Avalon Waterways (avalonwaterways.com) has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 103 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Travel & Vacation and its reputation is excellent. 87% of reviews are 4 stars or higher and 5% are 1 star; The business has not yet replied to negative reviews; 59 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-10.
What people say
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David · 1 review · Experienced 2026-07-08 ·
★★★★★
Out of pocket from Avalon non-cruise.
We were booked on a Dunube cruise in early July, as the water level situation started to become critical. On the boat (which was fantastic) at the end of the WELCOME PARTY we were informed we would not be sailing! Also, all our excursions were cancelled. We did get a refund of cruise and excursion costs. However, we remain £2000 out of pocket due to expenses that could have been avoided if the cruise had been cancelled. As we were not leaving from the UK, these are primarily the flight costs to and from Budapest and hotel. It has been alleged that the company knew the levels were getting dangerously low. It is alleged that some guests from the USA were told this at Heathrow and the boat would not be sailing. We would not have gone to Budapest had we known this, thereby saving what is now unnecessary out of pocket expenses.
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Susan Siegel · 1 review · Experienced 2026-06-23 ·
★★★★★
Eastern Europe Danube Cruise
Staffs competence and personalities, low percentage of staff to guests, cleanliness of everything, food, day trips, scenery-all spectacular.
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Gary Shaw · 2 reviews · Experienced 2026-06-27 ·
★★★★★
Do not book with this company,we had to…
Do not book with this company,we had to cancel our river cruise due to unexpected illness
Asked if we could transfere to another date but was told we still had to cancel ouf trip getting only half our money back but they wanted full price to rebook to another date disgusted gary shaw
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DEB · 2 reviews · Experienced 2026-04-13 ·
★★★★★
10/10 except for the quality of the food
We did a 10 night Budapest to Prague trip in April 2026 for a couple.
Everything about the experience was excellent,...boat, the excursions,.....except for the quality of the food. Some meals were very good, others were terrible.
We have travelled on Ama Waterways and Havila, with every meal perfect. So the high level of quality does exist.
Despite my attempts to be compensated , all Avalon would offer was a very small discount on the next cruise we booked with them. Why would I book another one to look forward to the same poor consistency of the quality of the food???
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james burr · 1 review · Experienced 2026-07-08 ·
★★★★★
DO NOT book a Danube cruise during…
DO NOT book a Danube cruise during summer. River levels were low and we got nothing that we wanted. Excursions missed, ports changed and an expensive time doing nothing interesting. Crew were good and the ship is great but we booked a cruise not an over priced parking spot on the river. Just catch the train and pay for 5 star hotels, it will be cheaper and more reliable.
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Tony Windmiller · 1 review · Experienced 2026-06-27 ·
★★★★★
Awesome Vacation
Very nice staff!!! I loved how everything was super organized from excursion schedules to breakfast, lunch and dinner times and I love to shout out a couple of staff that went beyond my expectations: John John the waiter: great enthusiast, well knowledgeable and excellent service, Gabriella: Very fun personality with energetic perception and knowing how to direct in a well professional manner and Pearla: awesome director with a very nice smile, knowledgeable speeches and overall an excellent trip to go on that does go beyond just a vacation!!! Highly recommend Avalon Waterways as it's staff is super friendly and the activities is a lot of fun and so much to do and see!!!!
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Mark W · 25 reviews · Experienced 2026-06-22 ·
★★★★★
What an AWFUL booking experience and…
What an AWFUL booking experience and TERRIBLE customer service .
I’ve booked a cruise in August that includes a pre cruise transfer from Munich .
I’ve been trying to find out since January where the pick up point is ( Munich Airport ) and what time I need to be there .
All Avalon repeatedly do is chase me for my Flight number . I’ve lost track of the times I’ve told them I am not arriving by air yet their standard response is to ask for my flight no AGAIN !!!!
I tried suggesting I will be at the airport at 12.00 noon but they don’t accept this without a flight number .
What a complete joke , I wish I had booked elsewhere .
Whatever you do , don’t book a Danube cruise from Munich if you live there !!!!
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Randy Bradley · 1 review · Experienced 2026-05-09 ·
★★★★★
My Wife and I signed up for this cruise…
My Wife and I signed up for this cruise to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. This was our 1st trip to Europe. Our travel company was offering a group tour, and since this was a 1st for us, we felt more comfortable traveling with a group. The Avalon Visionary was perfect for us. The staff welcomed us aboard with a glass of champagne and a group gathering with information about what to expect. We had a panoramic view on the 2nd level. The room was perfect for us. Very clean and well attended to by Singh. He was great. The food was always fresh and had quite the variety. Buti was our waiter most of the time, very attentive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all fantastic. Plenty to eat and drink. Complementary soda, wine and beer at all meals. Server's were always asking if they could get you more. You could always order steak, burgers, or salmon if you didn't see anything you like from the main dishes offered that night. They also had a happy hour before dinner with free drinks and a 15 minute update on what tomorrows plans were. They had entertainment every night after dinner, which was great. Time to visit with new friends and wind down after a day of sightseeing. Flavored water, coffee and snacks were always available at the back of the boat. They gave us plenty of options for land excursions, some free or you could upgrade to something more adventurous. Different options everyday. You could always change your scheduled plans the morning of if there was room available in the group. A big shout out to all the staff on board our Avalon Visionary ship, our group leader Michelle , and our hosts, Chris &Sara for making this a very memorable trip. We look forward to traveling with Avalon in the future.
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Sue H · 25 reviews · Experienced 2026-05-12 ·
★★★★★
An unexpected delight
This was our first cruise - we went with a completely open mind but definitely wanted to do things our way and in our own time. Amazingly we were comfortably able to do this and never felt we'd missed out, We were looked after from the moment we met Tom in Marseille. The staff were so attentive without being intrusive and we parted as friends. The food was just right - fresh, wide choice, super wines - and Alex coped well with providing gluten free options. We booked last minute so our cabin was on the lowest floor; it was certainly spacious, and exciting at times to be on water level. We knew everyone by the end of the trip - 15 nationalities and so interesting to encounter new perspectives. The stop overs were a mixture of well known highlights - Arles, Avignon and Lyon - mixed with hidden gems - Viviers, Tournon and Macon. The smallest cathedral and deepest lock remain memorable. Thank you Avalon - we certainly felt cherished and nourished in their widest possible sense.
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Stephen Biddle · 2 reviews · Experienced 2026-04-25 ·
★★★★★
Everything was perfect
Everything was perfect. We have just finished the Danube cruise on the Avalon Illumination.
The vessel was 1st class.
The staff were helpful and always smiled.
The food was great.
The best cruise I have been on.
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Shauna Einum · 1 review · Experienced 2026-04-18 ·
★★★★★
First time cruiser
First time cruiser. Staff on the Avalon Vista ship were outstanding. Food was B to B+; breakfast didn't vary much and dinner soups were largely flavorless.
Panorama room was nicely appointed, but bathroom was a bit small for two people trying to get ready for the day.
The downside: at the airport, other travel companies held signs indicative of who they were. Avalon just had employees with jackets on. They were pointed out to me by travelers with Cosmos. It would have been helpful to have had a clear sign.
Even worse: a couple on our trip was mistakenly added to another Avalon group without the driver checking names. Our driver knew he was missing two, but only went back to check for them after other travelers in our group indicated they had met the missing two people on the plane ride over. The missing couple joined us hours later after the mistake had been noticed. This is unacceptable.
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Susan Coombs · 1 review · Experienced 2026-04-13 ·
★★★★★
Avalon Visionary river cruise eastbound from Budapest
This was our first cruise experience and it was more than we expected. The staff in every dept were professional, helpful and knowledgeable. I would booked Avalon again just for the food. Lots of fresh vegetables available at every meal, main course options and wonderful desserts. Things that made our stay very comfortable was being able to control the temperature in our room, the walking track on the upper deck, the beverage machines in the common areas and the bistro option for lighter meals in the panorama lounge. I really can’t find any fault with this cruise.
We did the SE Asia trip with Hanoi and Bangkok added
We did the SE Asia trip with Hanoi and Bangkok added. It was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken! The hotels were top notch with amazing breakfast buffets. We saw so many things including a water puppet show, making conical straw hats, items made with rice, weaving, markets, silver making, daily life, and more. You do a little bit of the Vietnam War but not too much. Everyone was really nice and accommodating. We felt safer than when in Europe. Best trip ever! Our guide, Quang, was exceptional.
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Louis Kiefer · 2 reviews · Experienced 2025-11-04 ·
★★★★★
crew was excellent & all meals were…
crew was excellent & all meals were delicious, room was comfortable & tours were great
Amazing!!!! Wonderful!! So much fun!! First time River Cruising!! Can’t wait for another trip with Avalon Waterways!!
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Thomas Frey · 1 review · Experienced 2025-11-15 ·
★★★★★
LOVED EVERYTHING AND EVERY COUNTRY.
The hotels, the ship, ALL of the crew, the ship's chef and meals, how gorgeous the rooms were, the cleaning staff, the towns and cities and the tours. It was THE best vacation ever.
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Amy · 3 reviews · Experienced 2025-12-17 ·
★★★★★
We Found Christmas! Our Avalon Christmas Market Cruise
Our Avalon Christmas Market Cruise was pure magic from start to finish. We stayed in a Panorama Suite just steps from the Club Lounge on the Royal Deck—truly the best spot on the ship for sweet treats, hot cocoa and cappuccinos at any hour, and a cozy place to unwind between adventures. The suite itself was beautifully designed with plenty of space to fully unpack, with a perfectly sized bathroom that made getting ready each day effortless.
Every evening felt like a celebration. The four‑course dinners were absolutely delicious, paired with excellent wines and cocktails that made each meal feel special. After full days of expertly guided touring through festively decorated French, Swiss, and German towns, those dinners were the perfect way to relax and relive the day’s highlights. A couple of evenings we enjoyed local entertainment in the panorama lounge and others, we watched our favorite Christmas movies from our bed, facing the nighttime view.
One of the biggest perks of sailing with Avalon was visiting the Christmas Markets at less crowded times. We wandered through twinkling stalls, collected our mugs, sampled seasonal treats, and brought home the most incredible holiday cookies to share and give as gifts. Along the way, we met couples from all over who quickly became new friends, adding even more joy to the experience.
We also loved our post‑cruise stay in Frankfurt. Yes, the nighttime crowds at the market are real—but only because it’s that fabulous. The energy, lights, and festive atmosphere were the perfect finale before flying home.
This was a truly wonderful all‑inclusive vacation. We’re already excited to book our next Avalon adventure—especially with the welcome‑back credits we earned.
Can’t wait to sail again!
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Mary T · 2 reviews · Experienced 2025-04-02 ·
★★★★★
We loved our Avalon Danube River…
We loved our Avalon Danube River cruise.
The ship staff was wonderful !
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Kathy L · 1 review · Experienced 2025-10-31 ·
★★★★★
Avalon Waterways-Top Notch!
Avalon is extremely accommodating of its guests needs. The Crew onboard the Avalon Visionary was spectacular. Special shoutout to Geno in the dining room who took such great care of us all week and Mr Z at the bar making the best drinks! Simona our cruise director was nothing but amazing. Excursions are planned very well and organized. Local Guides which Avalon choose are fantastic and so knowledgeable. My only complaint is that the beds are too comfortable, hard to get up in the morning!!! Hope to sail again soon with Avalon, we miss being treated like royalty!
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Dan Diaczun · 1 review · Experienced 2025-10-13 ·
★★★★★
I've been on three fantastic European River Cruises!…
I've been on three European River Cruises with Avalon, and have another scheduled for fall of 2026.
Their service is wonderful starting with the cabins and the beautiful bedding. The staff is always courteous and attentive. The meals are first rate, and the excursions are always interesting and are led by knowledgeable tour guides. The on-board entertainment is a good with a mix of lectures, song and dance and music. The ships are wonderfully designed with easy access to the dining room, lounge and outside decks. We enjoy the casual pace and the informality. We've met a wonderful assortment of people from all over the world and look forward to sailing again.
