The ship is immaculately maintained and luxuriously comfortable. The food was exquisite and the staff from the Cruise Director, Hotel Manager, Maitre D and all the other staff as well as the captain and crew were, without exception, first class.

There was a problem with the river level on approach to Vienna but the Avalon staff, in particular Adrienn the cruise director, swung into action, and we were transferred to a 4 star Hotel in Linz. This was the only negative as, although the hotel was comfortable, the food was not up to standard and they did not appear capable of coping with the influx of guests and their organisation at the main meal time was chaotic. The response from the vice president in promising a discount for any days away from the ship was rapid. It is only when problems occur that one discovers the real quality of a holiday company. Avalon response was outstanding. Though disappointing, the problems did not spoil our enjoyment and there was virtually negligible adverse comment from the guests.

One problem during the booking process was encountered as we chose to travel by rail in both directions from the UK. SNCF/Avalon seemed incapable to reserving seats on the one part of the rail journey from Vienna to Zurich. This meant that, on arrival in Vienna, I had to go to the local rail station and book a reserved seat for the journey. A simple but, in my opinion. essential action. If SNCF are incapable of such a simple process you may wish to look elsewhere to book rail travel. Read more