Cruise Theme: Festive Season Cruise
<p>Sail into the season of European Christmas markets, aglow with the warmth of a simpler time. From wooden stalls with handmade ornaments and hot-mulled wine to glistening lights and grand cathedral heights, celebrate the festive season on a European river cruise in timeless tradition. Hear German musical instruments come alive; taste Austrian Christmas cookies; see Melk’s Benedictine Abbey; and feel the spirit of the season.</p>
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer
Exceptional Value and
Exclusive Amenities.
Cruise Inclusions
- Choice of complimentary sightseeing excursions in every port – choose between Classic, Active or Discovery options
- Whisper headsets for all excursions
- Digital Signage ship-wide with daily agenda, menus, key details
- Unlimited free Wi-Fi
- Visits to UNESCO Sites
- Enrichment lectures & local entertainment, dance floor and nightly song lists
- Meals with regional specialties, including local wine
- Sky Deck grill for lunch – weather permitting
- Welcome Dinner & Farewell Dinner
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner – sparkling wine with breakfast
- 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & water filling station, including flavored waters
- 24-hour Club Lounge (includes coffee machine), games, books, TVs, great views!
- Walking track & sky deck
- Fitness room with machines and free weights
- Adventure Host and Adventure center (maps, binoculars, walking sticks, etc)
- Afternoon tea (coffee, tea, sandwiches and cookies)
- 16 bikes on board
- Movie Night
- Elevator between stateroom decks
- 24-hour guest services
- All port taxes & fees
- Airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation day with Avalon Air purchase
- No single use plastics
YOUR STATEROOM INCLUDES:
- River-view stateroom Hotel-style bed with optional twin-bed configuration; Comfort Collection bedding, including choice of pillow and firmness (Panorama Suites 200 sq feet)
- Desk area with chair
- Spacious closets and under bed storage
- Panorama Suites include Wall-to-wall window with Open-Air Balcony
- Panorama Suites include loveseat and table with chair seating area
- Panorama Suites include extra large bathroom and spacious glass enclosed shower
- Flat-screen LCD TV with complimentary Movies On Demand
- 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
- Mini Bar; security safe; hair dryer
- L’Occitane® toiletries; plush robes & slippers in every stateroom
- Stateroom steward & multiple times daily housekeeping
- Destination Guide
- Suggested Shore Excursions
Destination |
Arrival |
Departure |
Nuremberg
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Nuremberg: From history to Bratwurst and ginger bread
Highlights:
Meet your experienced and fully licensed driver-guide to discuss your interests for the day before getting started
Nuremberg was one of the richest and most important 'free cities' of the Holy German Empire, whose golden age, the German Renaissance, produced such illustrious artists as the painter Albrecht Duerer, the sculptor Veit Stoß and the mastersinger Hans Sachs
Explore the old town market place and sample traditional ginger bread at the legendary local bakeries before heading to the beautiful Fountain and Church of our Lady as well as Sebaldus Church.
Stroll the alleys uphill to the Imperial Castle, affording excellent views over historic city center and passing Albrecht Duerer house along the way
Depending on interest visit sites such as the Nazi documentation centre at the former rallye grounds or the famous room 600 where the Nazi trials were held after WWII
End of tour at Altstadt brewery to enjoy a beer and original Nuremberg sausages before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation by luxury car
- Touring with one of our excellent driver-guides
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
- Tipping at your discretion
|
12/17/2025 |
12/18/2025 |
Regensburg
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Private walk of romantic Regensburg city center
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your explorations according to your interests and expectations
Walk over the medieval stone bridge from 1135, that the knights of the 2nd and 3rd crusade used to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land
Visit the historic city center with its famous gothic Cathedral containing numerous 15th century artifacts
Explore the Adler-Pharmacy, founded in 1610 with its exquisite authentic interior and historical vessels
See castle Thurn und Taxis still inhabited by the royal Thurn and Taxis family, depending on interest visit the splendid chambers of this princely residence
Visit remains of the Roman fortress' walls including the Porta Praetoria and the St. Emmeram's Abbey.
Stroll along the charming cobble stone alleys of historic city centre and enjoy a special Regensburg Bratwurst or stop at the oldest café in Germany (founded 1868) continuously serving the most tempting treats before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
- Tipping at your discretion
|
12/19/2025 |
12/19/2025 |
Passau
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Private explorations in the quaint three river village
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your city stroll according to your interests and expectations
The picturesque city of Passau, known as ‘The City of Three Rivers’, stands at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and the Ilz Rivers in Germany’s far southeast corner near the Austrian border
Passau was an ancient Roman colony and a former hub of the salt trade, then later the Holy Roman Empire, largest diocese and a sword-making centre
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre with its enchanting, narrow lanes, beautiful riverbank promenades to see the ‘Rathaus’, with its , Baroque festival hall, the New Bishop's Residence before arriving at St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's is a true masterpiece of Italian Baroque and is most famous for its spectacular organ. With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers it is not to be missed. Schedule permitted enjoy a recital by their master organist
End your walk with a stop at our favourite watering hole for a tasting of the famous local Granit gin or enjoy traditional baked goods at ‘Kerscher’ where recipes are handed from generation to generation for over 100 years
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
- Tipping at your discretion
|
12/20/2025 |
12/20/2025 |
Melk
|
12/21/2025 |
12/21/2025 |
Vienna
|
12/21/2025 |
12/23/2025 |
Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the 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.
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Ship Highlights
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
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Ship Statistics
- Built Year
- 2013
- Ship Length
- 443
- Number of Crew
- 47
- Dining / Restaurants
- 2
- Pool
- Yes
- Bars / Lounges
- 6
- Fitness Center
- Yes
- Number of Staterooms
- 83
- Number of Suites
- 67
- Kids Friendly
- No