The Avalon Vista
Luxurious River Cruise Ship
Our river ship for this week long adventure will be the Avalon Vista of Avalon Waterways Cruises. For those who were fortunate enough to join us on our 2019 cruises, the Vista is a nearly identical sister-ship of the Avalon Impression on which we sailed the Danube River. Avalon has a reputation of top-of the-line luxury cruising and the Vista and her crew live up to that in every way. One of the most obvious differences between a river cruising ship and their ocean going counterparts would have to be the how the design of a river ship focuses on providing passengers with amazing views of the countryside no matter where you happen to be onboard. A feature unique to Avalon is within their Panorama Suites- the beds have been turned towards the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows which transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony allowing you to maximize enjoyment of the incredible sights the Rhine is famous for. Award winning service in the dining room provides seasonal cuisine focusing on local specialties and fresh ingredients. Whether it be outside on the full length Sky Deck or seated comfortably in the Observation Lounge below, the Vista will provide us with a truly remarkable sailing experience.
Accommodations
The Avalon Vista has a total of 83 Staterooms and Suites with a total capacity of 166 passengers. The majority of these are comprised of "Panorama Suites" which are located on the Sapphire and Royal Decks. On the lower Indigo Deck there are 16 "Deluxe Staterooms". Two "Royal Suites" are located on the upper Royal Deck. The major difference between the Suites and Staterooms, besides being located on a higher deck, are the Suites' large floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The Deluxe Staterooms located on the lower Indigo Deck are equipped with two windows located higher on the wall as this deck is situated partially below the waterline. See individual Suite and Stateroom descriptions below.
- Voted Best River Cruise Line Cabins in 2016 by Cruise Critic
Accommodation Descriptions
All accommodations include the following Amenities:
Comfort Collection BedsSM
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration- One queen or two single beds configuration available.
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Bathrobes & slippers
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Full-size closet mirror
Two windows
Writing desk and chair
Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel
English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options
Direct-dial telephone
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies).
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary bottled water
Deluxe Staterooms (Indigo Deck): 172 sq. ft.
Included are all amenities listed above.
Panorama Suites (Sapphire and Royal Decks): 200 sq. ft.
In addition to the amenities listed above the Suites include:
Wall-to-Wall and floor-to-ceiling Panoramic Windows with Open-Air BalconySM provide an indoor/outdoor seating area
Marble countertops in bathroom
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa
Royal Suites (Royal Deck): 300 sq.ft.
In addition to the amenities listed above the Royal Suites include:
Wall-to-Wall and floor-to-ceiling Panoramic Windows with Open-Air BalconySM provide an indoor/outdoor seating area
Choice of bed configuration- One King or two single beds configuration available.
Marble countertops in bathroom
Double sinks
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa
Cabin Diagrams (click to enlarge)
Ship Deck Plan- click here
Dining
From morning breakfast to late-night snacks, Avalon frees your taste buds from the ordinary. Using the freshest local ingredients, their talented chefs prepare mouthwatering recipes from the region through which you’re traveling and present them in a variety of inspiring settings. Whether you choose a breezy al fresco lunch at the Sky Bistro, an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled dining room, or a petite plate at the Panorama Bistro, you’ll savor local flavors (and Western favorites should you crave them), as well as Avalon Fresh® menu offerings, throughout your cruise.
Avalon Fresh® allows guests to guiltlessly indulge in creative dishes that combine surprising flavors with a dash of innovation. With the philosophy of procuring the freshest ingredients to create inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes, Avalon Fresh brings the passing landscape to your plate for a fulfilling and healthful dining experience.
Dining Amenities
Complimentary wine (including regional), beer, and soft drinks at every onboard lunch and dinner
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Fresh, local ingredients at every meal
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Delectable regional & Western cuisine with all onboard meals
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
Complimentary coffees or teas
Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro, including regional specialties
Sky Bistro lunch option on the Sky Deck (schedule and weather permitting)
Panorama Lounge offering premium spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
Happy hour every evening including featured drink specials
Cocktails with a view available on the Sky Deck
Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
Featured a la carte breakfast options daily
Extensive lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
Self-serve beverage stations with complimentary premium coffee drinks, cappuccinos tea and hot chocolate
Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Special Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
Dining Schedule (meal times may vary depending on cruise schedule.)
Early-Riser Coffee, 6 a.m.
Start your day right with self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies, and assorted finger foods.
Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a tempting selection of breads, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Hot items such as eggs, sausage, and bacon vary daily. (Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices).
Late-Riser Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Self-service coffee, hot tea, croissants, cookies and assorted finger foods.
Lunch Buffet, 12:30 p.m.
Select from intriguing appetizers, hearty soups, hot dishes, homemade breads, cold cuts and cheeses, salads, and delectable desserts. Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks.
Afternoon Tea, 4 p.m.
Take a mid-day break with coffee or tea and cake or cookies served in the lounge or on the top deck.
Dinner, 7:30 p.m.
Dine elegantly at a single-seating, sit-down meal. The chef will delight you with gourmet selections and the perfect complimentary wines (complimentary beer or soft drinks also available). Menus typically feature an appetizer, soup, entrée, dessert, and coffee or tea.
Night Fare, 10:30 p.m.
* Local Knowledge will develop a custom charter itinerary which will provide adequate time in a few select ports for passengers who wish to enjoy dinner ashore at a relaxing pace. More info to come on those ports where we will be staying until late evening.
Additional Ship Amenities
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
Friendly, English-speaking crew and Cruise Director
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate, premium coffees & cappuccinos, including decaf options
Complimentary bottled water
Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Covered Observation Lounge
Outside viewing deck
Sky Deck with shade awnings and premium lounges
Sky Deck whirlpool
Sky Deck game area
Local FavoritesSM onboard experiences to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life, including local entertainers, artisans & experts
Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
Bicycles available onboard for complimentary check out
Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check out
Fitness Center
Hair salon
Well-stocked library
Elevator
Miscellaneous
Recommended Dress: No jackets required! Overall the recommended cruise attire is "tourist" casual. Evenings in the dining room are best for dress shorts, pants (slacks or jeans), dress t-shirts and collared casual shirts/polos (no tank tops) for men. Skirts, sundresses, dress shorts, slacks, jeans, etc. for women. September along the Rhine will have evenings with a touch of cooler air (see Weather Note on the Itinerary page). Having a light long-sleeved shirt, cover-up, and/or jacket is recommended. While not the rainy season, it is always recommended travelers have handy a good waterproof jacket with hood in case of a day of inclement weather- you do not want to waste a precious vacation day in Europe because of a few drops of rain.
Persons with Physical Challenges and Disabilities- Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travelers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because they cannot provide individual assistance to travelers in many situations, and most of their transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, they recommend that you view their terms and conditions for details. Please contact Local Knowledge for more detailed information.
Avalon Vista Specifications
Length: 443 feet
Beam: 36 feet
Draft: 6.56 feet (max)
Total Crew: 47
Passenger Capacity: 166
Year Built: 2012