Avalon Impression Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I have been on several ocean cruises but this was my first river cruise. My travel agent suggested the Avalon cruise to me as a great way to see a part of Europe. I have seen Europe before and recently spent time in Germany but this cruise gave me a whole new perspective of travel and seeing the sights. Land tours take you to the big cities and towns but river cruising gives you the opportunity to see the small villages and how people really live. The ship is truly a floating hotel with all the amenities. There are a wide variety of shore excursion options to choose from including fully guided tours, orientation tours with time to sight see on your own to just grabbing a bike (with helmet) and taking off on your own (maps provided).
There were a variety of lectures and nightly entertainment by local artists from the villages we visited. It was interesting to see them get on and off the ship at the locks we went through; 68 locks in all!
The food was amazing! It was locally sourced and the lunch and dinner menus featured local dishes of the towns we were visiting that day.
Cabin Review
Panorama Suite with French Balcony
Cabin size can be tight with 2 people but it is only for a short time. You are warned, if you open the french door, you will get bugs in the room and if you do, the staff know how to get rid of them fast.
Port Reviews
Budapest
I wish I had more time to spend in Budapest to see more things and time for the museums or the thermal baths.
Bratislava
This was a nice stop, the old town was very easy to get around in.
Vienna
The Schonbrunn Palace was beautiful and definitely a must see if this is the first time in Vienna.
Regensburg
Regensburg is a beautiful village. It was very easy to walk and get around in. The ship was able to dock in town so there was a good amount of free time to explore and shop.
Bamberg
Nice village to visit. Easy to walk and get around in.
Wurzburg
Nice village. Easy to walk and get around in.
Cologne
This was a walking tour of Jewish Heritage. It was interesting but I would not do it again.
Amsterdam
Excellent way to see a past way of life in the Netherlands.
Passau
It was part of the cruise package and was an orientation walk of the city.