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Avalon Waterways

Avalon Impression

Intimate ship Bliss scored

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

  • 166guests
  • 5,000gross tons
  • 53cruises now
  • $3,158fares from

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Avalon Impression sailing the Danube River.

At a glance

Avalon Impression 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 53 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $3,158 to $11,073. 1 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
443 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 Impression 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 Impression: Cruising Europe from Budapest to London

There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Impression. Sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and the waters of the Lowland countries, Avalon Impression 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 Impression 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 Impression sails

Avalon Impression cruises the Danube, Central and Rhine rivers, and the waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands. Cruises range from 8 to 21 days, with Amsterdam, Budapest, Middelburg, Prague and Vienna among the many destinations. The 21-day cruise that embarks from Budapest concludes with six nights (via high-speed rail) in Paris and London.  

Read the full review

Dining

Dining is part of the journey on Avalon Impression. 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
  • Tastings: Sample the destinations' 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 Impression? 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 Impression, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

 

SEE ALL AVALON IMPRESSION SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on Avalon Impression

Photos

Inside and out

Dining 3

  • Arrive early for a window table at Avalon Impression's spacious, open-seating dining room.
    Arrive early for a window table at Avalon Impression's spacious, open-seating dining room.
  • Take in the passing scenery while dining al fresco at the Sky Bistro on your Avalon sailing.
    Take in the passing scenery while dining al fresco at the Sky Bistro on your Avalon sailing.
  • Enjoy gourmet dining during your sailing on Avalon Waterways.
    Enjoy gourmet dining during your sailing on Avalon Waterways.

On board 1

  • A wait staff member is always on hand to craft a cocktail to your liking on your Avalon sailing.
    A wait staff member is always on hand to craft a cocktail to your liking on your Avalon sailing.

Ship exteriors 2

  • Avalon Impression's cruises range from 8 to 21 days, with Amsterdam, Budapest and Vienna among its many ports of call.
    Avalon Impression's cruises range from 8 to 21 days, with Amsterdam, Budapest and Vienna among its many ports of call.
  • Avalon Impression sails the Rhine and Danube rivers and the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands.
    Avalon Impression sails the Rhine and Danube rivers and the waters of Belgium and the Netherlands.

More photos 12

  • Avalon Impression sailing the Danube River.
    Avalon Impression sailing the Danube River.
  • Unwind in a Deluxe Stateroom on Avalon Impression as you cruise the Danube through the capitals of Europe.
    Unwind in a Deluxe Stateroom on Avalon Impression as you cruise the Danube through the capitals of Europe.
  • Treat yourself to a cruise to some on the most romantic cities of Europe on Avalon Impression and a Royal Suite for the ultimate in comfort.
    Treat yourself to a cruise to some on the most romantic cities of Europe on Avalon Impression and a Royal Suite for the ultimate in comfort.
  • Meet friends for a quiet drink at Avalon Impression's upscale bar. 
    Meet friends for a quiet drink at Avalon Impression's upscale bar. 
  • There's not a bad view in Avalon Impression's Observation Lounge. 
    There's not a bad view in Avalon Impression's Observation Lounge. 
  • Lunch buffets on Avalon Impression feature pasta and carving stations.
    Lunch buffets on Avalon Impression feature pasta and carving stations.
  • A beautifully appointed six-person sitting area in an Avalon Impression suite.
    A beautifully appointed six-person sitting area in an Avalon Impression suite.
  • Wake up to a beautiful view of Europe gliding by your Avalon Impression suite.
    Wake up to a beautiful view of Europe gliding by your Avalon Impression suite.
  • Consider a cruise on Avalon Impression, which sails the Danube and waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium.
    Consider a cruise on Avalon Impression, which sails the Danube and waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium.
  • Avalon Impression's four-course dinners offer a choice of appetizers, soups, salads and entrées.
    Avalon Impression's four-course dinners offer a choice of appetizers, soups, salads and entrées.
  • Avalon Impression's spacious 300-square-foot Royal Suite.
    Avalon Impression's spacious 300-square-foot Royal Suite.
  • Avalon Impression features deluxe staterooms and spacious suites, with stylish bathrooms for comfort during your cruise on the Danube.
    Avalon Impression features deluxe staterooms and spacious suites, with stylish bathrooms for comfort during your cruise on the Danube.

Sailing now

Cruises on Avalon Impression

Plan my cruise
  1. 7 Night Active and Discovery on the Danube 7 nights · from Budapest Next Sep 15, 2026 5 dates Fare on request
  2. 9 Night Active and Discovery on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Sep 15, 2026 5 dates from $5,200
  3. 9 Night Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Prague Next Sep 20, 2026 18 dates from $3,850
  4. 7 Night Danube Dreams 7 nights · from Vilshofen Next Sep 22, 2026 18 dates Fare on request
  5. 14 Night Magnificent Rivers of Europe 14 nights · from Budapest Next Sep 29, 2026 4 dates from $7,253
  6. 14 Night Magnificent Europe 14 nights · from Amsterdam Next Oct 13, 2026 6 dates from $6,253
  7. 7 Night Danube Dreams 7 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 27, 2026 12 dates Fare on request
  8. 9 Night Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 27, 2026 12 dates from $3,600
  9. 5 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna 5 nights · from Budapest Next Nov 24, 2026 from $3,821
  10. 6 Night Christmastime on the Danube 6 nights · from Vienna Next Nov 29, 2026 3 dates Fare on request
  11. 8 Night Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Vienna Next Nov 29, 2026 3 dates from $4,589
  12. 8 Night Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Prague Next Dec 3, 2026 4 dates from $4,339
Show 41 more
  1. 6 Night Christmastime on the Danube 6 nights · from Nuremberg Next Dec 5, 2026 4 dates Fare on request
  2. 7 Night Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich (Eastbound) and Land Tour 7 nights · from Munich Next Mar 24, 2027 from $3,778
  3. 8 Night Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich and 1 Night in Budapest (Eastbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Munich Next Mar 24, 2027 from $4,107
  4. 5 Night Danube Symphony 5 nights · from Vilshofen Next Mar 26, 2027 Fare on request
  5. 6 Night Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Eastbound) and Land Tour 6 nights · from Vilshofen Next Mar 26, 2027 from $3,158
  6. 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 Apr 27, 2027 4 dates from $5,589
  7. 8 Night Active and Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Budapest Next Apr 27, 2027 4 dates from $4,840
  8. 11 Night Illuminations on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) and Land Tour 11 nights · from Prague Next May 17, 2027 from $6,622
  9. 9 Night Illuminations on the Danube 9 nights · from Vilshofen Next May 19, 2027 from $5,873
  10. 6 Night Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) and Land Tour 6 nights · from Budapest Next Jun 24, 2027 2 dates from $3,358
  11. 8 Night Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest and 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Budapest Next Jun 24, 2027 2 dates from $4,307
  12. 5 Night Danube Symphony 5 nights · from Budapest Next Jun 25, 2027 2 dates Fare on request
  13. 7 Night Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) and Land Tour 7 nights · from Budapest Next Jun 25, 2027 2 dates from $3,978
  14. 21 Night Iconic Rivers of Europe the Rhine Main and Danube 21 nights · from Amsterdam Next Aug 4, 2027 2 dates Fare on request
  15. 22 Night Iconic Rivers of Europe the Rhine Main and Danube with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 22 nights · from Amsterdam Next Aug 4, 2027 2 dates from $10,213
  16. 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 Aug 4, 2027 2 dates from $11,073
  17. 14 Night Magnificent Rivers of Europe 14 nights · from Budapest Next Apr 25, 2028 2 dates Fare on request
  18. 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 Jul 17, 2028 5 dates from $4,899
  19. 9 Night Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest and 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Jul 17, 2028 5 dates from $4,039
  20. 10 Night Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania and Land Tour 10 nights · from Budapest Next Jul 18, 2028 5 dates from $4,570
  21. 7 Night Balkan Discovery 7 nights · from Budapest Next Jul 18, 2028 5 dates Fare on request
  22. 8 Night Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 8 nights · from Budapest Next Jul 18, 2028 5 dates from $3,710
  23. 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 Jul 22, 2028 5 dates from $5,106
  24. 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 Jul 22, 2028 5 dates from $5,435
  25. 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 Jul 24, 2028 5 dates from $4,575
  26. 9 Night The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 9 nights · from Bucharest Next Jul 24, 2028 5 dates from $4,246
  27. 8 Night The Danube from Romania to Budapest 8 nights · from Oltenita Next Jul 25, 2028 5 dates Fare on request
  28. 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 Aug 6, 2028 2 dates from $8,757
  29. 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 Aug 6, 2028 2 dates from $9,506
  30. 16 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest and Land Tour 16 nights · from Bucharest Next Aug 8, 2028 2 dates from $7,897
  31. 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 Aug 8, 2028 2 dates from $8,646
  32. 15 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany 15 nights · from Oltenita Next Aug 9, 2028 Fare on request
  33. 15 Night The Danube from Romania to Germany 15 nights · from Oltenita Next Sep 23, 2028 Fare on request
  34. 11 Night The Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest and 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 11 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 27, 2028 2 dates from $6,299
  35. 9 Night The Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 27, 2028 2 dates from $5,550
  36. 7 Night The Blue Danube Discovery 7 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 29, 2028 2 dates Fare on request
  37. 9 Night The Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 9 nights · from Budapest Next Oct 29, 2028 2 dates from $5,700
  38. 14 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt with 2 Nights in Budapest and Land Tour 14 nights · from Budapest Next Dec 7, 2028 from $9,229
  39. 12 Night Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt 12 nights · from Budapest Next Dec 9, 2028 Fare on request
  40. 7 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 7 nights · from Prague Next Dec 14, 2028 from $4,428
  41. 5 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany 5 nights · from Nuremberg Next Dec 16, 2028 Fare on request

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