Ship

Avalon Illumination

by Avalon Waterways

About this ship

The Avalon Illumination Ship

  • Built in

    2014

  • Capacity

    166

  • Staterooms

    83

  • Crew

    47

  • Crew to guests

    1 : 3.5

  • Length

    135 m

  • Cruising speed

    13 knots

  • By

    Avalon Waterways

Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.

Deckplan

Avalon Illumination ship deck plan
  • Sky DeckSky Lounge (1) · Navigation Bridge (2) · Sky Grill (3) · Whirlpool (4) · Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings (5) · Deck Game Area (6)
  • Royal DeckObservation Lounge (7) · Panorama Bistro (8) · Panorama Lounge (9) · Bar (10) · Reception (11) · Adventure Center (12) · Lobby (13) · Elevator (14) · Club Lounge (15) · Cat. P Panorama Suites · Royal Suites
  • Sapphire DeckGalley (16) · Dining Room (17) · Cat. A & B Panorama Suites
  • Indigo DeckFitness Centre (18) · Cat. D & E Deluxe Staterooms

Dining

Dining on board

While we’re frequently lauded for our exceptional cuisine, we’re also praised for our menu of dining venues. Whether you’re in the mood for the elegance of the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, the coziness of the Panorama Bistro, or the breeziness of the Sky Grill, we have just the table—or picnic basket—for you. FARM-TO-FORK FARE. Fresh. Organic. Local. While you take in the bountiful views, our innovative chefs bring the local bounties to your plate. THE FOODS YOU LOVE…MINUS INGREDIENTS THAT DON’T LOVE YOU BACK Our Avalon kitchens are designed to cater to your dietary sensitivities with ease. In fact, you’re invited to share any restrictions or preferences with us on day one so that we may make your dining experience worry free and wonderful! Dig in to a variety of delicious options at every meal to accommodate your unique dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, or other special dishes prepared upon request to accommodate any sensitivities or allergies to keep you feeling great! Our menus are complete with allergen labels, indicating which dishes include the following ingredients: gluten, milk products, eggs, peanuts, fish, crustaceans, lupines, nuts, sulfur dioxide and sulfites, celery, mustard, sesame seed, soy, and mollusks. Included Amenities * Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites * Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients * Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal * Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room * Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials * Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner * Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge. * Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats * Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese * Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere * Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner * Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options * Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections * Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor * Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés * Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day * Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck * Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

Complimentary

Panorama Dining Room

A spacious, open-seating dining room with elegant dining service and large panoramic windows is situated on the Sapphire∘ deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly, and delicious four-course dinners in the evening.

AVALON FRESH

With our exclusive Avalon Fresh menu, you can take an indulgent cruise without drifting from your healthy habits. From energizing juices at breakfast to artfully crafted salads at lunch to high-protein plates at dinner, Avalon Fresh options—including vegetarian and vegan specialties—are available at every meal so you can guiltlessly partake in creative cuisine without sacrificing great taste.

Cover charge

Sky Grill

On a sunny day, enjoy hand carved meats and expansive buffets including fresh salads and amazing homemade soups, all a view courtesy of the Sky Grill.

Cover charge

Room Service

Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.

Sailings on this ship

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Suites

Discover suites on this ship

Royal Suite

300 sq. feet

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service

Panorama Suite - Category P

200 sq. feet

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service

Panorama Suite - Category A

200 sq. feet

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service

Panorama Suite - Category B

200 sq. feet

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom - Category D

172 sq. feet

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom - Category E

172 sq. feet

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service

On board

Life on board

Spa & fitness

  • Fitness Centre
  • Hairdressing Salon
  • Deck Games Area

Venues & entertainment

  • Panorama Lounge
  • Club Lounge
  • Reception
  • Observation Lounge
  • Library

Good to know

Before you sail

What is included in the fare?

Regional wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Complimentary continental breakfast served in your room. Onboard cultural presentations and local entertainment. Onshore excursions with expert Local Guides. A choice of Avalon FlexDining® menus and venues on board to dine when and where you like. Round-the-clock cappuccinos. Free Wi-Fi. Adventure Center with gear and guidance to explore your way. Avalon Adventure HostSM to direct or accompany you on active pursuits. Also included? Freedom. The freedom to enjoy river cruising your way. You’re not like everyone else. Why should your river cruise be like everyone else's?<br>

Is Avalon Illumination accessible for guests with reduced mobility?

Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details and contact us to learn more.

Can children sail on Avalon Illumination?

In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

Avalon Waterways will try their best to accommodate dietary requirements if they are mentioned at the time of booking.

What is the dress code on Avalon Illumination?

Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

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.

Is there Wi-Fi on Avalon Illumination?

All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

Are there medical facilities on board?

Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. On Amazon and Galápagos ships, first-aid-trained staff is available.

Is there a laundry service on board?

Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Check the price list in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms as this is a safety hazard. Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. Laundry service is not available in the Galápagos.

Air Conditioning & Heating

All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms.

Sustainable Travel

Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

Avalon maintains a policy of "Leave Only Footprints and Take Only Photos." Our staff and major service providers strive to ensure that no removal of any natural or cultural artifacts or materials occurs to ensure each environment looks and functions the same before and after our visit. Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance.

Itineraries on this ship

All routes on Avalon Illumination

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Avalon Waterways logo

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways: Cruising Elevated

Avalon Waterways takes a fresh approach to river cruising, built around panoramic views, immersive days ashore, and real comfort. Voyages run along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Mekong, Nile, and beyond, pairing elegant accommodations, excellent cuisine, and curated excursions for a journey that is both easy and enriching. The line's Suite Ships feature Avalon Panorama Suites with open-air balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you take in the view from your own stateroom. Every detail is designed for a personal, immersive trip that balances relaxation with cultural discovery.

The Avalon Difference: Refined River Cruising

Avalon Waterways stands out for inventive ship design, flexible itineraries, and a focus on guest choice. Rather than a standard balcony that eats into the room, Avalon's Panorama Suites use wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open into an air balcony, giving you a wide, open connection to the passing landscape. Staterooms run 30% larger than the river-cruise standard, so comfort never gets squeezed.

Dining aboard Avalon is its own pleasure, with fresh, locally inspired cuisine served across several venues, from a casual bistro to elegant multi-course meals. Avalon's FlexDining approach lets you eat when and where you like, for a relaxed and personal experience.

Onshore, Avalon's Active & Discovery excursions let you pick between cultural, active, or leisurely outings at every stop. Whether you cycle along the Danube, explore historic castles, join a regional cooking class, or taste wine in a centuries-old vineyard, Avalon lets you travel your way.

A Curated Selection by Small Ship Travel

At Small Ship Travel we hand-pick the finest small-ship cruise experiences and hold each to high standards of comfort, authenticity, and personal service. After careful research and vetting, we chose Avalon Waterways as a partner in our collection of small-ship offerings.

With its commitment to refined cruising, inventive design, and enriching days ashore, Avalon fits our aim of delivering exceptional voyages. We are a small specialist agency, and we work closely with Avalon Waterways to build tailor-made itineraries so every part of your journey, from your first inquiry to the last day aboard, is handled with care.

Book with Confidence

As specialists in small-ship cruising, Small Ship Travel offers priority access, personal recommendations, and concierge-level service to improve your Avalon Waterways experience. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging pre- and post-cruise stays, private transfers, and shore excursions, we take care of every detail.

Experience Avalon Waterways with Small Ship Travel, where every voyage is designed to inspire and immerse. Contact us today to start planning your next river cruise.

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