What beverages are included on board?
In Europe, complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast; and select beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails during Happy Hour. Specialty coffees, tea, and filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day.
In Asia, complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day and wine is included with lunch and dinner. In the Amazon, complimentary coffee, tea, select soft drinks, and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day and wine is included with dinner. In the Galápagos, complimentary coffee and tea are available throughout the day and wine is included with dinner. All cruises include filtered water refill stations available 24 hours a day.
Click here to learn more about Avalon's onboard beverages.
What meals are included on board?
All meals are included on board Avalon Waterways – prepared by talented chefs who serve regional specialties as well as familiar favourites using only the freshest, local ingredients.
In Europe, enjoy daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch and daily four-course à la carte dinner. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or indulge in the Panorama Bistro’s tasting menu. Daily afternoon tea is also included, as well as complimentary room service for continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
On the Mekong, a mix of Western and local dishes are offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western options.
Click here to learn more about Avalon's onboard dining.
What is a Cruise Director?
Each departure is accompanied by a skilled Cruise Director who is fluent in English and possesses extensive expertise in their field. In the Amazon and Galápagos, knowledgeable Naturalists join the cruise to provide insights about the surroundings. For Special Interest cruises, an expert is assigned based on the specific theme, ranging from Wine Masters to History Experts, ensuring an enriched and specialised experience for passengers.
Is there a dress code on board?
Aboard Avalon Waterways, we prioritise a friendly atmosphere over formality, trading white gloves for warm welcomes and suits and gowns for comfortable suites and a sense of adventure. When it comes to cruise attire, our only code is comfort.
Onboard, dinner attire is casual, with guests typically opting for collared open-neck shirts, slacks, skirts, or dresses. While gentlemen are welcome to bring sports coats if they prefer a sporty look, they are not required. Some guests may choose to dress up for special occasions such as the Captain's Reception or Farewell Dinner. For your own comfort and that of your fellow cruisers, we kindly request that shorts not be worn in the Dining Room or Panorama Lounge during evenings. Additionally, bathing suits should be reserved for the Sky Deck when using the whirlpool or pool (varies by ship).
For cruises on the Mekong, Amazon, and Galápagos, we suggest forgoing dressier attire due to the warm and humid climates in these regions. In short, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and suits your personal style, both onboard and during your off-board discoveries.
What language is spoken on board?
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
What is the smoking policy on board?
All ships have non-smoking interiors. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship.
What if I require medical services?
Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. On Amazon and Galápagos ships, first-aid-trained staff are available.
What if I have special dietary requirements or requests?
Guests should advise of any dietary or medical issues that may affect them during their holiday. In your MyAccount, you can notify us in advance to ensure your special request will be accommodated.
Are cruises handicap accessible?
At Avalon Waterways, we strive to accommodate the needs of disabled and mobility-impaired travellers to the best of our abilities. However, we want to clarify that we may not always be able to fulfill every request due to certain limitations. While we make reasonable efforts to assist travellers, we cannot assume responsibility if we are unable to provide individual assistance in certain situations.
It's important to note that most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We encourage you to review our terms and conditions for further information regarding our services and their specific accommodations. To learn more about how we can assist you, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your specific needs.
Will I be able to get laundry done?
On board, you can take advantage of our convenient laundry service, available at a nominal charge. Please refer to the price list provided in your stateroom for details. Kindly note that dry cleaning facilities are not available on board for clothing items. To ensure your safety, we kindly request that passengers refrain from ironing their clothes in the staterooms as it poses a safety risk. However, you can utilise our onboard laundry service to have your clothes professionally pressed for a fee. Please be aware that laundry service is not available in the Galápagos region.
Are the ships air conditioned?
All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms.
Do the staterooms have hairdryers and safes?
All ships have hair dryers for passenger use. Please contact the reception desk if your stateroom is without one. Ships also provide in-room safes.
Is there a shop on board?
Each ship has a shop area offering souvenirs and some select personal and toiletry items. There is no shop on board ships in the Galápagos.
Is there a daily noticeboard?
The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, and tour departure times.
Is there a library on board?
In the Club Lounge library you’ll find books, cards and board games. You may check out books from the library free of charge. We ask that you return them before your cruise ends.
How do I pay for services on board?
For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. For payment of shipboard accounts, Euro and U.S. dollars are accepted in Europe as well as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club. A fee is charged for the use of checks. Personal checks cannot be cashed on board. In Southeast Asia the currency on board is the U.S. dollar and shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or with cash. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), or with cash. Traveller's checks are not accepted in Asia.
What if I’m celebrating a special occasion?
Passengers celebrating special occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, should alert ship personnel upon boarding the ship. Ask about special services available to help you celebrate.
