Floating through time and timeless scenery along the Danube River is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious ways to see the world. Yet, on an Avalon cruise, we believe the greatest luxury is freedom – the freedom to wake up to a world of possibilities, the freedom to personally design your days of discovery, and the freedom to pursue your passions at your desired pace. Avalon goes beyond the one-size-fits-all itineraries and traditional sightseeing of other cruise lines to offer engaging new ways to see the Old World.

Here are some compelling reasons why you should choose a Danube river cruise with Avalon Waterways:

1.  Breathtaking Vistas and Iconic Sites: Prepare for a Visual Extravaganza! 
River cruises are all about exploring inland waterways, which means that the scenery is constantly changing. The views from the ship are often breathtaking, with rolling hills, medieval castles, and charming villages along the riverbanks. On a river cruise, you'll also have the opportunity to visit historic landmarks, museums, and local markets. The Danube River, for example, rises in Germany’s Black Forest and flows through or along the borders of 10 countries. A Danube River cruise may include spectacular cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Munich as well as scenic old-country villages, fairytale-esque castles, medieval fortresses, churches, museums, concert halls, and more - to say nothing of the amazing food, wine, and beer. 

2. Immerse Yourself: The Allure of Intimate River Cruising 
One of the biggest advantages of river cruising is the intimate experience it offers. River cruise ships are smaller and more intimate than ocean liners, which means there are fewer passengers on board. Avalon’s ships average just 150 guests. This makes for a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. You'll have the chance to get to know your fellow passengers, and you'll also have more opportunities to interact with the crew.

3. Free to be. Free to see. 
A river cruise with Avalon presents the opportunity to explore smaller ports that large ocean liners cannot access. This grants you the privilege of discovering charming, less-traveled towns, and villages. Moreover, you have the option to embrace the freedom of unstructured exploration with complimentary bicycles and e-bikes during your on-land cruising adventures. On a Danube river cruise you can experience the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley by bike, wander through the quaint streets of Bratislava, or join a guided hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein. 

4. How Suite It Is 
Offering guests the perfect blend of elegance and ease, Avalon’s boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising while blurring the lines between outside and in and inviting guests to enjoy 100 percent of their Panorama Suite, 100 percent of the time.

5. A World of Epicurean Delights 
Only on an Avalon cruise are you invited to break-free from conventional cruise cuisine while feeling free to dine as you like, when you’d like, where you’d like. Whether you opt for a sumptuous four-course dinner or a lighter tasting menu, hand-crafted excellence is served and included in the price of your cruise. 

In summary, river cruising provides a distinct and intimate experience set apart from conventional cruise vacations. With breathtaking landscapes, opportunities to explore historic landmarks, and the delight of locally inspired cuisine, it's evident why river cruising is gaining growing popularity. And when you cruise along iconic rivers like the Danube the experience becomes even more magical. It's the perfect moment to embrace the allure of river cruising and explore the world's waterways from a new perspective.