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Avalon Waterways

Avalon Illumination

Intimate ship Bliss scored

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

  • 166guests
  • 5,000gross tons
  • 56cruises now
  • $2,406fares from

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 Avalon Illumination sails the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers as well as the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands.

At a glance

Avalon Illumination is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Avalon Waterways, in service since 2013. It carries 166 guests and 47 crew (3.5 guests per crew member) at 5,000 gross tons. It ties with 6 other ships as the 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 has 56 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $2,406 to $13,273. 4 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Guests
166
Crew
47
Gross tons
5,000
Decks
4
Length
361 ft
Beam
37 ft
Maiden voyage
2013
Space ratio
3.5
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
3.5
Speed (mph)
9

Bliss scores

What Avalon Illumination 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 Illumination: Sailing Europe’s storied rivers

There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Illumination. Sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and the waters of the Lowland countries, Avalon Illumination 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, the Avalon Waterways ship offers even seasoned travelers new opportunities to discover old and new Europe.

Avalon Illumination 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 to multi-course dinners.

Where Avalon Illumination sails

Avalon Illumination sails the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers, as well as the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands. Cruises range from 8 to 24 days, and destinations and port calls include Amsterdam, Budapest, Bucharest, Prague and Vienna.

Read the full review

Dining

Dining is part of the journey on Avalon Illumination. 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 or Western dishes. Meals are prepared by expert chefs with fresh, quality ingredients direct from the market. 

Lift a cocktail in the Club Lounge on Avalon Illumination.
Lift a cocktail in the Club Lounge on Avalon Illumination.

 

Activities

  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
  • Onboard movie nights
  • Hair salon (manicures available)
  • Sky Deck game area
  • 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 Illumination? What was it like? Tell us about your  experience. We'd love to see your photos!

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Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information or to reserve your spot on Avalon Illumination, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL AVALON ILLUMINATION SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on Avalon Illumination

Photos

Inside and out

Dining 2

  • Avalon Illumination's daily lunch buffet features a pasta and carving station with complimentary soft drinks.
    Avalon Illumination's daily lunch buffet features a pasta and carving station with complimentary soft drinks.
  • Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks are served with your dinner on Avalon Illumination.
    Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks are served with your dinner on Avalon Illumination.

On board 5

  • Take in the passing sights on the Sky Deck on Avalon Illumination.
    Take in the passing sights on the Sky Deck on Avalon Illumination.
  • The Panorama Lounge features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for stunning views.
    The Panorama Lounge features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for stunning views.
  • Mingle with other guests and take in the passing landscapes at the Observation Lounge on Avalon Illumination.
    Mingle with other guests and take in the passing landscapes at the Observation Lounge on Avalon Illumination.
  • Lift a cocktail in the Club Lounge on Avalon Illumination.
    Lift a cocktail in the Club Lounge on Avalon Illumination.
  • Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in the Bar on Avalon Illumination.
    Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in the Bar on Avalon Illumination.

Ship exteriors 1

  • Avalon Illumination sails the Rhine and Danube rivers, and the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands.
    Avalon Illumination sails the Rhine and Danube rivers, and the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands.

Staterooms 3

  • Enjoy a quiet Continental breakfast when you order room service on Avalon Illumination.
    Enjoy a quiet Continental breakfast when you order room service on Avalon Illumination.
  • The 200-square-foot Panorama Suite on Avalon Illumination.
    The 200-square-foot Panorama Suite on Avalon Illumination.
  • The 172-square-foot Deluxe Stateroom on Avalon Illumination.
    The 172-square-foot Deluxe Stateroom on Avalon Illumination.

More photos 8

  •  Avalon Illumination sails the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers as well as the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands.
    Avalon Illumination sails the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers as well as the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands.
  • Avalon Illumination in Budapest, cruising by Hungary's beautiful parliament building.
    Avalon Illumination in Budapest, cruising by Hungary's beautiful parliament building.
  • The Panorama Suite of Avalon Illumination gives you great views of the passing shorelines. Most staterooms on the ship have balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows.
    The Panorama Suite of Avalon Illumination gives you great views of the passing shorelines. Most staterooms on the ship have balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Pamper yourself by booking the Royal Suite on Avalon Illumination and cruise the storied Danube River.
    Pamper yourself by booking the Royal Suite on Avalon Illumination and cruise the storied Danube River.
  • Avalon Illumination sailing the Danube River.
    Avalon Illumination sailing the Danube River.
  • Avalon Illumination's four-course dinners offer a choice of appetizers, soups, salads and entrées.
    Avalon Illumination's four-course dinners offer a choice of appetizers, soups, salads and entrées.
  • Watch Europe's beautiful landscapes glide by from Avalon Illumination's Observation Lounge. 
    Watch Europe's beautiful landscapes glide by from Avalon Illumination's Observation Lounge. 
  • Lunch al fresco on Avalon Illumination's Sky Deck bistro.
    Lunch al fresco on Avalon Illumination's Sky Deck bistro.

Sailing now

Cruises on Avalon Illumination

Plan my cruise
  1. 14 Night Magnificent Europe 14 nights · from Amsterdam Next Sep 26, 2026 6 dates from $6,253
  2. 7 Night Danube Dreams 7 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 10, 2026 12 dates Fare on request
  3. 7 Night Danube Dreams (Eastbound) 7 nights · from Vilshofen Next Oct 17, 2026 2 dates from $6,229
  4. 7 Night Danube Dreams (Westbound) 7 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 24, 2026 from $6,429
  5. 7 Night Festive Season on the Legendary Danube 7 nights · from Nuremberg Next Nov 29, 2026 Fare on request
  6. 14 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt with 2 Nights in Budapest and Land Tour 14 nights · from Budapest Next Dec 4, 2026 from $11,426
  7. 18 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Basel with 2 Nights in Budapest and Land Tour 18 nights · from Budapest Next Dec 4, 2026 Fare on request
  8. 12 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt 12 nights · from Budapest Next Dec 6, 2026 Fare on request
  9. 16 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Basel 16 nights · from Budapest Next Dec 6, 2026 Fare on request
  10. 11 Night Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 11 nights · from Prague Next Dec 11, 2026 from $8,519
  11. 7 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 7 nights · from Prague Next Dec 11, 2026 2 dates from $4,428
  12. 5 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany 5 nights · from Nuremberg Next Dec 13, 2026 2 dates Fare on request
Show 44 more
  1. 9 Night Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel 9 nights · from Nuremberg Next Dec 13, 2026 Fare on request
  2. 4 Night Christmastime in Alsace and Germany (Southbound) 4 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 18, 2026 from $2,406
  3. 9 Night Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Mar 21, 2027 11 dates from $3,800
  4. 11 Night Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania and Land Tour 11 nights · from Budapest Next Apr 4, 2027 7 dates from $5,724
  5. 9 Night Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest and 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Apr 4, 2027 7 dates from $4,864
  6. 10 Night Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania and Land Tour 10 nights · from Budapest Next Apr 5, 2027 7 dates from $5,395
  7. 7 Night Balkan Discovery 7 nights · from Budapest Next Apr 5, 2027 7 dates Fare on request
  8. 8 Night Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 8 nights · from Budapest Next Apr 5, 2027 7 dates from $4,535
  9. 11 Night The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania and Land Tour 11 nights · from Bucharest Next Apr 9, 2027 7 dates from $5,256
  10. 12 Night The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest 2 Nights in Transylvania and 1 Night in Budapest and Land Tour 12 nights · from Bucharest Next Apr 9, 2027 7 dates from $5,585
  11. 10 Night The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 1 Night in Budapest and Land Tour 10 nights · from Bucharest Next Apr 11, 2027 7 dates from $4,725
  12. 9 Night The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 9 nights · from Bucharest Next Apr 11, 2027 7 dates from $4,396
  13. 8 Night The Danube from Romania to Budapest 8 nights · from Oltenita Next Apr 12, 2027 7 dates Fare on request
  14. 18 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania and Land Tour 18 nights · from Bucharest Next May 9, 2027 4 dates from $8,707
  15. 20 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest 2 Nights in Transylvania and 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 20 nights · from Bucharest Next May 9, 2027 4 dates from $9,456
  16. 16 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 16 nights · from Bucharest Next May 11, 2027 4 dates from $7,847
  17. 18 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 18 nights · from Bucharest Next May 11, 2027 4 dates from $8,596
  18. 15 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany 15 nights · from Oltenita Next May 12, 2027 Fare on request
  19. 7 Night Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich (Eastbound) and Land Tour 7 nights · from Munich Next May 25, 2027 3 dates from $3,978
  20. 8 Night Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich and 1 Night in Budapest (Eastbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Munich Next May 25, 2027 3 dates from $4,307
  21. 5 Night Danube Symphony 5 nights · from Vilshofen Next May 27, 2027 3 dates Fare on request
  22. 6 Night Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Eastbound) and Land Tour 6 nights · from Vilshofen Next May 27, 2027 3 dates from $3,358
  23. 10 Night Active and Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night in Budapest and 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 10 nights · from Budapest Next May 31, 2027 6 dates from $5,089
  24. 8 Night Active and Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Budapest Next May 31, 2027 6 dates from $4,340
  25. 7 Night Active and Discovery on the Danube 7 nights · from Budapest Next Jun 1, 2027 6 dates Fare on request
  26. 9 Night Active and Discovery on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Jun 1, 2027 6 dates from $4,700
  27. 9 Night Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Prague Next Jun 6, 2027 14 dates from $4,050
  28. 7 Night Danube Dreams 7 nights · from Vilshofen Next Jun 8, 2027 14 dates Fare on request
  29. 14 Night Magnificent Rivers of Europe 14 nights · from Budapest Next Jun 15, 2027 2 dates from $7,503
  30. 6 Night Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) and Land Tour 6 nights · from Budapest Next Nov 13, 2027 from $3,158
  31. 8 Night Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest and 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Budapest Next Nov 13, 2027 from $4,107
  32. 5 Night Danube Symphony 5 nights · from Budapest Next Nov 14, 2027 Fare on request
  33. 7 Night Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) and Land Tour 7 nights · from Budapest Next Nov 14, 2027 from $3,778
  34. 5 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna 5 nights · from Budapest Next Nov 26, 2027 from $3,204
  35. 6 Night Christmastime on the Danube 6 nights · from Vienna Next Dec 1, 2027 2 dates Fare on request
  36. 8 Night Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Vienna Next Dec 1, 2027 2 dates from $4,214
  37. 6 Night Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound) 6 nights · from Nuremberg Next Dec 7, 2027 Fare on request
  38. 14 Night Magnificent Rivers of Europe 14 nights · from Budapest Next May 14, 2028 3 dates Fare on request
  39. 21 Night Iconic Rivers of Europe the Rhine Main and Danube 21 nights · from Amsterdam Next Sep 17, 2028 Fare on request
  40. 22 Night Iconic Rivers of Europe the Rhine Main and Danube with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 22 nights · from Amsterdam Next Sep 17, 2028 from $12,413
  41. 24 Night Iconic Rivers of Europe the Rhine Main and Danube with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania and Land Tour 24 nights · from Amsterdam Next Sep 17, 2028 from $13,273
  42. 15 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany 15 nights · from Oltenita Next Oct 8, 2028 2 dates Fare on request
  43. 7 Night Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine 7 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 11, 2028 Fare on request
  44. 9 Night Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 11, 2028 from $5,520

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