If image is everything, the Avalon Imagery II is the real thing. Added to Avalon's all-suite-ship fleet in 2016, the Imagery II continues all of Avalon's outstanding traditions. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, our Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning with Europe's splendid scenery at your feet. Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded Fitness Center, elevator, alternative light menu options in the Panorama Bistro or al fresco grill lunch at the Sky Bistro. Relax to your heart's content on the an expansive Sky Deck's premium lounge chairs, take a dip in the whirlpool, get cool in the shade on deck, and play deck games too! Your image just got a lot more relaxed.

Tipping is a personal way to show your satisfaction for good service and is a general practice on all vacations. It is recommended that tips be paid in cash—unless when paying by credit card there is a specific gratuity line. General tipping guidelines can be found below. Each country in Europe has different customs regarding tipping and guidelines can be found in each country-specific guide.

With Avalon, all your hotel taxes, service charges, tips for luggage handling, and gratuities for included meals are included in the vacation price.

For services with gratuity not included in the vacation price, we recommend the following as tipping guidelines. More information can be found in the country-specific sections of the Know Before You Go document and in your Important Travel Documents, which will be available 2-3 weeks prior to your vacation. Since each country is unique, the below are merely guidelines to assist with budgeting.

Cruise Directors

Gratuities for your Cruise Director are not included in the vacation price. For a good job, we suggest the equivalent of €3 (Euros) per day per passenger for your Cruise Director. An envelope will be provided in your stateroom for you to deposit any gratuities you would like to provide your Cruise Director. It is also possible for you to pre-pay the gratuities for your Cruise Director at the time of paying the balance of your cruise cost.

Ship’s Crew

Gratuities for your crew on board our Avalon Waterways ships are not included in the vacation price. For a good job, we suggest the equivalent of €12 (Euros) per day per passenger for the ship’s crew. This will be pooled and distributed fairly among those who have been of service to you, including personnel who work behind the scenes and whose service is equally crucial to your enjoyment of the cruise. It is also possible for you to pre-pay the gratuities for your crew at the time of paying the balance of your cruise cost.

Drivers

Gratuities for sightseeing drivers are included in the vacation price.

Hotel Services

It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. If ice machines are not available and you get ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated. Avalon includes gratuities for luggage handling for one bag per passenger. You may wish to tip for any excess luggage delivery. Gratuities for included hotel meals are already taken care of by Avalon.

Certified Local Guides

Traveling with us means you get specialized sightseeing with Certified Local Guides in each major city. To make each location come alive throughout your vacation, these Certified Local Guides share their vast knowledge about culture and history with you. Gratuities for your Certified Local Guides are included in the vacation price.

Restaurants

For restaurant meals not included in the Avalon itinerary, gratuities are not included and we recommend you review the country-specific guidelines for appropriate gratuity amount based on quality of service. Additional details and recommendations will be included in your Important Travel Documents, sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your vacation start date, and your Cruise Director can always help with local customs on tipping. Tips in restaurants are usually left in cash and not added to the credit card payment, unless there is a specific line for it on the credit card signature receipt. In many European restaurants, there is also a per-person cover charge that will be added to your check/bill. This is not a gratuity.

Taxis

Usually, rounding up the fare for driver gratuity is more than adequate in most countries. A few dollars is usually reasonable for service, equal to 10-15% of the fare. If possible, we recommend you pre-negotiate taxi fares in foreign countries to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of your journey. Ask hotel/ship staff or airport hospitality desks for the best cab companies, and make sure pricing is either clearly indicated prior to departure or prenegotiated. In all instances, we recommend that you carry some small change with you, as it is unusual to ask for change when you are tipping.

Avalon Waterways are pioneering the look of river cruising. Not only are the staterooms and views 30 percent larger than any other small ship in Europe, providing cruisers a renewed feeling of freedom and space, every component∘ of the experience, from bed and bathroom positioning and colour palette∘ to storage space and sound-proof insulation, was wistfully designed for cruisers to ensure they enjoy all that river cruising has to offer.

From the first bite to the last "Mmmmm," Avalon frees your tastebuds from the ordinary. At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, try mouthwatering recipes from the region through which you're traveling-or more familiar Western∘ dishes, if that's your preference. With Avalon, they make every meal part of the journey.

Avalon Waterways know that no two travellers are alike so they don't assume all their guests will like the same activities and excursions. With more expertly led discovery options than any other river cruise line they make it possible for you to explore each port of call according to what intrigues you most.

Avalon Waterways want your experience with them to be as rich as possible and have included everything that they know will be important to your cruise enjoyment.

With so many amenities on board, whether you are making the most of happy hour by enjoying a glass of wine or a gin and tonic in the lounge, or having a quiet moment in the Lounge with a cappuccino, there is plenty of space to stretch out and relax on an Avalon ship. 

They've designed a cruise experience that includes all the right things...but still leaves room for your own preferences. 

Cruise into total body wellness. Start your mornings with an exercise program on the Sky Deck (weather permitting) featuring stretching and yoga, attend helpful lectures on healthy lifestyles, and enjoy healthy but delicious dining options, crafted daily on board.

Avalon allow travellers from the ages of 8 and over although there are no children’s facilities on-board.