Avalon Cares

From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Immersed in enlightening experiences, we naturally gain a deeper appreciation – one that leads to greater compassion, consideration and curiosity as we ask ourselves, what else can we do to protect our planet, preserve our sacred places and help humankind?

Enter the Avalon Waterways® Lighthouse Project – an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe’s greater good. Avalon, along with sister companies Globus, Cosmos and Monograms, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

KEEPING THE WORLD IN ITS BEST LIGHT.

While nothing is more exciting than tracing the paths of historic legends, doing so with the most minimal footprint excites us even more. We make every effort to conserve and preserve in each destination we visit by helping to protect the waterways, wild places, and wildlife by supporting and shining a light on organizations that do the same.

Keeping the blue planet green.

We love caring for the world just as much as we love sharing it with you! By booking an Avalon river cruise, you’re helping us do just that! When you book a cruise with Avalon Waterways, we contribute to environmental organizations that work to improve the health of our planet. Cruise easy knowing we’ve made a donation to The Ocean CleanUp and Trees4Travel—two leading champions of cleaner water and air. And on behalf of every guest, Avalon purchases trees via Trees4Travel to offset your cruise’s carbon emissions, ensuring together that we’re keeping our promise to Mother Earth to be the most sustainable cruise option available. Enjoy the anticipation and excitement of your upcoming adventure as you review your travel documents, while making a difference in the world we discover together. You can also make an additional donation of your own to Trees4Travel or The Ocean Cleanup to help make the world even greener!

A Cleaner Planet is the Best Reward.

Avalon Waterways has been honoured by Europe’s Green Award—recognised for our Suite ShipSM; fleet's high safety and environmental standards. This prestigious award is given to river cruise ships based on the environmental impact of engines, fuel consumption, waste and maintenance, pollution prevention, and more.

The planet-focused initiatives we support include:

  • The Ocean Cleanup
  • Trees4Travel
  • Wildland Firefighter Association
  • Vital Ground Foundation – Grizzly Bear Recovery*
  • Wildlife Conservation Network, Lion Recovery Fund
  • South African Parks Honorary Rangers

*visited on trip

Additionally, we shine a light on the following organizations through a combination of vacation visits and donations:

  • Monkey Rehabilitation Center, Brazil
  • Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Baby Elephant & Rhino Rescue, Kenya
  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China
  • National Kiwi Conservation Project, New Zealand
  • Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Australia
  • The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Australia 

HELPING THE COMMUNITIES OF THE WORLD SHINE.

It’s not just the splendid landscapes and landmarks that make travel so rewarding – it’s the unique people we meet along the way and the cultures they hold dear. We are dedicated to protecting, respecting and supporting the extraordinary communities of the world as well as improving the individual lives within them. The measure of the Lighthouse Project’s success? – The megawatt smiles we see along the way.

The people-focused organizations we support include:

  • Landmine Design
  • UNICEF
  • Rural Aid

Additionally, we shine a light on the following organizations through a combination of vacation visits and donations:

  • Local orphanage, Cambodia
  • Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity
  • KOTO Hospitality Training Center, Vietnam
  • Local school English class, Cambodia
  • Local school, Tanzania
  • Indigenous Amazon communities (via lodge stays), Ecuador and Peru
  • Home visits, Peru

REFLECTING ON THE PAST; BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE.

The parks, palaces, museums and monuments we enjoy today are the result of previous generations passionately committed to preservation. By way of the Lighthouse Project, we aim to pay it forward – staying light years ahead of preservation – so that future generations can enjoy the same glorious places to relax, renew and reflect.

While every one of our destinations is precious to us, here are some of the sights and attractions we have supported – many of which we also visit on trip:

  • National Civil Rights Museum, Tennessee*
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho*
  • Yosemite National Park, Nevada, California*
  • Squamish Lil’Wat Centre, British Columbia*
  • USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii*

*Visit on trip

  • World War II Memorial Museum, Louisiana
  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, New Mexico*
  • Alaska Native American Heritage Center, Alaska*
  • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, Alberta*
  • Museum of the Cherokee Indian, North Carolina*



Additionally, Avalon Waterways’ team members take pride in being active participants in the travel community, spearheading and participating in dozens of volunteer programs and events.

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Reasons To Book

Setting new standards for river cruising...

Their innovative Suite Ships feature one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites - a full 30% larger than the industry standard. Unlike other river cruise companies that use up valuable room space on tiny, unusable balconies, Avalon delivers a full balcony experience that is perfect in any weather conditions and in any season, without compromising your room space.

In their Panorama Suites their floor-to-ceiling sliding windows open up to give you a 7 foot opening. Slide the doors wide open and enjoy the feeling of sitting comfortably 'outside' as you float by stunning views of castle ruins, vineyards and ancient cities. We even furnished your space with a love seat and chairs, as well as a table where you can enjoy a meal, or perhaps entertain your friends.

Deluxe Staterooms and Suites...

All Deluxe Staterooms and Suites on every Avalon ship are well-appointed and offer a spacious welcome after a hard days sightseeing.

Even the placement of the bed is innovative, facing the window to allow you to watch the splendid passing riverscapes as you lie in comfort. Unlike other fleets that only have a few premium suites on each ship, 80% of their Suite Ship Staterooms are Panorama Suites.

From their luxurious Comfort Collection Beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian Super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, to the large bathroom with premium L'Occitane bath products, ample storage space to unpack, fully stocked minibars, complimentary bottled water and flat screen televisions with a film channel for your enjoyment - you'll find them hard to leave.

First class guest services from start to finish...

From the moment you speak to one of their knowledgeable Avalon cruise specialists through to your return journey home, you are in expert hands. With an average of one onboard staff member to every four passengers, you will enjoy impeccable, attentive and unrivalled personal service.

On every river cruise holiday, a dedicated Cruise Director and English-speaking crew are always on hand to help you make the most of each day. They will guide you through a range of cruises and all the options available for your holiday with them. All their specialists have sailed on an Avalon Waterways Cruise, so they can answer any queries you may have.

Start your holiday in style with their complimentary, chauffeur-driven home pick-up service. Your exclusive, air-conditioned executive car will deliver you to your departure terminal, and on your return, your driver will meet you at the arrivals hall. Your driver will take care of your luggage, too.

No Hidden Costs...

There are no hidden costs – everything is included, right down to the gratuities. Take your pick from a wide selection of Avalon river cruises with more than 100 options across four continents; from cruises lasting three nights to 24 days.

Their itineraries are expertly designed to introduce and explore only the choicest of destinations. Sailing right into the heart of every port of call, simply step off the ship and the local sights and sounds are right there for you to discover. Take advantage of the many included excursions led by carefully selected, experienced local guides. Or choose to do your own thing, in their own time.

Take Time and Relax...

With so many amenities onboard, whether you are making the most of happy hour by enjoying a glass of wine, or a vodka and tonic in the lounge, or having a quiet moment in the Club Lounge whilst enjoying a cappuccino, you will find that there is plenty of space to stretch out and relax on an Avalon ship.

Keep in touch with your friends and family with complimentary WiFi access and free use of the computers at the internet corner. You might want to take advantage of the onboard hairdresser, whether having your hair styled or having a manicure.

Delicious Cuisine...

Finally, on all luxury Avalon cruises, the onboard cuisine is part of your journey. You will look forward to each meal in the same way that you look forward to each new port of call. With a wide choice of both elegant and informal dining options, you will enjoy unforgettable cuisine created by their top chefs, paired with perfect, complimentary regional wines.

On every one of their cruises, we bring a local chef on board to prepare a special dinner with signature dishes made from the freshest local ingredients, offering additional insight into the culture of every inspiring destination.

Don't just take their word for it, Avalon have been nominated for a host of awards, including recent 2014 awards, take a look here for more information.

Members Club

With the Globus family of brands, you not only go beyond the ordinary, you can also see more of the world more often! With our Welcome Back Credit, the more you travel, the more credit you earn toward future vacations. You can easily redeem your Welcome Back Credit towards a future Avalon Waterways river cruise, or use your credit to experience a Globus or Cosmos tour.

When you’re ready, we’re here to deliver you the world beyond– stress-free and hassle-free. After all, we believe you deserve that credit!

WELCOME BACK CREDIT PROGRAM

How You Earn: While you’re enjoying your trip, you’re earning valuable Welcome Back Credits to use on a future vacation.

What You Earn: The credit amount is based on the overall value of your vacation, from a £100 - £225 credit per person.

How You Redeem: Upon returning home, visit GlobusFamily.com/WelcomeBack to activate your Welcome Back Credit. Only after activated are they ready for use toward a new trip.

Once activated, you’re on the doorstep of your next dream destination! Simply shop and book your next Globus family of brands trip with your travel agent or your Globus family of brands Vacation Planner within two years of the credit issue date, and your Welcome Back Credit value is applied to your new vacation. The best part is your credits combine with most promotions and deals.

So why wait? The credit you earned is waiting for you—and so are we!

The Fine Print: The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands holidays. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands holiday (excluding Custom Tours and Avalon Charters). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future holiday with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption.Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Avalon promotional late deals have restricted conditions so please check with a Travel Advisor to ensure Welcome Back Credit can be redeemed. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.