Avalon Waterways is all set to sail into a bustling 2026 thanks to record-breaking bookings, surging demand, and a growing portfolio of experiences that continue to turn the tide on traditional cruising.
The cruise firm reports that sales are up 17 percent from where they were in 2024 and currently up seven percent from 2025’s bookings.
Avalon attributes its success to offering what cruise aficionados want from iconic destinations and immersive experiences to innovations that put it ahead in the river cruising scene.
According to Chris Hall, managing director for the Globus Family of Brands in the Asia Pacific: “We didn’t just elevate river cruise ships: we reimagined the entire river cruise experience. 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 personalised 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 just riding the current; it’s all set to redefine it.
A fascinating slate for 2026
For those sojourning in Europe, Avalon offers a variety of fascinating journeys.
Here’s what to look forward to in the coming year:
- 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.
At the same time, Avalon’s Christmas Cruise itineraries are extremely popular, led by Christmastime on the Danube which exudes festive spirit in the finest European tradition.
When it comes to Avalon Waterways in Asia, bookings for its Mekong River cruises are up 76 percent over 2025.
On the mighty Mekong, the company’s Suite Ship welcomes just 36 guests per voyage as it winds through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia.
A smarter approach to river cruising
Avalon’s success is anchored in more than scenic views – it’s built on a smarter, more personalised way to cruise. At the heart of the experience are Avalon’s award-winning Suite Ships, featuring:
- Two full decks of Panorama Suites that are 30 percent larger than the industry standard;
- Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in river cruising; and
- Beds that face the view, not the wall.
Paired with signature Avalon Choice excursions which offer Classic, Discovery, and Active options, guests are free to personalise their days with excursions tailored to every interest and energy level.
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 further and experience destinations in entirely new ways.
