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Avalon Waterways

Avalon Artistry II

Intimate ship Bliss scored

There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Artistry II. Sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and the waters of the Lowland countries, Avalon Artistry II can glide by centuries-old…

  • 128guests
  • 5,000gross tons
  • 11cruises now
  • $4,276fares from

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The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II cruises past a terraced landscape on the Danube.

At a glance

Avalon Artistry II is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Avalon Waterways, in service since 2012. It carries 128 guests and 37 crew (3.5 guests per crew member) at 5,000 gross tons. It ties with 5 other ships as the 9th largest of 22 Avalon Waterways ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for cultural, romantic and staterooms (8/10) and lowest for adventure & nature and party (3/10). It is rated 5 out of 5 by Cruiseable. It has 11 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $4,276 to $8,423. 2 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
5 / 5
Guests
128
Crew
37
Gross tons
5,000
Decks
4
Length
361 ft
Beam
37 ft
Maiden voyage
2012
Space ratio
3.5
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
3.5
Speed (mph)
9

Bliss scores

What Avalon Artistry II is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 7.0
  2. Adventure and nature 3.0
  3. Cultural 8.0
  4. Dining 7.0
  5. Entertainment 5.0
  6. Family friendly 4.0
  7. Party 3.0
  8. Romantic 8.0
  9. Spa and fitness 7.0
  10. Staterooms 8.0

Our review

Avalon Artistry II: Cruising Europe on a work of art

There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Artistry II. Sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and the waters of the Lowland countries, Avalon Artistry II can glide by centuries-old castles and beautiful landscapes in the afternoon, then make an overnight port call at one of Europe’s overlooked gems. Whether tastes favor exploring charming historic neighborhoods and world-class museums, or indulging in fine cuisine or a city’s vibrant nightlife, Avalon Artistry II offers even seasoned travelers new opportunities to discover old and new Europe.

Avalon Artistry II is fitted with onboard amenities that promise sailing in comfort. Cruisers can soak in the rays and take in the view from a lounge chair or whirlpool on the Sky Deck. Or wake each morning to the scenery passing by their suite’s wall-to-wall panoramic windows (the ship’s suites are spacious — at 200 square feet, Avalon says, they’re more than 30 percent larger than industry standard). Dining options range from light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro to multi-course dinners.

Where Avalon Artistry II sails

Avalon Artistry II sails Central Europe’s Rhine, Danube and Main rivers, as well as the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands. Cruises range from 8 to 19 days, and destinations and port calls include Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, Paris and Vienna. 

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Dining

Dining is part of the journey on Avalon Artistry II. Whether you’re sitting for an al fresco lunch on the Sky Deck, waterfront room service or multi-course dining in the Panorama Bistro, you can choose between enticing regional cuisine and Western dishes. Meals are prepared by expert chefs with fresh, quality ingredients direct from the market.  

Activities

  • Sky deck whirlpool
  • Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
  • Onboard movie nights
  • Hair salon (manicures available)
  • Sky Deck game area
  • Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
  • Tastings: Sample the destination's famous delicacies.
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Sightseeing with certified local guides
  • Biking excursions

Your take

How about you? Have you cruised on Avalon Artistry II? What was it like? Tell us about your  experience. We'd love to see your photos!

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SEE ALL AVALON ARTISTRY SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on Avalon Artistry II

  • Afternoon tea
    Afternoon tea Chocolate pick-me-up

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 6

  • Avalon Artistry II passes Stahleck Castle, a 12th-century fortified castle in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Germany.
    Avalon Artistry II passes Stahleck Castle, a 12th-century fortified castle in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Germany.
  • Enjoy exquisite dining, complimentary beer and wine with dinners and more on Avalon Artistry II as she sails the Rhine.
    Enjoy exquisite dining, complimentary beer and wine with dinners and more on Avalon Artistry II as she sails the Rhine.
  • The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II sails the Rhine (shown here), Danube and Main rivers.
    The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II sails the Rhine (shown here), Danube and Main rivers.
  • Avalon Artistry II moored in historic Mainz, Germany, on the Rhine River at twilight.
    Avalon Artistry II moored in historic Mainz, Germany, on the Rhine River at twilight.
  • The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II cruises the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers.
    The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II cruises the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers.
  • A galley chef prepares a dish on the 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II.
    A galley chef prepares a dish on the 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II.

Dining 2

  • Expect stellar service in the dining room aboard your sailing on Avalon Artistry II.
    Expect stellar service in the dining room aboard your sailing on Avalon Artistry II.
  • Enjoy gourmet dining during your sailing on Avalon Artistry II.
    Enjoy gourmet dining during your sailing on Avalon Artistry II.

On board 2

  • Musicians perform in the Panorama Lounge aboard Avalon Artistry II.
    Musicians perform in the Panorama Lounge aboard Avalon Artistry II.
  • Meet new friends at the Panorama Lounge social hour when you sail Avalon Artistry II.
    Meet new friends at the Panorama Lounge social hour when you sail Avalon Artistry II.

Ship exteriors 2

  • Take in scenic landscapes and historic sites along the Rhine River on Avalon Artistry II.
    Take in scenic landscapes and historic sites along the Rhine River on Avalon Artistry II.
  • Avalon Artistry II sails the Rhine River through Kaub, Germany.
    Avalon Artistry II sails the Rhine River through Kaub, Germany.

Staterooms 3

  • Take in the passing landscapes from your Panorama Suite on Avalon Artistry II.
    Take in the passing landscapes from your Panorama Suite on Avalon Artistry II.
  • A steward brings a guest's order in the Panorama Suite of Avalon Artistry II.
    A steward brings a guest's order in the Panorama Suite of Avalon Artistry II.
  • The sumptuous Royal Suite on Avalon Artistry II.
    The sumptuous Royal Suite on Avalon Artistry II.

More photos 12

  • The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II cruises past a terraced landscape on the Danube.
    The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II cruises past a terraced landscape on the Danube.
  • There's not a bad view of Europe indoor or out on Avalon Artistry II.
    There's not a bad view of Europe indoor or out on Avalon Artistry II.
  • Wake up to beautiful Europe gliding by your Panorama Suite on Avalon Artistry II.
    Wake up to beautiful Europe gliding by your Panorama Suite on Avalon Artistry II.
  • The 300-square-foot Royal Suite on Avalon Artistry II includes a spacious seating area and stocked minibar.
    The 300-square-foot Royal Suite on Avalon Artistry II includes a spacious seating area and stocked minibar.
  • Glide past scenic pastureland along Europe's waterways on Avalon Artistry II.
    Glide past scenic pastureland along Europe's waterways on Avalon Artistry II.
  • Avalon Artistry II's daily afternoon tea features tea, coffee and sweet treats. 
    Avalon Artistry II's daily afternoon tea features tea, coffee and sweet treats. 
  • Watch Europe sail by from Avalon Affinity II's Panorama Lounge.
    Watch Europe sail by from Avalon Affinity II's Panorama Lounge.
  • Avalon Artistry II calls on ports in Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Vienna.  
    Avalon Artistry II calls on ports in Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Vienna.  
  • Avalon Artistry II cruises past Lorelei Rock on Germany's Rhine River.
    Avalon Artistry II cruises past Lorelei Rock on Germany's Rhine River.
  • Meet new friends at the Panorama Lounge social hour when you sail Avalon Artistry II.
    Meet new friends at the Panorama Lounge social hour when you sail Avalon Artistry II.
  • Most staterooms and suites on Avalon Artistry II feature French balconies (floor-to-ceiling windows).
    Most staterooms and suites on Avalon Artistry II feature French balconies (floor-to-ceiling windows).
  • The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II cruises the Danube, Rhine and beyond.
    The 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II cruises the Danube, Rhine and beyond.

Sailing now

Cruises on Avalon Artistry II

Plan my cruise
  1. 7 Night Bonjour Bordeaux Chateaux Wineries and Charming Villages 7 nights · from Bordeaux Next Sep 15, 2026 8 dates Fare on request
  2. 9 Night Bonjour Bordeaux Chateaux Wineries and Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris and Land Tour 9 nights · from Paris Next Sep 20, 2026 7 dates from $5,529
  3. 10 Night Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in London and Land Tour 10 nights · from Paris Next Mar 28, 2027 68 dates from $4,450
  4. 7 Night Paris to Normandy 7 nights · from Paris Next Mar 28, 2027 49 dates from $4,276
  5. 16 Night France Unveiled Seine and Rhone and Land Tour 16 nights · from Paris Next Apr 4, 2027 27 dates Fare on request
  6. 16 Night Seine and Rhine revealed and Land Tour 16 nights · from Paris Next Apr 4, 2027 27 dates from $8,101
  7. 18 Night France Unveiled Seine and Rhone with 2 Nights in French Riviera and Land Tour 18 nights · from Paris Next Apr 4, 2027 27 dates Fare on request
  8. 15 Night The Best of Spain with Paris and Normandy and Land Tour 15 nights · from Madrid Next May 1, 2027 9 dates from $8,423
  9. 7 Night The Best of Spain 7 nights · from Paris Next May 9, 2027 9 dates Fare on request
  10. 15 Night The Best of Spain with Paris and Normandy and Land Tour 15 nights · from Madrid Next Apr 8, 2028 10 dates from $7,232
  11. 7 Night The Best of Spain 7 nights · from Paris Next Apr 16, 2028 10 dates Fare on request

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