Avalon Impression

The lobby is the first thing guests see when they step aboard. A chandelier hangs beneath a skylight that opens all the way up to the Sky Deck, so the space fills with natural light. Reception handles shipboard accounts and special requests, and nearby is the Cruise Director's desk. The Cruise Director runs the excursions and looks after the whole guest experience. An elevator connects the passenger decks, though, as on most river ships, it doesn't reach the Sky Deck.

The Panorama Lounge is the ship's central gathering place. Each afternoon or evening the Cruise Director gives the briefing for the next day, and the bar hosts happy hour every day. There's a dance floor and a piano, with a musician playing most evenings and guest performers brought on board. Big windows on both sides make it the place to be when the ship sails scenic stretches like the Rhine Valley. Avalon refreshed the lounge with new decor and furniture in 2025.

Just forward of the Panorama Lounge, the covered Observation Lounge wraps 180 degrees around the bow. It's an open-air spot to step outside, take a photo of the passing scenery or meet up with friends before dinner. Because it connects directly to the main lounge, bar and coffee service are close at hand. Seating here was upgraded during the ship's 2025 refresh, and it remains one of the best photo spots on board.

Up on the Sky Deck, the Sky Grill (also called the Sky Bistro) has a large barbecue under a shade canopy that folds down for low bridges. On sunny days, instead of serving lunch in the Dining Room, the crew brings lunch up top and grills for guests in the open air. It's a relaxed, casual way to eat while the river slides by. For a lighter indoor option, the Panorama Bistro on the Royal Deck serves smaller plates and afternoon tea.

The Sky Deck runs much of the ship's length. Up front is seating for watching the locks, which Danny says is a fun, close-up experience on both sides. There's a whirlpool, a walking area, shaded sitting areas, a game area, and premium loungers that each have their own pull-up shade awning. A large skylight brings light down into the lobby. Like the bridge, the railings and furniture fold flat so the ship can pass under low bridges.

The Dining Room has open panoramic windows and an open center section that lets light pass all the way through, so it feels brighter than many river cruise dining rooms. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, with dishes you can also order from the menu, and dinner is a seated multi-course meal. Regional wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner. Avalon Fresh brings fresh local fruits, vegetables and breads aboard, with healthy and plant-based options at every meal.

All the way aft on the top passenger deck, the Club Lounge gives guests another place to spread out, a space Danny notes many other lines use for suites or a chef's table. Daily newspapers are set out each morning, and a 24-hour self-serve station offers cappuccinos, lattes, teas and hot chocolate, with treats through the day. Doors open onto a small terrace at the stern, protected from the wind, where guests can sit outside and watch the wake.