Avalon Expression

Avalon Expression at a glance

Avalon Expression sails with Avalon Waterways on three of Europe's most iconic waterways: the Danube, the Main and the Rhine. She is a purpose-built river ship, and the facts the template has already shown you above — her passenger capacity, deck count, length and launch year — give you the essential shape of her. What those numbers don't convey is the style of river cruising she delivers: unhurried days on the water, cities arrived at centre-first, and a sense of scale that suits the rivers she travels.

Cabins on Avalon Expression

Avalon Expression offers two confirmed cabin grades available to book through Cruise1st, suited to different budgets and preferences.

• Royal Suite S — At nearly 28 m², this is the largest suite aboard. A balcony cabin with an oversized living area, sofa, coffee table and a dedicated sitting space for four, it is the most generous way to experience the ship.
• Deluxe Outside Cabin D — At 16 m², this outside cabin fits two guests comfortably. Two large windows flood the space with natural light and river views, making it a bright and practical choice.

For full deck-by-deck layouts and to compare what each grade includes, the Avalon Expression cabins and deck plans page has everything you need before you book.

Where Avalon Expression sails

Avalon Expression operates on three European river regions: the Danube, the Main and the Rhine. The Danube itineraries are the most frequent, running through the heart of Central Europe and calling at cities including Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria. Rhine sailings connect Switzerland and the Netherlands, with departures from Amsterdam among the options. Main itineraries link Frankfurt am Main to the wider river network.

Departures currently on sale with Cruise1st leave from Budapest, Basel, Vilshofen, Amsterdam, Vienna, Frankfurt am Main and Nuremberg — giving Australian travellers a good spread of starting points across the season. Itineraries run up to 21 nights, so there is genuine variety in pace and length.

Sailing the Danube, Rhine and Main

Each river has its own character. The Danube threads through some of Central Europe's most visited capitals, pairing grand architecture with vineyard-covered hillsides. The Rhine cuts through Germany and into Switzerland, famous for its medieval castles and steep river banks. The Main connects the Rhine network to Bavaria, with Frankfurt am Main as the gateway. Avalon Expression's itineraries draw on all three, and several sailings combine more than one river in a single voyage.

Why book Avalon Expression with Cruise1st

Every sailing on Avalon Expression departs from Europe — Germany, Hungary, Switzerland or the Netherlands — so the cruise is the middle of a longer trip. Cruise1st can book the flights, the hotel either side and the transfers as one holiday through our Cruise1st Packages service, so nothing is left to arrange separately.

Our Best Price Guarantee means you can book with confidence, and our Australian cruise experts are available seven days a week if you want to talk through cabin grades, itinerary options or fare inclusions before you commit. River cruising has more nuance than it looks from the brochure — the right cabin and the right river combination make a significant difference — and that is exactly what our specialists are there to help with.

Common questions about Avalon Expression

Do I need to fly to join Avalon Expression?

Yes — every sailing currently on sale departs from a European port (Hungary, Germany, Switzerland or the Netherlands), so you will need to fly from Australia to join the ship. Cruise1st can arrange your international flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays and airport transfers as part of a single Cruise1st Package booking.

Which cabin grade should I choose on Avalon Expression?

The two grades available through Cruise1st suit different priorities. The Royal Suite S, at nearly 28 m², is the most spacious option aboard and suits travellers who want a proper living area and plenty of room to relax between ports. The Deluxe Outside Cabin D, at 16 m², is a well-lit outside cabin with two large windows and river views — a practical, comfortable choice for most itineraries. The cabins and deck plans page gives a full comparison.

Which rivers does Avalon Expression sail, and how long are the itineraries?

Avalon Expression sails the Danube, the Rhine and the Main. Danube sailings are the most frequent among current departures. Itineraries range in length up to 21 nights, and some voyages combine more than one river. Departure ports include Budapest, Basel, Amsterdam, Vilshofen, Vienna, Frankfurt am Main and Nuremberg.

What does Avalon Waterways offer as a river cruise line?

Avalon Waterways is a dedicated river cruise operator with a fleet sailing European waterways. For a full picture of what sailing with them is like — their inclusions, their approach and the other ships in their fleet — the Avalon Waterways page sets it all out.

When do sailings on Avalon Expression depart?

Sailings currently on sale with Cruise1st depart from late September 2026 onwards. A small number of these are discounted departures. To see the full list of available dates, itineraries and current pricing, browse our Avalon Waterways sailings directly from the ports that interest you — Budapest, Vienna or Amsterdam are good starting points.