Gunes Hopson

When you cruise with Avalon, you’re cruising elevated. That’s because Avalon’s staff—from captain to crew to housekeeping to chefs—know the meaning of VIP when it comes to world-class service. With a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you’ll enjoy personalized treatment delivered with a relaxed luxury that’s never stuffy.

- Home Suite Home: Avalon ships include a generous selection of 200-square-foot Panorama Suites and 300-square-foot Royal Suites—both featuring the widest views in river cruising. Avalon's innovative suite designs elevate river cruising as the only river cruise ships with beds that actually face the view—not the wall. Avalon guests cruise with the world at their feet with beyond sumptuous Comfort Collection beds and the panorama of river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony®. 

- Cruise Your Way: Avalon cruises present an exciting menu of included Avalon Choice Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions, where you can pursue history, culture, and cuisine in elevated ways. All excursions have small group sizes for up-close and personal experiences.

- Avalon After Dark: Avalon has partnered with award-winning mixologist Martin Hudák to raise the bar—literally. From a selection of complimentary drinks during happy hour to next-level nightcaps, and themed nightly specials, you’re invited to sip your way through a lineup of premium and zero-proof cocktails for a night to remember. When the sun goes down, the Panorama Lounge heats up. We're talking live music, karaoke, trivia nights, and impromptu dance parties that’ll have you swaying, singing, and savoring the moment. Awaken your inner night owl and dust off your dancing shoes to celebrate in style.

- Farm-to-Fork Fare: Pull up a chair or pull up the covers with your choice of dining experiences - from dinner in the dining room, to delicacies on the Sky Deck, to breakfast in bed. Avalon's Flex Dining gives you a choice of when and where you dine on board. Mix it up with a variety of menus and venues without the strict schedules that cut into your fun. Dine in style in our ship's spacious and elegant glass-walled Panorama Dining Room or mix it up with bite-sized delights in the cozy Panorama Bistro. Al fresco dining more your style? Grab a complimentary picnic basket for a tasty takeaway on shore, pull up a chair for an al fresco lunch on the observation deck, or savor sizzling selections atop the Sky Deck with specialties served hot off the Sky Grill. Need an afternoon nosh? Indulge in an elegant tea service each afternoon in the Panorama Bistro to satisfy your sweet tooth. Are you more of a health nut? From juices at breakfast to artfully crafted salads at lunch to high-protein plates at dinner, Avalon Fresh options—including vegetarian and vegan specialties—are available at every meal so you can guiltlessly partake in creative cuisine without sacrificing great taste.

- To Your Health: Saying hello to adventure doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your healthy habits and restorative rituals. From heart-healthy menu options and heart-pumping activities to mindful yoga moves and bikes to explore on shore, Avalon makes it easy to remain healthy.

Of course, there are many other details to learn about river cruising. I have prepared a River Cruising 101 guide to help you navigate (pun intended) all the information that is out there. Contact me and mention "river cruising 101," and I will send you my complimentary guide.

Ready to explore the rivers of Europe? Join me in October 2026, as I set sail on the Rhine and Main Rivers! Learn more about the itinerary and exclusive group pricing that I have secured on a luxurious Avalon Waterways ship by viewing my website: https://www.luxetravelbygunes.com/avalon-waterways-german-grandeur-october-2026

If October 2026 doesn’t work for you or you’d like to explore a different itinerary, contact me for other potential river cruise itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, other parts of Europe, or the rest of the world.

Here’s to sailing the world’s rivers in comfort and style!