Avalon Waterways
Avalon Illumination
- Cruises
- 56
- From
- $2,406
Ship comparison
Avalon Illumination vs Scenic Amber
Scenic
Scenic Amber
- Cruises
- 44
- From
- $3,820
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Avalon Illumination is an intimate Avalon Waterways ship carrying 166 passengers, in service since 2013. Scenic Amber is an intimate Scenic ship carrying 169 passengers, in service since 2016.
Choose Avalon Illumination if you want more space per passenger, a better-rated spa and gym or a lower starting fare: it outscores Scenic Amber for spa & fitness (7.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, it has 30.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 16.1) and its cruises start from $2,406 (vs $3,820).
Choose Scenic Amber if you want more adventure and nature, more of a party or a more active cruise: it outscores Avalon Illumination for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0), party (5.0 vs 3.0) and active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Avalon Illumination | Scenic Amber | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Avalon Waterways | Scenic |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2013 | 2016 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 5,000 | 2,721 |
| Passengers | 166 | 169 |
| Crew | 47 | 53 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.5 | 3.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 30.1 (better) | 16.1 |
| Decks | 4 | 4 |
| Length | 361 ft | 443 ft |
| Beam | 37 ft | 38 ft |
| Speed | 9 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 56 | 44 |
| Upcoming sailings | 217 | 76 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–24 nights | 7–28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $2,406 (better) | $3,820 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Avalon Illumination leads on 3 of the ten, Scenic Amber on 5, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Illumination
There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Illumination.
Highlights
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
- Panorama bistro
- Expanded fitness center
Sailing now
56 cruises on sale, from $2,406.
About Avalon Illumination Plan my cruise on Avalon Illumination
Scenic
Scenic Amber
The 169-passenger Scenic Amber offers a wide-ranging variety of luxury river cruises through the heart of Europe. The ship from luxe cruise line Scenic features a heated vitality pool for guests to enjoy on the panoramic Sun Deck.
Sailing now
44 cruises on sale, from $3,820.
Questions
Avalon Illumination or Scenic Amber?
Which is bigger, Avalon Illumination or Scenic Amber?
Avalon Illumination is bigger at 5,000 gross tons, against 2,721 gross tons for Scenic Amber. Avalon Illumination carries 166 passengers and Scenic Amber carries 169.
Which ship is newer, Avalon Illumination or Scenic Amber?
Scenic Amber is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 against 2013 for Avalon Illumination.
Which has more space per passenger?
Avalon Illumination, with 30.1 gross tons per passenger against 16.1 on Scenic Amber. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Scenic Amber, with one crew member for every 3.2 passengers against one for every 3.5 on Avalon Illumination.
Which is better for families?
Scenic Amber scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 5.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for Avalon Illumination.
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