At Avalon, ‘included’ is one of our favourite words. Along with the widest suite views that river cruising has to offer, and the space to soak it up from your window-facing bed, our cruises come with the following:
The Open-Air Balcony in a Panorama Suite
Enjoy the view directly from your window-facing bed
Avalon Artistry II cruising the Rhine
Panorama Suite interior on Avalon Visionary
A suite on board Avalon Saigon and Siem Reap
Suite on board Avalon Saigon, which sails along the mighty Mekong
Tranquillity II - Royal Suite
Colonial Suite on board the Ganges Voyager
Bathroom in a Maharaja Suite on board Ganges Voyager
Artistry II - Marble bathroom
Panorama Bistro on board Avalon Impression
Barbecue options at the onboard Sky Grill
The Avalon Fresh dishes on our menus are created exclusively for Avalon in partnership with rising star chefs the Wrenkh brothers.
Join an excursion, or explore independently
Choose from a wide variety of onboard dining options, or try the local cuisine
Capture the beauty of Heidelberg, while cruising the Rhine
Soak up the beautiful scenery in Rudesheim, in Germany's winelands
Adventurehost anchor
Watching centuries of history slowly pass you by is an adventure in itself. But what if elevating your heart rate a few extra beats is more your speed? Meet your Avalon Adventure Host. In addition to included active excursions, your Adventure Host holds the gear, maps and guidance for optional and free-time pursuits on board and on shore.
As one of Avalon Waterways’ new Adventure Hosts – now available on every Suite Ship in Europe – Hristo Stamenov spends his time helping travelers explore heart-pumping discoveries on and off the ship.
With help from Adventure Hosts like Hristo, Avalon guests can check out a bike (from onboard their Suite Ship) for a scenic ride through town. They can grab a Nordic walking stick and hike to a hillside vineyard or castle. Or they can enjoy a complimentary fitness or strength and conditioning class – including yoga – on the Sky Deck or in the Panorama Lounge.
We sat down with Hristo, the Adventure Host aboard the Avalon Impression, and asked him to tell us a little bit more about himself and his role.
I have been a personal trainer since 2011 and have spent time working on ocean cruise ships as well as river cruises, encouraging guests to stay active on their vacations. My experience includes weights, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, band work, as well as strength and conditioning exercises.
Yoga is a favorite on every itinerary, at any time of day.
At the beginning of the week, the average class size is five to seven guests. Those guests become regulars and often inspire others to join my hosted activities as their vacation progresses. My busiest classes are always towards the end of each cruise.
I enjoy taking guests on guided hikes – to nearby hills and parks. I also guide walks through local green space and help guests enjoy regional biking outings. Biking has become an absolute favorite among guests. They check-out our complimentary bikes when they aren’t completing excursions or they want a day to explore on their own, at leisure.
Our schedule is fluid, but based on each day’s offerings, sailings and meal times. There’s always one activity planned a day; often two and sometimes even three. Of course, guests can check-out bikes, take walks or hikes any time we’re docked. We have 16 bikes and 16 sets of Nordic walking sticks onboard each ship that are complimentary for guest use.
Personally, I love hiking near the Moselle River. It’s really beautiful with vineyards, hills, castles and views. Rudesheim provides similar scenery. Vienna and the Wachau Valley – as well as the parks near Linz – are my favorites for biking. There are wonderful bike paths that make it easy for experienced and amateur bikers alike.