time on a European river cruise and I didn’t quite know what to expect and was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it. In the end, I loved it, and I think it was this ship and the unique itinerary that made it so great!

8 thoughts on “What to expect with Avalon Waterways”

We did Budapest to Amsterdam on Avalon Visionary 24 May to 8 th June 2023 Everything was superb ship, staff, meals with cruise director Valentin a master at his job. My only disappointment was the sound of music optional excursion wasn’t as much as l expected it was more about Salzburg Have recommended Avalon to friends as they followed my fb tour photos

I appreciated this article, because we will have our first Avalon Cruise, and first ever river cruise in Europe in April 2024. Your description of daily events, meals, etc… gave me some insight on what to expect. Thank you for your thoughtful reporting!

We will be on the Avalon Tulip cruise in April 2024. Really looking forward to that.

Thank you Michael for your in depth review. My wife and I will be cruising with Avalon in October ’24 on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel. Our first ever European holiday (we’re from the land Downunder) I wanted to book with a quality cruise company. Reviews such as yours make me very comfortable that I have made the correct decision.

Thank you! We will be taking the Danube Dream cruise in April 2024 and this was very helpful. My first time in Europe and first River Cruise as well

Hi Leslie…we are too!

We will be doing the Seine River cruise in October which is also our first time in Europe. I did a lot of research before I chose Avalon and your review confirms that we made a good choice.

I have been on several Avalon river cruises and noted that your $1000/day price per couple doesn’t mention that this is the cost of ONLY the room you stay in. The cruise itself is an additional $4000+/-,add gratuities, port charges, and airfare (which isn’t always included) and trip insurance. You are looking at a significantly higher cost. I noted that the trip cost isn’t mentioned anywhere online or in their brochures. Only cabin cost. I feel more transparency is needed by Avalon without having to call them.

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laundry on avalon river cruises

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Cost of laundry on Avalon Expression

By janegraybc , May 18, 2018 in River Cruising

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All I can see on Avalon sight is that cost of laundry is ‘ a modest ‘ charger

Anyone know the actual cost please?

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Daisi

I just got off the Imagery ll today, and can’t give you to much help. I know T-Shirts were 2 Euro’s and think pants about 10. They have a small line in the shower that my husband used to wash out his golf shirts when needed.

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Avalon Waterways Review

By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: October 1, 2022

 Avalon Waterways review and insider tips

Since in 2004, Colorado-based Avalon Waterways cruises some of the world’s most beautiful rivers. Avalon’s 22 river ships cruise the rivers of Europe, Asia, Egypt and Peru. Avalon Waterways also offers cruise tours in the Galapagos Islands.

Geared mostly towards the 55-years and up passenger, Avalon excels on their organized shore excursion tours. Their ships carry between 36 (in Myanmar) and 140 guests (in Europe) with one of the youngest fleets in the river cruise industry.

Europe Avalon Creativity (2009), Avalon Affinity (2009), Avalon Luminary (2010), Avalon Felicity (2010), Avalon Panorama (2011), Avalon Vista (2012), Avalon Visionary (2012), Avalon Artistry (2013), Avalon Expression (2013), Avalon Impression (2014), Avalon Illumination (2014), Avalon Poetry ll (2014), Avalon Tapestry ll (2015), Avalon Tranquility ll (2015), Avalon Passion (2016), Avalon Imagery (2016).

Asia Avalon Siem Reap (2015) and Avalon Myanmar (2015) in Viet Nam and Cambodia. Century Paragon and Century Legend cruise the Yangtze in China.

Peru- Discovery;  Nile- Sonesta;  Galapagos Islands- Isabela ll.

Europe Rivers

The cruise line operates a total of 16 ships in Europe cruising the Danube, Main, Rhine and Mosel as well as the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers in France.

Read more about the rivers in Europe

Accommodations

Avalon Waterways officially joined the Globus Family of Brands in 2008. The line really began to make a name for itself in 2011 with the launch of the new Avalon Panorama river ship. This was their first “Suite Ship” built specially for their European river cruises.

What’s a Suite Ship?

It’s Avalon’s innovative river ship design that features cabins with wall-to-wall sliding glass doors. Along with being totally open to fresh air there’s also an unobstructed view of passing scenery. Available as Panorama category cabins, they are located on two of the ship’s three accommodations decks. The sliding glass doors completely open to become what Avalon calls an Open-Air Balcony.

Beds in Panorama suite categories are angled to face the expansive Open-Air Balcony. Guests may laze in bed and watch the changing scenery. Bathrooms, located on the opposite side of the bed’s wall, take advantage of the angled space to be larger than other river cruise lines’ comparable category bathrooms.

Avalon Waterways is one of the few river cruise lines in Europe to offer room service. Actually, it’s limited to continental breakfast and there’s a small fee. But the opportunity to awaken with a view of steep sloped vineyards, a steamy cup of morning coffee and a buttery-rich croissant seems irresistible.

There’s also a light breakfast buffet for early and late risers along with the traditional dining room breakfast, both a la carte and buffet.

Lunch is a two-option event. Guests can choose from a full lunch buffet with pasta and carving stations or head to the Sky Bistro on the sun deck for lighter fare.

Dinner in the main dining room is a four-course à la carte experience, featuring regional and local specialties. Alternatively, there’s the Panorama Bistro, located in a sequestered area of the lounge, that serves smaller portions, tapas-style. Complimentary beer and wine flow at lunch and dinner.

As on almost every river cruise in Europe, it’s open seating in the dining room for lunch and dinner. In 2017, Avalon will introduce Avalon Fresh, a new concept to feature new menu items whipped up by award-winning Austrian chef brothers, Karl and Leo Wrenkh.

Public spaces include a reception area, main lounge, library and fitness center. Free wifi is available throughout the ship. There’s also a massage room and beauty salon. On deck 4, there’s a ship-length sun deck equipped with lounge chairs – many of which are shaded, a whirlpool and a walking track.

Theme Cruises

Throughout the year, Avalon offers several themed cruises in Europe. Called “special interest cruises” these unique departures may include Active Discovery, Beer Cruises, Culinary, War History, Jewish Heritage, Opera, Music and Wine. Participation in theme activities is complimentary.

Insider tips

The Avalon Siem Reap is only ship in the industry to cruise the full length of the Mekong River between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap.

While there is always a choice of complimentary shore excursions in every destination, guests may also choose a fee-based optional shore excursion.

Avalon does not carry its own bicycles onboard. However, they have arranged for complimentary use of bicycles in various ports in Europe. Biking tour shore excursions are also offered in one or two ports on many itineraries.

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I'm the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world without flying. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath...stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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August 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

Hi John, Thank you for your update. Good to know. It’s so nice when the river ships have their own bikes. I totally enjoyed my bike rides with Avalon. Again, thank you for taking the time to write. Sherry

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August 14, 2019 at 9:08 am

We were just on Avalon expression they did have bikes.

March 6, 2019 at 11:06 am

Hi Sharon, Thanks for asking. I don’t have catalogs, but I will pass your name along to my contact at Avalon and hopefully you’ll be contacted from Avalon. Sherry

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February 8, 2019 at 10:11 pm

I would like a catalog of Avalon European River Cruises. Do you mail a paper catalog to interested patrons?

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

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Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

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The best things in life are free. Floating through time and timeless scenery is no doubt one of the most luxurious ways to see the world. Yet on an Avalon cruise, we believe the greatest luxury is freedom – the freedom to wake up to a world of possibilities, the freedom to personally design your days of discovery and the freedom to pursue your passions. Avalon goes beyond the one-size-fits-all itineraries and traditional sightseeing of other cruise lines to offer engaging new ways to see the Old World. 

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Ride the new wave in cruising when you set sail on a river cruise vacation that inspires freedom. Freedom to indulge. To explore. To connect with people and places. To follow your passions. To wander and wonder. To engage with the Old World in new ways, outside the bounds of “traditional” sightseeing. A no-strings-attached cruise where you can be you, do you and see the world through your eyes and interests. And when you book your 2024 Suite Ship sail early, you’ll also enjoy FREE AIR plus $500 OFF per couple.

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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.

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As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

See more than the sea

On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes.

While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

Feel the Energy

At Avalon, we’re committed to enhancing your cruising experience while reducing our own impact on the world. Taking sustainability to greater depths, we are conserving energy, saving water and limiting waste production across operations, dining and housekeeping on each and every ship. Devoted to reducing, recycling and repurposing at every turn, our list of green practices is longer than the blue Danube.

Home suite home

We have our 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio down to a science. But knowing the right amount of anticipation, the right amount of attention and the right amount of space to give each guest is an art. Our crew is devoted without being daunting, focused but not fussy and supportive minus the smother. Our guests cherish the warmth of our crew members. And the feeling is mutual.

Welcome aboard your new home “suite” home!

CRUISE "CRITIC"? WE PREFER CRUISE "COMPLIMENT"

(And thank you, by the way)

Cruise Critic Awards

Cruise Critic named Avalon’s staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we’re blushing a bit. But it’s only because we’ve taken such pride in bringing you river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. With Avalon, the views are as wide open as the possibilities.

  • CruiseMapper

Avalon View cabins and suites

Avalon view staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Avalon View cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Avalon Waterways en-suite amenities and services.

The Avalon View cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

French Balcony Royal Suite

Layout (floor plan).

  • Comfort Collection Beds, premium memory foam mattress toppers
  • premium Egyptian cotton linens, blankets, duvets
  • soft and firm pillows, bathrobes, slippers
  • one double bed (King-size), under-bed luggage storage, bedside tables with reading lamps
  • en-suite bathroom (double-sink vanity, full shower / glass door, separate WC / toilet with sink), hairdryer, premium bath products (L'Occitane)
  • mirrored vanity table / writing desk with chair
  • 3-door closets with shelves
  • 2 flat TVs (satellite reception, movie channel), alarm clock, direct-dial phone
  • complimentary Wi-Fi access, bottled water
  • well-stocked minibar, electronic safe
  • in-cabin dining (Continental breakfast and beverage room service / charges apply)
  • Wall-to-Wall Window opens to create an Open-Air Balcony (French Balcony)
  • individual air-conditioning
  • nightly turn-down service

French Balcony Panorama Suite

  • bed configuration (2 twins or 1 double / Queen-size), under-bed luggage storage, bedside tables with reading lamps
  • en-suite bathroom (single-sink vanity, full shower / glass door, WC / toilet), hairdryer, premium bath products (L'Occitane)
  • 3-door closet with shelves
  • 1 flat TV (satellite reception, movie channel), alarm clock, direct-dial phone

Window Cabin

  • 2 Windows (near the ceiling, non-opening)

Avalon View cabins review

Most Avalon View cabins (80%) are with a French Balcony. Each of these accommodations has two floor-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a “Juliet” (balconet, aka "false balcony"). The number of all cabin categories is 6 (max capacity 2 guests per cabin). Avalon Waterways doesn’t have any handicap (wheelchair-accessible) cabins for disabled passengers on any of its riverboats.

Trademarked as “Panorama Suites”, French Balcony cabins span on two full decks. Each of these accommodations features another Avalon Waterways registered trademark – the “Open-Air Balcony”. Each room has the river cruising industry’s first ever wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling sliding windows (14 ft / 4 m wide) opening to a balconet. This way, the entire room feels like a balcony, and the "indoor balcony" feels like a room.

Cheapest cabins are located on deck 1. Each of those has two fixed (non-opening) windows located near the ceiling.

Follows the review of Avalon View staterooms as furniture, price-included amenities, and complimentary services:

Hotel beds (“Comfort Collection” twin beds convertible to queen, size 200 x 160 cm, ample under beds storage space, luxury bedding sets, Egyptian cotton linens, pillow menu, mattresses with memory foam toppers), duvets and extra blankets, bathrobes, slippers, 3-door closet with shelves, bedside tables with lamps, individual climate control, 220V voltage outlets (2-pin plugs), soundproof separation walls.

Each of the Avalon View staterooms has a spacious bathroom (WC, sink /marble countertops, large mirror, large glass-door shower, granite tiles, premium fixtures, L’Occitane premium bath amenities, hairdryer), HD flat TV (satellite reception, movie channels, webcam views), mini-bar/fridge, writing desk/vanity with an armchair, direct dial phone, alarm clock, safe, complimentary bottled water (supplied daily).

Royal and Panorama Suites have in addition a 6-persons capacity seating area (with sofa, coffee table, armchairs) and a makeup mirror. All these Suite cabins are with French balcony views.

Complimentary Wi-Fi (shipwide coverage, Internet costs extra).

Complimentary laundry, room service (nightly turndown service), drinks (regional wine, beer, soft drinks /at dinner). Continental breakfast and drinks can be delivered via room service.

Complimentary Avalon Waterways tours/excursions, among which “food and wine” themed, culture/history guided tours and leisure activities (sightseeing/walking tours) by local certified guides.

Avalon View cabin and suite plans are property of Avalon Waterways . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

IMAGES

  1. What’s The Best Way To Handle Laundry On A River Cruise?

    laundry on avalon river cruises

  2. Laundry Services or Facilities: Which River Cruise Companies Include

    laundry on avalon river cruises

  3. P&O Cruises Laundry Guide

    laundry on avalon river cruises

  4. Avalon river cruise review 2022: The most relaxing way to see Europe

    laundry on avalon river cruises

  5. River cruising through France on Avalon Waterways: A new breed of ship

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  6. "BEST CABINS" IN RIVER CRUISING

    laundry on avalon river cruises

COMMENTS

  1. Avalon

    Posted March 14, 2012. Yes Avalon does laundry but as far as I know they do. It have a package. Two years ago we traveled for a week prior to the cruise and we found a self-service laundry so once we got on the ship all of our clothes were clean. We then had the laundry service do a few pieces during the cruise.

  2. Avalon River Cruise FAQ

    Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

  3. Avalon River Cruises Amenities

    Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day. Avalon cruise ship amenities include a hair salon, fitness center, WIFI, Sky Deck whirlpool, free refreshments, a bar & more. See the amenities list.

  4. Avalon River Cruises Onboard Questions

    We are about to book an Avalon River cruise and have a couple of questions about the onboard experience: 1. How much is laundry service? 2. How much is the service charge for room service? 3. Any special perks/amenities for Royal Suite passengers? 4. Are breakfast and lunch options a combination ...

  5. What's The Best Way To Handle Laundry On A River Cruise?

    There is, however, an alternative to doing your laundry on the ship, particularly if you are sailing along the rivers of Europe: You can do as the locals do and take the laundry to the local laundromat. Now, this obviously works best in towns and cities where your ship docks relatively close to the heart of the city (Amsterdam and Cologne are ...

  6. Self Serve Laundry on Avalon ships

    Posted June 30, 2022. 3 hours ago, cruise101 said: Good evening all: Does Avalon have self-serve laundry (washers/dryers for passenger use) on their ships. Thanks in advance for your help. BD.

  7. Avalon River Cruises

    My wife and I are taking our first river cruise next year on board the Avalon Artistry II. Can anyone advise if laundry services are available on Avalon river vessels? Thanks. Willbrook. Jump to content. Write a Review; Boards; ... Avalon River Cruises - Laundry Services

  8. What to expect on an Avalon Waterways river cruise (2024)

    I have been on several Avalon river cruises and noted that your $1000/day price per couple doesn't mention that this is the cost of ONLY the room you stay in. The cruise itself is an additional $4000+/-,add gratuities, port charges, and airfare (which isn't always included) and trip insurance. You are looking at a significantly higher cost.

  9. Laundry Services or Facilities: Which River Cruise Companies Include

    Avalon Waterways. Laundry and pressing services are available on Avalon Waterways for a fee. The price list is located in each stateroom. Crystal River Cruises. Laundry services may be arranged through your Suite Attendant or your Butler. Laundry charges will be billed to your shipboard account.

  10. Cruise Line Laundry Services & Cost

    A dryer load is $1. Laundry by the bag costs $20 ($30 in Europe). On cruises up to 30 days, unlimited laundry is $7 a day ($9 in Europe); unlimited pressing only is $4 per day ($5 in Europe). On ...

  11. River Cruise Basics: Laundry Onboard

    Avalon Waterways: Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Check the price list in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms as this is a safety hazard; the laundry service will do pressing for a fee. ... Viking River Cruises ...

  12. Cost of laundry on Avalon Expression

    January 31, 2016. #2. Posted May 19, 2018. I just got off the Imagery ll today, and can't give you to much help. I know T-Shirts were 2 Euro's and think pants about 10. They have a small line in the shower that my husband used to wash out his golf shirts when needed. Sent from my iPhone using Forums.

  13. Avalon Waterways Review and Facts for a River Cruise

    Avalon Waterways review and insider tips. Since in 2004, Colorado-based Avalon Waterways cruises some of the world's most beautiful rivers. Avalon's 22 river ships cruise the rivers of Europe, Asia, Egypt and Peru. Avalon Waterways also offers cruise tours in the Galapagos Islands. Geared mostly towards the 55-years and up passenger, Avalon ...

  14. Avalon Waterways River Cruise Review

    There were two computers onboard, internet costs were only 15 Euros for 7 days; however with only two computers there was often a line. Salon services were also priced quite reasonably at 18 Euros for a wash & style. The Sun Deck was a wonderful place to sit and view the scenery passing by. During certain areas Avalon Waterways provided ...

  15. Avalon Envision Europe River Cruises

    The Avalon Envision ® brings this dream to life as part of the youngest fleet of ships on Europe's waterways. Avalon continues our outstanding commitment to relaxed luxury and excellence with the Envision. Passengers can choose from two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites SM with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that ...

  16. Avalon Waterways® River Cruises

    Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. With Avalon, the views are as wide open as the possibilities. Avalon's river cruises feature Suite Ships® with spacious Panorama Suites & wall-to-wall windows for spectacular views. Explore river cruises to Europe, Asia & more.

  17. Avalon Alegria Ship Review

    Avalon Alegria Review. Avalon Waterways has announced the launch of its first-ever river vessel in Portugal. The 102-passenger "Suite Ship" launches in 2024 to sail on the Douro. Purpose-built to ...

  18. Avalon River Cruises & Reviews

    Choose from 137 Avalon river cruises, 464 in-depth Avalon River Cruises reviews and enjoy exclusive online savings on all Avalon river cruises. GLOBAL JOURNEYS. AUD ... read more a 5-star is the lack of self-service laundry which other river cruise companies have. Booking with our Avalon cruise with Hannah 0 Tony and Lesley, WA, Australia, Aug ...

  19. Avalon View cabins and suites

    Avalon View cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations, including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Avalon Waterways en-suite amenities and services.. The Avalon View cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend ...