Avalon Waterways
Avalon Artistry II
- Cruises
- 11
- From
- $4,276
Ship comparison
Avalon Artistry II vs Serene
Tauck River Cruises
Serene
- Cruises
- 8
- From
- —
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Avalon Artistry II is an intimate Avalon Waterways ship carrying 128 passengers, in service since 2013. Serene is an intimate Tauck River Cruises ship carrying 124 passengers, in service since 2026. Serene has no specs yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Avalon Artistry II if you want a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores Serene for spa & fitness (7.0 vs 4.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Serene if you want a newer ship, a more family-friendly ship or more adventure and nature: it outscores Avalon Artistry II for family friendly (6.0 vs 4.0) and adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2026 (vs 2013).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Avalon Artistry II | Serene | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Avalon Waterways | Tauck River Cruises |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2013 | 2026 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 5,000 | — |
| Passengers | 128 | 124 |
| Crew | 37 | 50 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.5 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.1 | — |
| Cabins | — | 62 |
| Decks | 4 | 4 |
| Length | 361 ft | 410 ft |
| Beam | 37 ft | — |
| Speed | 9 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 10 / 10 | — |
| Cruises on sale | 11 | 8 |
| Upcoming sailings | 243 | 41 |
| Cruise lengths | 7–18 nights | 5–11 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $4,276 | — |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Avalon Artistry II leads on 1 of the ten, Serene on 6, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Artistry II
There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Artistry II.
Highlights
- Wall-to-wall panoramic windows
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
- Panorama bistro
- Expanded fitness center
Sailing now
11 cruises on sale, from $4,276.
-
9 Night Bonjour Bordeaux Chateaux Wineries and Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris and Land Tour
$5,529
-
10 Night Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in London and Land Tour
$4,450
About Avalon Artistry II Plan my cruise on Avalon Artistry II
Tauck River Cruises
Serene
Sailing now
8 cruises on sale.
Questions
Avalon Artistry II or Serene?
Which ship is newer, Avalon Artistry II or Serene?
Serene is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2026 against 2013 for Avalon Artistry II.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Serene, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 3.5 on Avalon Artistry II.
Which is better for families?
Serene scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for Avalon Artistry II.
Still deciding?
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