Picture-perfect fairy-tale castles, delicious Riesling wines, and scenic views wherever you turn; That’s how you can sum up my adventure with Avalon Waterways. From October 30th to November 10th this year, I set off on an incredible experience, journeying from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The much-loved Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands and is sure to wow travelers of all ages. If you’re dreaming of a relaxing and intimate way to travel, this is what you’re looking for!
Here’s a recap of my adventure through one of Europe’s most legendary rivers – the Rhine.
Quick Facts About Avalon Waterways Panorama
Available To: All travelers aged 8 and above, but the experience is tailored more towards adults
Rooms: 84 staterooms, including 65 Panorama Suites, 2 Royal Suites and 17 Deluxe Staterooms
Capacity: 166 passengers
Restaurants: Dining options include the main dining room, Panorama Bistro, and Sky Grill for al fresco dining
Bars: Guests can enjoy the Panorama Lounge & Bar, Club Lounge, and Sky Lounge
Location: The Avalon Panorama operates on the Rhine River, with departures from various European cities, including Amsterdam, Basel, and Budapest
Preboarding
To make the most of the experience, I decided to spend two nights in Basel, Switzerland, before setting off on the adventure.
Although Basel is served by three airports, for visitors from the US, it’s easier and cheaper to fly to Zürich airport and then hop onto a train that takes less than an hour. That’s exactly what I did. Before taking the train to Basel, I had some time to wander around beautiful Zürich, which was a wonderful experience in itself! As for Basel? This city, full of contrasts, quickly won me over with its mix of historic architecture and modern charm.
Stay tuned for more because I’m saving all the exciting details about my days in Basel for a post coming soon. In the meantime, you can check out my tips for traveling to Switzerland here.
Accommodations
Once my time in Basel came to an end, it was time to board the Avalon Panorama and begin the cruise adventure. One of the best parts about cruise travel is that you’ll only have to unpack once, no matter how many countries you visit. And that’s only the start of all the amazing things!
Each Suite Ship features an open-air balcony design, plus their staterooms are 30% larger than the industry standard! What I loved about the Panoramic Suites was their wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows. You can savor a glass of wine as you watch the stunning riverside scenery breeze by. It truly doesn’t get better than this!
Overall, the rooms are comfortable and spacious. However, one thing to note is that the suite’s safes are not big enough for laptops. If you have sensitive data on your computer, it may be best to leave it at home. Also, the Wi-Fi doesn’t work too well, so you won’t have much use of it anyway.
Amenities & Experiences
On-Site Library
In between stops, you’ll have plenty to do on Avalon Panorama. The ship has its own library that’s well-stocked with books, cards, and board games. Curling up with a book while the ship glides past dramatic landscapes and quaint towns is truly magical.
Fitness Center
Even with a busy itinerary, there’s always time to squeeze in a workout! The Avalon ships have a convenient fitness center where you can make up for missed steps or prep for the fun day ahead.
All-Inclusive Experience
When you embark on the Avalon, you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees – you get an all-inclusive experience. Whichever cruise you decide to enjoy, the fare covers everything you might need – daily shore excursions, meals, complimentary drinks, and more.
Movie Nights
After a long day of sightseeing, watching a good movie is just what the doctor ordered. You can do that at the Club Lounge (fresh popcorn included!) or stream your favorite movies to your in-suite TV.
Shows
Avalon Waterways is more about enjoying the views than the on-board entertainment. Still, each night, there were different nightly activities available. I had a chance to participate in whiskey tasting and trivia, and watch a live music performance.
Keep in mind that entertainment options may vary from one cruise to another.
Food & Drinks
Breakfast
During the Rhine cruise, guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, with some items available for order, like an omelet, scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, Florentine, waffles, crepes, and pancakes. For a more private start to your day, you can order a continental breakfast to your room.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to order morning mimosas and champagne!
Lunch and Dinner
At the Rhine River cruise, the focus is on fresh, locally sourced cuisine. While there were plenty of yummy foods, my favorites were the Caesar salad (at lunch), eggs Florentine, the omelet, lasagna, and beef tenderloin (at dinner). Of course, during the port days, you’ll also have many opportunities to sample mouthwatering food. I especially enjoyed the hearty German food, which was just what was needed in the cold weather.
Drinks
As part of the all-inclusive experience, guests can enjoy daily happy hour and afternoon tea. During the happy hour, you can choose from a list of free cocktails and wine or opt for different selections, which are offered with a 50% discount. Don’t miss the Black Gorilla red wine and Remedy cocktail — they were my absolute favorites!
Pro Tip: Drink all the hot chocolate in the Club area – your tastebuds will thank you!
Certified Sommeliers
Given the proximity to France, it doesn’t come as a surprise the Southern Rhine and its locals have a passion for a good bottle of wine. This is also celebrated on the cruise. On Avalon Panorama, guests can access certified sommeliers, who will gladly share their insights into German wines. If you’re a wine lover, it’s something you can’t miss!
Excursions
Avalon is known for its ‘Active & Discovery’ itineraries, which allow guests to choose from a variety of different experiences. Whether you love an active way of exploring (hiking or biking), prefer something more chill (like cooking classes and painting workshops), or like traditional sightseeing, you’re sure to find something exciting.
In total, at least 2-3 tour options are included for each port; however, guests can purchase additional tours if they’d like.
Breisach
The first stop in our adventure was Breisach – a beautiful town with 16,500 inhabitants. There, we had an opportunity to tour the magical Black Forest, experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, and visit a local winery. Alternatively, travelers could also choose a guided tour of Colmar, known for its half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings.
Strasbourg
The next day, we arrived in Strasbourg. During the classic city sightseeing tour, we saw the incredible Gothic cathedral the city is famous for. During my free time, I was pleased to discover that Strasbourg offers great shopping opportunities for designer items and local gifts.
The best part of the day, however, was the optional Alsace tour. Exploring the local eateries and shops was one of the coolest experiences of the entire trip. We also visited Alsace’s wine country and enjoyed some wine tasting, which felt like the cherry on top of a perfect day.
Mainz and Heidelberg
One of my favorite days of the trip was visiting Mainz and Heidelberg’s Castle Walls. Seeing the ruins of the magnificent Renaissance treasure was truly amazing! This is also where you’ll find the Great Vat – an enormous barrel holding over 58,000 gallons of wine. To soak in the stunning views, don’t miss the chance to hop on the city’s funicular.
Once you’re tired of learning about the history, the city is also a great place for antique shopping; plus, there are many fantastic cafes and restaurants to try.
Pro Tip: Try Spezi drink (orange soda & coke mixed together) – it’s delicious!
Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge – Koblenz
Next on our itinerary was Rüdesheim, where it was possible to take a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum. I didn’t join this tour, but others really enjoyed it.
While at Rüdesheim, make sure to try their special coffee. The highlight of the day, however, was sailing through the Rhine Gorge – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features more than 30 castles.
Pro Tip: While the views in the front are better, the back of the ship will be warmer, especially in the winter months.
Cologne
The 2000-year-old city is home to the oldest Jewish community in the Alps, so the visit here was all about learning about its history. Cologne is also a lively cultural hub with many museums and a stunning Old Town. You can also visit the biggest pop art (and Andy Warhol) collection outside the US at the Museum Ludwig.
Amsterdam
Last but certainly not least – Amsterdam. We explored the iconic 17th-century waterways, passing picturesque bridges and iconic buildings like the Anne Frank House.
In Amsterdam, tour groups can’t be bigger than 15 people, which allows participants to enjoy a more personalized experience. After the canal cruise, travelers have three options – to return to the ship, take a tour of the diamond factory, or participate in a walking tour.
If possible, try to plan your cruise adventure in spring. During tulip season, Avalon offers an excursion to Keukenhof Gardens, which have more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and other beautiful flowers.
While we weren’t in season for the famous tulips, our visit was no less exciting as Amsterdam is full of amazing museums and shops. A highlight of the visit was the Holland-interactive Museum of Netherlands (there’s a free ferry to get there). Make sure to stop for a coffee at Luminar Cafe for beautiful city views, visit Kaasland for delicious cheese, and try Herrington Fish (a local delicacy).
Additional tips for cruising in the winter:
Bring a swimsuit to enjoy the hot tub on the top deck
Pack plenty of thermals, gloves, and hats to keep you warm in the cold weather
During the sailing of the Rhine Gorge, grab your blanket from your room and drink of choice to bring on the top deck
Final Thoughts
After experiencing my first river cruise with Avalon Waterways, I can confidently say – cruising down a quiet river, surrounded by breathtaking views, is the perfect way to see Europe! These seven days flew by, but I managed to experience so much – from gorgeous castles to world-famous museums.
By necessity, most European riverboats have a capacity of fewer than 200 people. This smaller scale allows for a more intimate and relaxed experience, where you can truly unwind without the hustle and bustle of larger cruise ships. It also means you’ll have more opportunities to connect with fellow travelers and enjoy personalized service from the crew. A perfect trip indeed!
Inspired to try river cruising yourself? Our team would love to help you plan your European cruise trip! With years of experience, we have the knowledge to create the perfect travel itinerary for you and your loved ones. Reach out to the expert planners at Travel Queen LLC!
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