Avalon Expression
The Avalon Expression offers an elegant river cruise experience, with its spacious Panorama Suites and unique Open-Air Balcony concept. Guests enjoy amenities such as a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the serene Sky Deck with whirlpool and premium lounge chairs.
Avalon Expression Cruises View all Choose from 670 vacations cruising on board the Avalon Expression
Avalon Expression Reviews (9) 480 reviews of Avalon Expression from past clients of Global Journeys
4.9
5 Star
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3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
The whole experience was excellent. The help and communication I received from Yvonne Brooks of Global Journeys was first class.
My travelling companion looked forward so much to this trip, as we had heard so many positive things about it. And I have to say for the period we were on the Avalon Expression it lived up to every comment we had heard. The Avalon service and organisation was second to none. We always looked forward to meal times.... sublime! What a great team of waiters ...read more & chefs, always obliging and happy to make your experience special.
I honestly can't say what was my highlight, but I did love the Bavarian region, with its magical castles and well preserved historic villages. Looked forward every morning to another new destination with excellent local guides showing us around our port of call. Of course this is inclusive in your trip costs. We had a good mix of travellers, but it would of been nice to have known where everyone had travelled from. Not sure if this is Avalon's policy not to introduce everyone. I never did find out.
Our room although compact was excellent, it seemed to be serviced twice a day. We were on the 2nd level, with its lovely wall to wall windows including sliding doors. However on reflection I would not hesitate next time to take a lower level cabin. Reason being, one is hardly ever in their cabin as the itinerary is full and a high percentage of the time when berthed you have another boat tied up along beside you blocking any view.
Sadly our trip was short lived as six days into our 15 day cruise we had to leave the boat and travel the remainder of the journey by coach, staying in different hotels mostly every night. The reason being that the Danube river was too low for the boat to pass through. This affected all boat companies travelling this route. As very sad as it was Avalon did an amazing job to move and accommodate 130 people every night. They still maintained our original itinerary along the way. Hats off to Avalon for their slick and seamless organisational skills. Also for their generous refund to make up for our disappointment. At no time along the coach route were were we out of pocket.
I am hoping to book another trip with Avalon through Global Journeys, they were great organisations to deal with. Would highly recommend a river cruise as the passenger list is about 145, such a complete contrast to most ocean cruising.
I honestly can't say what was my highlight, but I did love the Bavarian region, with its magical castles and well preserved historic villages. Looked forward every morning to another new destination with excellent local guides showing us around our port of call. Of course this is inclusive in your trip costs. We had a good mix of travellers, but it would of been nice to have known where everyone had travelled from. Not sure if this is Avalon's policy not to introduce everyone. I never did find out.
Our room although compact was excellent, it seemed to be serviced twice a day. We were on the 2nd level, with its lovely wall to wall windows including sliding doors. However on reflection I would not hesitate next time to take a lower level cabin. Reason being, one is hardly ever in their cabin as the itinerary is full and a high percentage of the time when berthed you have another boat tied up along beside you blocking any view.
Sadly our trip was short lived as six days into our 15 day cruise we had to leave the boat and travel the remainder of the journey by coach, staying in different hotels mostly every night. The reason being that the Danube river was too low for the boat to pass through. This affected all boat companies travelling this route. As very sad as it was Avalon did an amazing job to move and accommodate 130 people every night. They still maintained our original itinerary along the way. Hats off to Avalon for their slick and seamless organisational skills. Also for their generous refund to make up for our disappointment. At no time along the coach route were were we out of pocket.
I am hoping to book another trip with Avalon through Global Journeys, they were great organisations to deal with. Would highly recommend a river cruise as the passenger list is about 145, such a complete contrast to most ocean cruising.
Another very proficient Avalon cruise. All very good. Maybe, too late in the year as the weather was cold (30 Sept - 10 Oct). Our only complaint was that the quality of food provided at dinner was not as good as on our earlier Romantic Rhine Cruise. The vegetarian fair was particularly poor. Breakfast and lunch were fine. Table service was not attentive ...read more and to get a wine glass refilled was often difficult.
The Hotel in Amsterdam (Room Mate Aitana) was well situated for the start of the cruise, being about 150 metres from the hotel. It was also very close to the railway station that we arrived at. Room very comfortable and spacious. Restaurant very good.
The cruise was not completely full. We were quite disappointed with our Avalon Cruise Director ...read more half way through the cruise when we asked for an upgrade cabin since the noise in our cabin was keeping us awake (water slapping against side of ship, some engine noise and vibrations). They had a cabin available but insisted that we pay full price for the rest of the cruise (week) of 2400 Euros. Many other passengers tried to upgrade and got the same response. I would have thought that some leeway for them to get some extra money in the bank. Even a lottery at a cheaper price for those wishing to upgrade would have gone gown well.
When advising customers (particularly older ones) I would recommend you explain the dangers on board due to the stairs. Some of the stairs have a narrow side and a wide side. The narrow side does not provide enough foot space to be safe and a fall could have disastrous consequences. Many older people, particular carrying extra weight struggled with the stairs. Three accidents occurred on the trip requiring urgent hospitalisation (one fall in a cabin and one from the stairs). One other slip on the stairs didn't (fortunately) require immediate attention.
It was obvious that the levels of cabin got different service eg we had to ask for the sheets on the beds to be changed after the first week. This was automatic for the upper deck passengers who had their sheets changed very regularly. The two upper decks had uniformed staff assigned. Our lower floor didn't. Talking to some passengers who have done many cruises in upper decks, all agreed that the difference in price between the lower and upper decks was not value for money. One passenger had booked the lower level cabin for that reason. Overall the experience was one in a lifetime and we saw towns and beautiful countryside. We will have many fond memories of the trip for many years ahead. If you would like to have a further conversation by phone please ask Global Journeys and they'll send my number so you can give me a call.
The cruise was not completely full. We were quite disappointed with our Avalon Cruise Director ...read more half way through the cruise when we asked for an upgrade cabin since the noise in our cabin was keeping us awake (water slapping against side of ship, some engine noise and vibrations). They had a cabin available but insisted that we pay full price for the rest of the cruise (week) of 2400 Euros. Many other passengers tried to upgrade and got the same response. I would have thought that some leeway for them to get some extra money in the bank. Even a lottery at a cheaper price for those wishing to upgrade would have gone gown well.
When advising customers (particularly older ones) I would recommend you explain the dangers on board due to the stairs. Some of the stairs have a narrow side and a wide side. The narrow side does not provide enough foot space to be safe and a fall could have disastrous consequences. Many older people, particular carrying extra weight struggled with the stairs. Three accidents occurred on the trip requiring urgent hospitalisation (one fall in a cabin and one from the stairs). One other slip on the stairs didn't (fortunately) require immediate attention.
It was obvious that the levels of cabin got different service eg we had to ask for the sheets on the beds to be changed after the first week. This was automatic for the upper deck passengers who had their sheets changed very regularly. The two upper decks had uniformed staff assigned. Our lower floor didn't. Talking to some passengers who have done many cruises in upper decks, all agreed that the difference in price between the lower and upper decks was not value for money. One passenger had booked the lower level cabin for that reason. Overall the experience was one in a lifetime and we saw towns and beautiful countryside. We will have many fond memories of the trip for many years ahead. If you would like to have a further conversation by phone please ask Global Journeys and they'll send my number so you can give me a call.
The trip was very well organised, the included tours good, the range of optional excursions quite varied and most were good, the crew were magnificent and very friendly, the food magnificent and in no short supply by any means. The cruise director was very professional and helpful (even organised a short ANZAC day event for the Australians and New Zealanders). ...read more The cabins and beds were very comfortable and well sound insulated, and the floor-to-ceiling door sliding open to allow full view uninterrupted views was magnificent. Couldn't fault any aspect of the cruise.
Excellent holiday - especially in Autumn with tree colours and fewer crowds. The cabins and lounges were comfortable. The boat handling and locks and other ships were intriguing. The crew members and guides were efficient AND friendly. The daily information was inspiring. The food was healthy and plentiful with lots of choices - even though I'm vegetarian. ...read more The museums and shops were entertaining at every shore stop. The architecture was intriguing and sometime awesome - took lots of photos to absorb the details later. So many highlights - electric biking through Dutch farmland, patisseries in Strasbourg etc. The Prague hotel was very classy and the city was fun to explore. Salzburg was so lovely I'm tempted to go back and live there for a while.
Loved everything about our trip...we visited some beautiful little towns along the way and really couldn't fault the service of the Avalon staff and the ship was beautiful. Thank you Hannah at Global Journeys, for making everything so easy for us and providing such great service. Hope to do another cruise in the near future.
We loved the river cruise format as it was a simple matter of enjoying each days activities without having to drag all of the luggage around. The room was excellent and the service and food was first class.
The Europeon river cruise has been the highlight of our number of trips over recent years. It was so easy and relaxing and just what we needed after a very stressful time. I had some health issues but the comfort and ease of travel made this the best way for us. The freedom when we came to various towns in the river meant we could make individual choices. ...read more For my husband who liked more energetic exploring that was available for him and for me the quieter pace of traveling with the group suited me. We also made many ongoing friendships from that time. So glad we went.
Life on Board Avalon Expression What can you expect when cruising on board Avalon Expression
Avalon Expression
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Deck Plans
Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)
Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)
Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)
Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)
Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)
Royal Suite
Cabins
River View
Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)
- Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
- Twin Windows
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amenities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Balcony
Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Suite
Royal Suite
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Avalon Expression Cruise Schedule All 670 cruise sailings by departure date on board Avalon Expression
| Starts | Days | Name | Itinerary | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 03 Apr 2025 | 8 | Tulip Time Cruise | Amsterdam to Amsterdam | 3,609 |
| Thursday 10 Apr 2025 | 8 | Tulip Time Cruise | Amsterdam to Amsterdam | 3,709 |
| Thursday 17 Apr 2025 | 8 | Tulip Time Cruise | Amsterdam to Amsterdam | 3,709 |
| Thursday 08 May 2025 | 15 | Magnificent Europe | Amsterdam to Budapest | 7,719 |
| Thursday 08 May 2025 | 22 | Iconic Rivers of Europe - The Rhine, Main & Danube | Amsterdam to Oltenita | 12,128 |
| Thursday 08 May 2025 | 23 | Iconic Rivers of Europe - the Rhine, Main & Danube with Bucharest | Amsterdam to Bucharest | 12,327 |
| Thursday 08 May 2025 | 25 | Iconic Rivers of Europe - The Rhine, Main & Danube with Bucharest and Transylvania | Amsterdam to Bucharest | 13,077 |
| Wednesday 21 May 2025 | 10 | Balkan Discovery with Budapest and Bucharest | Budapest to Bucharest | 4,887 |
| Wednesday 21 May 2025 | 12 | Balkan Discovery with Budapest, Bucharest and Transylvania | Budapest to Bucharest | 5,637 |
| Thursday 22 May 2025 | 8 | Balkan Discovery | Budapest to Oltenita | 4,409 |
| Thursday 22 May 2025 | 9 | Balkan Discovery with Bucharest | Budapest to Bucharest | 4,608 |
| Thursday 22 May 2025 | 11 | Balkan Discovery with Bucharest and Transylvania | Budapest to Bucharest | 5,358 |
| Monday 26 May 2025 | 12 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest and Transylvania | Bucharest to Budapest | 5,888 |
| Monday 26 May 2025 | 13 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest and Transylvania and Budapest | Bucharest to Budapest | 6,167 |
| Monday 26 May 2025 | 21 | The Danube Romania to Germany with Bucharest and Transylvania and Prague | Bucharest to Prague | 10,726 |
| Monday 26 May 2025 | 19 | The Danube from Romania to Germany with Bucharest and Transylvania | Bucharest to Vilshofen | 10,097 |
| Wednesday 28 May 2025 | 10 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest | Bucharest to Budapest | 5,138 |
| Wednesday 28 May 2025 | 11 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest & Budapest | Bucharest to Budapest | 5,417 |
| Wednesday 28 May 2025 | 17 | The Danube from Romania to Germany with Bucharest | Bucharest to Vilshofen | 9,347 |
| Wednesday 28 May 2025 | 19 | The Danube from Romania to Germany with Bucharest and Prague | Bucharest to Prague | 9,976 |
| Thursday 29 May 2025 | 9 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest | Oltenita to Budapest | 4,939 |
| Thursday 29 May 2025 | 16 | The Danube from Romania to Germany | Oltenita to Vilshofen | 9,148 |
| Friday 06 Jun 2025 | 8 | Danube Dreams | Budapest to Vilshofen | 4,209 |
| Friday 06 Jun 2025 | 10 | Danube Dreams with Prague | Budapest to Prague | 4,838 |
| Friday 20 Jun 2025 | 16 | Magnificent Rivers of Europe | Budapest to Amsterdam | 8,449 |
| Saturday 05 Jul 2025 | 15 | Magnificent Europe | Amsterdam to Budapest | 7,719 |
| Saturday 19 Jul 2025 | 8 | Danube Dreams | Budapest to Vilshofen | 4,109 |
| Saturday 19 Jul 2025 | 10 | Danube Dreams with Prague | Budapest to Prague | 4,738 |
| Thursday 24 Jul 2025 | 10 | Danube Dreams with Prague | Prague to Budapest | 4,738 |
| Thursday 24 Jul 2025 | 20 | The Danube from Germany to Romania with Prague, Bucharest and Transylvania | Prague to Bucharest | 10,096 |
| Saturday 26 Jul 2025 | 8 | Danube Dreams | Vilshofen to Budapest | 4,109 |
| Saturday 26 Jul 2025 | 15 | The Danube from Germany to Romania | Vilshofen to Oltenita | 8,518 |
| Saturday 26 Jul 2025 | 16 | The Danube from Germany to Romania with Bucharest | Vilshofen to Bucharest | 8,717 |
| Friday 01 Aug 2025 | 10 | Balkan Discovery with Budapest and Bucharest | Budapest to Bucharest | 4,887 |
| Friday 01 Aug 2025 | 12 | Balkan Discovery with Budapest, Bucharest and Transylvania | Budapest to Bucharest | 5,637 |
| Saturday 02 Aug 2025 | 8 | Balkan Discovery | Budapest to Oltenita | 4,409 |
| Saturday 02 Aug 2025 | 9 | Balkan Discovery with Bucharest | Budapest to Bucharest | 4,608 |
| Saturday 02 Aug 2025 | 11 | Balkan Discovery with Bucharest and Transylvania | Budapest to Bucharest | 5,358 |
| Wednesday 06 Aug 2025 | 27 | From Romania to the North Sea with Bucharest and Transylvania | Bucharest to Amsterdam | 13,837 |
| Wednesday 06 Aug 2025 | 12 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest and Transylvania | Bucharest to Budapest | 5,788 |
| Wednesday 06 Aug 2025 | 13 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest and Transylvania and Budapest | Bucharest to Budapest | 6,067 |
| Friday 08 Aug 2025 | 25 | From Romania to the North Sea with Bucharest | Bucharest to Amsterdam | 13,087 |
| Friday 08 Aug 2025 | 10 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest | Bucharest to Budapest | 5,038 |
| Friday 08 Aug 2025 | 11 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest & Budapest | Bucharest to Budapest | 5,317 |
| Saturday 09 Aug 2025 | 24 | From Romania to the North Sea | Oltenita to Amsterdam | 12,858 |
| Saturday 09 Aug 2025 | 9 | The Danube from Romania to Budapest | Oltenita to Budapest | 4,839 |
| Sunday 17 Aug 2025 | 16 | Magnificent Rivers of Europe | Budapest to Amsterdam | 8,049 |
| Monday 01 Sep 2025 | 15 | Magnificent Europe | Amsterdam to Budapest | 7,919 |
| Monday 01 Sep 2025 | 22 | Iconic Rivers of Europe - The Rhine, Main & Danube | Amsterdam to Oltenita | 12,628 |
| Monday 01 Sep 2025 | 23 | Iconic Rivers of Europe - the Rhine, Main & Danube with Bucharest | Amsterdam to Bucharest | 12,827 |
Cruise Content
Cabin images are sourced from Avalon River Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on sailing dates.
Cabin images are sourced from Avalon River Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on sailing dates.
