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Avalon Waterways

Avalon Vista

Intimate ship Bliss scored

There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Vista. Sailing the Rhine and Danube rivers, Avalon Vista can glide by centuries-old castles and beautiful landscapes in the afternoon, then make an…

  • 166guests
  • 5,000gross tons
  • 38cruises now
  • $3,093fares from

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Avalon Vista cruises past Hungary's beautiful Parliament building in Budapest.

At a glance

Avalon Vista is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Avalon Waterways, in service since 2011. 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 is rated 4.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable. It has 38 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $3,093 to $10,160.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
4.5 / 5
Guests
166
Crew
47
Gross tons
5,000
Decks
4
Length
443 ft
Beam
37 ft
Maiden voyage
2011
Space ratio
3.5
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
3.5
Speed (mph)
9
IMO
9587025

Bliss scores

What Avalon Vista 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 Vista: Cruising Europe's river towns in comfort

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

One of the line’s newer ships, Avalon Vista 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 Vista sails

Avalon Vista sails Central Europe’s Rhine, Danube and Main rivers. Cruises range from 11 to 22 days, and destinations and port calls include Amsterdam, Nuremberg, Prague and Vienna. The 21-day cruise embarking from Budapest concludes with overnights in Paris and London (via high-speed train from Amsterdam). 

Read the full review

Dining

Dining is part of the journey on Avalon Vista. 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.   

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 destinations' famous delicacies.
  • fternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Sightseeing with certified local guides
  • Biking excursions

Your take

How about you? Have you cruised on Avalon Vista? 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 Vista, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL AVALON VISTA SAILINGS

Photos

Inside and out

Dining 2

  • 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.

More photos 12

  • Avalon Vista cruises past Hungary's beautiful Parliament building in Budapest.
    Avalon Vista cruises past Hungary's beautiful Parliament building in Budapest.
  • Wake up to beautiful Europe gliding by your Panorama Suite on Avalon Vista. 
    Wake up to beautiful Europe gliding by your Panorama Suite on Avalon Vista. 
  • The 300-square-foot Royal Suite on Avalon Vista includes a spacious seating area and stocked minibar.
    The 300-square-foot Royal Suite on Avalon Vista includes a spacious seating area and stocked minibar.
  • Enjoy European charm on Avalon Vista while cruising the Danube with ports of call that include Budapest, Hungary.
    Enjoy European charm on Avalon Vista while cruising the Danube with ports of call that include Budapest, Hungary.
  • Avalon Vista sailing the Danube River in Wachau, Austria.
    Avalon Vista sailing the Danube River in Wachau, Austria.
  • Take in the passing landscapes from Avalon Vista's Observation Lounge.
    Take in the passing landscapes from Avalon Vista's Observation Lounge.
  • Watch Europe sail by from your premium lounge chair or the whirlpool on Avalon Vista's Sky Deck. 
    Watch Europe sail by from your premium lounge chair or the whirlpool on Avalon Vista's Sky Deck. 
  • Avalon Vista makes a port call in Würzburg, Germany.
    Avalon Vista makes a port call in Würzburg, Germany.
  • Avalon Vista's dining room serves four-course dinners with a choice of appetizers, soups, salads and entrées.
    Avalon Vista's dining room serves four-course dinners with a choice of appetizers, soups, salads and entrées.
  • Lunch al fresco on Avalon Vista's Sky Deck bistro.
    Lunch al fresco on Avalon Vista's Sky Deck bistro.
  • A European river cruise on the Avalon Vista includes transit through the canals along the Danube.
    A European river cruise on the Avalon Vista includes transit through the canals along the Danube.
  • Take a seat in Avalon Vista's club lounge and watch Europe's beautiful countryside glide by. 
    Take a seat in Avalon Vista's club lounge and watch Europe's beautiful countryside glide by. 

Sailing now

Cruises on Avalon Vista

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  1. 11 Night Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps 3 Nights in Lake Como and 1 Night in Lucerne (Northbound) and Land Tour 11 nights · from Como Next Sep 15, 2026 4 dates from $6,429
  2. 7 Night Romantic Rhine 7 nights · from Basel Next Sep 19, 2026 4 dates from $4,330
  3. 11 Night Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps 1 Night in Lucerne and 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound) and Land Tour 11 nights · from Amsterdam Next Sep 26, 2026 4 dates from $6,329
  4. 7 Night Romantic Rhine 7 nights · from Amsterdam Next Sep 26, 2026 4 dates Fare on request
  5. 8 Night Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Prague Next Nov 27, 2026 2 dates from $4,236
  6. 6 Night Christmastime on the Danube 6 nights · from Nuremberg Next Nov 29, 2026 2 dates Fare on request
  7. 6 Night Christmastime on the Danube 6 nights · from Vienna Next Dec 5, 2026 Fare on request
  8. 8 Night Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) and Land Tour 8 nights · from Vienna Next Dec 5, 2026 from $4,486
  9. 9 Night The Netherlands in Bloom 9 nights · from Amsterdam Next Apr 2, 2027 4 dates from $5,773
  10. 7 Night Active and Discovery in Holland and Belgium 7 nights · from Amsterdam Next May 8, 2027 from $4,951
  11. 17 Night The Best of Austria and Switzerland with Romantic Rhine and Land Tour 17 nights · from Vienna Next May 12, 2027 21 dates from $9,390
  12. 15 Night Romantic Rhine with Spectacular Switzerland and Land Tour 15 nights · from Zurich Next May 14, 2027 15 dates from $8,570
Show 26 more
  1. 11 Night Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps 1 Night in Lucerne and 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound) and Land Tour 11 nights · from Amsterdam Next May 15, 2027 12 dates from $5,350
  2. 7 Night Romantic Rhine 7 nights · from Amsterdam Next May 15, 2027 20 dates Fare on request
  3. 11 Night Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps 3 Nights in Lake Como and 1 Night in Lucerne (Northbound) and Land Tour 11 nights · from Como Next May 18, 2027 12 dates from $6,550
  4. 7 Night The Best of Austria and Switzerland 7 nights · from Basel Next May 22, 2027 21 dates Fare on request
  5. 14 Night Swiss Splendors by Train with Romantic Rhine and Land Tour 14 nights · from Geneva Next Jun 12, 2027 12 dates from $10,160
  6. 7 Night Active and Discovery on the Rhine 7 nights · from Amsterdam Next Jul 10, 2027 14 dates from $4,601
  7. 9 Night Active and Discovery on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Amsterdam Next Jul 10, 2027 14 dates from $4,900
  8. 7 Night Romantic Rhine 7 nights · from Basel Next Oct 9, 2027 5 dates from $4,601
  9. 7 Night Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 7 nights · from Basel Next Oct 23, 2027 6 dates from $3,451
  10. 11 Night Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 11 nights · from Basel Next Nov 30, 2027 from $7,521
  11. 4 Night Christmastime in Alsace and Germany (Northbound) 4 nights · from Basel Next Nov 30, 2027 from $4,500
  12. 9 Night Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg 9 nights · from Basel Next Nov 30, 2027 Fare on request
  13. 5 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany 5 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 4, 2027 Fare on request
  14. 7 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 7 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 4, 2027 from $4,278
  15. 11 Night Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 11 nights · from Prague Next Dec 7, 2027 from $7,171
  16. 7 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague and Land Tour 7 nights · from Prague Next Dec 7, 2027 from $4,178
  17. 5 Night Christmastime in the Heart of Germany 5 nights · from Nuremberg Next Dec 9, 2027 Fare on request
  18. 9 Night Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel 9 nights · from Nuremberg Next Dec 9, 2027 from $6,422
  19. 4 Night Christmastime in Alsace and Germany (Southbound) 4 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 14, 2027 from $3,093
  20. 9 Night Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Amsterdam Next Mar 4, 2028 8 dates from $4,300
  21. 9 Night Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Lucerne Next Jun 1, 2028 7 dates from $4,120
  22. 9 Night Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) and Land Tour 9 nights · from Lucerne Next Nov 30, 2028 from $6,020
  23. 7 Night Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine 7 nights · from Basel Next Dec 2, 2028 Fare on request
  24. 11 Night Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps 1 Night in Lucerne and 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound) and Land Tour 11 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 9, 2028 from $6,020
  25. 7 Night Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine 7 nights · from Frankfurt Next Dec 9, 2028 Fare on request
  26. 7 Night Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 7 nights · from Basel Next Dec 16, 2028 from $4,076

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