After our Dream Cruise came to an end, I found myself wanting more time on the water and away from the tragedy that was impacting my hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. So, I extended my vacation by two weeks to sail through the heart of Europe, from Amsterdam to Budapest, with Avalon Waterways on Avalon Tranquility II. I’ve sailed with Avalon a few times now, and each time I find myself appreciating the thoughtful touches and comforts that make their cruises truly special. Here are some of the small details that always make a big difference for me.
The Club Lounge: My Favorite Hangout Spot
Avalon’s Club Lounge, located at the back (aft) of the ship, is filled with tables and comfortable chairs, creating the perfect environment to unwind, socialize, and take in the beautiful scenery we sailed by each day. While many cruise lines turn this area into another bar or restaurant, Avalon transformed it into a cozy, inviting gathering place where guests could truly relax and enjoy the journey.
- 24-Hour Coffee and Water Station: This wasn’t just any coffee bar. Avalon offered hot and iced coffees, along with uniquely flavored waters like “Body Guard” (lime and ginger), “Green Hope” (cucumber and mint), and “Herb Happinez” (with green tea, ginseng, and moringa). Avalon even provided refillable water bottles for guests to use during their time onboard, just one way they committed to sustainable practices. Bottles delivered to the stateroom at night were also refilled by crew at one of the water stations, so there was no need for any single-use water bottles ever.
- All-Day Snacks: The Club Lounge stayed stocked with snacks like mixed nuts, crackers, muffins, and, my personal favorite, the chocolate, chocolate chip cookies (I miss them already!). These treats were sometimes influenced by the destination in which we were sailing, like stroopwafels when we were in Amsterdam.
- A Gathering Place for Fun and Relaxation: The Club Lounge quickly became a cozy place to gather, relax, and enjoy the views. One group of guests made it their tradition to play card games there each evening after dinner, while another night, a group gathered to watch The Sound of Music in anticipation of an upcoming excursion in Salzburg. It was the perfect spot for sharing stories, laughter, and quiet moments.
Stateroom Comforts and Thoughtful Details
Avalon made sure every stateroom felt like a home away from home, with plenty of thoughtful touches that enhanced comfort and convenience.
- Panorama View Beds: On Avalon, the beds were positioned to face the wide panorama windows, so guests could take in breathtaking views of Europe right from bed. Many guests, including myself, loved ordering a complimentary room service breakfast to enjoy while watching the countryside drift by.
- Customizable Comfort: Avalon offered a pillow menu, as well as options to adjust mattress firmness, so every guest could have their bed exactly how they liked it.
- Unique Towel Colors: Each room came with two towel colors, making it easy for couples to keep track of their own. This simple idea not only reduced confusion for couples, but also reflected Avalon’s thoughtful approach to sustainability, encouraging guests to reuse their own towels as long as they wanted to.
- Practical Additions: Small conveniences, like lighted magnifying mirrors that made it easy to do makeup and USB sockets right by the bed, showed how much thought went into designing the staterooms. The bathrooms were even set up with the showers in the corner so mirrors didn’t fog as easily, another little detail that made mornings smoother – especially after some of the late nights we had in the Lounge.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Avalon took eco-friendly practices seriously. Beyond refillable water bottles and different color towels, they even avoided using plastic trash liners. In the bathroom, bins had paper liners, while in the main cabin, the bins didn’t have liners at all. These small choices showed how Avalon truly considers the environment in all they do.
Dining That Was Delicious and Flexible
Dining on Avalon was designed to be easy and flexible, with options that accommodated all kinds of schedules and preferences.
- Lounge Dining: The Lounge offered buffet-style light lunches and dinners every night for a more casual, quick bite with fantastic views. Many of my fellow travelers loved eating lunch here to soak in the scenery as we sailed, while I often opted for the main dining room for a few more options.
- Main Dining Room: I enjoyed everything from the fresh salad bar to the hearty soups and even the cheeseburger. My favorite lunch was a German-inspired spread, complete with schnitzel, sausages, and plenty of delicious sides.
Transparent Communication and Respect
One of the things I appreciated most about Avalon was their open, respectful communication with guests.
- No Pushy Sales Tactics: Avalon didn’t try to upsell or promote future bookings while we were onboard. Instead, they let the experience speak for itself. There was occasional talk of “future Avalon vacations” from our cruise director, but it felt more like friendly encouragement than a sales pitch.
- Honesty in Safety: During an excursion to Melk Abbey, our cruise manager, Maria, informed us that there had been pickpockets in the area and advised everyone to double-check their belongings. Although I didn’t hear of any incidents among our group, we all appreciated Maria’s transparency. I do feel that some cruise managers might withhold this kind of information to keep guests feeling “safe”, but Maria’s honesty made us feel respected and reassured, and was a reminder that our well-being was her priority.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Defined by the Details
My time on Avalon Tranquility II wasn’t just about the destinations, it was about all the little things that made each day special. From the cozy comfort of the Club Lounge to the breathtaking views from my bed, every detail reflected Avalon’s thoughtful approach to making guests feel at home. It was an unforgettable journey, and I’m already looking forward to my next Avalon adventure.
And stay tuned for next week, I can’t wait to share more about the places we visited and the unique experiences we enjoyed along the way.
This article was originally published at River Cruise Advisor.
