Avalon Waterways is cruising into 2026 at full speed – with record breaking bookings, surging demand and a growing portfolio of experiences that continue to turn the tide on traditional cruising. With sales 17% ahead of 2024 and already 7% higher than 2025 (at the same time last year), Avalon’s momentum is powered by what today’s cruisers want most: Iconic destinations, immersive experiences, passion-packed choices and a better way to cruise.
Top of the River: Europe’s Best Bookings for 2026:
- The Rhine River continues to captivate with castles, cobblestones and endless charm from Amsterdam to Basel. Avalon’s Romantic Rhine itinerary is its most popular.
- On the Danube River, guests are embracing two distinct stories and itineraries: Danube Dreams for the classic upper stretch and Balkan Discovery for a deeper dive into the less-travelled Lower Danube.
- In France, Avalon’s strongest growth market, Paris to Normandy remains a bestseller, followed closely by the company’s newest cruise – the wine-rich Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary.
And, as always, Avalon’s Christmas Cruise itineraries are extremely popular, led by Christmastime on the Danube which glows with festive spirit and European tradition.
The World – Beyond Europe. On the Mekong River, bookings are up 76% over 2025, where the company’s Suite Ship caters to just 36 guests and winds through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Suite Ships, Smart Design & The Freedom to Choose. Avalon’s success is anchored in more than scenic views – it’s built on a smarter, more personalized way to cruise. At the heart of the experience are Avalon’s award-winning Suite Ships, featuring:
- Two full decks of Panorama Suites – 30% larger than the industry standard.
- Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in river cruising.
- Beds that face the view – not the wall.
Paired with signature Avalon Choice excursions – featuring Classic, Discovery and Active activities – guests are free to personalize their days with excursions tailored to every interest and energy level.
Where Curiosity Leads, Cruisers Follow. While Avalon excels on the classic cruises that are leading the bookings craze, it’s the company’s Active & Discovery cruises that continue to carve-out a bold new category. With up to 28 included Active, Discovery and Choice excursions, these special cruise itineraries have redefined what’s possible on a river cruise – inviting Avalon guests to dive deeper, stretch farther and experience destinations in entirely new ways.
“We didn’t just elevate river cruise ships – we reimagined the entire river cruise experience,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “The record demand we’re seeing is more than cruising’s popularity. It’s about Avalon’s difference: Suite Ships with a view, passion-filled excursions and the freedom to cruise your way.”
From iconic itineraries and immersive experiences to Suite Ship design and personalized discovery, Avalon is delivering more of what today’s travellers are asking for. With 2026 shaping up to be its biggest year yet, Avalon isn’t riding the current. It’s intent on continuing to redefine it.
